On my upcoming trip to Florence I'm planning a day trip to Siena and maybe San Gimigiano. I've done some research and I've decided to take the bus to these cities.

However, where is the train station in Florence and where do I purchase tickets?

I've also read that there is a bus change at some point, but I haven't found anything firm.

Any valuable information would be greatly appreciated.

14 days and counting...!

I took the train to Siena and switched to a bus across the street from the station to get into town.

The same train stops in a town that is near San Gimigiano (sorry can't remember the name.) I believe there is a bus from this station to San Gimigiano but I didn't take it.

One or the other would make a good day trip but not both. I recommend seeing the catherdral in Siena if you decide to go there.

As for where the train station is in Florence, I suggest you get a map. You get tickets at the station like any other train station.

I believe the name of that town that's closeby to San Gimignano is called Poggibonsi. I understand that you can get a taxi from Poggibonsi to San Gimignano.

Hi Jen - You can find bus timetables for Florence-Siena and Florence-S. Gimignano on:

http://www.sitabus.it/sita-toscana/Firenze-Siena06.pdf

Florence-S.Gimignano requires a change of bus at Poggibonsi. This is normally run as a connecting service (- so no waiting time at Poggibonsi).

For timetables S.Gimignano-Siena see:

http://tinyurl.com/lzlqy

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Thank you Steve. This is more what I was looking for because I've read it's better to arrive by bus than train. Thanks to all for their suggestions, though!

Now, where do I purchase the tickets? At the bus station or a newstand?

In Florence the bus station is right next to the train station - buy tickets there. About 2 buses an hour most days and unlike train will take you right up into Siena's hilltop old town centre. Buy a round trip for convenience. Maybe can buy at newsstands too - but need to buy before you get on the bus.

Hi ET,

If you are going to Siena by SITA bus, the station is on Via Santa Caterina de Siena.

A couple of things.

Make sure you get tickets for the "rapide" Florence-Siena bus. That's the express. The other bus makes many stops.

The Florence bus station was under construction in the spring, and finding the stop was really confusing, even for someone like me who speaks some Italian. Make sure you know where the stop is, unless of course the construction has been completed and the stop is right at the station.