There’s a new way out of Rome that doesn’t involve the high-speed Frecciarossa or a rental car. The Siena Express is a vintage train that runs from Rome Termini to Siena on Saturdays, crossing the Tuscan countryside in 1970s-era carriages with large panoramic windows. Tickets start at around $34 for shorter sections and $57 to $58 for the full route, which is roughly half the price of a standard regional train ticket for the same distance. The service runs for just six weekends, from September 27 through November 2, so the window to catch it is narrow.
The Siena Express crosses Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site traversed by verdant hills, before whooshing past the Obertello Lagoon.
This article covers everything you need to know about the Siena Express — the schedule, stops, pricing, and what to expect onboard — plus how to fit it into a weekend trip from Rome. If you’re after a slow, scenic ride through Tuscany without the hassle of driving, this is worth planning around.
The Siena Express is a genuinely charming way to reach Siena from Rome, but it’s not a practical daily option. It only runs on Saturdays with a Sunday return, and the journey takes nearly five hours — about three hours longer than a direct bus. If you have the time and want the views, it’s a lovely experience. If you’re short on time, stick with the bus or a rental car.
The Siena Express: A Weekend-Only Vintage Route Through Tuscany
Slow travel enthusiasts
Photographers
Weekend trippers from Rome
The Siena Express is a seasonal tourist train, not a commuter service. It departs Rome Termini at 07:42 on Saturdays and arrives in Siena at 12:27, making ten stops along the way. The return journey leaves Siena on Sundays at 15:05. That means you need to be comfortable with a Saturday-to-Sunday itinerary — there’s no same-day round trip.
The route cuts through the Maremma region before entering the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also passes the Obertello Lagoon, a nature reserve that’s often overlooked by tourists. The train itself uses ‘Gran Comfort’ carriages from the 1970s, with large windows designed for sightseeing. It’s not fast, but that’s the point.
One honest limitation: the train only runs for six weekends, and seating is more limited than on regular regional trains. If you’re planning around this, book ahead on Trenitalia’s dedicated Treni Turistici website.
The Siena Express makes ten stops, and a few of them are worth getting off for.
Where the Train Stops and What to See Along the Way
Capalbio: A Hilltop Stone Town in the Maremma
Capalbio is a stone-built town perched on a hill, surrounded by medieval walls. It’s in the Province of Grosseto, about 90 minutes from Rome by train. The stop is brief — just two minutes — but if you’re doing the full Rome–Siena route, you’ll pass through it around 09:25. The views over the surrounding countryside are the main draw here. It’s a quiet spot, not crowded with tourists, and the narrow streets are worth a wander if you decide to break the journey.
One caveat: Capalbio is small, and there’s not much to do beyond walking the walls and having a coffee. It’s more of a scenic pause than a destination.
Orbetello and the Obertello Lagoon
Orbetello sits on a strip of land between the Obertello Lagoon and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The train stops here at 09:34, and the lagoon is visible from the tracks. It’s one of Italy’s landmark nature reserves, known for birdwatching and salt flats. If you’re into wildlife photography, this is the stretch to have your camera ready.
The stop is only two minutes, so you won’t have time to explore. But the view from the train window is the real attraction here.
Grosseto: The Longest Stop on the Route
Grosseto is where the train pauses for 45 minutes — from 09:55 to 10:40. That’s enough time to stretch your legs, grab a pastry, and walk around the city walls. Grosseto’s historic center is compact, with a cathedral and a few good cafes near the station. It’s not as polished as Siena, but it’s a genuine Tuscan town with very few tourists.
If you’re traveling with kids, this is the best stop to let them run around a bit. Michael and I found a small park near the walls during our stop, and the kids burned off some energy before the next leg.
Sit on the left side of the train heading north from Rome. The views of the Val d’Orcia and the Obertello Lagoon are better from that side, especially between Orbetello and Grosseto.
The Siena Express runs on a tight schedule, so planning around the timetable is essential.
Planning Your Trip: Schedule, Tickets, and What to Know
| Route Section | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rome Termini → Tarquinia | 07:42 | 09:03 | 1h 21m | $34 |
| Rome Termini → Capalbio | 07:42 | 09:25 | 1h 43m | $34 |
| Rome Termini → Orbetello | 07:42 | 09:34 | 1h 52m | $34 |
| Rome Termini → Grosseto | 07:42 | 09:55 | 2h 13m | $34 |
| Rome Termini → Siena | 07:42 | 12:27 | 4h 45m | $57–$58 |
Getting Tickets
Tickets are available on Trenitalia’s dedicated Treni Turistici website. Children under 3 travel free (but must be added when booking an adult ticket), and kids aged 4–12 get a 50% discount. Given the limited season — just six weekends — booking in advance is strongly recommended. Seats are more limited than on regular regional trains, and the vintage carriages don’t have the same capacity as a modern train.
What to Pack for the Journey
The train has large panoramic windows, but no air conditioning in the vintage carriages. October afternoons in Tuscany can still reach the low 20s Celsius, so dress in layers. A crossbody bag is ideal for keeping your phone and ticket handy without juggling a backpack in the narrow aisle. If you’re prone to motion sickness on winding tracks, bring a travel pillow — the route through the Maremma has some curves.
The Siena Express does not have a dining car. Pack snacks and water for the nearly five-hour journey. The Grosseto stop (45 minutes) is your best chance to buy food, but the station cafe has limited options.
Getting Back to Rome
The return train departs Siena on Sundays at 15:05. If you miss it, you’ll need to take a regional train or bus back to Rome, which takes around three hours and costs roughly $25–$35. The bus from Siena to Rome is operated by FlixBus and Tiemme, and it drops you at Rome Tiburtina station. It’s a reliable backup, but not as scenic as the vintage train.
Once you’re on the ground in Siena, a few practical details make the difference between a smooth visit and a frustrating one.
On the Ground in Siena: What to Know Before You Go
Navigating Siena’s Historic Center
Siena’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s almost entirely pedestrianized. The train station is at the bottom of the hill, about a 20-minute walk uphill to Piazza del Campo. If you have luggage, consider a taxi or the bus (line 0 connects the station to the center). The streets are narrow and cobblestoned, so wheeled suitcases can be a challenge. A leather backpack is a better option for navigating the medieval alleys.
Eating in Siena: Timing and Local Customs
Lunch in Siena typically runs from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., and many restaurants close between lunch and dinner (the chiusura). If you arrive on the Siena Express at 12:27, you’ll have just enough time to drop your bags and find a table before kitchens close. Look for trattorias on side streets off Piazza del Campo rather than the main square itself — the prices are lower and the food is often better. Pici cacio e pepe is the local pasta dish to try.
Dinner starts around 7:30 p.m. at the earliest, with most restaurants filling up by 8:30. If you’re traveling with kids, aim for an early dinner around 7 p.m. — many places are accommodating if you arrive before the rush.
Church Etiquette in Siena
Siena’s Duomo is one of the most visited churches in Tuscany, and the dress code is strictly enforced. Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women. If you’re visiting in October, a light scarf or shawl is easy to carry and can double as a cover-up. The Duomo is open from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. in October, but check for midday closures on Sundays.
- Book Siena Express tickets in advance on Trenitalia’s Treni Turistici site — the season is only six weekends.
- Pack snacks and water for the nearly five-hour journey; there’s no dining car.
- Take the bus or taxi from the station to the historic center if you have luggage or kids.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Siena Express
Is the Siena Express worth the price?
If you value the experience of a slow, scenic train ride through Tuscany, yes. The full Rome–Siena ticket costs around $57 to $58, which is more than a regional train but less than a high-speed ticket. The panoramic windows and vintage carriages make it feel like a mini tour rather than just transport.
Can I do a day trip from Rome on the Siena Express?
Not really. The train departs Rome on Saturday morning and returns on Sunday afternoon. There’s no same-day round trip. If you only have one day, take a direct bus from Rome to Siena — it takes about three hours each way and runs multiple times daily.
What’s the best seat on the train?
Sit on the left side heading north from Rome for the best views of the Obertello Lagoon and the Val d’Orcia. The right side faces more hills and farmland, which is still pleasant but less dramatic.
Are there bathrooms on the Siena Express?
Yes, the vintage carriages have restrooms, but they’re basic. The Grosseto stop (45 minutes) is the best opportunity to use a proper station bathroom.
What happens if the train is delayed?
The Siena Express is a tourist service, not a high-speed train, so delays are possible. The schedule has built-in buffer time at Grosseto, but if you’re connecting to another train in Siena, leave at least an hour of margin. Regional trains from Siena to Florence or Rome run regularly, so you won’t be stranded.
The Siena Express isn’t the fastest way to get from Rome to Siena, and it won’t suit every itinerary. But for a single weekend in October, it turns a simple transfer into something closer to a rolling tour of the Tuscan countryside — the kind of travel that reminds you why you came to Italy in the first place. If the timing works, it’s worth the slower pace. For more ideas on how to spend your time in Rome before or after the trip, browse our Rome guides.
Sources and further reading
Italy Launches New Scenic Train From Rome To This Beautiful Medieval Town. Travel Off Path, 2025.