How to Get to Cortona: The Complete Guide
How to get to Cortona is one of the first questions every visitor asks — and for good reason. Cortona sits on a hilltop in eastern Tuscany, between Arezzo and Lake Trasimeno. It’s not on a major rail line and there’s no airport — but knowing how to get to Cortona is easier than you’d think once you know your options.
By Train
The nearest train station is Camucia-Cortona, about 5 km from the historic centre. It sits on the Florence–Rome line, which means connections are frequent and straightforward.
From Florence: Take a regional train toward Arezzo or Rome and get off at Camucia-Cortona. Journey time is around 1.5–2 hours. Trains run several times daily.
From Rome: Take a regional train north toward Florence or Arezzo. Journey time is approximately 2–2.5 hours.
From Arezzo: The quickest connection — just 20–30 minutes by regional train.
Once at Camucia station, take the local LFI bus up to the historic centre (Piazza Garibaldi). Buses run roughly every 30 minutes during the day. Taxis are also available at the station.
Insider tip: Book train tickets in advance on Trenitalia or use a regional pass if you’re making multiple stops in Tuscany.
By Car
Driving to Cortona is one of the best ways to arrive — especially if you’re coming from other parts of Tuscany or Umbria. The roads are scenic and parking, while limited inside the walls, is available just outside the historic gates.
From Florence: Take the A1 autostrada south, exit at Valdichiana, then follow signs for Cortona. Total drive time: around 1.5 hours.
From Rome: Take the A1 north, exit at Valdichiana. Around 2.5 hours.
From Siena: Head southeast via the SS326 or SS73. Around 1 hour.
Parking: The main car parks are at Piazzale del Mercato and Piazza del Mercato Vecchio, just outside the city walls. Both are free or low-cost. Do not attempt to drive inside the historic centre — most streets are restricted to residents.
Insider tip: If you’re arriving in summer, aim to arrive before 10am or after 6pm. Parking fills up quickly during peak season.
By Plane
There’s no airport in Cortona, but several airports offer convenient access:
Florence Airport (Peretola / FLR): Around 1.5 hours by car. Good connections from major European cities.
Rome Fiumicino (FCO): Around 2.5 hours by car or train. Best for long-haul flights.
Perugia Airport (Sant’Egidio / PEG): The closest airport — just 45 minutes by car. Serves a limited number of European routes including Ryanair flights from London Stansted.
Pisa Airport (Galileo Galilei / PSA): Around 2 hours by car. Good for budget airlines from northern Europe.
Insider tip: If you’re flying into Perugia, rent a car at the airport — it’s the most convenient option and gives you flexibility to explore the surrounding area.
By Bus
Long-distance buses (FlixBus, Eurolines) don’t serve Cortona directly, but regional LFI buses connect Camucia with Cortona and with nearby towns including Arezzo, Castiglione del Lago, and Montepulciano.
Check the LFI website for timetables.
Getting Around Once You’re There
Cortona’s historic centre is compact and almost entirely pedestrianised. Most sights, restaurants and shops are within a 10–15 minute walk of Piazza della Repubblica.
The town is hilly — comfortable shoes are essential. The main climb from Piazza Garibaldi (where the bus drops you) to Piazza della Repubblica takes about 10 minutes on foot.
A local minibus (Shuttle Bus) also runs between the lower and upper parts of town — useful when you’re carrying bags or after a long day.
Practical Information
| Nearest train station | Camucia-Cortona (5 km) |
| Nearest airport | Perugia (45 min by car) |
| Best way to arrive | By car or train |
| Parking | Free at Piazzale del Mercato |
| Local bus | LFI — runs from Camucia to Cortona centre |
Insider Tip
If you can, arrive on a weekday morning. Cortona is busy in summer — arriving early gives you the town almost to yourself before the day-trippers arrive from Arezzo and Florence. There’s nothing quite like walking through the gates of Cortona in the early morning light.
Making the Most of Your Stay Near Cortona
Staying near Cortona opens up a world of authentic Tuscan experiences beyond the hotel itself. From olive oil tastings and winery visits to hands-on cooking classes and local artisan workshops — our sister site MyTuscanDays curates the finest experiences in the Cortona area, personally selected by a local expert who has lived here for years.
Whatever you’re looking for — we’re one message away.
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