Clinging to Ligurian cliffs, the colorful fishing villages of Cinque Terre are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts millions of annual visitors. Untouched by time, the terraced hills, pastel-hued buildings, and breathtaking hiking trails retain an unspoiled beauty that keeps visitors coming back for more.
The compact region is perfect for rail exploration. Regional rail services connect all the villages for quick and hassle-free travel. There are also numerous options to reach the region from major cities. We cover everything you need to know about traveling from three of the biggest: Rome to Cinque Terre, Cinque Terre from Milan, and the train from Florence to Cinque Terre. We start with one of the most compelling journeys, the Florence to Cinque Terre train.
Florence to Cinque Terre by Train
Florence will be a stepping stone for many travelers to Cinque Terre. Both destinations have a rich heritage and the Tuscan capital pairs well with the picturesque coastline. Especially as the train from Florence to Cinque Terre takes under 3 hours.
The first port of call is La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre. La Spezia is just under 2 hours from Florence by direct train. It’s a pleasant journey through Tuscan landscapes and the city of Pisa.
Your journey to Cinque Terre by train begins at one of several stations in Florence, with a choice of 35 to 40 direct and indirect trains of various types. In La Spezia Centrale, it’s a short hop across platforms to catch a regional train through Cinque Terre.
The fastest trains to La Spezia are three high-speed Frecciargento Florence to Cinque Terre trains that make just one or two stops.
One of those stops is Pisa Centrale. Strain your neck at the right moment, and you may catch a fleeting glimpse of the famous Leaning Tower. But if you want to see the structure up close, it is feasible to stop a few hours in Pisa and still reach Cinque Terre by evening.
Although there are lots of options, you can’t top the Frecce trains for comfort and style when traveling from Florence to Cinque Terre via La Spezia. You get wide reclining seats, plenty of luggage space, free Wi-Fi, and a café-bar.
Counterintuitively, these premium high-speed services can also be the least expensive when booked ahead. The drawback is that there are just three daily services. And, unless you’re staying in La Spezia, you can discount the evening option as it arrives too late to catch an onward train to Cinque Terre.
Numerous regional and Intercity trains combine for viable alternatives to Frecce trains. With just one or two changes, many still reach La Spezia in under 2.5 hours.
The regional Tuscany Line is probably the most compelling for rail travel buffs. The journey tacks through the pastoral Tuscan countryside, passing through towns like Empoli or Pontedera. Luxuries are in short supply on regional trains, so don’t expect much more than a seat and views. But it is a comfortable journey that offers more departure options and the chance to create a unique Tuscan rail odyssey before reaching Cinque Terre.
Whichever route you take, all trains converge on La Spezia. From there, the villages of Cinque Terre are mere minutes away on a regional train. In the summer, timetables are bolstered by the additional services of the Cinque Terre Express so you never have to wait long.
You can book your complete journey to Cinque Terre by train in one ticket. If you plan to explore the coastline, a one-day travel card (Cinque Terre Train Card) is an economical ‘hop-on, hop-off’ option. Cinque Terre trains cards can be picked up from Welcome Centers in each village.
However you reach La Spezia, the concluding rail journey on the local Cinque Terre trains is a thrilling introduction to the mesmerizing coastline. There’s every chance you’ll be getting on and off that train for the duration of your stay, if only to enjoy the views.
Florence to Cinque Terre by Train Details
- Prices:
- Direct Florence to La Spezia trains from €9.90 when booked up to 4 months in advance at Trenitalia.
- Indirect trains from Florence to La Spezia start at €14.40, including trains on the Tuscany Line.
- A single onward journey on the Cinque Terre Express costs €5 (summer only).
- Other regional trains from La Spezia to Cinque Terre cost €2-3, depending on the destination.
- A one-day Cinque Terre Train Card (unlimited all-day travel) costs €18.20.
- Frequency:
- Four daily direct trains from Firenze Campo di Martre to La Spezia Centrale, including morning, afternoon, and two evening services.
- 30+ indirect services from stations across Florence to La Spezia.
- Cinque Terre regional trains depart every 15 minutes (spring through fall). During winter, there are 1-2 hourly services.
- Duration:
- High-speed direct trains from Florence to La Spezia take between 1 hour 35 minutes and 1 hour 43 minutes.
- Indirect trains from Florence to La Spezia take 2 to 3 hours.
- Cinque Terre regional trains head from village to village in 5 to 10 minutes.
Rome to Cinque Terre by Train
For visitors traveling by train from Rome to Cinque Terre, all routes lead to La Spezia.
Up to 8 daily high-speed trains travel directly from Rome to Cinque Terre (La Spezia) in 3 to 4 hours. In addition, up to 4 direct Intercity trains take a slower route to La Spezia. Numerous indirect trains are available but can be ignored unless tailoring an itinerary.
Traveling from Cinque Terre to Rome by high-speed rail means boarding either a Frecciabianca or Frecciargento high-speed train.
Frecce trains provide superior comfort compared to Intercity and Regional trains, including individual power sockets, a catering car, and inexpensive first-class upgrades.
Opt for a faster Frecciargento train from Rome to Cinque Terre, if possible. They make fewer stops and cost just a few Euros more. Wi-Fi is also available, unlike on the Frecciabianca trains.
A direct Rome to Cinque Terre train pulls into La Spezia three to four hours after leaving Rome. In La Spezia, hop across platforms to catch the regional trains to Cinque Terre. The first village — Riomaggiore — is less than 10 minutes away.
The frequency of high-speed trains and the convenience of the regional services make a Rome to Cinque Terre day trip possible. Precision planning is required, but the 06:23 from Rome to La Spezia will get you to Cinque Terre in less than 4 hours. That’s sufficient time to bounce between villages before boarding the 18:16 train back to Rome for an exhausting yet unforgettable Italian rail adventure.
Rome to Cinque Terre by Train Details
- Prices:
- A high-speed train from Rome to Cinque Terre (La Spezia) costs from €16.90 when booked up to 4 months in advance via Trenitalia.
- A single onward journey on the Cinque Terre Express costs €5 (summer only).
- Other regional trains in Cinque Terre cost €2-3, depending on the destination.
- A one-day Cinque Terre Train Card (unlimited all-day travel) costs €18.20.
- Frequency: 8 direct high-speed trains daily from Cinque Terre to Rome or Rome to Cinque Terre.
- Duration: The fastest trains from Rome to Cinque Terre reach La Spezia in a little over 3 hours. Onward journeys to the villages of Cinque Terre take 8 to 16 minutes.
Milan to Cinque Terre by Train
Italy’s second city is a major rail hub linking the country with Europe. Travelers from Switzerland, France, or further afield might find a train from Milan to Cinque Terre an attractive option.
Unlike other major Italian cities, you can catch direct Intercity trains to La Spezia or Cinque Terre’s largest village, Monterosso al Mare. The Intercity Milan to Monterosso trains are 15-20 minutes faster than trains to La Spezia and transport visitors straight to one of the prime destinations in Cinque Terre.
In addition to the different Intercity services, a single direct Frecciabianca train connects Milano Centrale to La Spezia Centrale. Frecce trains are a step up from Intercity trains, with an onboard café-bar, electric sockets at your seat, and ample luggage space.
The single Frecce train departs at a civilized 13:10, allowing plenty of time to reach villages in Cinque Terre. With a journey time of 3 hours and 4 minutes, it is the cheapest and fastest service between the two cities.
Filtering by Intercity or Frecce services when booking a Cinque Terre train from Milan online narrows your choice down to fastest direct services.
First-class upgrades are available on any Intercity or Frecce train from Milan to Cinque Terre. In both cases, first class offers a roomier seat in a less-busy carriage. But little else.
With no catering services on most Cinque Terre to Milan trains, you may want to load up on refreshments and snacks in Milano Centrale.
Inside Milano Centrale station is the hip Mercato Centrale. Recreating a street-market vibe, it is a vibrant spot for a plate of antipasti washed down with a glass of Barolo (or other Piemonte) wine. Free Wi-Fi is available too, which may be useful before jumping on your Wi-Fi-less Cinque Terre train from Milan.
Once you depart for Cinque Terre from Milan, the train sweeps through the Piedmont countryside to Genoa before rolling down the spellbinding Italian Riviera.
Whether you head to La Spezia or Monterosso, regional trains await to complete your journey along the 7.5 miles (12 km) of Cinque Terre’s coastline.
Milan to Cinque Terre by Train Details
- Prices:
- Direct Milan to La Spezia train fares from €9.90 when booked in advance on the Trenitalia portal.
- Cinque Terre Express single fares from La Spezia or Monterosso are currently €5 (summer only).
- Other regional trains in Cinque Terre cost €2-3, depending on the destination.
- A one-day Cinque Terre Train Card (unlimited all-day travel) costs €18.20.
- Frequency:
- 9 daily direct trains from Milano Centrale to La Spezia Centrale (8 Intercity services, 1 Frecce train.)
- 7 daily direct Intercity trains from Milano Central to Monterosso al Mare.
- Cinque Terre regional trains depart La Spezia and Monterosso every 15 minutes from spring through fall. Services wind down to 1-2 hourly during winter when the Cinque Terre Express is not running.
- Duration:
- A direct train from Milan to La Spezia takes 3 hours and 4 minutes to 3 hours and 17 minutes.
- Direct Intercity trains from Milan to Monterosso average 2 hours 55 minutes.
- Onward journeys to the villages of Cinque Terre from La Spezia or Monterosso take 8 to 16 minutes.
Getting Around Cinque Terre by Train
Few would disagree that the cliff-hugging terraces and villages of Cinque Terre are best reached by train or foot.
A scenic coastal road snakes above the villages, but the death-defying journey from the upper heights down to sea level is not for the faint-hearted. Finding parking is even more challenging.
Hiking between the villages is more appealing. Scenic trails thread the villages, and a hike through the National Park is one of the top things to do in Cinque Terre.
But for convenience and speed, nothing beats the local train for zipping around the dizzying coastline.
The Cinque Terre railway is a minor engineering marvel. Clinging to a tiny strip of land, it transformed the region’s accessibility. With unbroken views over the Ligurian sea, the engineers created one of the most picturesque rail journeys in Europe.
The regional trains are operated by Trenitalia. From spring through fall, ‘Cinque Terre Express’ trains are added to the timetable to cope with the high number of tourists.
Services are frequent and continuously shuttle between La Spezia and Levanto. In between, the train stops at all the Cinque Terre villages.
Train tickets can be purchased at the station or online via Trenitalia. Book online to skip the summer lines. Just print your ticket or show your phone.
Regional tickets are valid for 75 minutes from your chosen departure time. This allows you to miss a train or two if you get distracted by yet another stupefying panorama. Although it should be noted that this differs from standard regional trains in Italy, which are typically valid for 4 hours after the scheduled departure.
Seat reservations are not offered on the Cinque Terre trains, and you may find the train crowded at peak times. Console yourself with views out of both windows if you have to stand.
Because trains stop in the heart of each village, many visitors use them as a ‘hop-on, hop-off’ service that readily combines with hiking trails.
To make the most of the trains, consider purchasing a Cinque Terre Train Card. The card serves as a pass to the National Park. In practice, that means unlimited train and bus journeys plus no charge for using the hiking trails. It’s good value if you plan to catch multiple trains or use the fee-charging Monterosso to Vernazza and Vernazza to Corniglia trails.
Getting Around Cinque Terre by Train Details
- Prices:
- Regional trains in Cinque Terre cost €2-3, depending on where you embark and disembark.
- A single journey on the Cinque Terre Express costs €5.00 regardless of where you get on and off (summer only.)
- A one-day Cinque Terre Train Card (unlimited all-day travel) costs €18.20. Two and three-day passes are also sold at discounted rates.
- Frequency:
- From spring through fall, up to 4 hourly regional trains connect the villages of Cinque Terre.
- In the winter, there are 1-2 hourly trains in Cinque Terre.
- Duration: The total journey time from La Spezia to Levanto on the Cinque Terre rail route is 26 minutes. That includes stopping at each of the five villages along the route.
Cinque Terre by Train FAQ
Can I do a Rome to Cinque Terre day trip?
Yes. With an early start, it is possible to reach La Spezia before midday and return to Rome by early evening. Using the regional trains from La Spezia, a determined traveler could visit all Cinque Terre villages in one afternoon.
Is there a train to Cinque Terre?
Direct trains connect Milan, Genoa, and Pisa with Monterosso in the Cinque Terre. Other cities connect with La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre, just a few minutes by train from the famous villages.
What towns in the Cinque Terre have train service?
All five villages of Cinque Terre — Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore — have a train station and service.