How to get to Cortona: train, plane, car and bus

How to get to Cortona

Cortona is one of Tuscany's most beautiful hilltop towns, perched on a ridge overlooking the Valdichiana plain and Lake Trasimeno. Made famous by the book and film "Under the Tuscan Sun," this ancient Etruscan city retains an authentic charm of stone alleyways, breathtaking panoramas and a lively cultural scene. Getting there takes a little more effort than reaching major cities, but it is worth every minute.

Getting to Cortona by train

The reference railway station is Camucia-Cortona, located on the plain at the foot of the hill, on the Florence-Rome line (via Arezzo-Chiusi).

• From Florence Santa Maria Novella: direct regional trains in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (via Arezzo)
• From Rome Termini: regional trains via Chiusi or Terontola, approximately 2 hours 30 minutes; or Freccia to Arezzo and change
• From Arezzo: frequent regional trains in approximately 20-25 minutes
• From Perugia: trains with a change at Terontola, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
• From Siena: train to Arezzo and change, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

From Camucia-Cortona station to the historic centre (Piazza della Repubblica) is approximately 5 km uphill. The connection is provided by local buses (LFI line, approximately 10-15 minutes) or taxi. Walking uphill with luggage is not recommended.

Getting to Cortona by plane

Cortona is equidistant from several central Italian airports.

• Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi Airport (PEG): approximately 60 km, the closest. Then rental car or bus to Perugia and train
• Florence Peretola Airport (FLR): approximately 120 km, then regional train from Florence SMN (1 hour 30 minutes)
• Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO): approximately 230 km, then Leonardo Express to Roma Termini and regional train to Camucia-Cortona
• Pisa Galilei Airport (PSA): approximately 210 km, then train via Florence

For international arrivals on low-cost flights, Perugia and Florence are the best options. For those hiring a car, any airport works well: Tuscany and Umbria are best explored by car.

Getting to Cortona by car

The car is the most convenient way to reach Cortona, given its hilltop location.

• From Florence: A1 towards Rome, Arezzo exit, then SS71 towards Cortona, approximately 120 km (1 hour 30 minutes)
• From Rome: A1 towards Florence, Valdichiana exit, then SS71 towards Cortona, approximately 230 km (2 hours 30 minutes)
• From Perugia: E45 to Perugia, then motorway link and SS75bis, approximately 60 km (50 minutes)
• From Siena: Siena-Bettolle link then SS71, approximately 80 km (1 hour)
• From Arezzo: SS71 southbound, approximately 30 km (30 minutes)
• From Lake Trasimeno (Castiglione del Lago): SP71, approximately 25 km (25 minutes)

The historic centre is largely pedestrianised and streets are very narrow. Recommended car parks: Piazza Garibaldi car park (free, with panoramic view), Porta Colonia car park, Spirito Santo car park. Parking is limited in high season.

Getting to Cortona by bus

• Autolinee Toscane (formerly LFI/Tiemme) connect Cortona with Arezzo, Castiglion Fiorentino and Camucia
• Busitalia connects Cortona with Perugia and Lake Trasimeno
• FlixBus serves Arezzo, from where you continue by train or local bus
• Seasonal shuttles from Lake Trasimeno in summer

Getting around Cortona

Cortona is a town to experience on foot, with a few considerations.

• The historic centre is entirely pedestrianised, with uphill streets and stone paving: comfortable shoes are essential
• LFI local buses connect Camucia to the town centre square several times a day
• Local taxi for getting between Cortona, Camucia and nearby attractions
• For the hamlets (Le Celle, il Palazzone, the hermitage) and country villas: a car is essential
• E-bike hire for exploring the Valdichiana and surrounding white roads

Distances within the walls are short: from Piazza della Repubblica to the Girifalco Medici Fortress takes about 15 minutes' walk, uphill but with spectacular views.

Practical tips

Cortona is a perfect base for exploring both southern Tuscany (Montepulciano, Pienza, Val d'Orcia) and Umbria (Perugia, Assisi, Lake Trasimeno). A car is ideal for the surroundings, but the centre is exclusively for walking. In summer months and during Cortona On The Move (photography festival), car parks fill up early: arrive in the morning.

To plan your stay, also check our guides on where to stay in Cortona, what to see in Cortona in 2 days and where to eat in Cortona.