Cinque Terre in Liguria, Italy, boasts five charming villages with cliffs, colorful homes, and clear waters. This guide helps you reach this stunning destination from Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, Naples, or Genoa.
Cinque Terre, a stunning coastal area in the Liguria region of Italy, comprises five picturesque villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. With its dramatic cliffs, vibrant homes, and crystal-clear waters, it’s no wonder that Cinque Terre is a popular destination for travelers. But how do you get there? Whether you’re coming from Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, Naples, or Genoa, this guide will help you plan your journey to the breathtaking Cinque Terre.
- Journey from Florence to the Cinque Terre
- Departure from Rome to the Cinque Terre
- From the Fashion Capital Milan to the Cinque Terre
- From Venice to Cinque Terre Step by Step
- From Naples to Cinque Terre by Train
- Genoa to Cinque Terre: How to Get
- Best Practices for Traveling to Cinque Terre by Train
- Cinque Terre Province of La Spezia, Italy
- Essentials to Pack for Train Travel
- Navigating Train Stations: From Arrival to Departure
Journey from Florence to the Cinque Terre
If you’re traveling from Florence, you have a few options. The most convenient way is to take a train, which provides a scenic and comfortable ride through the Tuscan countryside and the Ligurian coast.
Book train tickets from and to Florence
How to Get to Cinque Terre from Pisa
One popular route involves a stop in Pisa.
- Reach Florence from other cities in italy by high-speed train.
- You can catch a train from Florence to Pisa, which takes about an hour.
- From Pisa, you can then transfer to a regional train heading towards La Spezia.
The total travel time from Florence to Cinque Terre, including the transfer, is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. This route allows you to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa if you have time for a short stop. 
Buy train tickets from Rome to Pisa on Italotreno.com
Departure from Rome to the Cinque Terre
For those starting their journey in Rome, the train is the best option. The high-speed trains from Rome to La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre, take about 3 to 4 hours, with a transfer in La Spezia to a local train that reaches Cinque Terre in about 10-20 minutes, depending on the specific village you’re visiting. Direct trains are available, but they might not be as frequent, so checking the timetable in advance is recommended. 
Wondering how far Cinque Terre is from Rome?
The distance is approximately 450 kilometers (280 miles), making the train a faster and more eco-friendly choice compared to driving.
From the Fashion Capital Milan to the Cinque Terre
Traveling from Milan to Cinque Terre is straightforward. High-speed trains from Milan to La Spezia take about 3 hours. Once in La Spezia, transfer to the Cinque Terre Express, a regional train that connects all five villages. If you’re curious about the distance, Cinque Terre is around 230 kilometers (143 miles) from Milan. This makes the train journey not only convenient but also an opportunity to enjoy the scenic views of northern Italy. 
From Venice to Cinque Terre Step by Step
Starting your trip in Venice? Here’s how you can get to Cinque Terre:
- Venice to Florence: Take a high-speed train from Venice to Florence, which takes approximately 2 hours.
- Florence to La Spezia: Transfer to another high-speed train or a regional train heading to La Spezia, taking about 2 to 3 hours.
- La Spezia to Cinque Terre: Finally, from La Spezia, board the Cinque Terre Express.
Travel between Venice to Florence with Italo’s trains
The total travel time is around 6–7 hours, depending on transfer times and train schedules. It’s a long journey, but the breathtaking scenery along the way makes it worthwhile.
From Naples to Cinque Terre by Train
For those traveling from Naples, the journey is a bit longer but still manageable.
- Take a high-speed train from Naples to Rome, which takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- From Rome, transfer to another high-speed train heading to La Spezia, and follow the same steps as described in the Rome section.
From Amalfi Coast to Cinque Terre
The trip from the Amalfi Coast to Cinque Terre is the most complex, given the distance and changes required. Typically, one would travel from Naples (close to the Amalfi Coast) to Rome, then onward to La Spezia or directly to Cinque Terre. The entire journey could take up to 6-7 hours.
Book Naples-Rome train tickets on italotreno.com
The total travel time from Naples to Cinque Terre is approximately 6 to 7 hours. This route provides an excellent opportunity to experience various landscapes, from the southern regions up to the coastal beauty of Liguria. If you want to include Florence, you can change trains by following this route:
- Naples to Rome
- from Rome to Florence
- Florence to La Spezia
Buy train tickets from Rome to Florence on Italotreno.com
How to Get from Genoa to Cinque Terre
If you’re starting in Genoa, you’re already quite close to Cinque Terre. Direct regional trains from Genoa to La Spezia are frequent and take about 1.5 hours. From La Spezia, the Cinque Terre Express will take you to your destination in about 10-20 minutes. Genoa is just around 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Cinque Terre, making it one of the shortest and most convenient routes.
Travel between Milan and Genoa with Italo’s trains
Best Practices for Traveling to Cinque Terre by Train
Traveling by train in Italy is generally straightforward, but here are some tips to ensure a smooth journey.
Cinque Terre Province of La Spezia, Italy
Cinque Terre is part of the province of La Spezia in the Liguria region. Understanding this helps when navigating train schedules and transfers, as most trains heading to Cinque Terre will route through La Spezia.
Essentials to Pack for Train Travel
- Tickets and Documentation: Always have your train tickets and ID handy. Many trains require reservations, especially high-speed ones.
- Comfort Items: Bring snacks, water, and something to read or listen to. Trains are comfortable, but having your personal essentials makes the journey more pleasant.
- Travel Light: Cinque Terre’s villages have many stairs and narrow paths, so packing light is advisable.
Navigating Train Stations: From Arrival to Departure
- Arrive Early: Train stations can be busy, so arriving early ensures you have time to find your platform.
- Understand the Signage: Italian train stations have clear signs, but knowing a bit of Italian (or using a translation app) can be helpful.
Connections and Transfers: Keep an eye on the departure boards for any changes to your train’s schedule, and always validate your ticket before boarding regional trains.
