The 10 Best Day Trips from Florence

Europe . Italy

The 10 Best Day Trips from Florence

Last Modified: February 26, 2023

Florence is a magical medieval city with lots to see and do. People recognize Florence for its beautiful architecture and collection of art museums. It is one of my favorite Italian destinations and a great base to explore Tuscany. Whether you want to immerse yourself in art and history, relax on the beach, or explore the countryside, you can experience all this from Florence.

The easiest way to travel around Italy is by train or bus. Also, group tours are a terrific way to explore surrounding cities in a day. I recommend staying a little longer in Florence and making the most of your travels to the region. Read all about the best day trips from Florence in under two hours by train or bus.

Traveling to and from Florence

As I said above, there are two main ways to get around Italy: bus or train. These are the easiest options and take out the guesswork of navigating the country by car. Before you book your form of transportation, make sure to do some research into the type that is best for you.

Taking the Train

Both regional and fast trains are available throughout Italy. I usually book the fast trains as they cut back on travel time. The fares for these trains fluctuate, and you will want to book your tickets online in advance to save money. If you buy your tickets for the fast train the day of, you will be paying much higher prices.

Regional trains have set times and fares and are available to purchase at the station the day of travel. The rates are less expensive, but they are much slower and have many more stops. Omio and ItaliaRail are two terrific sites to purchase tickets.

Riding the Bus

Buses can be a little trickier to navigate. Bus companies vary drastically depending on where you are in Italy. You can buy tickets ahead online or at the station. Since Florence is a larger city, it has more bus options than other places in Italy. Most buses come in and out of Florence’s Santa Maria Novella train station. Flixbus is my go-to company when booking bus tickets.

Joining a Tour Group

Many people like to join tour groups for a day trip since they are convenient ways to get around. Tour groups take care of everything for you and pick you up in a central location in the city. Tours include travel and many times meals and entrance fees (depending on where you are going). On the downside, they do not leave you as much freedom to explore as traveling on your own.

Renting a Car

Another option is to rent a car and explore the countryside. I would not recommend driving in the major cities. But a car is a great scenic option if you are looking to hop between the Tuscan cities. The countryside is not nearly as busy as the main cities and renting a car gives you much flexibility. It is also a good choice if you want to spend a night in each place along the way.

Siena

Siena is a larger city in the Tuscany region and one of the most visited besides Florence. Florence and Siena were rivals for centuries, adding to the city’s intrigue. Siena is full of beautiful buildings, small pedestrian streets, and open piazzas. While in Siena, spend some time lounging on the Piazza di Campo, exploring the beautiful churches, and climbing the Duomo for spectacular countryside views.

One must-see event is the Palio horse race which happens twice a year. This traditional race has been taking place for centuries. If you want to learn more about the Palio, my post covers everything you need to know.

Florence to Siena

Train: The train takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes between the two cities. They leave from the Santa Maria Novella station in Florence and arrive at the Stazione di Siena. The downside of taking the train to Siena is that it only takes you to the outskirt of the city. Usually, we will take the train over the bus. Siena is the one city where the bus was a faster and more convenient option.

Train Times and Rates: ItaliaRail Timetable | Omio Timetable

Bus: We ended up taking the bus to Siena only because it took us straight into the city, while the train does not. Take either the Rapida line 131R (fast bus) or the Ordinaria line 1310 (regular bus). The Rapida bus is about 1 hour and 15 minutes with no stops, while the Ordinaria bus makes a couple of stops along the way and takes a little longer. Flixbus departs from Via Santa Caterina da Siena (across from the train station) in Florence and will take you to the Piazza Gramsci inside Siena.

Bus Times and Rates: Flixbus Timetable | Tiemme Spa Timetable

Day Tours

Another great way to visit Siena is through tour groups. Here are some of the top-rated day tours that will take you directly from Florence to Siena.

Bologna

Bologna is a beautiful city in the Emilia-Romagna region. It is a food paradise and the birthplace of some tasty dishes. Bolognese, mortadella, and balsamic vinegar are a few of the dishes that originated here. Bologna is also full of quaint streets and fascinating architecture.

Some of the top attractions in Bologna include the Asinelli, Garisenda towers, and the Basilica of San Petronio. Make sure to explore the many hidden canals and walk around the many markets. Food tours are also popular here!

Florence to Bologna

Train: The fast train takes about 40 minutes to Bologna. It will take you from the Santa Maria Novella station to Bologna Centrale. You may want to spend the extra money on a fast train. The slow one will take at least two hours, if not more, to get between the two cities.

Train Times and Rates: ItaliaRail Timetable | RailEurope Timetable

Bus: The bus to Bologna takes about an hour and a half. There are several different bus stations outside of Florence that you can use to get there. One of the main bus stations is the Piazzale Montelungo in Florence.

Bus Times and Rates: Flixbus Timetable | Omio Timetable

Day Tours

San Gimignano

San Gimignano is another magical city in the heart of Tuscany. Many people come here as part of a wine-tasting tour. The charming town is high on top of a hill overlooking the lush countryside. Enjoy strolling around the cozy streets and visiting the many boutiques and cafes while you are there.

If you happen to visit on a Thursday, San Gimignano hosts a large market in the town’s main piazza. Here you can buy fresh produce and other Tuscan delicacies. Other activities include climbing the Torre Grossa, relaxing at the Piazza del Duomo, and sampling the local foods and wines.

Florence to San Gimignano

Train: There is no train station in San Gimignano, so the most direct option is to take the bus. You can also take the train to the Poggibonsi station from Santa Maria Novella in Florence. From there, jump on a bus to go the rest of the way.

Bus: The best bus company to use to get to San Gimignano is Tiemme Spa. Their buses leave from Firenze Autostazione and will take you straight there. Take bus #131 to Poggibonsi, from there you will have to take a connection bus #130 the rest of the way. Buses run regularly, so you will not have much wait time. Their fast bus will get you there in only 1 hour and 20 minutes, with slower buses taking up to 2 hours.

Bus Times and Rates: Tiemme Spa Timetable

Day Tours

Montepulciano

The medieval Renaissance town of Montepulciano sits high on top of a hill. It is known for its stunning views, historic churches, and world-class vineyards. For these reasons, Montepulciano has become one of the most visited towns in Tuscany.

Of course, wine tastings are a must whenever you visit this region of Italy. However, Montepulciano has much more to offer visitors than just its wine. While in town, visit the church of Sant’Agostino, stroll around the Piazza Grande, express the town’s large fortress, and enjoy the spectacular views of Val d’Orcia. Also, admire the gothic-style Palazzo Comunale and the Madonna di San Biagio temple.

Florence to Montepulciano

Train: On average, the fast train to Montepulciano takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes. The regular trains can take up to 3 or 4 hours each way. Trains run every 40 minutes between the two cities and start as early as 5:45 in the morning. Most of the trains have a change along the way in Siena. You could easily spend half a day exploring each town before returning to Florence.

Train Times and Rates: Omio Timetable | RailEurope Timetable

Bus: Several buses can take you between the two cities, but you are looking at a two-and-a-half-hour or more commute. For a few extra euros, I recommend taking the fast train. It will get you there in half the time.

Day Trips Within 1 Hour

Pisa

Pisa is a small town, less than an hour by train from Florence. It is famous for its leaning tower, but there are other wonderful things to see here. Pisa is a historic place with buildings dating back to the 11th century. It is a perfect afternoon stop for traveling to or from Florence. Besides the learning tower, visit Pisa’s Duomo and walk around the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles).

Honestly, we did not feel it was worth spending half a day traveling to and from Pisa only to see the tower. But for many people, this is a must-see on their itinerary, so I have added it to the list. Since Pisa is a quick stop, it may be better to join a tour group that stops in the city for a couple of hours.

Florence to Pisa

Train: Taking the train to Pisa is a quick 50-minute ride by fast train. There is also an average of 46 trains per day going between the two cities, so you will not have to wait long for a ride. You will catch the train at Santa Maria Novella to the Pisa Centrale station.

Train Times and Rates: ItaliaRail Timetable | RailEurope Timetable

Bus: You can take the regional bus company Busitalia from SITA Nord Autostazione to Pisa’s Pietrasantina station. Their website is not as user-friendly as some of the others. For this reason, I would recommend taking the train. It is much faster and easier!

Tour Groups

Pisa Half-Day Tour from Florence

Day Trips Within 2 Hours

Lucca

Lucca is a quiet town in Tuscany that offers a peaceful escape from the bustling cities. There is not much in terms of attractions here, but the city is a magnificent place to enjoy Tuscan food and medieval architecture. Most people come to Lucca to get lost in the charming fortified town.

You can explore the city in half a day, which is why many people like to either visit after stopping through Pisa or as part of a day tour. While in Lucca, stop by the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, explore the many churches, and climb the Guinigi Tower.

Florence to Lucca

Train: The train to Lucca takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes and is only around $10 for a round trip. Since Lucca has limited parking, the train is a more convenient option than renting a car. The train from Santa Maria Novella will also take you straight into the city walls.

Train Times and Rates: ItaliaRail Timetable | RailEurope Timetable

Bus: You can travel by bus for about half the price, but the ride will take a little over 2 hours. The buses leave from outside the Florence Santa Maria Novella station and will take you directly to Lucca. Many routes make a stop in Pisa along the way if you are interested in visiting both cities in one day.

Bus Times and Rates: Flixbus Timetable | Omio Timetable

Verona

Home of the famous Romeo and Juliet, Verona is a magnificent city with several historic attractions. Some of the top attractions include the Roman Amphitheater, the Ponte Pietra bridge, and of course, Juliet’s balcony. The Amphitheater is open for tours and also hosts many concerts and events at night.

Verona is also home to charming squares full of cafes and restaurants. For the best people-watching, find a quiet spot in the Piazza Bra or Piazza della Erbe. If you have time, visit the Castel San Pietro up on the hill for views of Verona. Verona is only about 35 miles from Milan, so you can spend half a day here, followed by an evening in the bustling city before heading back to Florence.

Florence to Verona

Train: On average, it only takes an hour and a half to get to Verona from Florence. The train leaves from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station and brings you right into Verona’s Porta Nuova station.

Train Times and Rates: ItaliaRail Timetable | RailEurope Timetable

Bus: Many buses connect Florence to Verona, but they take just over 3 hours to get there. If you are trying to visit Verona for a few hours, the best form of transportation will be train or tour groups.

Bus Times and Rates: Flixbus Timetable | Omio Timetable

Milan

Known as Italy’s fashion capital, Milan is a great place to spend the day. In contrast to Florence, Milan is extremely modern, unlike anywhere else in Italy. It is a large bustling city that is home to da Vinci’s famous Last Supper. Milan is also known for its beautiful Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele Il shopping center.

Being less than two hours from Florence, Milan is a great destination for a day trip. It is also a gateway to the northern cities. Many people like to pass through Milan on their way to places like Venice and Lake Como. It is worth exploring no matter how you fit Milan into your itinerary!

Florence to Milan

Train: This trip can be done in 1 hour and 40 minutes, but only by fast train. The slow train will take much longer than that. You will go from the Santa Maria Novella station in Florence to the Milan Centrale station.

Train Times and Rates: ItaliaRail Timetable | RailEurope Timetable

Bus: The bus to Milan takes over 4 hours, so it would not be ideal for a one-day visit. If you are not in a hurry or prefer traveling at night, Flixbus has late-night options from Florence to Milan.

Bus Times and Rates: Flixbus Timetable

Florence Experiences

If you don’t have a specific destination in mind and simply want to explore the Tuscan countryside, there are many different things to do. I have included a list of top-rated experiences to try.

Vespa Tours

One of the most fun ways to get around Italy is by Vespa. They make getting around the cities easier than cars and are a great alternative to exploring the countryside. If it is your first time in Italy, I would not take a Vespa out in the country on your own, but join a group tour instead. Here are some highly-rated Vespa tours that will take you through the Tuscan region.

Cooking Classes & Food Tours

Italy is known for its delicious and fresh cuisine. What better way to learn about Tuscany than to try its regional dishes? Cooking classes are a fun way to learn about the cuisine and sample some delicious Italian food. If cooking is not your thing, you can always join a food tour. Many of these tours will take you to the different towns in Tuscany, with emphasis on the food and wine.

Wine Tastings

Wine tours are a must in Tuscany! The region is home to some of the most coveted wines in the world.

There are many ways that you can partake in wine tastings. Some people like to rent a car and explore the vineyards on their own. I would stray away from this option as you don’t want to worry about drinking and driving. Especially in a foreign country!

The best and safest options are to join a tour or pay for a private tasting. Here are some top wine tours in Tuscany, including some private ones.

Travel Tips

Validate Your Ticket: Make sure to validate your ticket before getting on the train. There are areas on the platform for you to do this.

Wear Comfortable Shoes: Once you are in the cities, the best way to get around will be to walk. You will be doing A LOT of walking no matter where you are in Italy.

Don’t Pack Your Day: The worst thing you can do is pack too much into your itinerary. Make sure to leave lots of time to get lost in Italy. Pick your must-see destinations and attractions and build your itinerary around those.

Prepare for All Weather: Make sure to pack for all types of weather. I always make sure to have an umbrella and rain jacket with me on all trips.

Conclusion

Tuscany is home to some of Italy’s most beautiful towns and villages. If you plan on staying in Florence, I recommend adding a couple of extra days to your itinerary to explore the countryside. Whether you take a train, join a tour, or rent a car, you can’t go wrong!

Enjoyed this post? Here are some other Italian destinations!

Florence

Rome

Tuscany

Lake Como

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Hey, I’m Ally! Welcome to Cafes and Getaways. I’ll be sharing details on my latest travel destinations, as well as tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure.

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