Quick answer
The best day trips from Florence are Pisa and Lucca (by regional train), Siena and San Gimignano (by bus or on a tour), the Chianti (by car or on a wine-tasting tour), Fiesole (by city bus, half a day), and the Val d’Orcia and Cinque Terre (best on an organised tour). Staying near Santa Maria Novella makes it easy: trains and buses leave a few minutes from our apartments.
Florence is the perfect base for exploring Tuscany. Staying near Santa Maria Novella station, you can leave early and be back in the evening without changing accommodation. Here are the destinations we recommend most to our guests, with the easiest way to reach each one.
Which day trips from Florence are easiest by train?
Pisa and Lucca: frequent regional trains from Santa Maria Novella take about an hour or a little more, and you can combine both in one day. Read our guide Pisa and Lucca in one day by train.
How to see Siena and San Gimignano in one day?
Siena is reachable by bus or train; San Gimignano is easier on a tour or by car, since public transport needs a change in Poggibonsi. Details in Siena and San Gimignano from Florence.
Can you visit the Chianti from Florence?
Yes, the Chianti starts just outside the city. The best option is a wine-tasting tour with transport, so nobody has to drive after the wine. More in our Chianti tour from Florence guide.
What to see near Florence in half a day?
Fiesole, on the hill above Florence: a Roman theatre, a stunning view over the city and a relaxed atmosphere, reached by city bus. Full guide: Fiesole in half a day.
Val d’Orcia and Cinque Terre: can you do them in a day?
Yes, but they are long days. The Val d’Orcia, with Pienza, Montalcino and Tuscany’s most photographed cypress roads, is easier on a tour or by car. The Cinque Terre can be reached by train with changes or on an organised day tour.
Organised tour or DIY?
- DIY by train: ideal for Pisa, Lucca and Siena; cheap and flexible.
- Organised tour: convenient for the Chianti, San Gimignano, Val d’Orcia and Cinque Terre, where public transport is less practical.
- Rental car: maximum freedom; pick it up and drop it off outside the ZTL (see our Florence ZTL guide).
Practical tips for day trips from Florence
- Leave early: at 8am trains and roads are less crowded.
- Check train times and strikes the day before.
- On your departure day, leave your bags at Luggage Storage Hub on Via Palazzuolo 170 (7am-11pm) and enjoy your last trip hands-free.
- Want to experience Florence differently too? Read our experiences to try in Florence.
The ideal base for Tuscany day trips: 5 minutes from the station
Check availabilityFAQ
What is the easiest day trip from Florence?
Pisa is the easiest day trip from Florence: about an hour by regional train from Santa Maria Novella.
Can you visit Pisa and Lucca on the same day?
Yes, Pisa and Lucca are on the same railway line and can be combined in one day.
Do you need a car to explore Tuscany from Florence?
No, many destinations are reachable by train or bus; for the Chianti and Val d’Orcia an organised tour or rental car is easier.