The bus can be an excellent way to travel around Tuscan cities. Many of the region's larger cities, such as Florence, Sienna and Pisa, are well served by local bus lines with routes that are easy to figure out. Many of the bus drivers speak English and oftentimes, other passengers can help direct you to your destination. Many bus lines travel to most major city attractions and outlying areas such as Fiesole near Florence. An air conditioned bus can be a welcome treat on a hot Tuscan summer day. Buses are also inexpensive with rates typically under a Euro per trip. Many buses have large windows where you can see the sights of Tuscany as you pass by.
A rental car can be a useful mode of transportation for travel between small Tuscan towns. Some of Tuscany's most attractive places are not easily accessible by bus or train. These include smaller hill towns, such as Volterra, San Gimignano, Montalcino and Pienza. Such Tuscan hill towns are often filled with ancient Roman architecture, local crafts and sites of religious and cultural interest. Even cities that do not allow cars will often have a parking lot nearby where you can park and then take a quick walk into the town center. A car can also come in handy for touring the vineyards of the Chianti region to sample local wines. Tuscan roads are generally well maintained; making any car ride fairly smooth.
The Tuscan region is fairly well served by trains. Public trains run from most major Italian cities, such as Rome and Venice, to many larger Tuscan cities. There are frequently daily stops in cities, such as Florence and Sienna. Pisa and Lucca also have well connected train stations. Traveling by train can be very easy. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the same day. Train stations are spacious and filled with signage in English that indicates exactly how to navigate the system.
