Trains to Cinque Terre
| Main train stations | Monterosso, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia |
| Train companies | Trenitalia: Cinque Terre Express |
| Airports | Genoa Airport |
| Public transport | Public buses |
| Cheap train tickets | Cheap train tickets in Italy |
Take a train to Cinque Terre (the “Five Lands”) and experience a once in a lifetime holiday amongst a world-famous collection of five coastal villages. The Cinque Terre Express train will take you from La Spezia Centrale, which has links with Genoa and Pisa, to the villages of Cinque Terre along a stunning coastal path. Known for their astounding beauty and wonderfully colourful seaside houses, each town is the stuff of a bucket-list traveller’s dreams.
The Cinque Terre consists of the towns of Manarola, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare, and each of the five is best reached via train. Rail is also undoubtedly the easiest way to explore the region, as the rugged hillside terrain of the area means that cars are almost entirely cut off from being able to access each area.
Below you can find our complete guide to Cinque Terre, including how to get there by train from nearby Italian airports and popular main cities, and what to see once you’re there.
Cinque Terre trains
The enchantment of the Ligurian Sea awaits, and you can get there with the Cinque Terre Express! These trains allow you to travel comfortably between La Spezia Centrale, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso and Levanto, taking advantage of the offer of 99 trains a day, 7 days a week, every 15 minutes. Travel to the Cinque Terre Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and easily reach the most beautiful beaches in the region without worrying about traffic or parking.
Cinque Terre train stations
Have a look through our list of Cinque Terre train stations below, click through to book your tickets or for more info about a certain station.
How to get from La Spezia to Cinque Terre
The easiest way to get to Cinque Terre is by train from La Spezia Centrale station. La Spezia is the gateway to Cinque Terre, as the city is connected by rail to Rome, Genoa, Milan and Florence. View train times and buy tickets for the route from La Spezia to Cinque Terre.
The train to Cinque Terre is called Cinque Terre Express, a fast-regional train that’ll help you travel comfortably between La Spezia Centrale, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso and Levanto. If you’re flying from outside of Italy, the closest airport to Cinque Terre is Genoa Airport (in Italian Aeroporto di Genova), also known as Cristoforo Colombo Airport. From the airport, you can easily reach Genova Brignole train station – the city’s biggest station – and travel on the Cinque Terre Express train to every village in the area.
Ticket prices for the Cinque Terre Express are fixed, meaning they will cost the same on the day as they would in advance. Your ticket needs to be validated before departure and is valid for 75 minutes and for only one route (intermediate stops are not allowed). Validation simply involves getting your ticket stamped with a date and time so you can't use the same ticket for multiple journeys!
Trains from Florence to Cinque Terre
The main train station in Florence is Santa Maria Novella, in the heart of the city. With Trenitalia, you can travel from Santa Maria Novella – the first train is at 06:08 – to La Spezia Centrale directly in 2h 43m. From La Spezia, you can take the Cinque Terre Express and start your journey in the National Park. Want to know more about this route? Check out our page about how to get to Cinque Terre from Florence and be inspired!
Book your train tickets from Florence to La Spezia Centrale
Trains from Rome to Cinque Terre
Travelling by train from Rome to Cinque Terre will require at least one change at La Spezia train station. The first train departs every day from Roma Termini at 06:57 and arrives at La Spezia Centrale at 10:44.
Book your train tickets from Rome to La Spezia Centrale
Trains from Milan to Cinque Terre
If you’re travelling from Milan, you can reach Monterosso (Cinque Terre) train station without changing train. The first train departs from Milano Centrale at 06:10 every day and arrives in Monterosso in 2h 55m. From Monterosso, you can take the Cinque Terre Express and visit the other four coastal villages in total relaxation.
Book your train tickets from Milan to Monterosso
What to see in Cinque Terre
Want to explore Cinque Terre by train? Here are some tips on where to go and what to see when you get there by train. You can also have a look at our Brief guide to Cinque Terre – 4 things to see. Book your Cinque Terre train tickets with us and embark on a marvellous adventure!
Monterosso al Mare
Your trip to Cinque Terre wouldn’t be complete if you didn’t stop in Monterosso. Wander around its narrow alleys and brightly coloured houses and marvel at the remains of its Medieval fortifications. Take in the breath-taking view from the Aurora Tower, the watchtower that was built in the 16th-century to fight against pirate attacks.
Vernazza
Probably the quaintest and steepest village of Cinque Terre, Vernazza is definitely a treasure trove. We recommend you visit the Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia, built on a rock in front of the sea – a perfect spot to enjoy the sea view!
Riomaggiore
Perched on a terraced hillside above the Ligurian coast, Riomaggiore is filled with pastel-coloured houses, narrow cobbled streets and fishing boats in a small harbour. Travel back in time and visit the Medieval Castle, from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of the crystal-clear sea.
Manarola
Manarola is the oldest village of Cinque Terre. Go to one of the little restaurants you can find at the main square or piazza and enjoy fresh just-caught seafood while taking in the view of the small harbour.
Corniglia
The only town of Cinque Terre without a harbour, Corniglia is located more than 180 metres above the sea. Climb up more than 300 steps – don't worry, they’re not too steep – and admire the beauty of the Gothic-style St Peter’s Church. A small jewel to discover.
Ready to book?
Search for your origin and destination in our Journey Planner at the top of this page, whether that’s an airport train station in Italy or elsewhere and select one of the Cinque Terre stations as your arrival destination. We'll then show you our cheapest tickets for your selected dates along with train times. Simple as that!