Alice mentioned something in another thread about buses serving Siena much better. Of course I trust her, so can one pick up the bus at the train station? I [fondly] remember the Florence bus schedules...ok, fondly 12 years later . I need to get to Siena from Bologna for the June 10 GTG lunch, so need to be there by about 1 pm (although would like to get there a little earlier to walk around as much as the kids will tolerate).

it's this service. As you can see, unfortunately the earliest combo eurostar + bus arrives in siena at 1;10 pm. I suppose you will have to use the regular SITA (or Lazzi) bus. OUCH! I didn't notice before! The whole article refers to Siena, but look how the map is designed: the line connects Firenze and LUCCA!

Thanks Alice. Maybe just train in and then taxi to centro? I mean, if I missed the bus...

I am the one who suggested Siena because I took the kids to Florence last time and I haven't been to Siena in ahwile. Maybe I shot myself in the foot! I figure I have to leave Bologna around 9:00. That means I must leave Castel San Pietro around 8:30, change in Bologna (prendo caffe!), change again in Firenze? I am going to look at the train schedule now to try and figure this out. As long as the trains to Siena are frequent, it won't be a problem; as you know, trains from Bologna to Firenze are numerous.

I was just looking this up for someone else this morning. The express bus from Florence leaves from a stop just across the street from Stazione Santa Maria Novella in Florence.

The train to the bus option saves a bit of time and allows you to leave home about forty minutes later. The 9:46 Eurostar from Bologna arrives in Florence at 10:45. There is an express bus at 11:10 that arrives at 12:25.

If you stick with the train you'll need to leave earlier to arrive at about the same time. The 9:03 Eurostar from Bologna arrives in Florence at 10:00, the train to Siena leaves at 10:15 and arrives at 12:00. It's about a 10 - 15 minute cab ride from there to downtown.

Either way, you'll get there in plenty of time for the GTG.

Ooooh, Ellen. Nice. Point to this info so I can know ahead of time what bus number.

So, this bus is at basically right across from the station? Or across from the church? Very convenient. And I assume it is a bus with a loo? (KIDS.) Do you still have to buy your bus deal from the tabacchi and have it stamped and all that?

Who were you helping? Maybe we can ride togehter!

You can find the information on the SITA site. It's the linea Firenze-Siena and the orario and informazioni links take you to PDF files with schedules, ticket info, etc.

Timing won't work for you to hook up, they're not going until the fall. Sorry, I don't know about bathrooms on the bus but I'm sure someone will pipe up who does.

I am ready to bet there's not toilet on board. In case I lose, Julie you will have a "caffè pagato" at any Bologna bar you may pick.

One other thought. The bus to Siena does leave you off closer than the train, but it's still a hike to the Campo, for example. Where is the GTG?

You can go all the way to Sienna by train as I did in April but it will require changes in Florence and Empoli. As for the local bus in Sienna We crossed the street from the train station and caught the #17 up the hill.Buy your ticket in the train station at the bus ticket window unless you have a good understanding of Italian as most of the local busses I rode had only italian speaking drivers. you will go up the hill and through the wall after that the walk is pretty easy and enjoyable> I don't believe there is a way to avoid hills and steps completly but Il Campo is worth the effort.

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So, this bus is at basically right across from the station?

Take the train station exit on your right, go down the stairs, cross the street. You can then go either right or left, turn the corner and look down the next opening. It will be the driveway to the bus station. There is a window to buy tickets.

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I am ready to bet there's not toilet on board.

hmmmm... no potty!


Thanks everyone!

On the other hand, it's just over one hour on the bus. Have them pee on the train and they will be fine until Siena.

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On the other hand, it's just over one hour on the bus. Have them pee on the train and they will be fine until Siena.

I wish it were that easy! They are both totally potty trained and have been for a while, but in a situation that is new and with the time change, etc. you never know what they will say.

It'll still work! It'll have to! We are going!

I'll take you up on the coffee sometime anyway--even if I owe you one!

Yes there is no toilet on the bus from Florence. It takes about 1 hour and the bus station (really just Piazza Gramsci not a true bus station) in SIena is about a 10 minute walk to il Campo which is downhill the whole way. Very easy. There is a bar called La Lizza at the bus station that you can use for a quick potty run. Tickets are €6.50 each way. If your kids are under 1 meter tall theyy do not pay. Make sure you stamp your ticket in the yellow machine before boarding (same goes for train tickets).

Thanks everyone. The potty thing shouldn't really be an issue--but as a mom I always have to be on the lookout for a quick response if necessary! Plus, my kids have been less than thrilled with the Italian public potty system.

But, if the GTG is at Cristina's won't you have to get there after the bus ride? I'm wondering about that myself??? I guess taxi. I will be in class til 13:00 but maybe we can meet after that.

jan