So, you’re standing in the middle of Il Campo, heart heavy because you have to leave Siena, but excited because Florence is next. You’ve probably heard that taking the train from Siena to Florence Italy is the most "authentic" way to travel. It’s definitely scenic. But honestly? It’s also a little bit of a logistical puzzle if you aren’t prepared for how Trenitalia actually operates in this specific corner of Tuscany.
Siena’s train station isn't in the historic center. Not even close. You’re looking at a valley location—Piazza Carlo Rosselli—which means you either need to hike down a long series of escalators (the risalita) from near Porta Camollia or grab a quick taxi. It's a bit of a trek. Once you're there, the journey to Florence (Firenze Santa Maria Novella) usually takes about an hour and a half, though some regional trains might drag that out to almost two hours if they have a lot of local stops in the Val d'Elsa.
The Reality of the Siena-Florence Rail Connection
Most people assume there’s a high-speed Frecciarossa zooming between these two iconic cities. There isn't. The track isn't electrified for high speed, and the geography of the Tuscan hills makes it a winding, slow-paced affair. You’re riding the Regionale. These are the workhorse trains of Italy. They’re functional. They’re cheap. They’re rarely "luxury."
Expect to pay around €10 to €12 for a one-way ticket. You can buy these at the self-service kiosks at the station, which have a surprisingly decent English interface, or through the Trenitalia app.
Why You Might End Up in Empoli
Here is where it gets slightly annoying for the uninitiated. Not every train from Siena to Florence Italy is direct. In fact, many of them require a change at a station called Empoli.
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If you see "1 Cambio" on the departures board, that’s your cue. You’ll hop off at Empoli, walk through an underpass to a different platform, and wait about ten to fifteen minutes for the connecting train coming from Pisa or Livorno heading into Florence. It’s not a difficult transfer, but if you have three massive suitcases, it’s a pain. Try to aim for the direct trains (diretto). They exist, usually once an hour, and they save you the hassle of lugging bags across platforms in a non-descript industrial town.
Buying Tickets Without Getting a Fine
This is the big one. The mistake that costs tourists €50 or more every single day.
If you buy a paper ticket from a machine or a window, you must validate it before stepping onto the train. Look for the little green or yellow oval machines on the pillars near the tracks. Stick the ticket in, wait for the stamp. If you don't, and the conductor comes around—and they almost always do on this route—they will fine you. They don't care if you're a tourist. They don't care if you didn't know.
However, if you buy your ticket on the Trenitalia app or website, you don't need to validate it at a machine. Instead, you "check in" on your phone once you’re at the station. This digital check-in became the standard recently, and it’s a lifesaver for avoiding those grumpy inspectors.
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The Scenic Trade-off
Why take the train at all when the "Sita" bus (now part of the Autolinee Toscane network) is often faster?
Views.
The bus takes the highway (the Superstrada), which is mostly concrete barriers and tunnels. The train, however, cuts through the heart of the countryside. You’ll pass vineyards that look like they were plucked straight out of a Renaissance painting. You’ll see crumbling stone farmhouses and rows of cypress trees that actually look like the postcards. It’s slower, sure, but it feels more like Italy.
Luggage, Seats, and the "First Class" Myth
Don't bother looking for first class on the train from Siena to Florence Italy. These regional trains are almost exclusively second-class seating. It’s a "sit where you find a spot" situation. There are no seat assignments. If you’re traveling during the morning commute (7:30 AM to 9:00 AM) or the evening rush (5:00 PM to 6:30 PM), be prepared to stand or sit on your suitcase in the vestibule.
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The newer "Rock" or "Pop" trains are starting to appear on this line. They have air conditioning that actually works and power outlets at every seat. If you see a sleek, double-decker train pull up, you’ve hit the jackpot. The older MDVC coaches? Not so much. They can be sweltering in July and the windows are often too grimy to see the view clearly.
Arrival at Firenze Santa Maria Novella
When you finally pull into Florence, you’ll be at SMN—the main station. It’s a masterpiece of Italian Rationalist architecture. From there, you are a ten-minute walk from the Duomo. Don't take a taxi if you're staying in the historic center; the cobblestones make it slow, and most of that area is a ZTL (restricted traffic zone) anyway.
Strategic Tips for a Smoother Ride
- Check the "Binario": In Siena, the platform (binario) is usually easy to find, but in Florence, the station is huge. Always check the digital boards (Partenze) rather than relying on what your app said three hours ago.
- The "Regionale Veloce" trick: If you see a train marked RV, take it. It skips the tiny stations and gets you there faster.
- Avoid Sunday mornings: Frequencies drop significantly on Sundays. You might find yourself waiting two hours for a connection if you miss the first one.
- Coffee is at the station: There is no food or drink service on these trains. Grab your espresso and a cornetto at the Siena station bar before you board.
Practical Next Steps for Your Journey
First, download the Trenitalia app. It is significantly more reliable than third-party aggregators and allows for last-minute changes. Check the schedule for the "Diretto" (direct) trains to avoid the Empoli transfer if you have heavy luggage.
When you arrive at the Siena station, locate the Piazza Carlo Rosselli escalators if you are coming from the city center; it saves you a very expensive 5-minute taxi ride. Finally, ensure your phone is charged if using a digital ticket, as the conductor will need to scan your QR code. If your phone dies and you can't show the ticket, it's treated the same as not having one at all.