I often receive questions from readers about how to get to Cinque Terre, especially from other cities in Italy. Cinque Terre, located along the Ligurian coast of Italy, is famous for its five charming seaside villages, colorful houses perched on cliffs, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Like many other travelers, I was drawn to the natural beauty and timeless charm of this unique destination. Now, I want to share with you all the different ways you can get to Cinque Terre and offer some helpful tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
I’ll guide you on how to get to Cinque Terre, from major cities in Italy like Florence and Pisa, and provide practical advice to help you plan every step of your journey. My goal is to make sure you can travel with ease, so you can spend more time soaking in the beauty of Cinque Terre.
Best Ways to Get to Cinque Terre
1. Arriving in La Spezia
One of the main transportation hubs for getting to Cinque Terre is La Spezia, a town located just a few kilometers away from the five villages. If you’re planning to visit Cinque Terre, I highly recommend arriving in La Spezia first. This city is a major gateway to the Cinque Terre region and a charming destination in itself, offering a lovely seaside atmosphere.
The easiest way to get to the villages of Cinque Terre from La Spezia is by taking the Cinque Terre Express, a small train that connects the five villages of Cinque Terre. The train is very convenient and runs frequently, making it a great option for tourists. The ticket price is also very affordable—approximately 2 to 3 euros per person, allowing you to visit all five villages in a day.
Accommodation Tip:
Since the villages of Cinque Terre are small, accommodation options within the villages themselves can be limited, and prices tend to be higher. Therefore, I suggest staying in La Spezia. The town offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hotels to upscale resorts, and the prices are generally more affordable than staying in one of the Cinque Terre villages. Additionally, staying in La Spezia offers more flexibility in terms of time and itinerary. You can easily take the train to the villages in the morning and return to La Spezia in the evening to enjoy a more relaxed and comfortable stay.
2. Traveling from Florence to Cinque Terre
Florence (Firenze) is another excellent starting point for your trip to Cinque Terre. Florence is one of Italy’s most famous cities, known for its art, history, and culture. It’s also well connected by train to many other parts of Italy, making it an ideal launchpad for exploring Cinque Terre.
The best route from Florence to Cinque Terre is to take a train from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station to La Spezia, which typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. Once you arrive in La Spezia, you can transfer to the Cinque Terre Express train, which will take you to your chosen village.
Stopping by Pisa on the Way
An added bonus of traveling from Florence to Cinque Terre is that you can easily make a stop in Pisa to see its world-famous Leaning Tower. Pisa is just an hour away from Florence by train, making it an easy detour on your way to Cinque Terre. After visiting the Leaning Tower, you can take a short train ride from Pisa to La Spezia and continue your journey to Cinque Terre. This way, you’ll not only enjoy the beauty of Cinque Terre but also get to experience the iconic landmarks of Pisa and Florence along the way.
Transportation Tips Within Cinque Terre
While Cinque Terre has five charming villages, due to its unique geography, there aren’t many public transportation options within the villages themselves. Fortunately, the Cinque Terre Express small train makes it incredibly easy to travel between the villages. The five villages are: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each village has its own distinct charm, from the colorful houses perched on the cliffs to the winding streets and charming bays, making it a must-see for any visitor.
In addition to the small train, there are also some wonderful hiking trails in Cinque Terre. One of the most famous is the “Lover’s Lane” (Via dell’Amore), which connects Riomaggiore and Manarola along the cliffs. This path is perfect for couples and photography enthusiasts, offering amazing views of the coastline.
Ticket Prices for the Cinque Terre Express
The Cinque Terre Express is very affordable, with tickets typically costing 2 to 3 euros per trip between villages. If you plan to visit multiple villages in one day, I recommend purchasing a day pass or multi-day pass, which allows unlimited travel on the train. The price for a day pass typically ranges from 12 to 20 euros, depending on the validity period. You can use the pass to hop on and off the train throughout the day, making it easy to explore all five villages.
Buses and Taxis in Cinque Terre
While the Cinque Terre Express is the most convenient way to get around the villages, there are also some local buses that you can use to get around, particularly to reach higher points or less accessible areas. However, buses have fewer routes and less frequent service compared to the trains. Additionally, due to the steep terrain of the villages, taxi services are limited, so it’s not recommended to rely on taxis to get around.
Cinque Terre is one of the most stunning and picturesque destinations in Italy, and getting there is easy with the right transportation options. I recommend arriving in La Spezia first, as it’s the main transportation hub for Cinque Terre. From there, you can take the Cinque Terre Express train to visit all five villages, or explore by hiking along the stunning coastal trails.
If you’re coming from Florence, it’s easy to take a train to La Spezia, and you can even stop in Pisa to see the Leaning Tower along the way. Whether you’re planning to take the train, hike the trails, or explore the villages, Cinque Terre offers endless opportunities for adventure and beauty.
I hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Cinque Terre, and that you have an unforgettable experience exploring this amazing coastal region. Enjoy your travels and make sure to take plenty of photos—Cinque Terre is a place you’ll want to remember forever!