Your driver will meet you at your address in Rome.
You’ll travel in comfort for 2 h 40 min.
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Siena.
The car trip from Rome to Siena brings you to two of the most beautiful cities in Italy. From Rome, a green city dotted not only with architecture from the past but also ponds and fountains, you’ll head to Siena, where medieval heritage is alive and well.
By eschewing public transportation, you have the chance to enrich your time in Italy with sightseeing stops along the way. Civita di Bagnoregio is a crowd-pleaser, as this tiny town is slowly crumbling away as the rock plateau it was built on erodes.
Or, experience the magic of Tuscany at Montepulciano. One of the region's most famous hill towns, you can look forward to sampling some of Italy's best wines (try the Vino Nobile) knowing that you have a designated driver.
The distance between Rome and Siena is approximately 143 miles (230 kilometers). Depending on traffic and speed, the drive usually takes around three hours.
Driving from Rome to Siena whisks you from a trendy tourist destination to somewhere more low-key. The Italian city of Siena, nestled in the heart of Tuscany, is filled with medieval architecture and rich history, offering a deep dive into the country’s fascinating past. Known for its Instagrammable streets, the Piazza del Campo, and the iconic Palio horse race, this city offers a blend of art, culture, and tradition.
Get ready to time travel. Siena is a lovely medieval town, which is why many tourists who’ve been here call it an architectural time warp. While most who travel are content to see this town on a day trip, as it’s not too far from Florence—perhaps after visiting the country’s coastal marvels—it’s easy to slip into a longer visit gazing at its piazzas and cathedrals. Don’t miss spending some time in these places:
Siena is believed to have been founded by Senius, the son of Remus, one of Rome’s founders. Thus, the city’s emblem is the she-wolf who suckled Remus and Romulus, whose statue you can find throughout the town.
Siena sits over three hills with Piazza del Campo at its heart. This was where the Roman Forum used to be.
It flourished as a medieval city-state, transforming into a banking and trade center. Known for its Gothic architecture, Siena faced decline after the 1348 plague and was later incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.
Remember these tips to ensure your excursion from Rome to Siena will be worthwhile.
Preparation is key. Pack lightweight clothing for the day and a sturdy jacket for the evening, which becomes cooler. Also, prepare comfortable walking shoes, given the cobblestone streets of Siena’s historic center.
It’s also advisable that you bring a powder adapter so you won’t run out of battery when taking photos of the town.
Learning some basic Italian phrases will also be helpful. Here are some great language apps to get you started: Tandem, Reverso Context, HelloTalk, and Clozemaster.
Safety is another important consideration. Siena is a safe place, but like any tourist destination, crowded areas have a high pickpocket risk. So, keep an eye on your belongings.
It’s also beneficial to familiarize yourself with local laws and customs—such as restrictions on eating or drinking in certain public areas—to avoid any unintentional offenses.
Lastly, keep travel documents such as passports, visas, and insurance documents in one easily accessible bag.
Several transportation options are available from Rome to Siena. Each differs in terms of price, schedule, speed, and other travel factors.
Taking the train from Rome to Siena involves a transfer, usually in Florence. You’ll first board a high-speed train to the capital of the Tuscany region, followed by a regional train to Siena. This method can be fast and efficient as the total transit can range from 2.5 to 4 hours. Tickets cost anywhere from $23 to $189 (€22 to €176). Several trains cover this route.
Buses provide a direct alternative to trains. However, the trip can last longer. A bus ride may take around four hours, yet this option is cheaper. Tickets cost as low as $10 (€9) each. While buses are less comfortable compared to other modes of transport, many operators have stepped up to offer newer and more modern amenities for tourists.
Meanwhile, driving from Rome to Siena by car offers more flexibility and the opportunity to explore the Tuscan countryside at your own pace. Considering the distance between these cities, the ride usually takes around three hours at most.
However, when you get to Siena, you'll need to worry about narrow streets, pedestrian zones, and limited parking. And Siena is compact enough that you don't need to drive once you're there.
Hitting the road with you behind the steering wheel may be less comfortable. So, if you want a balance between convenience and the opportunity to explore sightseeing stops, consider taking a private car transfer with Daytrip. This platform connects you to local, English-speaking drivers who won’t just bring you to your destination, but also share valuable insights.
You’ll drive across the A1 highway and SR2 through the countryside far away from coastal areas. Daytrip’s vehicles are clean, comfortable, child-friendly, and air-conditioned. This is the best option, especially if you’re traveling with family and friends.
Once you get from Rome to Siena, you spend your day enjoying plenty of things to do. Here are the best experiences you must try. Get ready for a “Sien-sational” time!
Many tourists and locals converge around the famous Piazza del Campo, where the Palio horse race is held. This square is surrounded by historic buildings and coffee shops, perfect for soaking in the Siena atmosphere.
Nearby is the Siena Cathedral with its façade and interiors, a must-see for anyone interested in Gothic architecture and design. You may attend a mass and utter a prayer here, but going inside the cathedral requires you to purchase a ticket.
Then, cap off your cultural exploration at the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo housing treasures of Sienese art.
For foodies, Siena is a hot pot for dining experiences. Grab a table inside traditional Tuscan restaurants where you can try dishes such as pici pasta and wild boar, then pair them with some local wines like Chianti.
For a unique culinary experience, you can also attend cooking workshops where you’ll learn how to prepare Tuscan specialties under the guidance of professional Sienese chefs.
If a walk through Siena’s museums isn’t enough for you, the city offers art workshops in addition to its galleries displaying medieval and modern art. These workshops provide a hands-on approach to understanding the techniques and history behind Sienese and Tuscan artistry.
Outdoorsy tourists will also find Siena a pleasure. If you’re looking for leisurely activities, stroll through the city’s botanical gardens or head to one of the local theaters for a night of opera, among other kinds of performances.
Also, the city hosts several seasonal festivals, offering you a glimpse into Sienese traditions and customs.
As you tour from Rome to Siena, you must also know the best time to visit so you won’t miss the most thrilling experiences. Interestingly, the best time to visit Siena depends on the activities you want to partake in. The city offers different attractions throughout the year.
However, the most pleasant weather in Siena is between April and June in springtime, and from September to November in fall. These months provide comfortable temperatures ideal for exploring the city on foot without the sweltering heat of summer or the dreaded chill of winter. To have a good time, be sure to plan and schedule your visit.
Scattered with stunning ruins and impressive waterfalls, Tivoli embodies the true meaning of picturesque. A Town Built on Waterfalls
Created in the 16th century by a grieving widower, Sacro Bosco is unlike any garden you’ve ever seen, featuring magnificent sculptures in a tranquil setting. Little Park of Monsters
On a lush plateau, this ancient city is overflowing with lush greenery as it slowly returns to the earth. The Shrinking Garden of Eden
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 History’s Back
Steep, twisty, cobbled lanes clamber up through an ancient, stony cityscape draped over a ridge. Medieval town of rare beauty
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
“Last minute plan change and Daytrip was our last resort so I chatted with them and had an immediate response from a real person, best situation ever. Never used Daytrip before but the reviews were incredible so we took the chance and booked a driver at like 11-12pm and by 7am the next morning when we woke, they found us a driver and the driver had already texed us making contact! Very impressed and will definitely use them again. We went from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Tivat, Montenegro.”
James B
Nov 9, 2024“My family had an overall fantastic experience with Daytrip. Our first trip was from Lake Como to Siena and it was perfect. Our driver, Mircea, was on time and very kind and professional. He drove great and allowed us to just sit back and relax. We stopped in San Gimignano for 4 hours and then brought us to our next Airbnb. Absolutely incredible experience. Our second transfer from Siena to Rome was less perfect. Our driver was still on time and very nice. However, he was a somewhat erratic driver. He was going way faster than all the other traffic on the road and took turns way too fast. He did not make us feel safe or relaxed. I can't fault daytrip with that really, but it did make us uncomfortable riding with him. Like with any transfer company, the drivers are going to be hit and miss. But I told them of our issue and they responded very quickly and said they were going to address it. I can't really ask for more in that situation. Overall, I wouldn't hesitate to book with Daytrip again in the future. Their website makes it so easy to book and add stops along the way. They're really changing the private transfer game.”
livloudly
Oct 17, 2023“I am in Italy and have used Daytrip 3 times in the last week from Rome to Siena, Siena to Florence and back to Siena. Communications have been excellent from the time I booked the transportations to the end of the trips. The cars/vans are high end, spotless, and the drivers are very personable and professional. I will use Daytrip on any upcoming trips, and I highly recommend their excellent service.”
childrenshouse
Jun 26, 2019“Excellent transfer service from Siena hotel to Rome hotel. Driver waiting in lobby and very friendly. Took 3 hours to get there but we travelled in a Mercedes Sprinter Van and was comfortable. I would definitely recommend Day Trip. I checked everyone and they seem to be the least expensive.”
depilato
Jul 24, 2018All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.
We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.
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 are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
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).
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.
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
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.
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