Rome is one humongous history book, so if you need a break from social studies, head to Cinque Terre and practice your Roman numerals. The number of the day? Ⅴ
You can count on the five villages of Cinque Terre to provide an unforgettable day trip from the Eternal City. Here’s what you should know about this northern Italian coastline, including how to reach Cinque Terre by train from Rome.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Manfredo Pinzauti. Image Location: Monterosso, Cinque Terre
At a glance: Rome to Cinque Terre
You can get to Cinque Terre from three stations in Rome; they are Roma Termini, Roma Ostiense, and Roma Tiburtina. But the main one is Roma Termini.
- Rome’s main train station: Roma Termini
- Cinque Terre’s station: Levanto
- Roma Termini to Levanto distance: 214 miles
- Fastest duration for high-speed trains: 3h 47m
- Average duration for general trains: 4h 54m
- Number of trains per day: 32
- Ticket prices: Starting from around $38
- Earliest departure: 00:06 AM
- Latest departure: 21:48 PM
Is a day trip to Cinque Terre from Rome worth it?
Yes, a day trip from Rome to Cinque Terre is worth it if you leave early, stay late, and plan a light itinerary. Remember that there are five villages in the Cinque Terre region, so you’ll need to add in time to hop between the villages via train (or hike the 7.5 miles between them).
How far is Cinque Terre from Rome by train?
Cinque Terre is 214 miles from Rome by train. This three-digit distance sounds far; but a 200-mile train trip feels short. With direct trains available from Rome Ostiense to Levanto (the western Cinque Terre village), you can watch a movie, take a nap, and be overall well-rested to explore Cinque Terre.
How long is the journey from Rome to Cinque Terre by train?
The journey from Rome to to Riomaggiore can range from as fast as 3h 30m (the closest Cinque Terre town to Rome) and 3h 38m from Rome to Levanto (the farthest Cinque Terre town from Rome). Depending on which train and town you choose, you could get caught in connections that can increase your one-way time to nearly 6 hours.
How often is the train from Rome to Cinque Terre?
Trains run from Rome to Cinque Terre an average of around 30 times per day. Wait one second before you start procrastinating — not all these trains are direct. Connections add time to your journey; and time in transit means less time sipping Sciacchetrà wine.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Carol Yepes. Image Location: Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy
How much is a train ticket from Rome to Cinque Terre?
Train tickets from Rome to Cinque Terre can start as low as $12.24 depending on which village you’re getting off at. Expect to pay a bit more, as even the $20+ tickets aren’t as common as the $35+ tickets.
🚆Trainline Tip: Demand and date influence ticket prices, so download the Trainline app and purchase the cheapest tickets possible, as early as possible, to save as much money as possible.
Is Cinque Terre close to Florence or Rome?
Cinque Terre is closer to Florence than Rome, located on the western side of Italy between Pisa and Genoa. The distance from Rome to Florence on a map might seem far; but in reality, it can add as little as 1h 19m to your journey by train. So, technically — in train-speak — Cinque Terre is close to Rome, too.
Is the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre better?
Italy’s coastlines are like Italy’s sports cars: each is so unique that they’re all unmatched. If the Amalfi Coast is the Ferrari of Italy’s coastlines — more well-known and flashier on the postcards — then Cinque Terre is an Alfa Romeo model that embraces its unique beauty.
How many days do you need in Cinque Terre?
You can see Cinque Terre on a day trip from Rome, but you’ll need 2 to 4 days to really feel like you explored and experienced the villages. A single overnight stay lets you slow down, see exactly what you want to see, and enjoy the beach or bars. However, multiple nights offer a cushion for hiking the trails at a slower speed, spending time in the village you had initially planned to skip, and the opportunity to choose train times more convenient for your vacation schedule.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Ana Tramont. Image Location: Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy
What is the best month to visit Cinque Terre?
Early May or late September are the best months to visit Cinque Terre if you want the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds. The Monterosso Lemon Festival takes place every May, while the Monterosso Salted Anchovies and Olive Oil Festival takes place in September.
How long does it take to walk the 5 villages of Cinque Terre?
Most travelers will be able to complete the walk between the 5 villages of Cinque Terre in 5 to 6 hours; but this time frame doesn’t include visiting the towns themselves. You’re welcome to tackle the 7.5 miles at a faster pace, but vacation is a time to slow down and savor the moment — that’s why most people trek the whole trail over the course of a few days.
How do tourists travel between the 5 villages of Cinque Terre?
Tourists travel between the 5 villages of Cinque Terre by train or by foot. All towns are connected by train, the easiest option. There are also trails connecting the villages, which are safe, established hiking paths, however they may not be the best option for tourists who have mobility issues.
Can you swim in Cinque Terre?
Yes, you can swim in Cinque Terre, but don’t expect to find miles of sandy beachline on this part of Italy’s coast. Cinque Terre is full of cliffs and rocky coastlines, making it inconvenient if not impossible to take a swim. The best Cinque Terre village for swimming is Monterosso, home to the big, sandy Fegina Beach. Vernazza also has a smaller sandy beach available for swimming.
Do you have to pay to hike Cinque Terre?
You need to purchase a Cinque Terre Card to hike the Blue Trail, which connects Monterosso to Corniglia via Vernazza. Most of the other hiking trails in Cinque Terre, including within Cinque Terre National Park, are free to walk.
Is walking Cinque Terre difficult?
First, remember that you don’t need to hike the entire 7.5 miles of Cinque Terre; you can get between Manarola and Riomaggiore in as little as 30 minutes. Most of the trail is considered easy or moderate, depending on the section. However, those who find steps, inclines, or uneven paths difficult might want to stick to using the train and walking only in the towns themselves.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Dado Daniela. Image Location: Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, Italy
Is Cinque Terre overcrowded?
Cinque Terre isn’t overcrowded when you compare it to other destinations in Italy like the Amalfi Coast and Venice. These five villages are seeing many more visitors each year, but so are most parts of Italy. We suggest avoiding May through September, especially the hot July and August, when the crowds are heaviest.
Which village to skip in Cinque Terre?
Most people skip Corniglia for at least 382 reasons — most of which are the 382 stairs required to reach the village. Riomaggiore is often skipped, too, since you can easily trade its pebble beach for Monterosso’s sandy beach.
Is Lake Como better than Cinque Terre?
It’s difficult to compare Lake Como to Cinque Terre — it’s literally like comparing the lake to the sea. Lake Como is larger, has more towns, and there’s affluence in the air — thanks to the many celebs that call it home. Cinque Terre is smaller, more affordable, and retains that “authentic” charm thanks to its untouched landscape. Comparing the two, we’d recommend Lake Como for a longer stay and Cinque Terre for day trips or weekend getaways.
Which village is the prettiest of Cinque Terre?
According to many visitors, Vernazza is the prettiest of Cinque Terre’s five villages. It’s the postcard village with its crayon box houses that add pops of yellow and orange to the sandstone cliffs and turquoise waters. Each of the villages is picturesque in its own right, so if you’re looking for an ugly duckling, all you’ll find is a gorgeous swan.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Carol Yepes. Image Location: Cinque Terre, Italy
