The regional train connecting Siena to Florence is one of the most useful rail services for Tuscan tourism. It stops at Poggibonsi, just 10 minutes’ walk from Hotel Alcide, and is the ideal solution for visiting both cities without using a car.
The station of Poggibonsi is 10 minutes’ walk from the hotel. You leave after breakfast, arrive in Florence by 9.30am or in Siena in 25 minutes. You return for dinner. No parking, no ZTL, no stress.
The Siena-Florence railway: the most useful line in Tuscany
The Siena-Empoli-Florence railway line is operated by Trenitalia as a regional service. It is not a high-speed line - you would not expect it to be, given the hilly terrain it crosses - but it is regular, affordable and convenient.
The full journey from Siena to Florence Santa Maria Novella takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, with various intermediate stops. It passes through the Val d’Elsa from south to north, crossing landscapes that might go unnoticed from a car.
There are no eurostar or intercity trains on this line, only regional services. The practical difference: regional trains can be bought without seat reservations, at a fixed price.
Stations along the route: Poggibonsi is one stop
The main stations on the Siena-Florence line include:
- Siena: southern terminus. The station is outside the historic centre - bus or taxi required to reach it
- Asciano: small stop in the Sienese crete
- Buonconvento: gateway to the Val d’Orcia towards Montalcino
- Poggibonsi-San Gimignano: this station effectively also serves San Gimignano (12 km)
- Certaldo: Boccaccio’s village
- Castelfiorentino: town in the lower Valdelsa
- Empoli: rail junction where you change for Pisa or for the direct Florence line
- Florence Santa Maria Novella: northern terminus
The name “Poggibonsi-San Gimignano” indicates that the station effectively serves San Gimignano too, reachable by bus from the station.
Timetables and frequency: how often the train runs
Regional trains on the Siena-Florence line run approximately every 60-90 minutes. There are no overnight trains.
Indicative times from Poggibonsi towards Florence: every hour from about 6am to 9pm. Indicative times towards Siena: every hour from about 7am to 9pm.
Exact timetables should be checked on trenitalia.com or the Trenitalia app - they change seasonally and may be subject to variations.
Note: some trains require a change at Empoli for Florence. The connection is usually brief and announced in advance.
Prices and tickets: how to buy them
Regional train prices in Tuscany are fixed (no variation based on how far in advance you book):
- Poggibonsi-Florence: approximately €8-10 each way
- Poggibonsi-Siena: approximately €4-5 each way
- Siena-Florence (full route): approximately €10-12
Tickets can be purchased:
- Online at trenitalia.com or the Trenitalia app (no surcharge)
- At automatic ticket machines in the station
- At the station ticket desk (possible queue)
Paper tickets must be validated (stamped) before boarding - the orange validation machines are in the station. Tickets purchased via app or online do not require validation.
Poggibonsi station: how to reach it from Hotel Alcide
The Poggibonsi-San Gimignano railway station is in the centre of the town, less than 10 minutes’ walk from Hotel Alcide.
To get there from the hotel:
- Exit the hotel, walk along Viale Roma towards the station
- The station is signposted throughout the town centre
There is no need for a taxi or bus from the station - the walk is short and flat.
Station parking is available and free for short stays. For longer stays (full days), there are car parks nearby.
Using the train to visit Florence and Siena in a day
The train makes it possible to visit Florence or Siena in a day without using a car - a huge advantage, given the traffic and ZTL in both cities.
Day trip to Florence: catch the 8-8.30am train from Poggibonsi, arrive in Florence by 9.30am. Return on the 6-7pm train, arrive back in Poggibonsi by 8pm. Perfect timing for a full day.
Day trip to Siena: the train takes 25-30 minutes. You can leave late - even at 10am - and still have a full day in Siena.
For those staying at Hotel Alcide, this logistics is particularly convenient: the station is 10 minutes on foot, you leave after breakfast and return for dinner.
Planning a trip to Tuscany?
Hotel Alcide is in Poggibonsi, in the heart of the Val d’Elsa.
25 km from Siena, 12 from San Gimignano, in the heart of Chianti.
The Ancillotti family has welcomed guests here since 1849.
