Arriving to Tuscany isn't difficult, and there are several ways of doing it. Tuscany, is one of the most accessible parts of Italy to get to. Moving around within Tuscany isn't necessarily as easy. Here are some ways you can do it.
flying
In order to arrive to Tuscany if you are coming from somewhere outside of Europe it is likely that you will have to fly into Rome or Milan. I prefer Milan since it's closer to Tuscany.
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If you are flying from inside Europe, it is likely you will be able to fly directly into Florence.
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Airports in Milan:
Malpensa (MXP)
Linate (LIN)
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Airport in Florence:
Peretola (FLR)
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Airports in Rome:
Fiumicino (FCO)
Ciampino (CIA)
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Alitalia and Air Italy are the two big Italian airlines. Air Italy is a new airline. I flew it from Miami, the summer of 2018. The overall experience was good during the flight. Leaving Miami, I had to purchase extra luggage, please keep in mind luggage is extra (even one piece checking in), the lady who was in charge of check-in was the worst experience I have had with an airline. Leaving Milan, there was no sign for the airline and it was chaos once I found the Air Italy stand. Be sure to arrive much earlier.
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Alitalia has a mixed reputation; however, in my experience it has been a pleasure flying Alitalia. Especially on their new planes.
There are many airlines that fly in and out of Italy, including low fare planes like EasyJet and Ryan Air.
train
One of the best things about arriving in Italy is how easy it is to get around. The best way is using the train, it's economic, fast, and convenient. All main cities have a train connecting the biggest cities in Italy. If you are staying in a small city, it is very likely there will be a train into one of the main cities that will connect you to anywhere you need to go. If you are trying to get to Tuscany the best way to do it is by heading into Florence. From Florence you can go to Siena, Cortona, etc.
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Main Station in Florence
-Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN)
Main Station in Rome
-Roma Termini
Main Station in Milan
-Milano Centrale
Main Station in Venice
-Venezia Santa Lucia
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There are a few different train options if you want to book your ticket ahead. I recommend buying them ahead of time during the peak summer months or before any holidays. Also, keep in mind if there are any strikes planned, the trains will shut down. Click the pictures below for different train options. Some will be more expensive than others, especially the fast train options.
Note: please be careful at train stations. This is where pickpockets and thievery happens the most. Keep an eye on your belongings the whole time.
moving around Tuscany
Moving around Tuscany and seeing the spectacular Tuscan countryside without a car is challenging. The best way to see it is by renting a car for a couple of days and heading out to the main towns or sites you want to see. If you are wondering what there is to see please refer to the "What To Do - Tuscany" section on the previous menu.
It's better than going by bus because you can stop along the way to see the sunflowers, have a bite to eat, and so much more. My favorite trip to Tuscany was when my best friend and I rented a car.
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The pros of renting a car are the following:
-Freedom
-Much more unique experience
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The cons of renting a car are the following:
-hard to find parking, if you are staying at an AirBnb make sure they have parking or there is parking near by.
-gas is expensive in Europe
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I recommend renting a car at the airport. You can catch a bus or a taxi from the train station to the closest airport and rent there. Please note, that cars get booked up during summer months so book ahead. Also, when renting a car make sure you choose the right transmission. If you don't know how to drive stick shift (manual transmission) choose an automatic, it may be more expensive, but I highly recommend not learning how to drive a manual car in Italy. Lastly, please remember there is a difference between gas and diesel. You might think I'm crazy for writing this in here, but I'm writing it for a reason. I have heard stories of people confusing the two. A diesel engine won't run on gas and you can ruin the engine, and vice versa. Be sure you leave some extra time to drop off the car, sometimes you'll need to catch a shuttle back to the airport, don't cut it too close.
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If you don't feel like driving or maybe don't feel comfortable, you can hire a car. Many places have tours, they ask if you need a car organized for an extra fee. You can get a hire car, be sure you organize a price before.
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Within cities, like Florence and Siena, if you don't plan on leaving, I highly recommend just coming in on the train and catching a taxi to your apartment or hotel. Most of the inner city streets are pedestrian only, or taxis only.
Note: be ware of the traffic signs, you will receive fines in the mail. In addition to signs, there are speed control machines on the highways, if you are speeding you will get a fine later on.
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