How to reach Siena
Flight time: Flights to Siena involve landing at either Florence or Pisa, which are the closest airports. Flights from London to Florence take about 2 hours 15 minutes, while it’s roughly 10 minutes less from London to Pisa.
Transfer time:
Siena is situated around 80km from Florence, a journey which takes between 1 hour and 1.5 hours by car or bus.
Frequent bus services run from central Florence to Siena, or you can also catch the train, which takes roughly the same amount of time.
The journey from Pisa to Siena is a little longer – typically 2 hours on the road, or 1.5 hours by train with a change at Empoli.
Price:
A bus ticket from Florence to Siena costs around €10 and a train ticket is approximately €10–€15.
A taxi or private transfer is likely to set you back around €150.
If you’re travelling from Pisa Airport, expect to pay around €10 for the bus, €15–€20 for the train or as much as €250 for a taxi.
Best time to visit Siena
Siena’s position nestled in the heart of Tuscany means the city experiences hot summers and mild winters, which make it a great year-round holiday spot. However, when planning holidays to Siena, it’s also worth noting how tourist levels and local events may impact your stay.
April to June is a great time to visit. The weather is mild, with temperatures gradually increasing from around 15°C to 25°C by late June. Rainfall is moderate, and you can expect 6–8 hours of daily sunshine.
July to August is Siena’s high season. Daily temperatures soar to 30°C or higher, so it’s a good idea to do your sightseeing during the cooler mornings and late afternoons. If you want to see the thrilling Palio di Siena horse race, it takes place in July and again in August – although expect very large crowds. Rainfall is rare, and you’ll enjoy 10–11 hours of uninterrupted sunshine per day.
September to November brings cooler, more comfortable weather, and lighter crowds. Temperatures range between 26°C and 14°C, and rainfall becomes more frequent. However, the autumn colours of the Tuscan countryside are a stunning visual treat.
December to March offers a much quieter experience. Siena’s winter temperatures tend to be around 5°C to 12°C, with 4–6 hours of sunshine per day. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax in cosy cafés – or visit in December and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Practical information
Spoken languages: Italian is the official language, and while English is widely spoken, a friendly “buongiorno” or “grazie” is much appreciated by the locals.
Local habits and customs: Italians value politeness, so it’s customary to greet restaurant staff and shopkeepers when you enter. The more leisurely pace of life also means that many businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon – usually between 1 pm and 4 pm.
Currency: Italy uses the Euro. While most shops, restaurants and tourist sights accept cards, it’s useful to carry some cash for small purchases.
Getting around: Siena is full of narrow, pedestrianised streets that are best explored on foot. Local buses are also available if needed, with a single ticket costing about €1.50.
Electricity and plug types: Italy uses the standard European 220V two-pin plugs, so UK devices will need an adaptor.
Time zone: Siena operates on Central European Time, which is one hour ahead of GMT.
