San Gimignano is one of Tuscany’s most enchanting hilltop towns, famous for its Medieval towers, picturesque skyline, charming streets, and delightful shops and restaurants. But as a visitor, one important thing to keep in mind is parking. Since the historic centre is enclosed by ancient walls, driving inside is restricted to residents and permit holders. Planning ahead will save you time, stress and fines.
Here’s a complete guide to parking in San Gimignano, including locations, walking distances, and rates, so you can enjoy your visit without worry.
QUICK LOOK – San Gimignano has four main parking lots outside the town walls, with nearly 600 spaces in total. Two are very close to the historic centre, while the other two are a short walk away. Trying to find free street parking is not recommended. Only residents with special permits can drive inside the town.
Where to Park in San Gimignano, Tuscany
These are 4 main parking lots in San Gimignano, and one specifically designed for campers:
P1 – The closest parking to the town entrance is parking P1 Giubileo, located just a few meters from Porta San Giovanni. If you’re coming from Florence, Siena, Volterra, or Pisa, this is the first parking you’ll see. It has 305 spaces, it’s the most convenient and the cheapest (2 Euro the first and second hour) but fills up quickly. You can park overnight (from 8pm to 8am), at the cost of 1 Euro.
P2 – Continuing along the town walls, you’ll find P2 Montemaggio, about a 10-minute walk to the historic centre. This smaller lot has 150 spaces. It’s the most expensive (3 Euro the 1st hour, 2,50 Euro the second hour) – You can park overnight (from 8pm to 8am) at the cost of 5 Euro.
P3 – On the north side of town, P3 Bagnaia Superiore offers 90 spaces and is only a few minutes’ walk from the centre. The rate is 2,50 Euro for the first and second hour. You can park overnight (8pm to 8am) at the cost of 5 Euro.
P4 – Also on the north side, P4 Bagnaia Inferiore has 230 spaces and usually has availability even during peak season. From here, it’s a 15-minute uphill walk to the centre, though a lift is available for those with mobility issues or who prefer not to walk. From April to October, Citybus Linea 2 provides a bus service to the historic centre. You can buy the ticket on the bus (costs 1 Euro). You can park overnigt at the cost of 5 Euro.
P5 – Campers
Traveling by camper? P5 Santa Lucia has 50 spaces and is located about 2 km from the centre. You can check rates here.
All the parkings have a few spaces reserved for disabled – you need to show the permit inside the car.
Rates and Payment
Parking fees range from €2.00 to €3.00 per hour (the first two hours are more expensive). Payment is accepted by cash or credit card. See official site for details about rates.
Discover our TOP THINGS TO DO IN SAN GIMIGNANO, an Insider’s Guide!
CHECK THIS PAGE WITH REAL TIME AVAILABILITY OF SAN GIMIGNANO PARKINGS.
Can I Park for Free in San Gimignano?
The answer is no! We visit San Gimignano often, but sure enough we’ve never parked outside the parking lots. There are a number of parking places along the city’s walls, or in nearby streets, but most of the spaces are reserved for residents – you recognise them as they are marked in white on the pavement. We don’t reccommend to try and find a free space, as you need to check carefully all the signs to avoid a fine!
Is it Easy to Find Parking in San Gimignano?
San Gimignano is one of Tuscany’s most popular destinations, welcoming thousands of visitors every day. So if you’re travelling in high season (April to October) make sure you arrive early to secure a spot. We usually find space in P4, which is the largest one and a bit further away from the centre.
Tip: To make the most of your visit, consider booking this popular private guided tour of San Gimignano, to discover all the highlights and learn about this fascinating Medieval town’s history!
Can I Book a Space in Advance?
No, it’s not possible to book a space in advance in the San Gimignano parkings.
When you book your hotel in the historic centre of San Gimignano, check with them to find out which is the closest and more convenient parking. Some may offer special deals for parking.
If you’re not driving, the most comfortable way to visit San Gimignano and its towers is by joining a Guided Tour from Florence – this small-group Day Tour leaves Florence in the morning, and takes you out exploring the countryside, discovering the beautiful historic hilltop towns Siena and San Gimignano.
READ ALSO:
* Tuscan Hilltop Towns Dilemma: Shall I Visit Volterra or San Gimignano?
* Our Favourite Things to do in San Gimignano
* Top 12 Unesco Sites in Italy
* 5 Medieval Wonders to See near Siena
Author: Sabrina Nesi, co-founder of Lovefromtuscany.com, passionate about sharing the beauty of Tuscany and Italy with the world.
Disclaimer: some links to tours and services on this site will earn us affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you. The small commission we earn help us keeping the site going, thanks for reading! 🙂
