Siena train station platform with railway tracks and overhead wires

Siena Railway Station

Siena Railway Station Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Siena Railway Station (Stazione di Siena) is a prominent gateway to one of Tuscany’s most captivating medieval cities. Located roughly 2 kilometers from Siena’s UNESCO-listed historic center, the station not only serves as a vital transport hub but also stands as an architectural landmark, blending Art Deco and rationalist design. This guide offers detailed information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, onward travel, and practical tips to help you plan a seamless journey to Siena and its surrounding Tuscan countryside (Wikipedia; Architettura Razionalista).

Historic Siena Railway Station with canopy and support pillars between 1931 and 1936

Station History and Architectural Highlights
Visiting Hours and Ticketing
Accessing Siena’s Historic Center
Facilities and Accessibility
Transport Connections and Regional Travel
Luggage Storage and Security
Exploring Siena: Nearby Attractions
Practical Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Further Resources

Station History and Architectural Highlights

Origins and Development

The railway arrived in Siena in 1849 with the Empoli–Siena line, connecting the city to Florence and the northern Italian rail network. The station expanded steadily, with the southward connection to Chiusi opening in 1862, further integrating Siena into the national rail system (Wikipedia).

Art Deco and Rationalist Architecture

The current station, designed by Angiolo Mazzoni and opened in 1935, exemplifies Italy’s rationalist and Art Deco movements. The building features geometric forms, a brick and travertine façade, tall windows, and a signature clock tower, reflecting the architectural trends of the era (Architettura Razionalista; Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane). Its multi-level layout is adapted to the surrounding topography, with direct connections via escalators and elevators to higher city elevations.

Regional Importance

Siena Railway Station is a crucial regional hub on the Empoli–Siena, Siena–Grosseto, and Siena–Chiusi lines, facilitating approximately 3,000 passenger movements per day (Rete Ferroviaria Italiana). Although high-speed trains do not serve Siena, frequent regional services connect the station to Florence, Empoli, Chiusi, and Grosseto, with onward connections to Rome and Pisa (Visit Siena Official).

Visiting Hours and Ticketing

Station Opening Hours

General Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:30 PM daily
Ticket Office: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Self-Service Machines: 24/7 accessibility

Ticket Purchase

Tickets may be purchased at the staffed ticket office, automated machines, or online via Trenitalia. Multilingual support is offered at the counters. For regional trains, tickets must be validated at yellow or green machines before boarding.

Florence to Siena: Around €8–€12, usually with a change at Empoli
Rome to Siena: Requires a change at Chiusi or Florence; approx. 3–3.5 hours
Pisa to Siena: Via Empoli; about 1 hour 50 minutes

Advance purchasing is recommended during peak travel seasons and major events such as the Palio di Siena.

Accessing Siena’s Historic Center

Walking and Escalator System

The station sits at the base of a hill beneath Siena’s medieval walls. A series of covered escalators and moving walkways—known as the “Scala Mobile”—connects the station plaza to Porta Camollia, one of the city’s historic gates. This system significantly reduces the effort of the 20–30 minute uphill walk into the old town (Rick Steves Community; Discover Tuscany).

Public Transportation

Urban buses depart frequently from stops outside the station, connecting to central locations like Piazza del Sale and Piazza Gramsci—both close to Siena’s top attractions. Tickets cost €1.50 in advance or €2.50 onboard and are valid for 70 minutes on all Autolinee Toscane buses (AT-Bus).

Taxis

Taxis are available at the station entrance, offering direct rides to the city center in about 10 minutes for €7–€10 (Siena Visitor). Wheelchair-accessible taxis can be booked in advance (About Siena).

Facilities and Accessibility

Station Amenities

Waiting Areas: Comfortable seating, restrooms, and a café/bar
Shops: Newsstand, pharmacy, and retail outlets
Wi-Fi: Limited; download tickets/maps ahead of arrival

Accessibility

Escalators/Elevators: Facilitate movement between station levels and toward the city
Ramps/Tactile Paving: For travelers with reduced mobility
Accessible Restrooms and Reserved Parking: Available in the station
Assistance Services: Trenitalia’s Sala Blu provides help for disabled travelers; book at least 12 hours in advance (RFI)

Note: Platforms 2–5 may only be accessible via stairs; advance planning is advised for travelers with mobility needs (Show Me The Journey; About Siena).

Transport Connections and Regional Travel

Siena Railway Station offers direct train services to:

Florence (via Empoli)
Empoli
Chiusi
Grosseto

Buses and shuttles connect the station to:

San Gimignano, Montalcino, Montepulciano (Tiemme Spa)
Florence and Pisa Airports

Car rental agencies and ample short/long-term parking are situated near the station (Comune di Siena Mobility). The SiPark app provides real-time parking information (Tuscany Tips).

Luggage Storage and Security

While Siena Railway Station does not offer official left-luggage lockers, third-party services such as Stasher and Nannybag provide secure, insured storage nearby for about €6 per bag per day. Security personnel are present on-site, and travelers should remain attentive in crowded areas (Omio).

Exploring Siena: Nearby Attractions

From the station, visitors can easily reach Siena’s celebrated sites:

Piazza del Campo: The iconic medieval shell-shaped square
Siena Cathedral (Duomo): Renowned for its marble façade and intricate mosaics
Torre del Mangia & Palazzo Pubblico: Landmarks of civic and architectural significance

Guided tours are available from the city center. During the Palio di Siena, the station is the main arrival point for thousands of visitors (UNESCO Siena; History Tools).

For a unique experience, heritage steam trains like Trenonatura occasionally depart from Siena, traversing the scenic Val d’Orcia (Wikipedia).

Practical Travel Tips

Arrive Early: Allow 15–20 minutes before departure for regional trains
Validate Tickets: Always validate paper tickets before boarding to avoid fines
Travel with Children: Discounts apply for children aged 4–11; under-4s travel free if sharing a seat (ItaliaRail)
Weather: The walk to the center is exposed—carry water, sun protection in summer, and rain gear in winter
Currency: Carry some euros for small purchases and bus tickets
Wi-Fi: May be limited; download all essential documents before travel
Event Season: Book tickets and accommodations early during peak periods like the Palio
Lost and Found: Contact the station desk or RFI’s official page for lost property

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the station’s opening hours?
A: 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM daily; ticket office 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Q: How do I reach the city center?
A: Use the covered escalators, city buses (lines 0S7, 0S8, S10), or a taxi. Walking takes 20–30 minutes.

Q: Where can I store luggage?
A: Use nearby third-party luggage services like Stasher or Nannybag.

Q: Is the station accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Partial accessibility; platforms 2–5 require stairs. Book Sala Blu assistance in advance.

Q: Can I buy tickets online?
A: Yes, via Trenitalia, Omio, or at the station.

Conclusion and Further Resources

Siena Railway Station combines historical character with practical amenities, ensuring a smooth start to your Siena adventure. With efficient transport links, accessibility features, and proximity to the city’s treasures, the station is the ideal entry point for exploring Tuscany. Plan ahead, validate your tickets, and take advantage of the escalator system or public transport for a hassle-free journey to Siena’s heart.

For real-time updates and additional resources, download the Audiala app, consult Trenitalia, AT-Bus, and Visit Siena Official. Explore more travel tips and guides on our website and join us on social media for the latest news.