Getting around Tuscany

Getting around in Tuscany is relatively easy, even without a car. Chances are there’s a bus or train that can take you where you need to go.

Bigger cities in the north of Tuscany are well connected with the train network, and Florence is at the centre of it, directly connected with Pisa, Pistoia, Lucca, Livorno and Arezzo.

If you’re travelling to southern Tuscany, where the only big city is Grosseto, (a train journey from Florence with at least one change is around 3 hours) you might consider renting a car to make the most of your time. Buses do run here but be mindful that services can be infrequent.

As for travelling around the Chianti area and the Val d’Orcia (in the province of Siena), buses are the only real option. But a car is the best way to be able to appreciate the endless views.

=> Planning a road trip in Tuscany? Find out about driving in Tuscany. And the best scenic drives around the region!

Getting around in Tuscany by train

As a general rule, it’s easy to travel around Tuscany by train if you’re visiting the bigger cities. Connections between Florence and all the main cities is good – from the slow rattling ‘treno regionale’ stopping at all smaller towns, to the faster Intercity. With a combination of trains and buses you can go practically everywhere in Tuscany, even the most remote little town. But you’ll need to do a bit of planning and have plenty of time on your hands.

Tuscany has four main rail artieries. The fastest is the Milan-Florence-Arezzo-Orvieto-Rome line. Another is a line that runs along the coast between Genoa-Pisa-Livorno and Rome. The third and fourth lines connect the first two. The Florence-Viareggio route stops in Prato, Pistoia, Montecatini Terme, and Lucca. Meanwhile the Florence-Pisa line has stops in Empoli and Pontedera.

NOTE: When travelling between Florence and Siena, the bus is the easiest and quickest option.

=> Everything you need to know about Paying for Things in Tuscany: info & practical tips

⇒ When travelling between by train from Pisa airport to Florence city centre, you have to change at Pisa Centrale station. The new Pisamover shuttle takes you from Pisa airport to Pisa Centrale in three minutes.

Italian trains are as generally clean and fairly comfortable. Remember that First class (prima classe) is only a touch better than second class (seconda classe). On Friday evenings, weekends, and in high season, trains can be hot and crowded.

Buying a regular ticket. Ask for either andata (one-way) or andata e ritorno (round-trip). If the train you plan to take is a high-speed service, ask for the ticket con supplemento rapido (with speed supplement) to avoid on-train penalty charges.

Ticket supplements. If you board a regular train without a ticket (or board an IC/ES without the supplement), you’ll have to pay the conductor a “tax” on top of the ticket price. Remember to stamp your ticket in the little yellow box on the platform before boarding the train. If you don’t you are liable for a fine.

The Frecciarossa (ES) is the high-speed train that connects Salerno, Naples, Rome, Milan, and Turin, stopping at Florence along the way. It’s the fastest and most comfortable option. But it’s also the most expensive. It has its own ticket window at the stations and requires a seat reservation. Other Eurostar/Frecciabianca/Frecciargento (ES) trains connect most Italian cities. These are the quickest of Italian trains. They offer both first and second class and you’ll need a supplement.

Eurocity (EC) and Euronotte (EN) trains connect Italy with international destinations.               Intercity (IC) trains have first and second class seating and require a smaller supplement, but are often rather slow. Regionale (R) and the slightly faster Regionale Veloce (RV) don’t require supplements.

For information and reservation visit the website of Trenitalia or call: 89 20 21 or 199 892021. Helpline for disabled passengers at 199 303060

You may find the following terms useful when at the train station:
treni in arrivo – arrivals
treni in partenza – departures
binario – platform
in orario – on time
in ritardo – delayed

How long does it take? 

Firenze S.M. Novella – Pisa Centrale 1h. to 80 minutes

Firenze S.M. Novella – Lucca 80 minutes to 100 minutes

Florence S.M. Novella – Pistoia

Florence S.M. Novella – Arezzo 45 minutes to 90 minutes

Florence S.M. Novella – Livorno 1h and 40 minutes

Florence S.M. Novella – Siena up to 100 minutes (often with a change) – TAKE THE BUS!