Chianti is a large area and it can be difficult getting around, especially if you are planning to use public transportation. On the other hand, driving in Chianti can be an enjoyable experience as long as you have a GPS system or detailed map.

By Car

Getting around by car is the best way to discover Chianti. Not only will a car accomodate all of your luggage, but you can also decide your own itinerary. The winding roads of Chianti are in good condition with charming views of the countryside. Connecting small villages to large towns, visitors are invited to stop and discover the many treasures of Tuscany including the tiny medieval village of Volpaia, the imposing historical Castle of Brolio, home of the Grand Baron Ricasoli, inventor of modern wine-making and Badia a Passignano, ancient headquarters of the Chianti League.

From Florence there are three main roads that take you into Chianti and toward Siena:
Superstrada Firenze-Siena is a toll-free 4-lane highway that goes along the western border of Chianti and the Val D'Era valley. It is the fastest way to move around (about 50 minutes if you go straight to Siena), but it doesn`t give you a chance to enjoy the landscape of Chianti. `Poggibonsi Nord` is the exit into Chianti. From there, follow your map or your GPS to where you want to go.
SR222, also known as the Chiantigiana road, is a state 2-lane road that meanders up and down the hills of Chianti passing through most of the scenic, typical villages of the region. This road is NOT recommended at nighttime since it is dark and curvy, but if you have no choice, then drive carefully since you might also encounter wild boars and deer making nighttime crossings.
SR2 Cassia is the old Roman highway that runs parallel to the Superstrada mentioned above. It runs along the border of the Chianti region, passing through Poggibonsi and Monteriggioni. Follow the Cassia from Florence down to Falciani, then take local roads to get to Greve and continue on the Chiantigiana road into Chianti.

If you want to visit Chianti without a car, patience and a good guide book are essential. Careful planning is necessary if you intend to use public transportation since there are no connections between or to main destinations.

By Train

The railway lines in Tuscany are well established, but they don`treach Chianti`s main attractions. There are two main train stations inChianti: one in Poggibonsi and the other in Castellinathat connect Florence and Siena. You need to change trains at theEmpoli train station if you`re coming or going to Florence. All trainsto and from Chianti stop in Empoli, therefore service during the weekis good and you can catch a train almost every 30 minutes.

From Poggibonsi and Castellina, you can catch a bus to reach the main villages and towns in Chianti.

Poggibonsiis the better option if you want to visit San Gimignano, Monteriggioniand other places nearby before moving on to Chianti and Siena.

Castellina in Chiantiis right in the heart of Chianti and is the ideal start for your trip into the area.

By Bus

You can go almost everywhere by bus (and a bit of walking). The only problem is usually the bus schedules. You should ALWAYScheck them before you leave! SITA buses leave directly from Florence`scentral SMN train station and stop in almost every single village butnot all do so. For example, catch line 365 from Florence to Greve,Radda, Castellina and Gaiole but pay attention as some buses end inGreve. It is recommended that you check bus schedules carefully,especially on Sundays and holidays (when buses are even fewer) as wellas for the return trip.

When walking, use the minor, mostly unpaved roads through the hills and countryside. If you can avoid it, do NOT walk along the main roads. Buy a local walking map to plan your journey so you don't get lost.

You can find SITA tickets at the train and bus stations or near busstops at local `Tabacchi` shops or bars (coffee shops). Bus tickets areinexpensive and fares go by the kilometers to be traveled. Whentraveling by bus, smaller pieces of luggage are recommended for greatermobility.

By Bike or Scooter

After arriving in Chianti by bus or train you can then move around by bike or scooter also. These are a good choice for day trips rather than your entire vacation. In Greve there is a big cycle shop, Officina Ramuzzi that offers daily and weekly bike rentals and scooters. Talk about an ideal solution for a slow and relaxing vacation in Chianti!