So, you're coming to Cinque Terre (welcome!) and you're smart enough to realize that the Cinque Terre train is going to be your best friend!
Trains in Cinque Terre are fast, frequent, scenic, and (when you know what you’re doing), easy. This guide is your go-to for understanding the Cinque Terre train system and riding it like a local.
How To Get to Cinque Terre by Train
The primary gateway to Cinque Terre is La Spezia. From here, the regional trains and the Cinque Terre train (known as the Cinque Terre Express) run frequently, connecting all five villages.
Travel Detail: If you're coming from major Italian cities (Milan, Florence, Rome, and Venice), you will likely get your Cinque Terre train connection at La Spezia Centrale station. Some intercity trains also connect with Monterosso al Mare.
If you haven’t used Italian trains before then you make like our dedicated blog post ‘How to Travel by Train in Italy – A Beginner’s Guide’.
The train to Cinque Terre from La Spezia runs frequently (especially in high season) and you can travel through all five villages in under 30 minutes.
La Spezia city and the 5 Cinque Terre towns are so close that many tourists choose La Spezia as a base for their Ligurian vacation.
Whilst transport and access might be a determining factor for where you decide to reserve accommodation. Each village has its own pros, cons, and atmosphere. If you're deciding where to stay, our Cinque Terre accommodation guide can help.
Cinque Terre Train Stations and Towns
Each of the five Cinque Terre villages is connected by train. Each of the train stations in Cinque Terre are only small and have just two platforms. There are video screens showing train times and departure platforms.
- Riomaggiore: Located in the new town (near the Via dell’Amore – Path of Love), the station connects to the historic village center through a pedestrian underpass. The harbor can be accessed via a coastal path (from the train station) or steep and narrow stairs leading from the old town.
- Manarola: From the station, a pedestrian tunnel connects you to the village center in about 3 minutes. The harbor is also only a short (7 to 10 minute) walk from the station.
- Corniglia: The station lies below the town, which sits on a cliff. If you are fit enough, then you can walk up to the village using the Lardarina staircase (382 steps). Otherwise, there are shuttle buses to take visitors up the winding road.
- Vernazza: The station is at the far end of the historic town. But it’s still only a 10-minute walk to the harbor and beach.
- Monterosso al Mare: This is the largest train station in Cinque Terre, offering a wide platform and a bar (with sea views). The train station is in the new town, with easy access to a sandy beach. The historic town and boat harbor are accessible through a pedestrian tunnel and coastal path to the east. It’s handy to know that Monterosso train station also connects with Milan and Genoa.
All the Cinque Terre Train Stations (plus La Spezia and Levanto) have a national park welcome center where you can get maps and information to help you explore the area. You can also buy tickets for the Via dell’Amore – Path of Love at the national park welcome centers.
Cinque Terre Train Route Map
The Cinque Terre Express train runs from La Spezia to Levanto, passing through all five villages in this order:
- Riomaggiore
- Manarola
- Corniglia
- Vernazza
- Monterosso al Mare
The route is less than 19 km long, and the ride between any two towns usually takes under 5 minutes. Despite the short distance, trains are the best option due to limited road access and parking.
Here are some additional blog posts that cover this topic in more detail.
Cinque Terre Train Tickets
There are two types of train tickets:
- Single trip ticket
- All-day multi-trip ticket (Cinque Terre MS Treno Card)
Cinque Terre Train Tickets – Single Trip
The train that services the Cinque Terre villages is part of the regional train network, operated by Trenitalia. I’m making mention of this because regional trains operate differently from intercity and the Frecce (high-speed) trains.
Single journey tickets between the villages vary based on an A-B-C or low-medium-high demand pricing structure:
A: Low Demand (Green): €5 for adults, €2.50 for children aged 4-11.
B: Medium Demand (Yellow): €8 for adults, €4 for children.
C: High Demand (Red): €10 for adults, €5 for children.
If you're planning to visit only one or two villages, single tickets are the most economical option. However, if you're visiting more than 2 villages, the cost quickly adds up, making the Cinque Terre Card (Multiservice Treno Card) more economical.
Single trip tickets are valid for the full route between La Spezia and Levanto. Single trip means you can’t get on at La Spezia, off at Riomaggiore, and then get back on again to go to Monterosso. The ticket can only be used once, for one trip.
How to Buy Single Journey Cinque Terre Train Tickets
Cinque Terre Train Tickets can be purchased:
- Online: Through Trenitalia's official website or Trainline.
- At Stations: Via ticket machines (with English language options) or at the staffed counters.
- Via Mobile Apps: Trenitalia has an app that you can download, create an account, and make ticket purchases.
Cinque Terre Train Card for All Day Travel
For unlimited travel between the villages, you can buy an all-day train card – Cinque Terre Treno MS Card.
Prices vary based on the A-B-C pricing table:
- 1-Day Pass: Prices range from €19.50 to €32.50
- 2-Day Pass: Prices range from €34.00 to €59.00
- 3-Day Pass: Prices range from €46.50 to €78.50
- Family and Senior Discounts: Special rates are available for families with children and travelers over 70.
You can expect to cover all five Cinque Terre villages, but equally breathtaking town of Portovenere, in the beautiful Gulf of Poets.
Included are all the must-see sights, things to do, where to eat, cultural and historical notes, AND options to match your pace and mood.
Cinque Terre Train Card Inclusions
This card includes unlimited travel between La Spezia and Levanto (and all 5 Towns included).
The pass also includes access to hiking trails like the Sentiero Verde Azzurro (Blue Trail) and use of park shuttle buses. You also get access to national park restrooms and Wi-Fi, where available.
How to Buy a Cinque Terre Train Card
The queues at the train stations can get long and tedious. If you’re only visiting for the day, you can easily waste an hour lining up for your ticket.
For skip-the-line tickets, you can purchase the Cinque Terre Train Card online directly through Trenitalia. Buying directly from Trenitalia means there are no additional booking fees.
Instructions:
- Go to the Trenitalia website
- Select Regional Offers & Services Tab
- Select ‘Multiservice Cards' Option
- Choose 1, 2, or 3-day passes as an Adult, Child, Senior, or Family
- Enter your details (including an email for the tickets to be sent)
- Check out and make payment as a guest or use your Trenitalia login details.
Train Ticket Validation for Cinque Terre Trains
If you have visited Italy before or you live here, then you're probably already aware that there are a lot of complicated rules, and it is easy to pick up a fine.
Even if you have bought a ticket, if it hasn't been validated, you run the risk of an expensive fine. So, pay attention to this section!
Paper Tickets
If you buy a paper ticket at the station, then you will need to validate your ticket before boarding the train. This is done at the green or white stamping machines that are on the platforms.
Once you have validated your Cinque Terre train ticket, it is valid for 75 minutes. In practical terms, this is more than enough time to board your train and reach your destination along the Cinque Terre line.
Electronic Tickets
Electronic tickets (for regional trains) are a little different. The ticket will explain validation steps. This usually requires you to click on a link in the order confirmation email. But sometimes the validation is done automatically.
If caught without validation, you risk a fine, even if you have a valid ticket.
Cinque Terre Train Card Validation
Cinque Terre Cards bought online are automatically validated for your chosen travel date. It’s not specific to a train or time.
Cinque Terre Train Schedule
The Cinque Terre train operates from approximately 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
- In Season (March – November): Every 15 – 20 minutes (3 to 4 times per hour)
- Off Season (November – March): Trains run every 30 – 60 minutes. The service is reliable but less frequent.
Printed timetables are available at stations and downloadable from Trenitalia.
Train Cancellations and Strikes
Timetables may change during holidays or local events, so check the schedule closer to your travel date.
During train strikes (sciopero), there is usually a minimum service guarantee, with trains running during peak times. You can check regarding scheduled train strikes in advance of your trip.
If you’re traveling on a day when trains are canceled or with reduced service, then the ferry is a good alternative transport option. The Gulf of Poets and Cinque Terre Ferries run from late March to early November.
Cinque Terre Train - Off Season Pricing and Schedule
From November 3 to March 13, the off-season schedule includes:
- Single Tickets (on low-demand days): €5 between villages.
- All Day Train Card: €14.80 for unlimited daily travel, which includes the blue trail (SVA) access even in winter.
Important Advice: Some hiking trails are closed during winter for annual maintenance. The terrain in the Cinque Terre National Park is steep and prone to landslides. It’s also coastal, with unpredictable weather patterns. You should check the condition and status of hiking trails before setting off.
Train Connections from Milan, Florence, Rome, and Venice
Milan: Direct trains to Monterosso or La Spezia. Travel time of about 3.5 hours. Choose Frecciabianca as the fastest option with fewer stops.
Florence: Trains to La Spezia typically take around 2.5 hours (with a change at Pisa). The fastest option is the Frecciargento, a direct service with a travel time of just over 1.5 hours. Read more in our Florence to Cinque Terre Day Trip blog post.
Rome: The fastest train between La Spezia and Rome is the Frecciarossa, taking just under 4 hours and changing at Florence and Pisa. But the Frecciabianca is only a few minutes slower, and it’s a direct route.
Venice: The fastest route to La Spezia is on the Frecciarossa and Frecciabianca with changes at Florence and Pisa. Travel time is around 4.5 hours, but most of the train options for this journey take closer to 6 hours.
Buy tickets through OMIO - Book easily & pay in your preferred currency!
Train Travel Tips
- Booking in advance will give you more options and better pricing.
- Use regional rail passes if you’re visiting multiple cities. There are some rail passes specially designed for tourists.
- You can book online using Trenitalia or Italo. But for international visitors and intercity routes, it’s better to use Omio. Using Omio’s website, you can choose your preferred language, and they offer multi-currency payment options. Plus, when you use Omio, you can search for trains on both the Trenitalia and Italo networks.
Buy tickets through OMIO - Book easily & pay in your preferred currency!
Summary
Traveling to and around Cinque Terre by train is a smart move. The trains are fast and run frequently.
In this blog post, I’ve covered all the essential information so that you can confidently plan your route, book tickets, use the Cinque Terre trains, and plan for unexpected situations like strikes and missed trains!
Looking for more transport and travel information. You should take a look at our La Spezia & Cinque Terre Transport Guide
Enjoy two thoughtfully planned days and see all 5 villages.
This complete Cinque Terre itinerary covers all the must-see and do things to create unforgettable memories.
FAQ
Do the Cinque Terre trains run in winter?
Yes, but with reduced frequency. Check the timetable (above) before traveling.
Which train station in La Spezia goes to Cinque Terre?
The train from La Spezia to Cinque Terre connects at La Spezia Centrale. La Spezia Migliarina station does not have a direct connection. You have to travel to La Spezia Centrale.
Do I need to book a specific time or seat on the Cinque Terre train?
Cinque Terre train tickets are part of the regional train service. Typically, regional trains do not include seat reservations. Seats are on a first-come, first-served basis.
What if I miss a train?
No problem. If you have a Cinque Terre Train Card, just wait for the next one. This is an all-day travel card like a hop-on-hop-off ticket. It is valid for a full day of travel.
Single ticket? So long as your journey is still within the 75-minute validation period, you’re fine. Validation is explained above!
Is it better to use the Cinque Terre ferry or train?
Trains are faster and operate more frequently than the ferry. Ferries provide unique views and a relaxed way to travel, but are weather-dependent and don’t operate in winter. If you only have one day, then you will see more of Cinque Terre if you go by train.
Are there discounts for children or seniors?
Yes, children aged 4-11 receive a 50% discount, and travelers over 70 can access senior rates. Children under 4 travel for free.
Can I use the Cinque Terre train pass for multiple days?
Yes, 2-day and 3-day train passes are available. These include unlimited train rides, access to hiking trails, and other national park services.
Is the all day train card worth it for a single day?
If visiting more than two villages or using hiking trails, the Cinque Terre Card is a better deal than buying separate single use tickets.
How do I get my train ticket refunded?
Train tickets can be refunded (subject to T&Cs):
- At the train station ticket office.
- Tickets bought online directly from Trenitalia can be refunded using Trenitalia’s online service form.
- Tickets bought through a third-party agent (like Omio) can be refunded through that agency.
Are Cinque Terre trains disability friendly?
The Cinque Terre train is part of Trenitalia’s regional network. Most, but not all, trains have disability access and wheelchair spots. There are also designated personnel assigned and services to support disabled travelers.
In reality (during peak season), the Cinque Terre trains are uncomfortably busy, and wheelchair access on platforms and trains presents an extra challenge.
