Dreaming of rolling hills, medieval towns, and world-class wine but worried about navigating Tuscany without a car? I’m here to prove that some of the region’s most spectacular destinations are completely accessible by public transportation!

I spent an unforgettable week exploring Tuscany by train and bus in August 2024. Honestly, I loved every single minute of it. There’s something magical about watching the countryside roll by from a train window, arriving in charming hilltop towns without the stress of parking or navigating narrow medieval streets.

You can’t reach every hidden corner of Tuscany without a car, that’s true. But the places you can explore by public transport? Absolutely stunning. They offer an authentic taste of what makes this region so special.

From the iconic towers of San Gimignano to the Renaissance masterpiece of Florence, Italy’s efficient train network opens up incredible possibilities. Local bus connections fill in the gaps perfectly.

In this travel guide, I’m excited to introduce you to seven of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany that you can easily reach by train and bus. In addition, I’ll give you some options on how to even see the countryside!

Each destination offers its own unique charm. Incredible architecture, delicious local cuisine, and that quintessential Tuscan atmosphere that will leave you planning your return trip before you’ve even left.

Get ready to discover that exploring Tuscany without a car isn’t just possible, it’s absolutely magical.

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Where To Stay In Tuscany Without A Car

Do you need a car in Tuscany? Absolutely not! But choosing the right base towns for your accommodation can make all the difference in your car-free adventure.

Rather than staying in just one location, I’d recommend breaking up your time in Tuscany by staying in a couple of different destinations, depending on where you want to explore.

The four towns I’d suggest as your home bases are Siena, Lucca, Florence, and Pisa. Each offers something completely different while providing excellent public transport connections to the surrounding region.

My personal favorite place I stayed was definitely Siena. Nestled in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, this medieval gem offers the perfect balance of accessibility and authentic charm.

Since it’s such a popular day trip destination, Siena transforms throughout the day. You’ll experience quiet, peaceful mornings and evenings when you can truly relish the relaxed vibe of this stunning medieval town without the crowds.

Lucca has a similar feel to Siena with its intimate, walkable historic center and laid-back atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Florence and Pisa are bigger, busier cities that pulse with energy and offer more urban amenities. While they might lack the quiet charm of the smaller towns, they can be fantastic places to base yourself for easily accessing multiple destinations throughout the Tuscany region via their major train stations.

Siena

• Siena UpTown – Sabrina’s Cozy Apartment: This charming hillside apartment is where we stayed during our Siena visit, and it was absolutely perfect for our needs. If you’re traveling with a smaller family, you’ll fall in love with this quaint retreat perched up on the hill with an excellent location and incredibly friendly, helpful host in Sabrina. While it might feel a bit snug for a family of four, it’s ideal for three people or fewer who want an authentic Siena experience at an unbeatable price.
• Palazzo Piccolomini: For families needing more space, Palazzo Piccolomini offers an exceptional alternative in Siena. This spacious property excels with its prime location, generous family-friendly layout featuring excellent sleeping arrangements for kids, and breathtaking views from a wonderfully quiet setting. Everything you’ll want to explore in Siena is easily walkable from this peaceful retreat, making it perfect for families who want room to spread out without sacrificing convenience.
• Residenza d’Epoca ” Il Campo”: For an absolutely unbeatable location, Residenza d’Epoca “Il Campo” delivers the ultimate Siena experience. Imagine opening your window each morning to gaze directly onto Siena’s most famous square, with the iconic clock tower as your personal backdrop! This spacious, immaculately clean property combines prime positioning with a welcoming host who ensures your stay is memorable. While it comes at a higher price point, the premium is completely justified when you’re living right on the Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful squares in all of Italy.

Lucca

• Màrita Apartment: This beautifully updated 2-bedroom apartment sits in a stellar location within Lucca’s historic walled city, offering the perfect blend of medieval charm and modern comfort. The thoughtfully decorated space provides plenty of room for families to spread out, while the exceptionally friendly and communicative host ensures a seamless stay. You’ll love being steps away from Lucca’s cobblestone streets, charming piazzas, and famous city walls. All while enjoying the convenience of a spacious, contemporary home base.
• Casa Alice Lucca Centro: This charming apartment in Lucca’s centro offers exceptional value for families seeking comfort without breaking the budget. The thoughtful sleeping arrangement features a queen bed for parents and twin beds for the kids. A perfect setup that ensures everyone gets a good night’s rest. What really sets this property apart is its impeccable cleanliness, prime central location for exploring Lucca on foot, and truly fantastic price point that makes it an unbeatable choice for budget-conscious families.

Florence

• Condotta 16 Apartments: These stunning 2-bedroom apartments in the heart of Florence offer an exceptional stay with private balconies or terraces that make all the difference. For smaller families or couples, the one-bedroom options provide the same high-quality experience in a more intimate setting. What I absolutely love about these apartments is how bright and airy they feel, combined with their impeccable cleanliness and generous, spacious layouts. While they’re on the pricier side by my standards, the rates are actually mid-range for Florence.
• Boutique Santa Croce: For families seeking a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing location, Boutique Santa Croce delivers excellent value in Florence’s historic center. While the accommodations are more compact than some alternatives, they remain comfortable and thoughtfully designed, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to stay in a fantastic location. You’ll appreciate the money saved while still being perfectly positioned to explore Florence’s treasures on foot.
• Granduomo Charming Accomodation: Perfectly positioned just steps from Florence’s magnificent Duomo, this welcoming property combines an unbeatable location with exceptional hospitality. The super friendly staff goes above and beyond to make families feel at home, including stocking the kitchen with complimentary snacks and drinks. A thoughtful touch that’s especially appreciated when traveling with kids. You’ll love being able to walk to the iconic cathedral and Brunelleschi’s famous dome in minutes while enjoying the comfort of a well-appointed base in the heart of Renaissance Florence.

Pisa

• Prato dei Miracoli Residenza d’Epoca: If waking up to views of the Leaning Tower of Pisa from your bedroom window is on your bucket list, this is where you need to stay. This exceptional property offers the rare opportunity to gaze upon one of the world’s most famous landmarks from the comfort of your room. For families, you’ll need to book two rooms which does increase the cost, but the unparalleled views and superior comfort this elegant hotel provides make it absolutely worth the investment for such a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• Terzopiano: For families seeking a budget-friendly option without compromising on comfort, Terzopiano delivers excellent value with its clean, spacious 3-bedroom layout that accommodates up to 6 guests. Conveniently located near Pisa Centrale train station, this practical choice makes it easy to explore both Pisa’s attractions and venture out to other Tuscan destinations. It’s the perfect base for larger families or groups who want to save money on accommodation while still enjoying plenty of room to spread out.

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Best Time To Visit Tuscany

Wondering about the best time of year to visit Tuscany when relying on public transportation? The answer depends on what you prioritize: perfect weather, smaller crowds, or budget-friendly prices.

Peak Season

(June – August) Summer brings the warmest weather and longest days, making it ideal for outdoor exploration and extended sightseeing hours. However, this is also when Tuscany is at its busiest and most expensive.

Expect crowded trains, packed tourist sites, and higher accommodation prices. The intense heat can also make walking around medieval hilltop towns quite challenging, especially during midday hours.

Shoulder Season

(April – May & September – October) These months offer the best time to travel for most travelers. Spring brings blooming countryside and pleasant temperatures, while early fall delivers harvest season magic with comfortable weather.

Train schedules run frequently, attractions are open with reasonable crowds, and accommodation prices are more manageable.

The weather is perfect for walking tours and outdoor dining without the summer heat.

Off-Season

(November – March) Winter and early spring offer the most budget-friendly prices and smallest crowds, but come with trade-offs. Some smaller attractions may have reduced hours or close entirely. Train schedules to more remote destinations might be limited.

However, major cities like Florence, Siena, and Pisa remain vibrant year-round, and you’ll have famous sites largely to yourself.

For car-free travel, I’d recommend shoulder season when public transportation runs at full capacity and you can enjoy comfortable weather for all the walking involved in exploring these beautiful medieval towns.

7 Beautiful Places In Tuscany

Tuscany is one of Italy’s most picturesque regions, where rolling hills dotted with cypress trees meet medieval hilltop towns and Renaissance masterpieces. You can hardly go wrong choosing any town to explore in this magical corner of Italy.

These are our top picks for the most beautiful towns in Tuscany to visit without a car, each easily accessible by train and local bus connections.

1. Siena

Siena stands out as one of the best cities in Tuscany, and for good reason. This medieval masterpiece does attract plenty of day trippers. But we chose to base ourselves here and found it absolutely perfect.

The secret is staying overnight. The evenings and mornings transform into something magical, with quiet cobblestone streets oozing with authentic charm once the tour groups depart.

Top Things to Do in Siena:

• Visit a local winery to taste Chianti wines in the heart of Tuscany (I recommend La Lastra!)
• Explore the stunning Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares
• Visit the magnificent Siena Cathedral (Duomo) with its intricate facade and marble floors
• Climb Torre del Mangia for panoramic views over the Tuscan countryside
• Wander through the historic neighborhoods to discover hidden gems
• Browse the vibrant markets and local artisan shops
• Grab a wine on the Fortezza Medicea and watch the sunset

2. Monteriggioni

This charming medieval town may be small, but it packs a powerful punch of authentic Tuscan atmosphere. Monteriggioni is incredibly easy to reach from Siena.

This makes it the perfect day trip when you want to experience a perfectly preserved hilltop village. The entire town is encircled by impressive 13th-century walls with towers that seem straight out of a fairy tale.

Top Things to Do in Monteriggioni:

• Stroll down a stretch of the Via Francigena and visit a Romanesque abbey
• Walk along the ancient medieval walls for stunning countryside views
• Explore the central piazza and admire the well-preserved architecture
• Visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in the town center
• Browse local shops for handmade crafts and regional products
• Enjoy lunch at a traditional osteria
• Take photos of the iconic towers and medieval fortifications

3. Buonconvento

When it comes to small towns in Tuscany to visit, Buonconvento is often overlooked by tourists, and that’s exactly what makes it so special.

This medieval gem sits quietly in the Val d’Orcia, and is easily accessible from Siena. It is just waiting to be discovered by those seeking authentic Tuscan experiences.

Make sure to check out the area behind the wall. This is where the magic truly happens, with narrow streets, hidden courtyards, and local life unfolding away from any crowds.

Top Things to Do in Buonconvento:

• Walk along the surrounding countryside for Val d’Orcia views
• Explore the medieval streets within the ancient walls
• Visit the Museum of Sacred Art for beautiful religious artifacts
• Stroll through the charming historic center and main piazza
• Discover hidden courtyards and quiet corners behind the walls
• Enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine at family-run trattorias
• Take photos of the well-preserved medieval architecture

4. San Gimignano

San Gimignano is undoubtedly one of the prettiest towns in Tuscany, famous for its medieval towers that create an unforgettable skyline.

While you’ll need to take a bus to get there from Siena, it’s just one direct bus and surprisingly easy to reach.

This UNESCO World Heritage site can get quite crowded during the middle of the day, but don’t let that deter you. There are plenty of places to escape the crowds!

Head to the Museo Archeologico or the modern and contemporary art gallery for a peaceful cultural break, or explore the Via Francigena outside the walls where you can enjoy stunning countryside views without the tourist masses.

Top Things to Do in San Gimignano:

• Enjoy gelato from Gelateria Dondoli, a world gelato champion
• Marvel at the famous medieval towers from Piazza della Cisterna
• Climb Torre Grossa for panoramic views over the Tuscan hills
• Visit the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta with its beautiful frescoed interior
• Escape crowds at the Museo Archeologico or contemporary art gallery
• Walk along Via Francigena outside the walls for peaceful countryside views
• Sample world-famous Vernaccia white wine at local enotecas

5. Lucca

Lucca ranks among the most beautiful towns in Tuscany to visit, with its perfectly preserved Renaissance walls and charming cobblestone streets.

This delightful walled city makes an excellent base if you’re planning on visiting Pisa too. The two cities are conveniently connected by frequent trains.

What sets Lucca apart is its unique blend of historical significance and relaxed, livable atmosphere. You can easily spend hours wandering its tree-lined ramparts or getting lost in its peaceful squares.

Top Things to Do in Lucca:

• Enjoy aperitivo at outdoor cafes in the charming piazzas
• Walk or bike along the famous Renaissance walls that encircle the city
• Climb the Guinigi Tower with trees growing on top for unique city views
• Explore the beautiful Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, built on ancient Roman ruins
• Visit the stunning Cathedral of San Martino with its intricate facade and explore one of the other 100 churches in Lucca
• Browse the lively markets and local boutiques along Via Fillungo

6. Pisa

Pisa works perfectly as a day trip destination. In fact, I’d recommend staying in nearby Lucca and visiting Pisa for the day.

While there’s not too much to see and do relative to the city’s size, seeing the iconic Leaning Tower is definitely something that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

The famous tower, along with the stunning cathedral and baptistery in the Piazza dei Miracoli, creates one of the world’s most recognizable cityscapes.

Top Things to Do in Pisa:

• Explore the lively university area around Borgo Stretto for local atmosphere
• Visit the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa (book climbing tickets in advance)
• Explore the magnificent Pisa Cathedral with its beautiful Romanesque architecture
• Admire the circular Baptistery with its perfect acoustics
• Wander through the Camposanto Monumentale (monumental cemetery)
• Take the classic “holding up the tower” photos in Piazza dei Miracoli. It is great people watching too!
• Stroll along the Arno River for different views of the city
• Visit the Palazzo Blu for rotating art exhibitions

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7. Arezzo

If you’re visiting Florence, a day trip to Arezzo is absolutely worth the 30-60 minute train ride each way. This is another one of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany, offering a perfect blend of Renaissance art, medieval architecture, and authentic local culture. 

Arezzo provides a wonderful contrast to Florence’s intense tourist atmosphere. Here you can experience genuine Tuscan town life while still enjoying world-class art and historical treasures.

Top Things to Do in Arezzo:

• Visit the Basilica de San Francesco to see Piero della Francesca’s famous frescoes
• Explore the stunning Piazza Grande with its unique sloped medieval square
• Browse the monthly antique market (first weekend of each month)
• Climb to the Fortezza Medicea for panoramic views over the countryside
• Stroll through the historic center’s charming medieval streets
• Go to the top of the clock tower for stunning views of Arezzo

Other Ways To Visit Towns In Tuscany Without A Car

While trains and buses offer excellent access to many Tuscan destinations, there are other fantastic options for exploring the countryside and reaching more remote villages without renting a car.

Guided Tours

Joining organized tours is one of the best ways to see destinations without having a car. However, not all tours are equal, so be sure to read all the details to know what to expect.

Here are some top rated tour options departing from Florence and Siena that I would recommend:

Tours from Florence: 

• Explore Chianti on a Vespa: Tour, Guide, and Lunch in Florence (~6 hours) Take this small group tour to Chianti and explore the countryside on a vespa before stopping at a farmhouse where you will enjoy a Tuscan meal and taste olive oils and Chianti wine.
• Small Group Wine Tasting in Tuscany with Vineyard Visit (~5 hours) Want to see the Chianti region but don’t like Vespas, try this wine tasting tour.
• Guided Tour In Wonderful Tuscany (~4-5 hours) Want to sit back and enjoy the Tuscan scenery and see those famous Cyprus trees? This is the tour for you.

Tours from Siena: 

• Small-Group Montepulciano and Pienza Day Trip (~8 hours) This tour makes visiting Montepulciano and Pienza without a car possible. This fantastic guided tour takes you to both stunning towns and a stop at an organic dairy farm for lunch and a fresh Pecorino cheese tasting.
• Small-Group Arezzo and Cortona Day Trip (~8 hours) Want to visit Arezzo but staying in Siena, make it happen with this small group tour which also includes a stop in the hill-top town of Cortona.

Private Driver

For maximum flexibility and comfort, hiring a private driver offers the perfect compromise between independence and convenience.

A private driver allows you to create a custom itinerary, spend as much time as you want at each destination, and access those hidden hilltop villages that might be challenging to reach by public transport.

While more expensive than tours or public transportation, it’s ideal for families, special occasions, or travelers who want a more personalized experience exploring Tuscany’s stunning countryside.

One option out of Siena is Italy Unfiltered. They provide English speaking drivers and simple transfers from point A to point B. Additionally they can create a tour itinerary with a private driver that could take you to another destination such as Montepulciano or Volterra.

Another option is to book a private driver through Gettransfer.com. You can pick which destination you want to go to, and they will provide pricing and vehicle options for you to choose from. This option is more for just coming and going and not for tours.

Final Thoughts

Exploring Tuscany without a car is not only possible but can be incredibly rewarding. From the efficiency of Italy’s train network to the authentic charm of bus rides through rolling countryside, car-free travel allows you to truly soak in the scenery while someone else handles the driving.

Whether you choose to base yourself in medieval Siena, charming Lucca, or bustling Florence, you’ll discover that some of Tuscany’s most beautiful destinations are just a train ride away. Pack light, embrace the slower pace, and get ready to fall in love with the timeless magic of Tuscany.

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