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A train journey to Tuscany is the most practical way to explore the region, with regional trains from a base such as La Spezia offering easy access to the Cinque Terre, Pisa and Siena. Planning a route may seem complicated, but with the right approach it becomes a smooth and relaxing experience.
The basics of a Tuscan train journey: planning and tickets
The railway network in Tuscany is extensive and reliable. The backbone of any train journey is the Trenitalia app. This official app of the Italian railways is the most important tool for planning routes, checking up-to-date departure times and buying tickets. For most routes in Tuscany and the surrounding areas, regional trains, the “Regionale”, are the most suitable. These trains stop more often and take longer than the high-speed trains, but they are economical and take travellers right into the heart of the towns and villages being visited.
Buying tickets via the app is straightforward. There is no need for a physical ticket and nothing needs to be stamped on the platform, which is required for paper tickets. The digital ticket with QR code is valid immediately. For regional trains it is usually not necessary to book far in advance, as prices are fixed and no seat reservation is needed. This gives you the freedom to adjust your plans at the last minute.
‘ This is often more economical than single tickets when visiting several villages. ’
La Spezia as a base for the Cinque Terre
Although La Spezia technically lies just outside Tuscany, in the Liguria region, it is a strategic base for visiting the Cinque Terre. From this port city the special “Cinque Terre Express” train departs, which stops at all five coastal villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. Travel time between the villages is often only a few minutes, allowing you to visit several places in a single day. The train runs along the coastline and between the tunnels it offers open sea views.
Train tickets for the Cinque Terre from Florence
Many travellers stay in Florence and make a day trip to the Cinque Terre from there. This is perfectly doable. Using the Trenitalia app you can book a ticket from Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) station to La Spezia Centrale. Depending on the connection, this journey takes about two to two and a half hours. In La Spezia you transfer to the Cinque Terre Express. A day pass for this train offers unlimited travel between the five villages and La Spezia. This is often cheaper than buying individual tickets when visiting several villages.
An accessible train route through Tuscany
For a first train journey through Tuscany, a route along the best-known cities is an excellent starting point. A logical and popular route is the triangle of Florence, Pisa and Siena. These cities are well connected to each other and offer an overview of what the region has to offer.
- Florence to Pisa: This journey takes around an hour on a direct regional train. You arrive at Pisa Centrale, from where the Leaning Tower of Pisa and surrounding sights are easily reached.
- Pisa to Siena: This connection is a little less direct. Most trains require a change at Empoli. The total travel time is about an hour and a half to two hours. The landscape along the way changes and reveals Tuscany’s rolling hills.
- Siena to Florence: A direct regional train takes you back to Florence in around an hour and a half. A useful tip for Siena: the train station is at the bottom of the hill on which the city is built. Fortunately, there are escalators that provide comfortable access to the historic centre.
This route is a good introduction to travelling by train in the region. The trains are frequent, which creates flexibility in your daily schedule.
Connections and travel tips
A widely used connection is the train from Pisa to La Spezia. From Pisa airport there is a direct shuttle train (the “Pisa Mover”) to the main station, Pisa Centrale. From there, regular regional trains and InterCity services run to La Spezia. The journey takes about an hour to an hour and a half. This makes for a smooth onward journey towards the Cinque Terre after arriving at the airport.
Tips for travelling by train
- The Trenitalia app: The Trenitalia app is indispensable. Always check the latest travel information and platform number shortly before departure.
- Travel light: In the villages of the Cinque Terre and the hilly streets of Siena, it is pleasant not to be burdened with heavy suitcases. Stations do not always have lifts.
- Busy times: On popular routes, such as those to the Cinque Terre, it is busy during the high season. Trains early in the morning or later in the afternoon are often quieter.
- Food and drink: It is advisable to take water and a snack with you for the journey. Although larger stations have facilities, this is not always the case at smaller stops.
A train journey through Tuscany offers a relaxing way to experience the region’s rich culture and landscapes. With good preparation and the right tools, you gain the freedom that rail travel offers. On the Traveler Tips website you can find practical articles about train travel, route planning and various destinations in Italy.
Frequently asked questions
To plan the most efficient and comfortable train route to Tuscany, you can travel from the Netherlands via Munich/Innsbruck (Brenner Pass) or Zurich, with a minimum travel time of 15 hours to Florence. Book tickets via Trenitalia for the best connections and consider upgrading to 1st class for extra comfort. Plan your changes carefully in cities such as Bologna, and take into account the extensive regional networks within Tuscany itself for day trips. Travelling light is recommended, and day passes are useful for flexibility on the spot.
For the lowest prices, book your train tickets to Tuscany via Trenitalia for regional routes and via international sites for longer distances. Booking early is often cheaper. Consider an upgrade to 1st class for extra comfort on longer routes from the Netherlands via the Brenner Pass or Zurich. Day passes can be useful for flexible travel within Tuscany, and be aware of busy peak hours.
There are scenic train routes to Tuscany from the Netherlands/Belgium, with options via the Brenner Pass (Alpine landscapes) or Zurich (lakes and Alps), both taking at least 15 hours to Florence. Along the way there are opportunities to break the journey in cities such as Munich or Innsbruck, and within Tuscany itself there are various train routes for day trips to, for example, Siena, Pisa and Lucca. There is also a panoramic route to the Cinque Terre (near Tuscany) along the cliffs.
Trains to Tuscany offer various facilities and comfort options. You can take luggage with you, although travelling light is recommended in view of the lifts at stations and the hills in cities such as Siena. Seat reservations are not always required for regional trains, but tickets can be booked via the Trenitalia app or international sites, with the option to upgrade to 1st class for extra comfort. No specific information is given about catering, but the emphasis is on the panoramic routes and the efficiency of the rail connections for a pleasant travel experience.
To travel on from Tuscan train stations to agriturismi or smaller towns, you can often use a combination of train and bus. Although the Tuscan rail network is extensive and connects cities such as Florence, Siena and Pisa, not all hilltop villages are directly accessible by train. For specific destinations such as agriturismi, a bus is often necessary, for example the bus from Siena to Volterra, which takes around 1.5 hours. Plan your trip carefully by consulting up-to-date timetables from Trenitalia and local bus companies.
