Siena and San Gimignano are two iconic, yet completely different, jewels of Tuscany. Because these two cities are just 25 miles (40 km) apart, getting from Siena to San Gimignano is simple. Traveling by car, taxi, or private transfer is the fastest and easiest option. Driving your own car or hiring someone to drive you to San Gimignano allows you to stop along the way to take photographs, take a walk or hike, and visit some of the region’s lesser-known but impressive places.
You can’t travel directly from Siena to San Gimignano by train; the closest train station to San Gimignano is Poggibonsi. While you could take a bus or taxi to San Gimignano from the Poggibonsi train station, it is faster and easier to rent a car, hire a taxi or private driver, or take the Tiemme S.p.A. bus from Siena to San Gimignano.
By Car, Taxi, or Private Transfer
Duration: 45 minutes or more, depending on traffic
Although the entire city of San Gimignano is off-limits to nonresident vehicles, traveling from Siena to San Gimignano by car is still the fastest and most flexible option. The most direct route begins on the Siena Tangenziale Ovest (West) and takes you toward Colle di Val d’Elsa via Strada Provinciale 70 (SP70). From Colle di Val d’Elsa, SP36 and SP1 bring you to the public parking lots on the outskirts of San Gimignano. (When you park, bring all valuables with you, as theft has been known to occur here on occasion.)
You will be traveling through the Tuscan hills and mountains, so be prepared for winding, steep mountain roads. San Gimignano is an extremely popular destination, so you may encounter traffic, especially tour buses, along the way. There are speed cameras, too, especially on the outskirts of Siena.
Traveling by car, taxi, or private transfer from Siena to San Gimignano gives you the opportunity to stop whenever you like. The walled village of Monteriggioni, with its 14 guard towers, is well worth a visit. Colle di Val d’Elsa, closer to San Gimignano, has a pretty cathedral square. Consider taking a walk on the Sentierelsa river trail; you’ll see waterfalls and beautiful turquoise pools. You can jump in if you wish; water shoes are recommended.
By Bus
Duration: 1-2 hours
Tiemme S.p.A. buses connect Siena’s Via Tozzi stop to Porta San Giovanni in San Gimignano. There are 10 departures daily during the peak summer travel months. The trip to San Gimignano should take one to two hours, depending on traffic. You may need to change bus lines in Poggibonsi.
Map
