Only one free day? · Day trip from Florence
Siena or Pisa?
| Field | Siena | Pisa |
|---|---|---|
| Travel time | 1 h 15 by express bus; the direct train takes 1 h 28 | 1 h fastest train 51 min; + 25 min walk to the tower |
| Transport | Rapida bus 131R | Regional train |
| Self-guided | € 35.60–37.60 | € 39.60 |
| Tour | € 58.50 | € 58.50 |
| Time needed | 5–7 h | 2–4 h |
| Closed | None; Sundays and holidays the cathedral opens at 13:30 | None |
| Best time | Weekdays, Apr-Oct; floor uncovered until 15 Nov 2026 | All year; before 10:00 or late afternoon. Tower open 9:00-20:00 in October |
| Verdict | Worth a full day | Worth half a day |
Our verdict
Siena, unless the tower is the point.
With one free day, pick Siena. It fills 5 to 7 hours, costs € 35.60 to € 37.60 with the train and the cathedral pass, and the bus drops you at the old town in 1 h 15. Pisa is 15 minutes closer and costs € 39.60 with the tower climb, but the square is done in 2 to 4 hours and the rest of the day needs a second plan. Pick Pisa if climbing the Leaning Tower is the one thing you came for, if it is Sunday morning, or if you want to add Lucca the same day.
Last checked: · Train times and fares from Trenitalia's journey planner for Wednesday 7 October 2026, bus times from Autolinee Toscane timetables valid from 5 October 2026; opening days and prices from each attraction's official site.