Train to Cortona
⚠️ Transportation Strike Alert (Sciopero)
- Now–Jul 30: Planned engineering works at the Florence rail hub are reducing train frequency on the Cortona–Florence train line (bridge replacement). The Cortona–Rome train line is not affected.
- Now–Sept 6: The Perugia–Terontola train line (the branch toward Perugia/Umbria) is closed for signaling upgrade works, with replacement buses running. Trains toward Florence and Rome via Terontola continue running normally.
- Aug 10–28: Planned maintenance works (tunnel and viaduct) on the Florence–Rome mainline between Chiusi and Orvieto will affect the Cortona–Rome train line, with possible delays and partial replacement transport. The Cortona–Florence train line is not affected.
We update this box as soon as the situation changes — check back before you travel. If you’re unsure, ask us on WhatsApp.
Taking the train to Cortona is the most practical option for most visitors arriving from Florence, Rome or Arezzo. The route is straightforward — but there are two things every visitor needs to know before they board: which station to use, and how to validate their ticket. Get those two right, and the rest is easy.
Need help in English?
We speak English and will help you plan your arrival — including what to do if there’s a strike.
Two Stations — Which One Is Yours?
Cortona is served by two train stations. Neither is inside the historic centre — the town sits on a hilltop, and both stations are down in the valley.
| Station | Distance to Cortona | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Camucia-Cortona | 3 km (2 miles) | Most visitors — local bus connection, taxi rank nearby |
| Terontola-Cortona | 10 km (6 miles) | Trains from Rome — more connections but no direct bus to town |
Insider tip: If you’re coming from Florence, your train almost always stops at Camucia-Cortona. If you’re coming from Rome, check whether your train stops at Camucia or only at Terontola — it makes a big difference for getting up the hill.
Train to Cortona — Journey Times from Major Cities
| From | Journey time | Station | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florence (Santa Maria Novella) | 1h 15–30 min | Camucia-Cortona | Hourly |
| Rome (Termini) | 2h – 2h 30 min | Terontola-Cortona | Every 1–2 hours |
| Arezzo | 25–30 min | Camucia-Cortona | Frequent |
| Perugia | 1h 10–30 min (via Terontola) | Terontola-Cortona | Limited |
Validating Your Ticket — The Rule That Catches Everyone
This is the single most important thing to know before you board a train in Italy.
🚨 Paper ticket? You must stamp it in the yellow or green validation machine on the platform before you board. If you board without stamping, inspectors will fine you on the spot — €50 minimum, no exceptions, no excuses accepted. “I didn’t know” is not a valid defence.
Online ticket or Trenitalia app? No validation needed. The QR code on your phone is your ticket — just show it to the inspector if asked.
Insider tip: The validation machines are on the platform, not inside the station building. They’re small, green or yellow, and easy to miss if you’re rushing. Look for them before you walk onto the platform — not after.
Getting from the Station to Cortona
Both stations are in the valley. The historic centre is up the hill. Here’s how to get there.
From Camucia-Cortona Station
Local bus (LFI): The most economical option. Buses run roughly every hour from just outside the station and take about 15 minutes up to Cortona. A ticket costs around €1–1.20 (approx. $1.30–1.35) and can be bought at the tabaccheria inside the station or on the bus. Validate your bus ticket on board in the machine as soon as you get on.
⚠️ Important: The last bus from Camucia to Cortona runs at approximately 8:00pm. If your train arrives after that, you will need a taxi or private transfer to get up the hill. Plan ahead.
Taxi: Available outside the station. The ride up to Cortona takes about 10 minutes and costs approximately €12–18 (approx. $13–20). Note that drivers may not always speak English.
From Terontola-Cortona Station
There is no direct bus from Terontola to the Cortona town centre. Your options are taxi (approximately €25–35 / $27–38) or a private transfer. If you’re arriving from Rome and want a hassle-free arrival, it’s worth checking whether there’s a connecting train to Camucia — or arranging a pickup in advance.
Italian Railway Strikes — What You Need to Know
Italy has more railway strikes (scioperi) per year than almost any other country in Europe. For most travellers, this is a non-issue — but if a strike falls on your travel day, it can disrupt your plans significantly.
How Italian Railway Strikes Work
Strikes must be announced at least 5 days in advance and are published on the Trenitalia website. During a strike, a reduced “guaranteed service” (fasce di garanzia) operates during morning and evening peak hours — typically 6:00–9:00am and 6:00–9:00pm. Outside those windows, trains may not run at all.
Regional trains (like those serving Camucia-Cortona) are more severely affected than high-speed trains. A strike on the Florence–Rome corridor can leave the Cortona line with very few services for most of the day.
How to Check for Strikes Before You Travel
The most reliable source is the official Trenitalia website or app. Search for “sciopero” alongside your travel dates. Alternatively, send us a message on WhatsApp — we monitor strike announcements and can tell you within minutes whether your travel day is affected.
Insider tip: If a strike is called for your arrival day, the safest move is to travel either the day before or after — or to arrange a private transfer from a major hub like Florence or Rome directly to Cortona, bypassing the train entirely. Ask us and we’ll point you in the right direction.
🍃 Looking for a fully personalised Cortona arrival experience?
Some visitors prefer more than just getting from A to B. If you’d like local guidance, insider recommendations, and a Cortona expert by your side from the moment you arrive — reach out via WhatsApp.
Concierge & Experience Planning · +39 333 4638251
Frequently Asked Questions
Which station is closer to Cortona?
Camucia-Cortona is the closest station to the historic centre — about 3 km (2 miles) away, with a regular bus connection. Terontola-Cortona is 10 km (6 miles) away and has no direct bus to town.
Do I need to validate my train ticket in Italy?
If you have a paper ticket, yes — you must stamp it in the validation machine on the platform before boarding. Online tickets and app tickets do not need to be validated.
What happens if there’s a railway strike on my travel day?
A reduced service operates during morning (6–9 am) and evening (6–9 pm) peak hours. Outside those windows, trains may not run. Check the Trenitalia website or ask us on WhatsApp for up-to-date information.
How do I get from Camucia station to the Cortona town centre?
The local LFI bus runs roughly every hour and takes about 15 minutes. The last bus is around 8 pm. After that, a taxi costs approximately €12–18 (approx. $13–20).
Can I buy train tickets at the station?
The easiest place to buy a train ticket at Camucia station is Bar La Stazione, right next to the platform. The staff speaks enough English to help, and it’s much friendlier than queuing at a machine. If the bar is closed, ticket machines at the station accept both cards and cash.
Getting Around Cortona — More Guides
Once you’ve arrived, here’s everything else you might need:
- Bus to Cortona — the LFI bus between Camucia and the town centre
- Cortona Taxi & NCC Guide — local operators, contact numbers, English speakers
- Private Transfers in Cortona — airport pickups and longer journeys
- Driving to Cortona — parking, ZTL zones, routes
- Getting Around Cortona — Complete Guide