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Italy’s public buses and trains stop at many towns along the Via di Francesco. If you plan to start your pilgrimage at a certain stage, follow the directions below.
Trains
Trains in Italy are a great way to travel. However they do not reach most of the mountain stages. You’ll need to take a combo of train and bus to reach the majority of stages on the trail.
The efficient and enjoyable Trenitalia System connects the following stages:
Trenitalia tickets are purchased at automated kiosks in train stations which take cash, credit or debit cards.
They can also be purchased online, although the system requires a membership and identification.
Tuscany has the small local train system called TFT Train System (Trasporto Ferroviario Toscano).
Riding the TFT
Because the Trenitalia line ends in Stia, Pilgrims will need to switch to bus or the regional TFT line to continue riding public transit.
Pilgrims can take the TFT train starting Stia in Stage 4 to transportation hub Bibbiena, a town with the train station nearest La Verna.
From Bibbiena, can reach Camaldoli, Badia Prataglia, and La Verna via bus.
See our full guide for getting to La Verna via public transportation.
For most trains, you can buy your tickets at the station. Many will have automated machines with English translation for ticket selection.
All train riders MUST validate their tickets BEFORE entering the train. There are typically small stamping machines near the platform to stamp your ticket.
Train officials check for stamp validation regularly. If you are caught with an unvalidated ticket, significant fines are likely.
From Florence
Trains from Florence to other stages ride on the Trenitalia train line. To see the schedule, follow these steps:
From Arezzo
To reach Stia or Badia Prataglia, or La Verna, pilgrims will need to ride the regional TFT Arezzo-Stia line starting in Arezzo. The Trenitalia train line from Florence intersects with this line in Arezzo. From there, Pilgrims can reach stations in Stia and Bibbiena, where buses connect pilgrims to Camaldoli, Badia Prataglia, and La Verna.
To see the TFT Arezzo-Stia line timetables, follow these steps:
We also recommend visiting Rome2Rio or Google Maps for schedules. It’s possible that schedules will not match these sites, so always double-check at the station.
Buses
Buses are available in most towns throughout the Via di Francesco.
In some cases, it will be most efficient to combine trains and buses to reach your intended stage.
Tuscany has a local bus system called Autolinee Toscane.
Pilgrims can take bus number SI90 from Florence (the beginning of Stage 1) to these towns:
Camaldoli, Badia Prataglia, and La Verna are all accessible by bus with transfers.
Pilgrims will need to reach transportation hub Bibbiena to make transfers to most other towns on the Via di Francesco.
Step 1. Take the Bus SI90 to Stia
Step 2. Take the TFT Stia-Arrezzo line or the Bus SI90 to Bibbiena
Then, take a local bus to your intended destination.
For Camaldoli, take Bus LH3 from Bibbiena.
For La Verna, take Bus H11 From Bibbiena.
For Rifugio Casa Santicchio, take Bus H02 from Bibbiena to Badia Prataglia, then take Bus LH5 to the nearest stop, S.P.62 Bv. Pezza Al Km.6,000.
Look for the Florence Bus Station on Google Maps or download a map PDF from the bus website. A good place to start is Hub Autostazione Firenze. There are staff and ticket counter to help you with any questions.
After purchase, walk to the SI90 bus stop (Google Maps) which is about 15 mins away. *Currently the SI90 bus stop is at the Hub Montelungo. But it can change. Please confirm the stop with ticket vendor.
Please check the bus website here or use Rome2Rio, or Google Map
Bus tickets are sold by tobacco shops throughout Italy. Look for signs with a big blue “T”, used to identify tobacco shops.
We recommend using a Google Translate app when buying tickets outside of major cities.
Note: It is rare that a bus driver will sell a ticket.
When taking a bus from one stage to another, we recommend you to ask the ticket seller to advise you on routes and schedules.
Tickets can be purchased at the tobacco shop nearest the bus stop. Ask the clerk or your accommodations host to assist you in purchasing the right ticket for your destination town.
For tickets from Florence, buy your tickets in the bus station.
Otherwise, bus tickets are sold by tobacco shops throughout Italy. Look for signs with a big letter “T”, used to identify tobacco shops.
We recommend using a Google Translate app when buying tickets outside of major cities.
Note: It is rare that a bus driver will sell a ticket.
We recommend asking the tobacco shop ticket vendor, or checking Rome2Rio or Google Maps for schedules. Always double check the schedule with any printed schedules at the bus stop.
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An opportunity for pilgrims, seekers, and adventurers to take an inward journey alongside the spirit of St Francis.
A Toscana, non-religious non-profit to share the discovery and preservation of Franciscan tradition, Nature, and Art.
Disclosure: We may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links on this site if you decide to purchase linked items, helping us to maintain our trails and provide services to our community of pilgrims. Read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.
By entering your email, you get the Quick Start emails, free Pilgrim Essentials Kit, and more resources, and agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
An opportunity for pilgrims, seekers, and adventurers to take an inward journey alongside the spirit of St Francis.
A Toscana, non-religious non-profit to share the discovery and preservation of Franciscan tradition, Nature, and Art.
Disclosure: We may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links on this site if you decide to purchase linked items, helping us to maintain our trails and provide services to our community of pilgrims. Read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.
