Quick Answer
Best overall: the direct Tiemme bus from Siena Piazza Gramsci to Florence Peretola Airport — 1 hour 15 minutes, €9–12 (about $10–13). No transfers, reliable, and affordable.
Cheapest: regionale train + Tramvia T2 — total ~€10–13.50 ($11–15), about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Fastest: taxi or private transfer — 45 minutes, but costs €100–150 (about $109–163).
Most travelers choose the direct bus for its balance of speed, cost, and simplicity. Below you’ll find full step-by-step details for every option.
Train + Tramvia T2 – Step-by-Step
Taking the train from Siena to Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) and then hopping on the Tramvia T2 to the airport is a solid budget-friendly choice. It’s slightly longer than the direct bus but very reliable.
Step 1: Siena → Firenze SMN by Train
- Operator: Trenitalia (trenitalia.com)
- Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes – 1 hour 40 minutes
- Frequency: roughly every 30–60 minutes, 5:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Ticket price: €8.50–12 (about $9–13) for a one-way regionale
- Train type: Regionale (standard, no seat reservation needed)
Tip: Buy your ticket at the station, via the Trenitalia app, or at tabacchi shops. Validate it at the yellow machines before boarding.
Step 2: Firenze SMN → Peretola Airport by Tramvia T2
- Operator: Gestione Tramvia (gestramvia.it)
- Duration: 18–22 minutes
- Frequency: every 5–7 minutes during peak hours
- Ticket price: €1.50 (about $1.60) – buy from machines at the station
- Boarding point: exit Firenze SMN main hall, follow signs “Tramvia” – it’s a 2-minute walk
Note: The tram ticket is not included in your train ticket. You must buy it separately.
Total Journey Snapshot
| Leg | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Siena → Firenze SMN (train) | 1h25–1h40 | €8.50–12 ($9–13) |
| Firenze SMN → FLR (tram) | 18–22 min | €1.50 ($1.60) |
| Total | ~1h45–2h | €10–13.50 ($11–15) |
Pros & Cons
- Pros: cheapest option; frequent departures; tram is modern and accessible.
- Cons: one transfer at Firenze SMN; slightly longer total time; train can be crowded during commuter hours.
Verdict: Best for budget travelers who don’t mind a single transfer and want the lowest possible fare.
Direct Bus – Siena to Peretola Airport (Best Value)
The Tiemme direct bus is the most popular way to get from Siena to Florence Peretola Airport. It’s a true door-to-door service with no transfers, and the journey takes just over an hour.
Service Details
- Operator: Tiemme S.p.A. (tiemmespa.it)
- Route: Siena Piazza Gramsci → Florence Peretola Airport (FLR) – arrivals level
- Duration: 1 hour 10–20 minutes (usually 1h15)
- Frequency: 8–12 departures per day, roughly 5:30 AM – 7:30 PM
- Ticket price: €9–12 (about $10–13) – one way
Where to Buy Tickets
- Online at the Tiemme website or app
- At the Tiemme ticket office in Siena Piazza Gramsci
- At authorized resellers (tabacchi) in Siena
Pro tip: During high season (April–October) and especially during the Palio di Siena (July 2 & August 16), book at least 2–3 days in advance to avoid sold-out buses.
Onboard Experience
- Free Wi-Fi (may be limited)
- Air conditioning
- Luggage compartment underneath – max 2 suitcases per person
- No toilet on board (rest stop not needed for this short route)
Pros & Cons
- Pros: direct, no transfers, comfortable, affordable, drops you right at the terminal.
- Cons: limited early-morning and late-afternoon departures; traffic can occasionally delay arrival by 10–15 minutes.
| Factor | Direct Bus | Train + Tram |
|---|---|---|
| Total time | 1h15 | ~1h45–2h |
| Transfers | 0 | 1 |
| Cost | €9–12 ($10–13) | €10–13.50 ($11–15) |
| Convenience | High | Moderate |
| Luggage ease | Excellent | Good |
Verdict: The direct bus is the best all-round option for most travelers — it’s fast, cheap, and hassle-free.
Taxi & Private Transfer – Fastest, Most Expensive
A taxi or private transfer from Siena to Peretola Airport is the quickest way to reach the airport, but it comes at a premium. It’s best reserved for specific situations where time or convenience is critical.
Cost & Duration
- Estimated fare: €100–150 (about $109–163) for a standard sedan
- Duration: 40–50 minutes depending on traffic
- Distance: ~70 km (43 miles) via the RA3 and A1 highways
When It Makes Sense
- Late-night / early-morning flights: when buses and trains aren’t running (after 10:30 PM or before 5:00 AM)
- Families with small children: car seats can be requested, and you have door-to-door service
- Travelers with heavy or bulky luggage: skis, golf bags, multiple large suitcases
- Business travelers: time is money, and a direct ride saves 30–60 minutes
- Groups of 3–4 people: cost per person becomes comparable to bus tickets (€25–38 each)
How to Book
- Official Florence airport taxis: pre-book via aeroporto.firenze.it or local taxi cooperatives (e.g., Radio Taxi Firenze +39 055 4242)
- Private transfer services: NCC Siena, MyTaxiDriver, or Suntransfers – all can be booked online
- Ride-hailing apps: Uber is limited in Tuscany; Bolt and Free Now operate in Florence but may not cover Siena pickups reliably
Pros & Cons
- Pros: fastest, most flexible, door-to-door, available 24/7, comfortable.
- Cons: expensive; traffic can add 10–15 minutes during peak hours (7:30–9:00 AM & 5:00–7:00 PM).
Verdict: Choose a taxi only if your schedule doesn’t align with public transport, or if you’re traveling in a group and can split the cost.
Cost & Time Comparison – All Options at a Glance
Use the table below to quickly compare every transport mode from Siena to Peretola Airport. Bold rows highlight the recommended choices.
| Mode | Total Time | Cost (EUR) | Cost (USD approx.) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Bus (Tiemme) | 1h15 | €9–12 | $10–13 | 0 | Most travelers |
| Train + Tram T2 | ~1h45–2h | €10–13.50 | $11–15 | 1 | Budget travelers |
| Taxi / Private Transfer | 40–50 min | €100–150 | $109–163 | 0 | Late-night / families / business |
| Rental Car (drop-off at FLR) | ~50 min drive + drop-off time | €30–80 + fuel & tolls | $33–87 + extras | 0 | Travelers already renting a car |
Money-saving tip: If you’re not in a hurry, the train + tram is the absolute cheapest. But for just a few euros more, the direct bus saves you 30–45 minutes and the hassle of a transfer.
Booking links:
- Trenitalia trains: trenitalia.com
- Tiemme buses: tiemmespa.it
- Florence airport official site: aeroporto.firenze.it
Traveler Tips & Local Know-How
After helping hundreds of travelers navigate this route, here are the insider tips that make the difference between a smooth journey and a stressful one.
1. Book the Direct Bus Early for Peak Times
From April to October, and especially during Palio di Siena (July 2 & August 16) and Christmas markets, the direct bus fills up fast. Book at least 48 hours in advance via the Tiemme website. During off-peak months (November–March, excluding holidays), same-day tickets are usually fine.
2. Validate Your Train Ticket
If you buy a paper train ticket at the station, you must stamp it in the yellow validation machines before boarding. Failure to do so can result in a fine of €50–100 ($55–109) — even if you have a valid ticket. Digital tickets purchased via the Trenitalia app are automatically validated when you buy them.
3. Luggage Storage at Firenze SMN
If you have a long layover between your train arrival and your flight, use the left luggage office at Firenze SMN station (Platform 16). It costs €6–8 ($6.50–8.70) per bag for the first 5 hours. This frees you to grab a quick espresso or walk to the Duomo before heading to the airport.
4. Tramvia T2 – Smart Tips
- Buy your tram ticket before boarding — machines accept coins and cards.
- The tram runs from 5:00 AM to 12:30 AM. If your flight departs before 6:00 AM, you’ll need a taxi.
- Tram stops are announced and displayed; the airport stop is “Peretola Aeroporto”.
5. Traffic Awareness
If you’re taking a taxi or driving, avoid the 7:30–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM windows on weekdays. The A1 highway near Florence can back up, adding 15–20 minutes. The direct bus uses dedicated lanes in some sections and is less affected.
6. What If Your Flight Is Very Early or Very Late?
Public transport starts around 5:00 AM and ends around 10:30 PM. If your flight departs before 7:00 AM or arrives after 10:30 PM, the only reliable option is a taxi or private transfer. Pre-book it the day before to avoid surge prices.
7. Cash & Cards
Tickets for buses, trains, and trams can all be purchased by card. However, some tabacchi resellers in Siena may prefer cash. Always carry €20–30 ($22–33) in small bills as backup.
Pro tip: Download the Trenitalia and Tiemme apps before your trip. They show real-time schedules, delays, and allow mobile ticket purchases.
FAQs: Siena to Peretola Airport (FLR)
1. Is there a direct transfer from Siena to Florence Peretola Airport?
Yes. The Tiemme direct bus runs from Siena Piazza Gramsci to Florence Peretola Airport in about 1 hour 15 minutes, with tickets costing €9–12 (about $10–13). This is the most convenient door-to-door option.
2. What is the cheapest way to get from Siena to FLR airport?
The cheapest option is the regional train from Siena to Firenze Santa Maria Novella (€8.50–12, about $9–13) combined with Tramvia T2 to the airport (€1.50, about $1.60), total around €10–13.50 ($11–15). The direct bus is also very affordable at €9–12 ($10–13).
3. What is the fastest way from Siena to Florence airport?
A taxi or private transfer is the fastest, taking about 45 minutes, but costs €100–150 (about $109–163). The direct bus takes around 1h15min, and the train + tram combo takes about 1h45min.
4. How do I travel from Siena to FLR airport with heavy luggage?
The direct bus is the easiest option with heavy luggage — you board at Piazza Gramsci and get off right at the airport terminal. The train + tram is also manageable: both have luggage racks, and the tram is level-access. Taxis offer the most door-to-door convenience.
5. Are there late-night or early-morning options from Siena to Florence airport?
The first direct bus departs around 5:30 AM and the last around 7:30 PM. Train services run from about 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM. For late-night (after 10:30 PM) or very early departures (before 5:00 AM), a taxi or private transfer is the only reliable option.
6. Do I need to book tickets in advance for Siena to Florence airport transport?
For the direct bus, advance booking is recommended during peak season (April–October) and during special events like Palio di Siena. Train tickets can be bought same day at the station or via the Trenitalia app. Taxis should be pre-booked for guaranteed availability.
7. Which option is best for families with children traveling from Siena to FLR?
For families, the direct bus is a good balance of cost and convenience — no transfers needed. A taxi/private transfer is the most comfortable, especially with young children and bulky items like strollers. The train + tram involves one transfer at Firenze SMN, which is manageable with help.
8. Can I use the same ticket for the train and tram from Siena to Florence airport?
No. The train ticket (Trenitalia) covers only the Siena → Firenze SMN leg. You must purchase a separate Tramvia T2 ticket (€1.50, about $1.60) from the machines at the train station. The direct bus ticket covers the entire journey with no extra purchase needed.