How to get to Montepulciano: complete transport guide
All ways to reach Montepulciano in Tuscany: Florence and Rome airports, train to Chiusi, driving from A1 and Tiemme bus. Practical transport directions.
How to get to Montepulciano
Montepulciano, the jewel of the Tuscan Renaissance famous for its Vino Nobile, sits on a hilltop at 605 metres above sea level in the Valdichiana Senese. Without its own railway station, it requires a little planning to reach, but there are plenty of options.
By air: nearest airports
**Florence Peretola Airport (FLR)** is about 120 km away and the most convenient for domestic and international flights. **Pisa Galilei Airport (PSA)**, about 200 km away, offers a wider selection of low-cost flights.
From the south, the two Rome airports **Fiumicino (FCO)** and **Ciampino (CIA)** are about 190 km away. **Perugia Airport (PEG)**, about 80 km away, has few flights but can be useful for those arriving from Umbria.
From all these airports the best solution is to rent a car or reach Chiusi-Chianciano Terme railway station.
By train: Chiusi-Chianciano Terme
Montepulciano does not have a railway station in the centre. The nearest station is **Chiusi-Chianciano Terme**, on the main **Rome-Florence** line (slow line via Orvieto), about 25 km from the centre of Montepulciano.
- **From Roma Termini**: fast regional train, about 1 hour and 45 minutes to Chiusi
- **From Firenze Santa Maria Novella**: regional train, about 1 hour and 45 minutes to Chiusi
- **From Siena**: train to Chiusi with change at Buonconvento or Asciano, about 1 hour and a half
From Chiusi to Montepulciano, continue by **Tiemme bus** (about 40 minutes, limited services) or taxi (about 25 minutes, approximate cost 35-45 euros).
There is also a **Montepulciano Stazione** stop on the secondary Siena-Chiusi line, but it is in the plain, about 10 km from the hilltop historic centre.
By car: routes and parking
The car is undoubtedly the best way to reach Montepulciano and to explore the Val d'Orcia and Valdichiana.
From Florence (about 120 km)
**A1** motorway towards Rome, exit **Valdichiana**. From there follow signs to Montepulciano on the **SS326** and then **SS146**. About 1 hour and 40 minutes.
From Rome (about 190 km)
**A1** towards Florence, exit **Chiusi-Chianciano Terme**. Then take the state road via Chianciano to Montepulciano. About 2 hours and 15 minutes.
From Siena (about 65 km)
**SS326** (Siena-Bettolle link road) and then **SS146** towards Montepulciano. About 1 hour and 15 minutes through breathtaking scenery.
From Perugia (about 80 km)
**E45** dual carriageway to Perugia, then **Perugia-Bettolle link road** and **SS326**. About 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Parking
The historic centre sits on a steep hill with narrow streets. Main car parks:
- **Pradello car park** (P1): near Porta al Prato, paid, the most convenient for the centre
- **Car park outside Porta delle Farine**: free, about 10 minutes on foot from Piazza Grande
- **Cemetery car park**: free, in the lower part, connected to the centre by shuttle or on foot (steep climb)
In summer and during food and wine weekends, central car parks fill up quickly.
By bus
- **Tiemme**: connections from Chiusi station, Siena and Chianciano Terme. From Siena about 1 hour and 15 minutes, from Chiusi station about 40 minutes
- **Flixbus**: stops at Chiusi or Chianciano, from where you continue with Tiemme
Main stops are at Piazzale Nenni, near Porta al Prato.
From Florence and Rome: the main connections
Both cities are about 2 hours away.
- **From Florence**: car via A1 (most convenient) or train to Chiusi + Tiemme bus
- **From Rome**: car via A1 (most direct) or train to Chiusi + bus or taxi
- **Tip**: renting a car at the airport allows you to also explore Pienza, Montalcino and San Quirico d'Orcia
Practical tips
- **Car strongly recommended**: Montepulciano is at the centre of an area where attractions are scattered across the countryside
- **Train + bus**: works but requires careful timetable planning, especially at weekends
- **Parking**: avoid driving into the historic centre, the streets are extremely narrow
- **In the village**: constant uphill walk from the lower gate to Piazza Grande. The centre can be walked in about an hour, but the gradient is demanding
- **Val d'Orcia**: Montepulciano is the ideal gateway to the Val d'Orcia, but without a car it is very difficult to get around the area
