By Bus

By Bus

Buses are a reliable but time-consuming means of getting around the region because they tend to stop in every town. Trains are a better option in virtually every respect when you're taking public transit to cities with good rail service, such as Pisa, Lucca, and Arezzo. But for most smaller towns, buses are the only option. Be aware that making arrangements for bus travel, particularly for a non-Italian speaker, can be a test of patience.

There are two primary bus services: Tra-In (0577/204111. www.trainspa.it) covers much of the territory south of Siena, including Montalcino and Montepulciano. It also has several runs a day between Rome and Siena (2½ hours). SITA (0577/204270. www.sita-on-line.it) has regular service between Florence and Siena (1 hour) as well as to numerous towns in Chianti. A third line, CPT (050/502564. www.cpt.pisa.it), has infrequent buses between Volterra and Colle di Val d'Elsa, and also connects Volterra with nearest train station and Cecina.