How to Get from Rome to Siena

Siena is one of the most charming Italian cities, located in Tuscany and easily reachable from Rome. It is famous for its cuisine, art, museums, medieval cityscape, and worldwide known Palio, which is a horse race held twice a year.

The distance between two cities is 230 km. On average, it takes about 3-4 hours to reach Siena from Rome. Moreover, there are 25 trains per day traveling from Rome to Siena. The journey time may be longer, depending on the type of train you choose. You can travel by fast train, bus or car. The most convenient option is to take a direct bus. Also, I would recommend taking a train with a stop in Florence and then taking a bus from Florence to Siena, so you will be able to discover these two amazing cities together.

Here’s the list of options on how to get from Rome to Siena:

By Train

You can get from Rome to Siena from Roma Termini, Roma Tiburtina or Roma Ostiense train stations. One-way ticket prices start from 15 euros and the average time of the journey is 3 hours. Also, you will have a short stop in Florence. The train station in Siena located in about 2 km from the city center, so you can catch a bus. Look out for buses 3, 8, 10, 17 or 77 to reach the historic center of Siena. You can purchase tickets in advance with trenitalia.com

By Bus

There are many buses from different companies that depart from Roma Tiburtina bus station every 2.5 hours. You can buy tickets on the website of FlixBus.com. Prices for a one-way ticket start from 10 euros. The journey from Rome to Siena will take about 3 hours by direct bus. This option is definitely convenient.

By Car

If you are going to drive from Rome to Siena, be ready for traffic in big cities and possible parking problems. However, this option is nice since you can explore cities nearby as Florence and Montepulciano. Siena is 231 km far from Rome. It takes around 3 hours to drive from one city to another.

You can rent a car in Rome with  rentalcars.com

Read also about how to get from Rome to Tuscany.

What to Visit in Siena

1. Piazza del Campo. It is a unique square in a shell shape with brick pavement. This piazza hosts the famous Palio di Siena.
2. Fonte Gaia. The largest fountain in the city is located on Piazza del Campo. It is a copy of the fountain made of Carrara marble, while the original is in the Santa Maria della Scala museum complex.
3. Torre del Mangia. It is 87 meters high, and you can admire the city’s most beautiful views from this tower. There are more than 400 steps to climb!
4. Piazza del Duomo. You can visit the Cathedral, the Crypt, and the Piccolomini Library there.
5. Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. This Romanesque-Gothic church has works signed by famous artists like Donatello, Nicola Pisano, Michelangelo, and Pinturicchio.
6. The Piccolomini Library. The library is dedicated to Pope Pius II and was painted by Pinturicchio and his pupils, including Raphael Sanzio, in the 1500s.
7. The Baptistery. It is dedicated to Saint John (San Giovanni) and was built in 1300. The building is easily recognizable since it has an incomplete facade. However, the interior is impressive, and many frescoes by Sienese artists of the Renaissance exist.
8. The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. It is one of the oldest private museums in Italy, located inside the Cathedral.
9. Santa Maria della Scala. It is one of the oldest hospitals in Europe, where pilgrims and the poor were welcomed.
10. The Civic Museum of Siena. It is famous for the masterpiece “The Bad and the Good Government” by Amborgio Lorenzetti.

What is Palio

Palio di Siena actually is not a horse race. A palio is a banner or cloth won by the winner of a competition. Usually, it is won in a race or contest, often a horse race.

Palio competition in Siena is held on July 2 and August 16 each year

There are 10 districts out of 17 competing in the first race. Moreover, each district has its jockey and a horse chosen at random. There are the other 7 contrade races in August and 3 from the first race. The competition occurs in the central square of Siena, Piazza del Campo.

Where to Stay in Siena

Siena has a charming atmosphere and many nice places to stay.

Grand Hotel Continental Siena

The price per night for 2 people starts from 400 euros.

Grand Hotel Continental Siena – Starhotels Collezione is a luxury 5-star hotel in the historic center of Siena.

There are elegant rooms with frescoed ceilings and period furnishings. Moreover, there is the elegant Sapordivino restaurant, which offers gourmet traditional cuisine, with the Lounge Bar, which offers aperitifs and cocktails.

Hotel Athena

Price per night for 2 people starts from 200 euro.

Hotel Athena is a 4-star hotel located in the historic walls of Siena.

There is free parking, an elegant Italian restaurant, and a furnished terrace with views of the town and valley. Moreover, all rooms are spacious and air-conditioned.

Palazzetto Rosso

Palazzetto Rosso is a 3-star hotel. It features a shared lounge and is close to several noted attractions of Siena.

All rooms are beautiful and spacious. It is a nice choice for travelers interested in Italian traditional food and history.

• Price per night for 2 people starts from 150 euro

La Terrazza Sul Campo – Editor’s Choice

The price per night for 2 people starts from 120 euros.

La Terrazza Sul Campo is set in a historical building, only a few steps from Piazza del Campo.

There is free WiFi and rooms with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Moreover, a sweet and savory breakfast is served daily in the rooms.

Things to Know Before Visit Siena

Author: Kate Zusmann

I have lived in the Eternal City for the past 12 years. They say every angle of Rome has its history, and I'm here to tell you about the most intriguing historical facts and city legends. :)