Train from Rome to Siena - Switching in Chiusi
 

Hi,<BR><BR>I'm planning on taking the train from Rome to Siena, and just learned that I'll have to switch trains in Chiusi. Has anyone else done this? Is it a hassle/difficult.<BR><BR>Also, are there taxis at the train station in Siena? I'll need to get to my hotel north of the town, Villa Scacciapensieri.<BR><BR>Another train question: will I be able to take two small rolling bags and a small backpack onto the train with me? We're planning on going on the 1st class Eurostar.<BR><BR>Thanks for all your advice!

I've done this. It's no hassle, and there will certainly be taxis. You can take as much luggage as you can handle.<BR><BR>One small point, however: There's no Eurostar on this route, as far as I know, and on the train from Chiusi to Siena there's no such thing as first class!

Alice, if your heart is set on the Eurostar, there is a way to do it.<BR>Rome-Florence on the Eurostar in 90 mins. Then grab an express bus to Siena from Florence travel time 60 minutes.<BR>Okay, so why would you do it this way, it's going to be more expensive, and take about as long.<BR>Answer: First, the frequency of service is much higher, the departure times more convenient, and there is Eurostar service to Florence but not Chiusi. If your train out of Rome is late (rare for a Eurostar) no problem, you can easily catch the next bus. Whereas the train to Chiusi may be just an IR train (there are a few IC trains) and could be late. If you miss your Chiusi connection, could be a long wait for the next one. Check the schedules, you'll see what I mean.

I had to change trains in Chiusi going from Cortona to Siena 4 years ago. The Chiusi to Siena leg was actually on a bus, not a train. I only figured it out after frantically searching the boards for the train track, then finally asking someone who understood that the blank box on the train schedule where the track is usually indicated, meant that it would be a bus.

Ahh.. thanks for all this info! I thought it seemed a little tricky. Would We be better off taking a bus from Rome to Siena? If so, where would we get the bus, once we arrive at the Rome airport?<BR><BR>- Alice

There are frequent buses from Rome Tiburtina station direct to Siena (3 hours). From Fiumicino airport, take the local train (NOT the Termini Express) to Tiburtina station (departures every 15 minutes)

Taking the train from Rome to Siena via Chiusi is not a big problem and it is fun because you're rubbing elbows with a lot of locals. Changing in Chiusi - just make sure that you can handle your baggage yourself. Ususally you have to take a couple of flights of stairs (down - under - up) from one track to another. When you get to Siena there will be taxis. (I LOVE Siena!)

We took the same train last Oct. No problemo, except the train in Chuisi leaving for Siena was almost pulling out when we got there. It's on the same side so no need to go under and over to the other side of tracks. Word of warning, we had to queue up and wait for a taxi at the train station in Siena. I think there are only 2 in the whole town. If you can manage with your luggage, I would take the bus. They come frequently and deposit you right in town close to all the hotels.