Transportation in Siena

Siena's medieval walled center sits inside a strictly enforced restricted traffic zone (ZTL). Driving here is legally problematic and practically pointless. The compact hilltop city is built for walking. Within the walls, your feet are the only sensible option. Outside them, regional buses connect the city to surrounding towns and villages. Piazza Gramsci is the central hub where most routes begin and end. Tickets are inexpensive. Buy them from tabacchi shops and newsstands before you board. Purchasing on the bus typically costs more. Inspectors do check. The rail situation deserves an honest warning. Siena's station sits at the base of the hill on a slow secondary line with infrequent service. Long-distance travelers are almost always better served by the intercity coaches linking Siena to Florence. These are considerably faster than the train and run throughout the day. Florence, not Siena, is the practical gateway for the region's airports. Neither Florence's Peretola (FLR) nor Pisa's Galileo Galilei (PSA) has a direct link to Siena. Build in a connection. A private transfer from either airport is a genuine splurge. It eliminates the layover entirely if you're arriving late or traveling with heavy bags. The trap that catches nearly every first-time driver: the ZTL cameras are silent and automatic. Fines arrive by post weeks or even months after the fact. Park instead at one of the peripheral car parks. Some have escalator access directly into the old city. Resist the temptation to "just pop in for a moment." It will cost you.