Cortona doesn't have its own airport. The nearest major airports are Florence Airport (FLR) and Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi - Umbria International Airport (PEG), both of which are approximately an hour's drive away from Cortona.
How far is Cortona from Rome?
Cortona is approximately 140 miles (220 km) north of Rome, in the heart of the Italian Peninsula. By car, this journey takes about 2.5 hours, and by train, it can take 2.5 to 4 hours.
How long is the train from Rome to Cortona?
The train journey from Rome to Cortona takes between 2.5 and 4 hours and requires transferring to a bus at Camucia Cortona for the final leg of the journey. Camucia Cortona is about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) from downtown Cortona.
Is English widely spoken in Cortona?
While Italian is the primary language spoken in Cortona, many locals working in the tourism industry, restaurants, and shops speak English. Still, it's always helpful to learn some basic Italian phrases to enhance your experience.
Is there a train to Cortona?
Yes, there is a train to Cortona and the closest station is Camucia Cortona, outside of the city. You can take a train from major cities like Rome or Florence with connections to Cortona but will have to switch to a bus or taxi once you get to Camucia Cortona.
Is Cortona hilly?
Yes, Cortona is very hilly. They donât call them hill towns for nothing! Its main street is one of the few level, flat streets in town. Keep this in mind before traveling with strollers or walkers, as the steep, cobbled sidewalks may be a challenge.
If you drive north from Rome for 140 miles (220 km), youâll reach Cortona in about 2.5 hours. After seeing Italyâs bustling capital, a trip to the countryside is just what you need to round out your Italian vacation. Add some depth to your trip from Rome to Cortona by visiting a few key cultural sites along the route.
Who wouldn't be intrigued by a park full of monsters? The Sacro Bosco garden showcases a collection of eerie sculptures of mythical beasts and gods amidst flower gardens. Created in the 16th century, this unique garden was commissioned by the Italian nobleman Pier Francesco Orsini as a way to grieve his late wife. While it has a creepy atmosphere, Sacro Bosco remains a mesmerizing and spellbinding attraction for visitors.
About halfway between Rome and Cortona is the ancient Etruscan settlement of Civita di Bagnoregio. This town stands out, as it is on a plateau that is slowly eroding away. Bits of the town have already fallen off of the cliffside, and the buildings that remain are slowly being consumed by vines. Make a visit to Civita di Bagnoregio before it is eventually lost to time.
About Cortona
Cortona is a historic town located in the province of Arezzo in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Chiana Valley, offering panoramic views of the surrounding olive groves and vineyards. Youâll be pleased to leave the large crowds as you leave from Rome to Cortona. This small hill town has only 22,000 inhabitants.
During the Etruscan era, Cortona was known as "Curtun" and played a significant role as a fortified city. It later became a Roman colony and prospered as a commercial and agricultural center. The town's strategic location along trade routes contributed to its economic growth and cultural exchange. The Etruscans are also where we get the word Tuscany.
In the medieval period, Cortona was ruled by various noble families and became a thriving center of art, culture, and learning. The town's architectural heritage reflects this rich history, with churches, palaces, and fortifications dating back to different epochs.
Today, Cortona attracts visitors from around the world who come to have a peaceful getaway in the beautiful countryside and visit the museums. The Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca showcases artifacts from the Etruscan and Roman periods, while the MAEC Archaeological Park takes visitors back in time to see how the ancient civilizations once inhabited the area.
Cortona can thank the 2003 romantic comedy Under the Tuscan Sun for the increase in American tourism, as it was the backdrop for the movie. Once youâre there, youâll see why Cortona was picked as the filming location- it is the heart of Tuscany and has all the charm of an ancient hilltop town.
From Rome to Cortona: travel tips
Follow these travel tips to make the most out of your trip from Rome to Cortona.
Leave space in your schedule for spontaneity
Italy has a slower pace of life than much of the world. Be prepared for leisurely meals and a generally relaxed approach to appointment times. Donât hold yourself to a strict schedule, and leave time in between activities for unexpected delays.
Be prepared for hills
You surely did plenty of walking in Rome, so keep your sturdy shoes nearby for Cortona as well. This Italian hill town is small, but incredibly steep and full of hills.
Communicate with your driver
Your Daytrip driver is a local and knows the region very well. Ask them about typical life in Italy, their favorite meals, and seasonal activities and tours you should do while in Cortona.
How to get from Rome to Cortona
You have several transportation options for your trip from Rome to Cortona. Pick the one thatâs right for your timeline and budget!
From Rome to Cortona via private driver
Hiring a private driver to get you from Rome to Cortona offers you flexibility and the opportunity to explore the countryside on your schedule. This 140-mile (220 km) distance can be covered in about 2.5 to 3 hours via the A1/E35 highway. With Daytrip, you will have door-to-door convenience and luggage service included.
Italy is one of the best countries for seeing the smaller towns and castles in between major cities, so take advantage of having a private driver. Unlike with a rental car, you wonât have to worry about returning on time, filling up the gas tank, or driving on tiny Italian roads. You donât even need to do any research! Weâve already found the best places to visit on the way!
From Rome to Cortona via Bus
To travel from Rome to Cortona by bus, it is possible to take a direct bus from Rome's Tiburtina Bus Station to Cortona. The journey takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. Tickets can be purchased at the station or online, with prices ranging from $16 to $27 (âŹ15 to âŹ25).
From Rome to Cortona via Train
There are no direct trains from Rome to Cortona. In fact, Cortona doesn't have a train station! Instead, you can take a train from Rome's Termini Station to Camucia-Cortona station, followed by a bus from Camucia-Cortona to the center of Cortona. It is also possible to take a taxi from Camucia-Cortona. The total journey time is approximately 3 to 4 hours, including the transfer. Train tickets start at $16 (âŹ15) and the trains leave Rome frequently all year round.
Things to do when you get to Cortona
Youâll find a slower pace of life as you leave from the crowded streets of Rome to Cortona. This small Tuscan town shows a slower side to Italy. Relax, sip on an Italian coffee, and see these sites during your trip.
Step back in time at the MAEC Archaeological Park
Civilization has called Tuscany home for thousands of years. This archaeological park just a short distance outside of Cortona features remains of Etruscan and Roman civilizations. Here, you can explore ancient tombs, walls, and other archaeological findings.
Visit Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca
Housed in a historic villa, the Accademia Etrusca Museum will give you a glimpse into Cortona's Etruscan heritage through its collection of artifacts, including pottery, sculptures, and ancient inscriptions. Itâs a key supplement to the MAEC Archaeological Park.
Climb to the top of the Santa Margherita Sanctuary
This 16th-century church is dedicated to St. Margherita of Cortona and has panoramic views of Cortona and the surrounding countryside. Her feast day is 22 February, and you can expect a small celebration on this date. The climb up the hill provides a scenic hike and a chance to appreciate the Tuscan landscape.
Dine at traditional Tuscan restaurants
Cortona has numerous restaurants serving authentic Tuscan cuisine. From hearty pasta dishes to locally sourced meats and wines, indulge in a gastronomic experience unlike any other. Sample popular Tuscan dishes like bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak), necci (chestnut flour pancakes), and cantucci (biscotti).
Cortona's weekly markets have stalls that offer a variety of local produce, cheese, wines, crafts, and artisanal products. Here you can pick up some souvenirs, and maybe make plans to do some of your own Tuscan cooking.
Have a wine tasting in local vineyards
Cortona is surrounded by vineyards producing renowned Tuscan wines, such as Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Find a guided tour and tasting at a local winery to appreciate Tuscanyâs viticultural heritage, and maybe find a new favorite wine!
When is the best time to visit Cortona
The best time to visit Italy in general is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) months. These seasons offer mild temperatures, fewer crowds on tours, and pleasant weather during the day. But no matter the time of year, youâll find a romantic getaway as you make your way from Rome to Cortona.
During autumn, the "Chestnut Festival" takes place in October across villages in Tuscany. Celebrate this harvest season tradition with a day full of chestnut picking, visiting food stalls, and watching cultural performances. If youâre visiting in Autumn, try to align your trip with this festival and enjoy the changing of the leaves to warm oranges, reds, and yellows.
Visitez ces sites en chemin
Tivoli
Scattered with stunning ruins and impressive waterfalls, Tivoli embodies the true meaning of picturesque. A Town Built on WaterfallsÂ
Sacro Bosco
Created in the 16th century by a grieving widower, Sacro Bosco is unlike any garden youâve ever seen, featuring magnificent sculptures in a tranquil setting. Little Park of MonstersÂ
Civita di Bagnoregio
On a lush plateau, this ancient city is overflowing with lush greenery as it slowly returns to the earth. Â The Shrinking Garden of EdenÂ
National Archeological Museum Chiusi
Walk through ancient history, one floor at a time, and take some extra time to visit the 2500-year-old tombs nearby. The Monkey on Historyâs BackÂ
Montepulciano
Steep, twisty, cobbled lanes clamber up through an ancient, stony cityscape draped over a ridge. Medieval town of rare beautyÂ
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 TreesÂ
