If you are visiting Italy and planning a trip to Cinque Terre, then you’ll be happy to learn that getting to Cinque Terre is easy from all the major airports of Florence, Rome, and Milan. As well as several other smaller airports (Pisa, Genoa and Parma).
This blog post is a comprehensive guide on how to get to Cinque Terre from major cities and airports by road and by train.
How to Get from La Spezia to Cinque Terre
La Spezia has become a major transport hub in Liguria.
- The central train station is on an intercity route connecting Rome, Milan, Florence, Pisa, and more!
- There are also several hundred thousand cruise ship passengers arriving in La Spezia every year.
Thankfully, there are numerous options for getting between La Spezia and Cinque Terre.
La Spezia is an easy 10-minute train commute to Cinque Terre. Making La Spezia a convenient base for a Cinque Terre holiday or day trip.
Getting to Cinque Terre from the Airport
If you’re traveling by car, then you can read about the best routes in each of the sections below.
If you’re traveling around Italy by train, then you first need to get from the airport to a connecting train station.
In the sections below you can find more details about traveling from Florence, Rome, Milan, Pisa, and Genoa airports.
Buy your Cinque Terre Card and tickets - with no booking fees!
Traveling by Car?
Traveling around Italy in a car is a great way to get off the beaten track and see some of the amazing places that not all tourists get to experience!
Renting a Car
You can rent a car from the airport and at some train stations. It’s always best to reserve your car ahead of time and remember to bring your Driver’s license and International Driving Permit.
Driving
Even if you’re a confident and experienced driver, then driving in Italy can get hectic, and in the smaller towns, roads are windy and/or (very) narrow.
Having said that, we often chose to rent a car when we came on our vacations, and it gave us the opportunity to visit secluded mountain villages and discover authentic Italy (away from the tourist crowds).
But there were many ‘hold your breath’ moments as we squeezed our car through impossibly narrow streets. On one memorable occasion, Justin had to do a 32-point turn in a CAMPERVAN because we took the wrong street!! We can laugh about these things now, but at the time it was stressful and scary.
Parking
The other thing to consider is parking. Large parking lots or garages are not common, especially in historic tourist towns, that were never designed for modern day traffic volume.
Important Advice: Only drive to Cinque Terre if you have pre-arranged parking or know where to park.
Further reading: Driving and Parking in Cinque Terre
Finding Your Way Around
We’ve also found the road signs in Italy can be confusing and sometimes sporadic. It’s easy to get lost if you don’t have a GPS map.
Savvy Travel Tips: There is often free Wi-Fi, but it’s difficult to rely on this as your only option for maps, buying tickets, looking things up etc. When you arrive to Italy it's a good idea to pick up a local SIM at the airport. UK and European visitors can get roaming packages through your normal service provider.
Costs
The costs for rental cars can vary a lot between providers and at different times of the year. Booking ahead is usually the best way to secure a favorable price. For a small car with comprehensive insurance and booked through a reputable company, you can expect to pay around 80 euros per day.
Fuel costs around 2 euros per liter (WOW!) and then there’s the dreaded toll roads!
To give you an example. A one-day trip (by rental car) between Rome and Cinque Terre can cost around €180 (€65 in fuel, €35 in tolls, and €80 car rental). Typical parking costs around the 5 towns is €25-€35 for one day.
If you’ve considered all these things, then driving can still be a convenient way to get around.
Since you’re reading this article on how to get to Cinque Terre, you may also like our other Cinque Terre content to help plan your holiday.
Traveling by Train?
I can’t rave about the Italian train network enough! The network is nationwide and will get you to all the well-known towns and cities in Italy. Most of the trains are modern and airconditioned and it’s considered a safe way of travel.
Recently, a friend of ours (visiting from Australia) caught the 1:27 am train from La Spezia to Rome. She was traveling alone and told us that there were plenty of other people on the train (even at that time) and she felt perfectly safe.
If you’re lucky enough you also get to experience the ‘FRECCE’ trains that can sprint at speeds of up to 300 km/hour!
We have a detailed blog post about how to use the trains in Italy, but here are a few things to consider:
Book Ahead
Some smaller trains and regional trains can get busy. If you want to secure a seat, then it’s best to book (at least a few days) ahead and reserve a seat. Usually, Regional, Intercity and Frecce trains can be booked up to 6 months in advance.
A reliable and easy-to-use booking platform is Trenitalia. They are the largest train operator in Italy. However, Trenitalia doesn’t have access to the Italo train network.
Important Advice: The Trenitalia website only recognizes the Italian name for cities or stations. So, for example if you want to get from Rome airport you need to search for “Fiumicino Aeroporto”.
Always Buy a Ticket
Boarding a train without having bought a ticket is an offense. If you have a paper ticket (or an open ticket that is not allocated a date/time) then you need to validate the ticket. Look for the small green validation machines at the stations.
Obviously, if you purchase an online ticket you will not need to do this, however, for all digital Regional tickets you must now check in online before beginning your journey.
Be On Time
Missing your train is a major pain in the butt! You most likely won’t get a refund for the missed train AND you will have to buy a new ticket! Arrive 10 minutes early so you can check the boards and find your platform.
Buy your Cinque Terre Card and tickets - with no booking fees!
Save Money
Factoring in car rental, insurance, fuel, tolls, and parking, then it’s usually cheaper to travel by train (even with 4 people in a car). If you’re doing multiple intercity trips, then you should also consider using the ‘Explore Italy – Trenitalia Pass’ or other types of money-saving offers.
Cinque Terre Pass
When traveling within the Cinque Terre National Park (by train), you have the option of single train tickets or a daily pass (Cinque Terre Card).
Savvy Travel Tips: If you’re planning on traveling to 3 or more of the Cinque Terre towns then a Cinque Terre Multi Service (MS) Card might be a better option. The pass is valid for stations including La Spezia, Cinque Terre (5 towns) and Levanto.
How to Get to Cinque Terre from Florence
From Florence Airport to Cinque Terre
The T2 tram line now connects Peretola Florence Airport (also known as Amerigo Vespucci Airport) to the city.
You need to take the T2 tram from Peretola Florence Airport tram stop to Alamanni Stazione tram stop (at Santa Maria Novella train station).
Tickets cost under 1.70 euros and are available at the tram stop automated ticket machines.
There is also an airport shuttle bus running from Peretola Florence Airport to Alamanni Santa Maria Novella train station. Tickets cost from 6 euros and can be bought from the bus driver. You can find the shuttle outside the airport terminal building just after the taxi ranks.
From Florence to Cinque Terre by Train
Trains leave regularly from Florence, and you can get to Cinque Terre in 2.5 to 3 hours!
There are two main train stations in Florence: Florence SM Novella and Florence Campo Di Marte and you will normally have to change in Pisa Central and La Spezia Central.
When you change at La Spezia you will transfer onto a Cinque Terre Express train that stops at all the Cinque Terre towns.
Expect to pay between 20 euros and 40 euros (adult ticket) depending on the train, seat, and time of the year.
From Florence to Cinque Terre by Road
If you are driving from Florence to Cinque Terre the quickest route (3 hours) is to take the A1, A11(E76) and A12(E80) towards La Spezia.
- If you are going to Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, or Vernazza then from La Spezia you need to follow the SP370 for Cinque Terre.
- If you are going to Monterosso al Mare, then continue past La Spezia on the A12 and follow signs to Pignone (SS1) and Monterosso (SP38).
For the trip from Florence to Cinque Terre you can expect tolls to be around 14 euros.
We cover everything from transport, tours, pricing travel times, and some smart travel tips in our comprehensive blog post How to Get from Florence to Cinque Terre – Italy Travel Tips.
Florence to Cinque Terre is also a very popular day trip. The most efficient way to do this is with a well-organized tour that includes transport and a guide.
How to Get to Cinque Terre from Rome
From Fiumicino - Rome Airport to Cinque Terre
To get from Fiumicino Rome Airport to Cinque Terre you first need to get to Roma Termini train station.
The easiest option is by the Leonardo Express train, which runs between Rome Airport and Roma Termini with departures every 15 minutes and travel time of 30 minutes. Tickets cost 14 euros and can be bought online or at the airport.
There are also airport shuttles and buses running from Rome Fiumicino into central Rome.
Travel by Train from Rome to Cinque Terre
The high-speed train from Rome to Cinque Terre is the Frecciaargento (Silver Arrow) which will get you there in under 4 hours.
The trains run between Rome Termini and La Spezia Central. From La Spezia, you will need to change trains onto a local connection (or Cinque Terre Express) to reach any of the Cinque Terre villages.
You will pay between 25 Euros and 60 Euros (adult ticket). Book ahead to save money!
From Rome to Cinque Terre by Road
If you are driving, then to get from Rome to Cinque Terre there are two routes that both take around 5 hours:
- A1 north to Florence. At the ‘Firenze Nord’ exit, take the A11(E76) and then the A12(E80) towards La Spezia.
- A12(E80) north from Rome to La Spezia.
Savvy Travel Tips: On route between Rome and Cinque Terre, you can build in stops along the way. If you’re short on time, then you can make a quick lunch stop in Lucca or do a quick visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
From the A12(E80):
- If you are going to Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, or Vernazza then from La Spezia you need to follow the SP370 for Cinque Terre.
- If you are going to Monterosso al Mare, then continue past La Spezia on the A12 and follow signs to Pignone (SS1) and Monterosso (SP38).
For the trip from Rome to Cinque Terre you can expect to pay 35 Euros in tolls!
How to Get to Cinque Terre from Milan
From Milan Malpensa Airport to Cinque Terre
The Malpensa Express train connects Malpensa Airport directly with Milan center. There are several train stations in Milan, but the one that connects to Cinque Terre is called Milan Central.
Since Malpensa is around 50 km from Milan, the journey is 1 hour!
Tickets cost 13 euros and can be bought online or at the airport.
There are several bus companies running shuttles between Malpensa airport and central Milan. Tickets cost around 10 Euros and you can catch these shuttle services close to the airport terminal.
From Milan to Cinque Terre by Train
From the Milan Central train station, you can get a 3-hour direct intercity train to Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre!
The same connection also stops at Genoa, Levanto, and La Spezia.
You can plan to pay between 25 Euros and 50 Euros (adult ticket).
From Milan to Cinque Terre by Road
If you are driving, then you can get from Milan to Cinque Terre in 3 hours using the A7 highway from Milan heading south toward Genoa.
Pay attention around Genoa as there are several connecting roads and exits. You need to take the A12 (E80) towards Livorno.
Insider Guide: This section of the A12 is a coastal road that has some stunning scenery of the Ligurian Mountains and Sea.
If you have time, I recommend stopping in any of the small towns (Nervi, Chiavari, Sestri Levante) along the route for sightseeing, lunch, or even just a coffee!
- For Monterosso or Vernazza: Exit at Levanto, follow the SP566 to Cinque Terre, and then take the SP38 to Monterosso and Vernazza.
- For Riomaggiore, Manarola or Corniglia, exit the A12 at La Spezia and from La Spezia take the SP370 for Cinque Terre.
- Further Reading: Driving and Parking in Cinque Terre.
For the trip from Milan to Cinque Terre you can expect tolls to be around 25 Euros.
How to Get to Cinque Terre from Pisa
From Pisa Airport to Cinque Terre
To get from Pisa Airport (also known as Galileo Galilei Airport) to Cinque Terre you first need to get to Pisa Central train station.
The easiest option is by the PisaMover (express train link) which takes just 5 mins. Tickets cost 6.50 euros and can be bought at Pisa airport.
If there are more than 2 of you in a group, then going by taxi is also a reasonable option, since Pisa Central is so close to Pisa Airport.
Travel By Train from Pisa to Cinque Terre
The Pisa to Cinque Terre train goes from Pisa Central. There is no direct train, and you will need to change at La Spezia onto the Cinque Terre Express.
The journey time is just over 1 hour, and it will cost between 20 and 30 Euros.
Savvy Travel Tips: The PisaMover ticket can only be bought online through Trenitalia IF you combine it with another regional train ticket.
So, if you’re making a direct trip from Pisa Airport straight to Cinque Terre (or La Spezia), then you can buy all your tickets in one transaction through Trenitalia and it will include the PisaMover ticket.
From Pisa to Cinque Terre by Car
If you are driving, then to get from Pisa to Cinque Terre the quickest route (1.5 hours) is to take the A12(E80) towards La Spezia.
Local Tips: This is an easy stretch of freeway that runs close to the coast.
There’s not too much to see, but if you fancy a stop for coffee, lunch, or gelato, then the town of Forte dei Marmi is a classy coastal town that has the feeling of Rodeo Drive.
If you are going to Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, or Vernazza then from La Spezia you need to follow the SP370 for Cinque Terre.
- If you are going to Monterosso al Mare, then continue past La Spezia on the A12 and follow signs to Pignone (SS1) and Monterosso (SP38).
For the trip from Pisa to Cinque Terre you can expect tolls to be around 10 Euros.
How to Get from Genoa to Cinque Terre
From Genoa to Cinque Terre by Train
To get from Genoa Airport to Cinque Terre you first need to get the Airlink bus shuttle service to Sestri Ponente Aeroporto railway station.
The Airlink bus stop is found outside the airport arrivals area and is every 15 minutes.
Then at the Sestri Ponente Aeroporto train station, you can get a regional connection to Cinque Terre. You may have to change again at Monterosso if you are going to one of the other Cinque Terre towns.
Airlink bus and Train tickets can be bought as one trip online through Trenitalia (e-ticket). The total cost is typically between 15 and 25 Euros.
Buy your Cinque Terre Card and tickets - with no booking fees!
From Genoa to Cinque Terre by Car
If you are driving, then to get to Cinque Terre from Genoa Airport, you need to follow the green signs for “autostrada” and after the toll booths you need to take the A12(E80) towards Livorno.
- For Monterosso or Vernazza: Exit the A12 at Levanto, follow the SP566 to Cinque Terre, and then take the SP38 to Monterosso and Vernazza.
- For Riomaggiore, Manarola, or Corniglia, exit the A12 at La Spezia and from La Spezia take the SP370 for Cinque Terre.
The trip from Genoa to Cinque Terre takes 2 hours and you can expect tolls to be around 14 euros.
Getting Around Cinque Terre
Once you arrive to Cinque Terre you can get around by train, boat, ferry or car. You can also hike the ancient pilgrimage trails that connect the 5 towns. You can find out more in the dedicated Cinque Terre section of our blog or click on one of the options below:
Useful links
Fuel and Toll Calculator – when driving in Italy
Trenitalia Pass – Tourist 3, 4, 7, and 10 day pass. To access the Tourist pass options and prices, you will need to click on the “Trenitalia Pass” tab.
Wrap Up
This blog post is all about helping you with your travel plans so you can learn how to get to Cinque Terre from major cities and airports by road and by train.
I’ve shared multiple options for traveling by car or by train and the associated travel times and costs. I’ve also explained how you can save money and the best ways to buy tickets or make your bookings.
We have other travel and transport-related content to help you catch buses, trains, and ferries around La Spezia and the Gulf of Poets.
FAQ
What is the best airport to get to Cinque Terre?
The closest and easiest airport to arrive at Cinque Terre is Pisa. Within 1.5 hours you can be in Cinque Terre!
The next closest airport is Genoa Airport. Note also that Genoa Airport is referred to by several names:
- Genoa City Airport
- Sestri Ponente Aeroporto
- Genova Aeroporto Cristoforo Colombo
What is the best way to get to Cinque Terre?
Due to the lack of parking, the best way to get to Cinque Terre for most people is the frequent and reliable train service. There are regional trains and the Cinque Terre Express connecting to and from the Cinque Terre towns.
How to get around Cinque Terre?
The best way to get around the Cinque Terre towns is using the train service. The service is quick, and you can hop from one town to the next in just a few minutes.
If you are visiting several towns in one day, then the Cinque Terre Treno MS Pass is a cost-effective way to get around.
If you have time, then you can also walk, cycle, get the ferry, or drive between the towns. There are also many tour options.
