Montepulciano, a stunning medieval hilltop town in Tuscany, is famous for its Vino Nobile wine, Renaissance architecture, and breathtaking views of the rolling countryside. But before you can sip a glass of wine in Piazza Grande, you need to figure out how to get there!
Unlike major Italian cities, Montepulciano doesn’t have an airport or direct train station, so getting there requires a bit of planning. In this guide, I’ll break down the best transportation options, whether you’re coming from Rome, Florence, or other parts of Italy.
Getting to Montepulciano from Major Cities
From Rome to Montepulciano
By Car: ~2 hours, 10 minutes (170 km)
- The fastest and most convenient way to get to Montepulciano is by car.
- Take the A1 Autostrada north toward Florence and exit at Chiusi-Chianciano Terme. From there, it’s a 30-minute scenic drive to Montepulciano.
By Train + Bus: ~3 hours
- Take a train from Roma Termini to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme (1.5 hours).
- From Chiusi, take a bus (line FT4 or FT6) to Montepulciano (45-50 minutes).
- Train tickets cost €12-€30, and the bus fare is around €3.
By Private Transfer: ~2 hours
- If you prefer comfort and ease, a private driver can take you door-to-door from Rome to Montepulciano for €250-€350.
From Florence to Montepulciano
By Car: ~1.5 hours (120 km)
- Take the A1 highway south and exit at Valdichiana. Follow signs to Montepulciano.
- This is a beautiful drive through Tuscany!
By Train + Bus: ~2.5 hours
- Take a train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme (1.5 hours).
- From Chiusi, take a bus (line FT4 or FT6) to Montepulciano.
By Private Transfer: ~1.5 hours
- Expect to pay €200-€300 for a private car service.
From Siena to Montepulciano
By Car: ~1 hour (65 km)
- Take the SR2 road south, passing through the stunning Crete Senesi landscape.
By Bus: ~1.5 hours
- The Tiemme bus service (line 112) runs from Siena to Montepulciano.
From Pisa to Montepulciano
By Car: ~2 hours, 15 minutes (180 km)
- Take the A1 highway south.
By Train + Bus: ~3.5 hours
- Take a train from Pisa Centrale to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme (with a transfer in Florence).
- From Chiusi, take the bus to Montepulciano.
Should You Rent a Car?
If you plan to explore Tuscany’s countryside, wineries, and small villages, renting a car is the best option. Montepulciano itself is hilly and has limited parking, but there are parking lots just outside the historic center.
Rental tips:
- Pick up your rental car in Florence, Rome, or Chiusi.
- Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation.
- Watch out for ZTL (limited traffic zones) in historic centers.
Can You Visit Montepulciano Without a Car?
Yes, but it takes more effort! If you don’t drive, the best option is to take the train to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme and then a bus.
If you’re staying in Montepulciano, you can explore the town on foot, but for day trips to wineries or nearby towns, you may need:
Taxis (limited availability, book in advance)
Private drivers (€100-€150 for a half-day tour)
Guided tours that include transportation
Final Tips for Getting to Montepulciano
- Best Airport to Fly Into? Rome (FCO) or Florence (FLR)
- Easiest Route? Renting a car from Florence or Rome
- Best for Budget Travelers? Train to Chiusi + bus
With a little planning, getting to Montepulciano is part of the adventure! Whether you drive through Tuscany’s rolling hills or arrive by train and bus, the moment you set foot in this charming town, you’ll see why it’s worth the journey.
