Transfers Countries Italy FlorenceFlorence to Cortona

Private car transfer from Florence to Cortona

Door-to-door
in 1 h 30 min

From €59
per seat

Comfortable
car

One way

One wayReturnMulti-city

New

One way

Cancel for free 24 hours before departure

Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2024

Excellent

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Florence.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 1 h 30 min.

Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Cortona.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

In total

117 km1 h 30 min

Overview: car trip from Florence to Cortona

Italy isn’t just luxury beaches on the Amalfi coast and major cities like Rome and Florence. It has a vast array of landscapes and ways of life. Taking a trip to the famous Tuscan wine country gives you a taste of Italy unlike any other. As you leave the chaos of Florence to Cortona, the city melts away and is replaced with rolling vineyards overlooked by Etruscan hilltowns.

With only 90 minutes of driving time between Florence and Cortona, a sightseeing stop or two can turn this transfer into a full tour of Tuscany. Lucignano and San Gimignano are typically more difficult to reach in a timely manner on mass transit, but with Daytrip, they are a click away!

The winding road up to Cortona is lined with cypress trees, and as you ascend, the views of the valley below and horizon in the distance are simply breathtaking, so have your camera ready! Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by Cortona’s ancient stone walls and narrow streets, inviting you to enjoy a slower pace of life in Tuscany.

About Cortona

Cortona is a relatively small hilltown that has risen to international acclaim in recent decades for features on the television show Conan for its fantastic food and lifestyle. It was also the backdrop for Frances Mayes’ memoir, _Under the Tuscan Sun. _It is one of Italy’s smallest travel hotspots in terms of size, but not in heart!

Cortona is one of many Etruscan hilltowns found in Tuscany. These bedrocks of Italian civilization were built high in the hills to protect themselves and gain a line of sight across long distances. They were built to anticipate invasions, with thick city walls, fortresses, and all of the necessary amenities needed for society: a church, shops, residential homes, and wells.

Like ancient times, the farmland surrounding Cortona still provides wine, meats, cheeses, and produce that Tuscany is known for, but today it is for a wider market. The recipes remain the same as they pass through family lore, but are combined with more efficient, modern farming practices.

With industrialization and urbanization, the Tuscany hilltown populations have been dwindling as the youth move to cities for jobs. However, after Cortona gained international fame in 1996 from Under the Tuscan Sun, travelers turned their sights towards Cortona to experience its romantic, rustic beauty.

From Florence to Cortona: travel tips

Before heading out of your hotel for your Florence to Cortona transfer, double-check your outfit and belongings!

Wear comfortable shoes

As a typical hilltown, Cortona has very few flat streets. Expect to do a lot of walking up and down hills and staircases as you explore the town. Leave the flip flops at home and opt for comfortable, supportive shoes with a heel strap. When in doubt, bring a pair of socks and bandaids for any shoe-related emergencies.

Come prepared for photos

Cortona is incredibly photogenic and a great contender for this year’s family photos. It’s easy to see why Cortona was chosen as the setting for Under the Tuscan Sun. Have your camera (or camera phone!) fully charged with memory space for plenty of photos, videos, and memories.

How to get from Florence to Cortona

Cortona is located about 72 miles (117 km) south of Florence. It is in the heart of Tuscany and is an excellent example of an Etruscan hilltown. These hilltowns were built as defensive fortresses high in the hills. With that in mind, most train stations are several miles from the actual town and require either a car or bus to ascend the winding roads to the top.

Driving from Florence to Cortona

Hiring a private driver is the fastest and easiest way to reach Cortona. You won’t need to build a transit plan across multiple companies or take on the responsibility of driving a rental car. Just let your local Daytrip driver take you door-to-door seamlessly from your accommodation in Florence to your address in Cortona!

Hilltowns are, by their nature, isolated. It is difficult to see several hilltowns in a single day or even on a single vacation to Italy with mass transit. Daytrip not only makes it easy to book your transfer, but you are also a click away from adding stops to other famous hilltowns like Siena and Loro Ciuffenna. Trips start at $61 (€56) per seat.

Trains and buses from Florence to Cortona

There is no direct route via public transportation from Florence to Cortona, but it is still possible to make the trip in about two hours. Most routes require two transfers, but in order to only make one transfer, you’ll need to take a train from Florence to Camucia-Cortona, then take a 10 minute long bus ride up the hill to the old city center.

Camucia-Cortona is the closest train station to Cortona, however, it is still necessary to take a bus up the steep hill, as the train station is 2 miles (3 km) from the old town. The buses arrive and depart frequently, but it is also possible to hire a taxi for the last leg of this journey.

The timetables and prices for the aforementioned train and bus change with the season and days of the week, so it is crucial to approach this transfer with flexibility, especially during weekends, holidays, and the off-season. Expect to pay $30 to $45 (€27.50-€41) for the train and bus tickets together.

Things to do when you get to Cortona

The great thing about hilltowns is their compact nature. All of Cortona’s major sites are located in a very small area. After your transfer from Florence to Cortona, start at Piazza della Repubblica, the heart of Cortona. This lively square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Palazzo Comunale, and is a perfect spot to soak up the town’s atmosphere before heading to your top picks around Cortona.

Walk to the Fortress of Girifalco

Located at the highest point of Cortona, this fortress offers panoramic views of the Val di Chiana and Lake Trasimeno. It has been protecting Cortona since the 5th or 6th century during the Etruscan period and the views are worth the hike up the hills.

Admire the Basilica of Santa Margherita

This neo-Gothic church is dedicated to the patron saint of Cortona, Saint Margaret. Her remains are interred at one of its altars, and it is an important pilgrimage site for Catholics. As you tour Cortona, it can be hard to imagine that the basilica and the Girifalco Fortress are only a few yards apart, but they are 1,000 years apart in age.

Savor Tuscan Cuisine

Don’t let the simple ingredients and rustic presentation fool you! Tuscan cuisine is among the most savory and flavor-forward in all of Italy. Indulge in local specialties like ribollita, pici pasta, and bistecca alla fiorentina at one of Cortona’s many excellent restaurants.

Truffles have a controversial flavor, but if you love these unique mushrooms, Cortona has many dishes with gourmet, local varieties.

Tuscany’s focus on high-quality ingredients over complicated cooking or baking techniques makes it an accessible introduction to Italian cooking. Don’t be afraid to pick up a cookbook as a souvenir from Cortona and replicate your favorite dishes at home.

Become a sommelier

The long, sunny days in Tuscany are perfect for vineyards. Shops in Cortona sell obscure wines from local wineries that you won’t find anywhere else in Italy, much less in the international aisle at the supermarket back home. Book a wine tasting to sample local specialties and find your next favorite bottle!

When is the best time to visit Cortona

The best time to visit Cortona, Italy, is during the spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October). The weather is perfect for hiking trails, attending winery tours, and exploring this quaint Tuscan town. Spring brings blooming flowers and lush greenery, while fall offers the beauty of the changing foliage and the grape harvest season.

Avoid visiting Cortona in July and August. Being under the Tuscan sun in the summer is intense for visitors who want to spend their day walking around the plazas and touring the sights around town.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Florence to Cortona

What is the easiest way to get from Florence to Cortona?

The easiest way to reach Cortona without having to navigate foreign bus and train timetables is to hire a private driver. Daytrip makes it quick and easy to book your transfer and add sightseeing stops to other beautiful Tuscan hilltowns.

Can you take a train to Cortona, Italy?

Yes. The Camucia-Cortona train station is the closest to Cortona, 2 miles (3 km) from the hilltown. If you travel by train, hire a taxi or take the bus for the last 10 minutes of the journey up to the city center.

Is it worth visiting Cortona?

Yes! Cortona is the perfect distance for a day trip from Florence. It is among Italy’s most famous hilltowns and is layered in history from the Etruscans to the modern day. Take winery tours, stroll ancient streets, and experience the countryside within two hours of Florence.

How do you get from Florence to Cortona?

Cortona is a 90-minute drive south of Florence and can easily be reached by private vehicle and mass transit. Traveling by train or bus requires at least one transfer in Camucia-Cortona or Arezzo, but with Daytrip you can sit back and relax for the whole ride.

What is the fastest way to get from Florence to Cortona?

Driving is the fastest way. You can reach Cortona from Florence in just 90 minutes with a private driver from Daytrip. Having a door-to-door private transportation service saves time and energy from navigating the multiple transfers on Italy’s trains and buses.

How much time do you need in Cortona?

Three to 7 hours is the perfect amount of time to see Cortona. Arrive early in the day to take advantage of the long days in Tuscany’s wine region. Enjoy a meal or two in between walking tours and photo opportunities with the classic Tuscan countryside backdrop.

Visit these sights on the way

Loro Ciuffenna

Built around a picturesque gorge, this charming village hasn’t changed in centuries - it even still uses its medieval watermill. The Flow of Time

Pieve di San Pietro

One of Tuscany’s finest medieval churches is filled with fascinating carvings atop its columns, each telling a different story. Capital Storytelling

San Gimignano

The meticulously maintained houses, walls, and towers of this UNESCO-protected town will bring you back to the Middle Ages. Towers of Power

Siena

From one of the country's most beautiful Gothic cathedrals to an exciting urban horserace, life in this UNESCO-listed hilltop city revolves around the central square. The Treasure of Tuscany

Lucignano

At the heart of the concentric rings of medieval streets stands a 13th century town hall, home to the magnificent Golden Tree. Where Gold Grows on Trees

Why people love Daytrip

5,100+ reviews

454 travelers took this route with us

Oct 2, 2025

Great transfer option.

“I used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Robyn C

Sep 20, 2025

It was a fantastic trip.

“We were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, we’d especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Daydream20046758137

Sep 15, 2025

Best transport company anywhere

“We absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. It’s worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. It’s 5 star rating is well deserved.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Mary L

Aug 20, 2025

Excellent experience in traveling

“We traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortable”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Steve N

Apr 22, 2025

Reasonably Priced and Safe Transportation

“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler COCO

Apr 2, 2025

Daytrip never disappoints

“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Julie M

Feb 28, 2025

Great driver in Egypt

“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Maps315861

Feb 20, 2025

Comfortable and Safe Rides in Mexico

“Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Golourdesduarte

Feb 10, 2025

Great way to travel and see some sights on the way

“We did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Michelle R

Jan 25, 2025

Excellent service

“We used the service twice while in Thailand. Extremely prompt and efficient customer service. Best rate being offered in Chiang Mai for the travels. Polite, punctual, professional and English speaking drivers. Clean, comfortable vehicles. Being a regular visitor to Thailand, this was hands down the best service. Most pleased with the company. I hope it sustains the excellence of service that was rendered to us.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Omar

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm

Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.

Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.

For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.

Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!

Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.

Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,600+ cities around the world.

Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.