Getting to Tuscany by train is one of the easiest ways to explore the region. Once you land at Rome Fiumicino Airport, high-speed Frecciarossa trains leave every 15 minutes and can get you to Florence in just over an hour.
From there, local regional trains serve all the main destinations in Tuscany. Just be sure to validate your train ticket in one of the machines before boarding.
Florence
Trains are one of the most convenient ways to explore Tuscany, as they offer a comfortable seat and give you the chance to sit back and admire different landscapes. However, if your itinerary includes visiting tiny hilltowns and stopping to photograph sunflower fields, then it might be better to rent a car instead of relying on trains.
From Florence, two main lines connect the region. The city’s main station, Santa Maria Novella (Florence SMN), is at the junction of these lines, making it easy to travel from Florence to Pisa, Lucca, and Siena. It’s also possible to head west towards Livorno and Rome, as well as south toward Arezzo and the Mugello area.
If you plan to use the train for your trip around Tuscany, it’s a good idea to purchase tickets ahead of time. You can do so on the Trenitalia website, which offers a user-friendly booking system. However, remember to validate your ticket at a machine before boarding; without it, you’ll face a fine.
In addition to train services, buses are available in many major towns and cities in Tuscany. This can be particularly useful if the town’s train station is located a kilometer or more from its center. For example, a bus ride from Florence to Siena will get you into the city center quickly and easily.
Other popular Tuscan destinations that can be reached by train include the Etruscan Coast and the mountainous towns of Monteriggioni and Montepulciano. The beach at Piombino and the enchanting villages of Castiglioncello, Vada, and San Vincenzo are also accessible by train.
A great way to enjoy all that Tuscany has to offer is on a guided tour. An expert will be able to book your tickets and recommend the best routes for you, so you can relax and soak up the local culture. You can find a wide range of itineraries online, or contact us for a tailor-made option.
Pisa
Pisa is one of the most popular Tuscan destinations. While the iconic Leaning Tower is certainly a highlight, Pisa is also a vibrant university town with an absorbing cultural heritage. Here you’ll find ancient Roman ruins, magnificent architecture and world class artworks.
It’s easy to see Pisa by train from Rome. The high-speed direct route takes just under two hours. You can also take a regional train that stops at the towns along the Cinque Terre. However, it is best to reserve tickets in advance for these services.
Another option is to join an organized tour that includes Pisa and the rest of Tuscany. This is usually cheaper and easier than booking separate travel arrangements.
You’ll find a number of tours that focus on just Pisa or include it as part of a larger itinerary, for example to Florence or the Cinque Terre. In addition, you can visit Pisa as a day trip from Florence, a journey that typically takes around an hour and allows you to skip the hassle of finding a car park in busy cities.
The train to the Italian Riviera traces Italy’s spectacular Ligurian coastline. It’s a visual symphony of dazzling landscapes adorned with charming coastal towns and the iconic Cinque Terre, known for its picturesque houses perched daringly on cliffs. This dedicated rail service is a great way to explore the region.
While you’re on the coast, don’t miss the chance to stop at Alberobello. This fascinating town is famed for its rounded cone-shaped “trulli” houses. It is a must for anyone visiting the south of Italy.
The next stop is the historic hilltop city of Siena. This is where the famous Palio horse race takes place during July and August. It’s also home to a magnificent cathedral with masterpieces by Michelangelo and Donatello.
The final destination on this itinerary is the southeastern port of Bari. This fun city has a long tradition of trading with the Middle East, which is reflected in its vibrant culture. It’s also a great place to sample some of the region’s fresh seafood.
Val d’Orcia
The hilly landscape of Val d’Orcia, where cypress trees decorate the rolling hills and picturesque villages, is quintessential Tuscany. The UNESCO World Heritage Site’s beauty and rural lifestyle have made it an iconic image of Italy that has inspired artists and writers and is known the world over. It’s also the reason why many travelers who come to Italy choose to drive a car or rent one to see the area on their own terms, rather than join a guided tour.
But if you want to see this beautiful countryside in style, consider joining an Italy train trip that includes it. You’ll travel by train to the quaint hill towns and villages of Tuscany, giving you the opportunity to relax into la dolce vita as you wind your way along the tracks and through enchanting landscapes.
The best trains to take in Tuscany include a stop at the beautiful town of Pienza, with its impressive Palazzo Piccolomini and its gorgeous Romanesque churches. Another highlight is the charming medieval village of San Quirico d’Orcia, with its imposing castle tower and picturesque paved streets. You’ll also have the chance to discover the secluded hamlet of Castelmuzio, the clifftop palazzo where Russell Crowe lived in Gladiator and the mighty fortress at Rocca di Radicofani, whose castle tower dominates a breathtaking view over southern Tuscany.
In addition to seeing the best of Tuscany’s scenery, most of these train trips also feature immersive experiences that let you experience Italian culture in an authentic way. This could mean a cooking lesson or wine tasting at an Italian estate. Or it might mean a visit to a small town that’s been inhabited for centuries, like Ostuni or the UNESCO-designated Baroque city of Lecce.
If you want to get off the beaten track and see the real side of Tuscany, consider joining a Treno Natura steam train excursion. This scenic ride, which runs from March to October, combines the splendor of a scenic train journey with special events like markets, festivals and more, giving you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the Italian countryside.
Lucca
The capital of Tuscany’s province of Lucca, this walled city boasts an impressive set of ancient city walls that make it one of the most walker-friendly destinations in the country. During a stay here, visitors will delight in discovering grand palaces, live events, and delectable local cuisine.
The best way to get to Lucca from Florence is by train, which will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The train departs from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station in the heart of the city center and travels past picturesque Italian landscapes. Once you arrive in Lucca, the train will bring you right to the gates of the city’s old town, avoiding having to navigate traffic or find parking in the historic district.
Once you exit the train at Stazione di Lucca, a short walk will take you to the historic city center. From here, you can explore the city on foot or rent a bike to get around. Many visitors like to climb the city’s famous walls for incredible views of the old town. The Guinigi Tower is a popular attraction and the highest point in the city, but you can also see the cityscape from Torre delle Ore or the bell tower of the St Martin Cathedral.
Another must-see sight is the Duomo di Lucca, an impressive 11th-century cathedral dedicated to Saint Martin. Other highlights include Palazzo Mansi, a Renaissance-era palace that looks more like a house museum and is renowned for its lavish tapestries.
If you want to save time, consider booking a tour that includes visits to both Pisa and Lucca. You can do this with a company like GetYourGuide or Tiqets (you get mobile tickets and free cancellation). This is a great option if you’re nervous about navigating public transport in Italy or if you’d prefer to let someone else handle the arrangements for you.
If you’re looking for a vacation that combines all of the most appealing aspects of Italy, look no further than a train trip to Tuscany. With a little planning, you’ll soon be saying ciao to la dolce vita!
