Getting to the beautiful villas that populate the stunning countryside of Cinque Terre is not as difficult as you might think!
Trains can take you from any major city in Italy to the Cinque Terre.
(If you're interested in staying in Rome or Venice before or after your stay in the Cinque Terre, please let us know - we can help you with these arrangements!).
All around, traveling by train makes for the best deal in term of convenience, cost and comfort.
(Be prepared to carry your own luggage on board; if you want a totally hassle free ride, consider the private transfer option described below.)
If you choose to travel by train.
You probably will need to catch a train from your arrival city to La Spezia and then connect to a local train that will make local stops, including at each of the Five Lands.
You'll want to take the train that terminates at Sestri Levante; it's this train line that stops at the Cinque Terre. For train schedules and ticket prices, click here. Train departure and arrival schedules are also posted at the train platforms.
One tip:
Make sure you validate your train ticket before you board your train (You could face fines if you don't).
There are usually small (often yellow) boxes near the train platforms and insert one end of your ticket in the box and the machine will stamp your ticket.
If you'd prefer a private transfer (and don't mind traveling along some very winding roads),
Cinque Terre Riviera can arrange for a car to pick you up from wherever you are and bring you to your accommodation here.
The drivers are prompt, courteous and facilitate comfortable transport.
Please click here for rate estimates.
For those traveling to us by car, we can assist you with directions once you have finalized your reservation with us!
Try to avoid driving here if possible.
Parking, or the availability of car parks, is extremely limited.
You likely will have to park your car in Monterosso, La Spezia or Levanto, even if you are staying elsewhere in the Cinque Terre.
Also, while Riomaggiore and Manarola are accessible from major cities by highway routes, the other villages are difficult to reach. And, even if you could reach the villages by car, the rules - if not the roads! - will prevent you from driving into the center of town.
If you are interested in hiking between villages, check out our hiking routes and suggestions here.
If you are looking to travel from one village to another, you can walk on clearly marked walking paths and trails between the villages.
You'll want to take extra care while walking along the trail between Vernazza and Monterosso, which can be very narrow and steep at certain points.
If you're interested in hiking to the sanctuaries on each of the Five Lands, or would like to take on the challenge of more rigorous hikes, just let us know and we can point you in the right direction.
If you're interested in getting from one village to another more quickly, there are local trains that stop at each of the villages.
Local train service between the villages begins as early as about 5 a.m. and as late as about 1 a.m.
Trains run regularly during business hours. Every 20 mins
When you arrive in the Cinque Terre, pick up a train schedule at the village train station.
A train schedule will be especially helpful if you choose to stay in Manarola, Corniglia or Vernazza.
While most local trains stop at each of the Five Lands, a few each day will run "express" and skip the Manarola, Corniglia and Vernazza stations.
These few "express" trains stop only at the southernmost and northernmost villages, Riomaggiore and Monterosso.
A train schedule will help you ensure you board the right train.
Within villages, the best way to see the most at a leisurely pace is to travel by foot.
The streets are charming, but some of them can be steep!
Most villages provide shuttle services to take you up some of the hillier roads.
"Cinque Terre Riviera" can direct you to the shuttle stops closest to your property. Finally, taxi service is available at each of the villages.
Driving within villages should be avoided if at all possible.
The streets are winding, narrow, and thoroughly charming, and they also were built before the time of cars!
To the joy of most people who live and visit here, cars "including taxis" are prohibited in many places.
Parking is extremely limited and in many places non-existent.
If you have any questions about how to get to your accommodation, or about how to get around once you arrive, please ask us! We have lived and worked here for over 20 years and would be happy to assist you.