Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) is in the historic center, so the last stretch is usually on foot. The practical decision is how you’ll get to the center: train and escalators, bus, taxi, or parking outside the ZTL. Once you pick that part, reaching the Duomo is straightforward.
By public transport
From Siena Railway Station (best options)
You have three realistic ways to reach the center from the station:
1) Escalator shortcut (fastest “Siena hack”)
Use the Train station toPorta Camollia route. It runs through the Porta Siena shopping center and takes you up toward the Antiporto/Porta Camollia area, saving you the steepest part of the climb.
2) Bus to the center (easy if you don’t want uphill walking)
Buses from the station connect to central drop-off points (commonly used by visitors). If you’re using specific lines, these are two commonly used options:
- 0S7 (Stufa Secca–FS and other stops)
- 0S1 (Via Tozzi circular route)
Routes/timetables can change seasonally; check the operator page on the day.
3) Taxi
Best if you have luggage or you’re short on time. You won’t be dropped “at the Cathedral doors” (the area is pedestrian), but it’s the simplest way to reach the center without effort.
Not sure what to focus on inside? Use our what to see in Siena Cathedral guide.
Parking near Siena Cathedral (ZTL-safe choices)
Siena has a ZTL (limited traffic zone), so cars can’t reach the Duomo itself. The simplest plan is to park at a visitor-friendly garage and walk in (or use the escalators, where available).
Best parking garages
The main garages near Siena’s center charge €2 per hour and €35 per day. If you’re staying overnight, some hotels offer a QR code for a €25/day rate at Il Campo, Santa Caterina, Il Duomo, and San Francesco (with conditions).
Santa Caterina Parking (Parcheggio Santa Caterina)
- Near the Duomo/Santa Maria della Scala area, connected by a nearby free mechanical lift system
- 3 levels, 473 spaces, open 24/7
San Francesco Parking (Parcheggio San Francesco)
- Connected to the center via a free mechanical lift system
- 2 levels, 271 spaces, open 24/7
Il Campo Parking (Parcheggio Il Campo)
- Located inside Porta Tufi, close to Piazza del Campo
- 4 levels, 525 spaces, open 24/7
- Driving note: follow signs to the ZTL access gates for that area (commonly referred to as Porta Tufi / Fontanella). The city has issued updates about these access points, so don’t assume every gate is valid for your route.
Want to check times before you go? Here are the opening hours for Siena Cathedral.
Essential reading
By plane
The most common airport for Siena is Florence Airport (Amerigo Vespucci / FLR). Florence Airport to Siena is about 80 km, and the fastest transfer is usually by car; public transport takes longer and involves changes.
Other airports people use for Siena include Pisa and Rome, depending on flight prices and onward connections.
Want to book now? See Siena Cathedral ticket options here.
Key distances and travel times
- Siena Railway Station to Siena Cathedral: about 2.2 km on foot. Plan 25–30 minutes walking (uphill in parts).
- Siena Railway Station to Siena Cathedral (taxi): about 8–10 minutes, depending on traffic and drop-off point.
- Siena Railway Station to the center by bus: the ride is 6–7 minutes, but allow 15–20 minutes total with waiting and walking.
- Florence Airport (FLR) to Siena: around 80 km by road.
Want a smoother visit? Here are our tips for visiting Siena Cathedral.
recommended reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the questions visitors ask most often when planning how to get to Siena Cathedral.
Can I drive to Siena Cathedral?
No, cars can’t reach the Duomo itself. Park at a visitor garage and walk (or use escalators where available).
What’s the easiest way from the Siena train station to the Duomo?
A bus or taxi is easiest if you don’t want the uphill walk. Many visitors also use the escalator shortcut from the station to Porta Camollia.
How far is Siena Cathedral from the train station?
It’s about 2.2 km on foot. Most people take 25–30 minutes because parts of the route climb uphill into the center. If you don’t want to walk, you can take a taxi or a bus up to the center, then finish with a short walk.
Which parking is best for the Duomo?
Santa Caterina is a common pick for access to the Duomo; Il Campo is convenient if you’re doing Piazza del Campo first.
Is the ZTL enforced?
Yes, treat it seriously. Use designated garages and follow parking signage rather than relying on “drive-to-center” navigation.