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

How to get to Volterra

Volterra, the ancient Etruscan city perched on a hilltop at 531 metres above sea level, commands a panorama stretching from the Cecina Valley to the Metalliferous Hills. Getting there requires some planning, as the hilltop location makes it less immediately accessible than other Tuscan destinations, but the journey is part of the experience.

Getting there by train

Volterra does not have a railway station in town. The nearest station is Volterra-Saline-Pomarance, located in the hamlet of Saline di Volterra, about 10 km from the centre. The railway line is the Cecina-Saline di Volterra branch, served by regional trains.

From Florence Santa Maria Novella, you reach Cecina in about 2 hours (change at Pisa or Empoli), then continue to Saline in about 30 minutes. From Pisa Centrale, the train to Cecina takes about 40 minutes. From Cecina to Saline, regional trains cover the route in about 30 minutes.

From Saline di Volterra to the historic centre, CTT Nord buses complete the journey in about 20 minutes. It is advisable to check the connection between train and bus.

Practical tips

• The Cecina-Saline line has few daily services: plan carefully
• Alternatively, alight at Pontedera and take the direct bus to Volterra
• Saline station is small with no facilities: have your bus ticket ready

Getting there by plane

Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA) is the most convenient, about 75 km from Volterra. From the terminal, reach Pisa Centrale by People Mover (5 minutes), then continue by train to Pontedera or Cecina and then by bus to Volterra.

Florence Peretola Airport (FLR) is about 80 km away. From Florence, options are train plus bus or a hire car. Bologna Airport (BLQ) is further but well connected to Florence by high-speed rail.

Car hire at Pisa airport is the most practical option for reaching Volterra and then exploring the surrounding Tuscan countryside.

Getting there by car

A car is the ideal means of reaching Volterra. From Florence, take the FI-PI-LI dual carriageway (Florence-Pisa-Livorno), exit at Pontedera, then follow the SP439 through Ponsacco and Lajatico to Volterra: about 110 km in 1 hour and 45 minutes.

From Pisa, follow the SS68 through the Cecina Valley, a scenic road climbing through the hills: about 65 km in 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Siena, the SS68 crosses the Elsa Valley and the Tuscan countryside: about 50 km in 1 hour.

From Rome, the fastest route goes via the A1 motorway, exiting at Florence Impruneta (or Val di Chiana), then dual carriageway and provincial roads: about 300 km in 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Parking

• Docciola car park: closest to the centre, with a lift up to the town
• Porta Fiorentina car park: spacious and free in the outer areas
• Piazza Martiri della Libertà: paid parking right in the centre
• In summer and at weekends, car parks fill up early: arrive before 10am

Getting there by bus

CTT Nord buses connect Volterra with several Tuscan towns. The main route is Volterra-Pontedera (about 1 hour and 20 minutes), with connections to Florence and Pisa from Pontedera station.

From Siena, the Tiemme line to Colle di Val d'Elsa provides a connection with buses to Volterra. From San Gimignano there is no direct link: you go via Colle di Val d'Elsa or Poggibonsi.

Services are more frequent on weekdays and reduced on public holidays and in summer. The main bus stop is in Piazza della Libertà, in the historic centre.

Getting around the town and surroundings

Volterra's historic centre is entirely pedestrianised and explored on foot. Medieval streets lead from Piazza dei Priori to the Medici Fortress, from the Etruscan Acropolis to the Roman Theatre. Distances are short and gradients moderate.

For exploring the surroundings, from the Balze (spectacular badland formations) to the natural salt flats, a car is necessary. The nearby villages of San Gimignano, Colle di Val d'Elsa and Monteriggioni are reachable in under an hour.

Discover Volterra

Now that you know how to get there, explore further:

• Where to stay in Volterra for choosing between farmhouses and hotels in the historic centre
• What to see in Volterra in 2 days for an itinerary between Etruscans and the Middle Ages
• Where to eat in Volterra to taste authentic Tuscan cuisine