Florence to San Gimignano

San Gimignano Overview

San Gimignano is a gorgeous medieval town in Tuscany, Italy. It is about 60 kilometres southwest of Florence and 40 kilometres northwest of Siena. The Florence to San Gimignano route makes for an ideal day excursion because it can be completed in around one hour. It is renowned for its skyline filled with ancient towers. The history of this town goes back to the Etruscan era, but it reached its height in the Middle Ages when powerful families constructed over 70 towers to display their wealth and authority.


Only 14 of these majestic towers remain today. San Gimignano's stunning squares, cobblestone streets, and well-preserved architecture attract visitors. The town's historic centre is home to the Collegiata, a Romanesque church, and the Piazza della Cisterna, a lively square surrounded by medieval buildings. Additionally, this place is popular for its local wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, which tourists can taste at different wineries and stores.

Ways to Get to San Gimignano From Florence

By Tour

You can book a San Gimignano tour from Florence if you have just one day to experience Tuscany’s beauty. Taking a tour of Siena, Pisa, and San Gimignano together is an ideal choice. The first stop is Siena, where you can admire the Gothic-Romanesque architecture and Piazza del Campo. Your next stop is San Gimignano, known for its medieval towers and the Collegiata of Santa Maria Assunta church. Finally, in Pisa, you can witness the famous Leaning Tower, with Piazza del Miracoli, and other attractions. 

By Bus

If you are using public transportation to travel between Florence and San Gimignano, buses are your best option. The buses depart from Via Santa Caterina da Siena, next to Florence's Santa Maria Novella train station. All buses on this route require a transfer at Poggibonsi. The travel time is around 70 to 80 minutes and Once you get to San Gimignano, get off at the Porta San Giovanni bus stop. From there, it's around a 300-meter walk to Piazza Cisterna in the city centre.

By Train And Bus

There is no direct train from Florence to San Gimignano as there's no train station in San Gimignano. Take a train from Florence's Santa Maria Novella station to Poggibonsi, which takes around 1 hour. From Poggibonsi, catch the local bus #130 to San Gimignano. The train and bus schedules aren't well-coordinated, so you might wait 15 to 20 minutes between connections. For day trips, remember the last bus back to Poggibonsi leaves at 7:55 pm on weekends and 9:15 pm on weekdays. 

By Car

Driving from Florence to San Gimignano through Tuscany's countryside is more convenient than public transportation. Take the Raccordo Autostradale (RA3) for a scenic drive, reaching San Gimignano in about an hour. You can also take the A1 autostrada toward Rome, though traffic may be heavier and could delay your journey. Italy's "restricted traffic zones" (ZTL), prohibit non-residents from driving in historical centres to reduce congestion. This means you will need to park in the parking lots near the town entrance and explore San Gimignano on foot.

Why You Should Take A Wine Tour From Florence

A wine tour from Florence to San Gimignano is a fantastic way to experience the best of Tuscany. The town is famous for its medieval towers and is also home to some of the finest wineries in the region. Starting your journey in Florence, you will travel through the picturesque Tuscan countryside. The scenic drive offers opportunities to stop and take photos. Once in San Gimignano, you can visit local wineries and learn about the processes that produce the region's renowned wines. Additionally, you can taste a variety of wines, including the famous Vernaccia di San Gimignano. It's a crisp and refreshing white wine unique to the area. The tour includes pairing these wines with delicious local cuisine, which can enhance your experience. You can also stay in accommodations provided by the vineyards and enjoy a view of the vineyards. Explore the town’s ancient churches and learn about its history on a San Gimignano tour from Florence. 

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to get from Florence to San Gimignano?

The cheapest way to get from Florence to San Gimignano is by taking a train and bus. You can board a train from Santa Maria Novella station in Florence to Poggibonsi. From Poggibonsi, transfer to the bus line 130 heading to San Gimignano. 

What is the fastest way to get from Florence to San Gimignano?

The fastest way to travel from Florence to San Gimignano is by car. The journey takes around 1 hour. This route provides direct access to the town without transfers or waiting times. So It's ideal for those looking to explore the place at their own pace.

Is there a direct bus between Florence and San Gimignano?

There is no direct bus from Florence to San Gimignano. You can take a bus from Florence to Poggibonsi (line 131) and then transfer to a local bus (line 130) from Poggibonsi to San Gimignano. 

How far is it from Florence to San Gimignano?

The distance between Florence to San Gimignano is around 60 kilometres. San Gimignano is easily accessible from public transportation. You can take a bus or a combination of train and bus to reach this charming town. Additionally, you can reach San Gimignano by car, offering the flexibility to explore the countryside at your own pace.

How do I travel from Florence to San Gimignano without a car?

To travel from Florence to San Gimignano without a car, you can take a combination of train and bus. First, take a train from Florence's Santa Maria Novella station to Poggibonsi. From Poggibonsi, catch the local bus 130. It runs regularly to San Gimignano. 

How long does it take to get from Florence to San Gimignano?

Travelling from Florence to San Gimignano takes about 1 hour by car. By bus, it takes around 2 hours, including a transfer to Poggibonsi. Taking the train to Poggibonsi and then a bus to San Gimignano takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Where do I catch the Florence to San Gimignano bus from?

The buses from Florence to Poggibonsi (line 131) leave from Via Santa Caterina da Siena, next to the Santa Maria Novella train station. Buses on this route require a transfer at Poggibonsi before continuing to San Gimignano.

Where does the Florence to San Gimignano bus arrive?

The buses from Florence to San Gimignano arrive at the Porta San Giovanni bus stop. These buses (line 130) require a transfer at Poggibonsi. From Porta San Giovanni, it’s a short walk to the town centre and popular attractions. 

Can I drive from Florence to San Gimignano?

Yes, you can drive from Florence to San Gimignano. The journey takes about an hour via the Raccordo Autostradale (RA3) or the A1 autostrada. Additionally, remember to park outside San Gimignano’s restricted traffic zone and walk to the town centre.

This website is a partner website of Thrillophilia. Thrillophilia works with multiple attractions in San Gimignano as a reseller.

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