San Gimignano is a beautiful old town in the Tuscan countryside. It’s full of history and charm, and it’s easy to visit in just one day from Florence. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to get to San Gimignano from Florence, whether you’re traveling by car, bus, or train.
Why Visit San Gimignano?
San Gimignano is a small town known for its medieval buildings, stone streets, and tall towers — there used to be more than 70, and 13 are still standing today. It’s easy to walk around in a day, and you’ll find charming shops, delicious gelato, and the famous local white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
How Far Is San Gimignano from Florence?
San Gimignano is located approximately 60 kilometers (about 37 miles) southwest of Florence. Travel time varies depending on your mode of transportation, but typically ranges from 1 to 2 hours.
Is San Gimignano a Day Trip?
Yes — San Gimignano is small enough to see in one day. You can walk through the old town, visit the towers and museums, enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch, and explore the quiet streets. While it’s also beautiful at sunset, most visitors find that a day trip from Florence is just right. If you’re interested in San Gimignano, you might also want to check out some other amazing day trips from Florence!
How to Get to San Gimignano from Florence by Car
Driving is the fastest and most flexible way to get to San Gimignano. You can stop at pretty villages or local wineries along the way and enjoy the scenic drive.
- Travel time: About 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Parking: You can’t drive into the historic center because it’s a ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato), which means only locals can enter with a car. But there are easy-to-find parking lots just outside the walls, like P1 Giubileo or P2 Montemaggio.
👉 If you want to learn more about driving in Italy, check out our full guide to renting a car and using Italian roads: Renting a Car in Italy: Complete 2025 Guide for Tourists
How to Get to San Gimignano from Florence by bus
There isn’t a direct bus from Florence to San Gimignano, but the journey is straightforward with one transfer.
Florence to Poggibonsi
- You can catch bus 131 from Firenze Autostazione, the main bus station near Santa Maria Novella. The ride to Poggibonsi takes about 50 minutes with Autolinee Toscane.
Poggibonsi to San Gimignano
- At Poggibonsi FS (the train station), switch to bus 130. It takes about 25 minutes and drops you off at Porta San Giovanni, right at the entrance to San Gimignano’s old town.
If you’re new to Tuscany’s bus system and need tips on how to buy tickets, check out my full guide on how to buy bus tickets in Tuscany.
How to Get to San Gimignano from Florence by train
There is no train station in San Gimignano, but you can take a train to Poggibonsi and continue by bus.
- Step 1: Take a regional train from Florence to Poggibonsi-San Gimignano (about 1 hour 20 minutes).
- Step 2: From the station, catch a local bus 130 to San Gimignano (20–25 minutes).
Tickets: Available via Trenitalia or at the station.
Tip: Remember to convalidate your train tickets
While You’re in Florence
Before or after your trip to San Gimignano, take some time to enjoy Florence, too. You can look for Florence wine windows around the city — a fun and unique tradition Or take a walk across the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, one of Florence’s most beautiful spots
Explore Florence like a local: Planning your time in Florence before or after your day trip? Our The Best Way to Spend 48 Hours in Florence: A Genuine Local Guide is packed with advice.
Final Tips
- Start early: Aim to leave Florence by 8–9 AM to enjoy a full day in San Gimignano.
- Plan ahead: Double-check return times, especially if you’re relying on public transport.
- Pack comfortable shoes: San Gimignano’s streets are cobbled and hilly.
- Consider the best time to visit: To make the most of your trip to San Gimignano, take a look at our guide San Gimignano: When to Go, What to Do, and How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Florence to San Gimignano has a few main ways to go. If you’re watching your budget and want to see the countryside, the bus is a good shout – just know you’ll switch in Poggibonsi.
The train to Poggibonsi and then a bus is another easy option.
If you’ve got a car, that gives you the most freedom, but parking is outside the old town.
And a taxi is the quickest and easiest, though it’ll cost you more.
Honestly, no matter how you get there, seeing those amazing towers of San Gimignano is a real treat after coming from Florence.