Getting around Siena

Public transport

To savour Siena, simply trust your feet. The city is mostly pedestrianised, so walking around is one of its greatest joys. It is hillier than it looks though, so invest in a pair of designer trainers, Sienese-style.

The limited Pollicino bus service, operated by TRAIN (tel: +39 0577 204 111; www.trainspa.it), mainly covers areas outside the city walls but passes through a few central streets too. Tickets are available from tobacconists or the La Lizza information centre. You can also buy a day pass for city bus travel within the central zone (Tariffa A Urbana) from the tourist information office.

Taxis

Siena's main taxi rank is on Piazza Matteotti, and there is another outside the train station. The reputable Taxi Siena (tel: +39 0577 49222) can be booked over the phone. Tipping is not expected.

Driving

Medieval Siena was not designed for cars. The city is closed to traffic but visitors with hotel reservations are generally allowed to drive in, if only to park. A number of car parks lie outside the city walls. The most convenient are Parcheggio Il Duomo on Via del Nuovo Asilo (for the centre), and Parcheggio Stazione on Piazzale Fratelli Rosselli (for the railway station).

Car hire

Drivers must be at least 23 years old to hire a car and all drivers without an EU licence must carry an International Driving Permit. For competitive quotes, check the usual suspects online, otherwise try Hertz (tel: +39 0577 45085; www.hertz.com) and Europcar (tel: +39 0577 288 938; www.europcar.com).

Bicycle hire

DF Bike (tel: +39 0577 271 905; www.dfbike.it/en) is a reliable bicycle rental and repairs company. Elsewhere, Siena Bike Tour (tel: +39 377 670 4235; www.sienabiketour.com) has electric bikes to hire.