My husband and I are debating about renting a car in Tuscany due to the expense and sheer hastle of parking. While the area around Siena seems to have a lot of bus connections for day trips, I want to be sure about getting to Montefollonico, where we'll we staying, and then bus day trips to Pienza, Pitigliano, using Montefollonico as a base. While I don't travel like I used to in the '70's, where getting to the train/bus station was part of the fun, I also don't want to spend a lot of money for hiring a car and then dodging the Italian drivers.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kim,

Hi:

For my money, I DEFINITELY rent the car. I found parking rarely to be a problem. I love to have the freedom that having a car gives you. Without a car, you'd be so dependent upon bus service and I really think that you're experience would be compromised. I don't know about bus service in and out of Montefollonico, but I'd bet that it wouldn't be as frequent or as easy as you'd like it to be, especially if you're going to somewhere like Pitigliano.

Your style might be different from mine, but I'd find it a tremendous hassle to deal with bus schedules for all of my transportation needs in Tuscany.

Just my $0.02. Perhaps someone who knows more about bus service would feel differently?

I don't drive; and I say Rent The Car, too. Getting around in the countrier parts of Italy on public transportation is not easy. Often bus lines are limited to bus from Small Place to Regional Center early in the morning, and return in the afternoon, to handle schoolchildren commutes. God help you if you want to go to the Small Place from the larger place by bus: it often can't be done.

I say rent the car, too! The flexibility provided will enable you to get the most out of each day. Plus, you may stumble upon something unexpected and beautiful by simply taking a wrong turn somewhere - like we did more than once.

Theresa

Another vote for rent the car. I have never used the regional buses or trains, so cannot compare experiences, but having a car is great. The driving in southern Tuscany is much easier than in Chianti, or Siena or Florence. In the busy areas, Steve does all the driving, but in southern Tuscany I do half the driving and love it.

Parking is not a problem either. Most towns have nice large public parking lots just outside the center. In larger towns we use the pay parking lots - easy to find, easy to use, not that expensive.

Read our driving section on the web site where I have notes on renting a car, driving techniques and parking information:
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/drive/about_drive.htm

Another vote for the car. Think you'll be really disappointed if you try the public transportation bit, especially from a small town such as Montefollinico. You'll find that bus service is probably linked to school and work schedules which means a buses in the early morning, buses around 1 p.m. for the mid-day return then some around four and then the return around 7 p.m. Your days will be eaten up tying your schedule to the occasional bus when you are out in the countryside.

Martin

If you really don't want a car, it might be best to base yourself in a larger town like Siena, Florence or Lucca. I would guess the bus and train service would work better from these towns, but you would still have a difficult time getting to out of the way places.

This is incredible - I've never found an article where I agreed with every single person - a first for me.
RENT A CAR

We live in Montefollonico - actually just outside the village at the corner where you turn to the village.
Martin was correct about bus schedules, etc. here.
We have a bus stop at the end of our driveway, but the schedules have never proven convenient for us, so we've never even used them. The only bus service we use on a regular basis is the bus to Florence from Montepulciano or from Bettolle - far easier than driving a car.
Montefollonico is not unique - most smaller villages don't have good public transportation - as for train service - not a good idea.
Parking is rarely a problem in any of the villages here.
I love driving here, but I can fully understand other's fears. I think the Italians are the world's BEST drivers.
It seems the only thing that really troubles tourist drivers here is the fact that the Italians tail-gate you. Just relax - it's not "road rage" - they don't want you to pull over so they might pass you, it's just one of those things that everyone does here.
So many of the towns in our area truly close everything from about 12:30-4pm and if you're relying on public transportation, you could find yourself troubled.
Remember, the real beauty of Tuscany is found on the back roads and having the convenience of your own car is a necessity.