Taxis in Siena: How to Call and What to Expect

by Tom Paradis (updated June 21, 2025 for train station pick-up, fares, phone calling, and image)

(Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes based on the author’s experience. Author is not responsible for company actions or behaviors. Buon Viaggio!)

Siena’s taxi service is extensive for a city of this size, with its web site (in English here) claiming to have 55 vehicles and 60 drivers in service. When walking in or around Siena, they are seemingly everywhere, and many visitors depend on them. The company is part of a unified consortium, so all cars are the same color (white) with “taxi” sign boards on the top. They have a diverse fleet of smaller and larger vehicles depending upon the need. The taxis also enjoy privileged access into the historic center, so from the train station or elsewhere they can take you to nearly any specific address in the city (or close to it if you are staying in a narrow alley somewhere).

The typical cost for a taxi between the train station and near the Campo (Piazza Indipendenza or Piazza Mercato, for instance) is about 15-17 euro, give or take. (My taxi trip from the train station cost 15.50 euro to Piazza Mercato on June 21, 2025). Expect a bit more to get across town. Tips are not expected for short trips, though it is courteous to provide an extra euro for handling multiple bags.

Pick-up Location at the Stazione (train station): If arriving by train to Siena, exit the station and turn right to find the taxi stand (curbside). Please note, this is a somewhat new location for the taxi stand, as it used to be located across the street to the left. As of June 2025 the glass shelter and pavement markings were still there, which can cause confusion. Now, there are at least two orange “Taxi” signs facing the station exit that point in the new direction to the right, where they park just around the corner by the curb.

The closest and easiest pick-up or drop-off locations near Piazza del Campo (Siena’s public square and City Hall) are at Piazza del Mercato (behind City Hall on the south side) and Piazza Indipendenza (Via delle Terme, north of Campo, pictured below). You can ask your driver to drop you off at one of these central locations if you’re not sure where else to go near the center. (Note: there is no designated taxi station at Piazza del Mercato, so you will need to call for one.)

Calling a Taxi: What to Expect

For those with working cell phones (or access to other services), anyone can call for a taxi (+39 0577 49222) if one is not available at your current location. From my experience the service is quick, as they have always arrived within 5-10 minutes from within the historic center. For those with limited Italian language skills, however, the phone call can be daunting. (Also, I am learning that you may not be able to make reservations a day in advance in certain cases, so please inquire about this ahead of time. Also confirm if taxis are available earlier in the morning, before 7:00 a.m., though I have personally never had an issue calling for a taxi around 6:00.) Here is what to expect if you call:

• You will be greeted with an automated message in Italian. Don’t worry, this does not mean that nobody is available. Just wait for it to end and stay on the line. In the case of a longer wait time (such as around Palio time), you will hear some repetitive if catchy music.
• A receptionist will then answer with a brief greeting in Italian.
• You can say, “Hello, do you speak English?” If necessary. They might say “A little,” as many of them do. You can try that. If you know some basic Italian, say, “Hello, I would like a taxi at (your location) for (number of) people.
• The receptionist will most likely ask you where you want to go, and (maybe) how many bags you have.
• You will be put on hold while they contact the closest taxi. Just remain on the line (and listen to their catchy music again).
• Either an automated message (new feature) or the receptionist will eventually return and tell you the taxi number (on the side of the car) and in how many minutes the car should arrive. NOTE: If automated, this info flies by quickly, and it is not repeated. If you wait for it to repeat, you will only hear the catchy music again as it reboots your call. If you do not remember the cab number, the driver should confirm with you anyway upon arrival. Congratulations, now you can wait for your ride!

My Own Stories About Siena, the Contrade, and the Palio

I invite all current or future enthusiasts of Siena to consider my two books that span eight years of experiences among the Senese, available as paperback and eBook through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and numerous global retails worldwide. (Click on images below for more information.)