Siena Travel Forum

What is the best method of travel from Rome to Siena? Specifically La Grotta di Montecchino.

Thank you!

You have (unusually for Italy) two choices for Rome to Siena.

The first is the national train. The website is www.trenitalia.com - look for "English" in the upper right. My recollection is that there are no direct trains, with about half of them changing in Chiusi. The trip will be 3 hours plus or minus and hour or more (mostly more) depending on which solution you take.

The second is by bus. There are upwards of 10 buses a day from Rome to Siena. The bus also takes about three hours, but has the virtue of not requiring you to make a change. Of course, if you don't have much luggage, changing trains won't be a big deal anyway. The English language website for the bus is http://www.senabus.it/index_e.htm

I have never taken this bus, so I don't have an informed opion on which is better...but trains are a great way to get around Italy...the only reason I mention the bus here is because this is one of those rare occasions where there is a direct bus but not a direct train.

Once you are in Siena, you will have to walk or take a bus or take a taxi out to La Grotta - see http://www.montecchino.it/eng/dove_siamo.html for information.

Bill

I spent 5 weeks in Siena last year including several trips to Rome. I have to say take the bus. The train although quicker in some ways in not a direct route and the train station is located 2km out of the city center in Siena so you'll have to take a local bus or a taxi to get into the city (unless you enjoy walking up hill for a while). The bus however stops about 5 minutes from the piazza del campo and near to all the hotels of the city in a flatter area of town so luggage won't be a problem. Just remember to get off the bus at the third stop in Siena...I first two are outside the city. The bus takes about 3 hours but it is a direct route. If you have any other questions just ask..:D