How to get to San Gimignano: train, plane, car and bus

How to get to San Gimignano

San Gimignano, the Manhattan of the Middle Ages with its towers soaring above the Tuscan countryside, is one of Italy's most iconic villages. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, it is not directly served by the railway, but is reachable with various transport combinations. The hilltop location between Florence and Siena makes a car the most convenient option, but not the only one.

Getting there by train

San Gimignano does not have a railway station. The nearest stations are Poggibonsi-San Gimignano (on the Empoli-Siena line) and Certaldo (on the same line). Buses to San Gimignano depart from both.

From Florence Santa Maria Novella, regional trains reach Poggibonsi in about 1 hour and 15 minutes (direct trains or with a change at Empoli). From Poggibonsi, Tiemme buses climb to San Gimignano in about 25 minutes, with regular services during the day.

From Siena, trains to Poggibonsi take about 30 minutes. From Pisa, you go via Empoli (change) with a total time of about 2 hours to Poggibonsi.

Practical tips

• Poggibonsi is the best-served station: frequent buses depart from there for San Gimignano
• Buy your bus ticket at Poggibonsi, at the ticket office or the station bar
• From Certaldo, the bus to San Gimignano is less frequent but the town itself is worth a visit

Getting there by plane

Florence Peretola Airport (FLR) is the nearest, about 55 km away. From the airport, the T2 tramway reaches Florence Santa Maria Novella, from where you continue by train to Poggibonsi and then by bus.

Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA) is about 80 km away and offers many more international and European flights. From the terminal, the People Mover connects to Pisa Centrale station, then train to Empoli and change for Poggibonsi.

Car hire at the airport is the most practical solution, especially for those wanting to combine San Gimignano with Volterra, Siena and Chianti.

Getting there by car

From Florence, take the Florence-Siena dual carriageway, exit at Poggibonsi Nord, then follow the SP1 to San Gimignano: about 57 km in 1 hour. The final stretch is a panoramic hill road through vineyards and olive groves.

From Siena, take the same dual carriageway towards Florence, exit at Poggibonsi: about 40 km in 45 minutes. From Pisa, the FI-PI-LI to Empoli then the dual carriageway to Poggibonsi: about 100 km in 1 hour and 30 minutes.

From Rome, the A1 to Florence Impruneta then the dual carriageway to Siena with exit at Poggibonsi: about 280 km in 3 hours and 15 minutes. Alternatively, exit at Valdichiana and take the SS73 through Chianti.

Parking

• P1 car park (Giubileo): the largest, at the foot of the walls, with escalators to the centre
• P2 car park (Bagnaia): at the northern entrance, convenient for Porta San Giovanni
• P3 and P4 car parks: smaller, suitable for those arriving early
• The historic centre is entirely a restricted traffic zone: you cannot drive in
• In high season (April-October) and at weekends, arrive before 9am to find a space

Getting there by bus

Tiemme buses connect San Gimignano with Poggibonsi (25 minutes, frequent), Colle di Val d'Elsa (30 minutes) and Certaldo (20 minutes). From Poggibonsi you can reach Florence and Siena by train.

FlixBus does not serve San Gimignano directly but stops at Poggibonsi and Florence. From Poggibonsi station, the change to the local bus is quick.

During the tourist season, some tour operators run direct shuttles from Florence and Siena.

Getting around the town and surroundings

San Gimignano is a compact village, entirely pedestrianised within the walls. From Porta San Giovanni, the main street leads to Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza del Duomo in just a few minutes. The towers, museums and churches are all within walking distance.

For exploring the surroundings, a car is the most versatile option. Volterra is about 30 km away (45 minutes of scenic driving), Siena 40 km, and Chianti is within easy reach. The hillside paths around the village are perfect for walking and cycling.

Discover San Gimignano

Now that you know how to get there, plan your visit:

• Where to stay in San Gimignano for finding the perfect accommodation inside or outside the walls
• What to see in San Gimignano in 2 days for an itinerary between towers and frescoes
• Where to eat in San Gimignano to taste Vernaccia and local cuisine