Many foreigners heading to Tuscany rent a car to explore the area at their own pace. Having a car can have plenty of benefits. You can follow your own Tuscany road trip itinerary without having to rely on train time schedules or wonder whether a remote location is accessible by public transport or not. However, there are some negatives too.
Having to drive means keeping your alcohol intake to the bare minimum, as Italian laws are extremely strict. This can be problematic for someone visiting Tuscany, a region renowned for its wine production. On top of this, renting a car can be pretty expensive, and you will have to deal with the notoriously reckless Italian drivers. Luckily, you can easily visit Tuscany without a car. But how?
Is It Possible to Travel to Tuscany Without a Car?
Definitely yes! Italy, especially the northern regions, has a quite efficient transportation system that serves the most popular cities as well as remote locations, such as little top-hill towns. However, it’s important to point out that relying on public transportation often means having to compromise.
For instance, you may have to leave a location earlier than expected to return to your accommodation or wake up quite early to take buses or trains used by commuters heading to work.
It’s also important to point out that while Italian transportation is generally reliable, you can’t expect Japanese levels of efficiency. Some trains may be late, others may be deleted, and unexpected strikes may disrupt your plans. So, if you’re opting for public transportation, pack some extra patience.
Okay, now that we have established this, let’s figure out the best way to visit Tuscany without a car.
Best Ways to Get Around Tuscany Without a Car
There are quite a few methods to travel through Tuscany without a car. Here are some of the most common.
Buses
Buses can be the ideal option to reach all the little villages and towns not served by the train system. They are quite cheap but can be slow depending on where you need to go. Autolinee Toscane is the main company in the region, and luckily, their website is available in English. You can purchase a ticket in several ways. You can use your contactless credit card on the bus, purchase the ticket directly from the driver, or buy it online before your trip.
Most stores selling newspapers and cigarettes, known as ‘tabaccheria,’ also tend to sell these across the region. Ask for the closest ‘tabaccheria,’ and you’ll probably be able to buy your ticket. Here is a list of all available payment methods.
Pros
- Cheap
- Big network serving small villages
Cons
- Limited time options
- Slow
Trains
Trains can be ideal when visiting big cities such as Florence, Pisa, Siena, and Lucca. Most of the trains in Italy are operated by Trenitalia, which also has an English site. You can buy tickets at the train station or online.
Trains are faster and have more timing options than buses. A trip from Florence to Pisa lasts about one hour and costs roughly $10. However, most Tuscany villages are not connected to the local railway system. Your best option in this case is to rely on a train heading to the closest town to your final destination and then opt for a bus.
Pros
- Relatively cheap
- Fast
- Good time options
Cons
- Limited network
Taxis and Ubers
We would not recommend opting for a taxi or an Uber in Tuscany unless necessary. Most Italians never travel by taxi, as the prices are incredibly expensive. On top of this, unlike most other countries, you won’t easily find taxis around, and getting a driver could be a real challenge.
Uber in Tuscany is also not a great option. The Italian government has banned transportation apps to avoid competition with local taxi drivers. As a consequence, only the more expensive forms of Uber are available, which are often not worth the price.
Cons:
- Extremely rare
- Very expensive
Private driver
Unlike taxis, private tours can be a good option for people who do not want to deal with the limitations imposed by public transportation and without budget restrictions.
Known as noleggio con conducente (NCC), this service allows you to rent a car with a personal driver. This is the perfect option for those who want to follow their own itinerary while avoiding driving. Prices usually go by day, and you can chat with your driver to ask questions on the best places to visit and other tips and advice. On the negative side, this transportation method can be costly compared to the others.
Pros:
- Complete freedom
- No time limits
Cons:
- Expensive
Organized Tours
An organized tour can also be a good option if you dislike the idea of fully relying on public transportation. There are quite a few benefits to choosing organized tours. First, you don’t have to worry about buying tickets, figuring out which bus goes where, and whether you’ll miss the last train.
Tuscany bus tours are often coupled with interesting activities, such as visits to wineries, Medieval villages, museums, and castles. Your English-speaking guide will answer all your questions and share interesting anecdotes throughout the day, helping you learn more about this region.
On the negative side, your tour operator will organize everything, so you won’t be able to customize your trip. However, this can be a good option if you hate planning. Remember that depending on your chosen tour, the experience may also be extremely touristy, so do plenty of research and select the perfect guide to avoid this.
Pros:
- No time limits
- No need to plan
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- No possibility of customizing your trip
Rental
We established that you don’t want to rent a car, but what about a bike? Or a Vespa? This can be a unique way to visit Tuscany as it gives you complete freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want.
Dealing with Italian drivers while driving a Vespa is easier than driving a car, and you won’t get stuck in traffic for hours. If you opt for a bike, you will also get some training, but choose the right trails to avoid massive highways where bikes are not allowed.
Pros:
- No time limitations
- Relatively cheap
Cons:
- You need to have a driving license to ride a Vespa
- You need to be relatively fit if you choose a bike (or opt for an electric one!)
- You may not be able to travel to far-away destinations
Where to Stay in Tuscany Without a Car
If you’re now wondering where to stay in Tuscany without a car, we suggest you opt for one of the main cities in the region, such as Pisa, Florence, or Siena. If you decide to follow our suggestions, check out our guide to these historic cities to ensure you don’t miss any of the amazing sites found here.
Opting for one of the many Tuscan villas for rent in the countryside or small towns may be tempting, but you must consider transportation. While hundreds of trains depart daily from Tuscany’s main cities, transportation options are way more limited in the countryside or small villages.
Of course, if you opt for a private driver or rent a Vespa during your stay, you can book your accommodation wherever you prefer. However, staying in the main cities will be your best option if this is not the case.
Tuscany Travel Tips for Car-Free Visitors
If you’ve officially decided to travel to Tuscany without a car, here are a few extra tips to ensure you make the most of your time in this unique region.
Tipping in Tuscany
First of all, tipping is not required in Tuscany. This means that if you hire a private driver or book an organized tour, it is entirely up to you whether to leave extra money to your guide. Regardless of your choice, you won’t be judged for it.
Google Maps in Tuscany
Google Maps can be highly reliable when driving, so it can be a great option if you’re renting a Vespa. However, when it comes to public transportation, this app is not always up-to-date. Autolinee Toscane and Trenitalia’s official websites tend to be more reliable if you opt for a bus or train.
Hitchhiking in Tuscany
Unfortunately, hitchhiking in Italy is uncommon, so you probably won’t find anyone giving you a lift for free. In addition, it’s important to point out that this practice is illegal on the highways due to safety issues.
Last-Minute Trains
When opting for a train, you can easily arrive at the station a few minutes before your departure and book your ticket without fear of not finding a place. While seats may run out for the most popular routes during peak hours, people can still enter the train and stand up, so there is no need to book in advance unless you’re certain you will take a specific train.