The primary transport hubs for accessing Cinque Terre are La Spezia Centrale and Monterosso al Mare train stations, offering comprehensive rail connections. For air travel, the closest airports are Pisa, Genoa, and Milan Malpensa, each providing onward connections to the region.
By Air:
From Pisa Airport (PSA), the closest option, a People Mover connects to Pisa Centrale in 5 minutes. From there, hourly trains travel to La Spezia Centrale. The entire journey can take just over 2 hours, with ticket prices ranging from approximately €14-€74 . Direct Intercity trains to Monterosso are also available daily .
From Genoa International Airport (GOA), a 'Volabus' takes you to Genova Principe railway station, offering direct train services to Cinque Terre . The train journey to Monterosso from Genoa can take about 1 hour .
From Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), expect a train journey of approximately 3 hours to reach Cinque Terre, often involving a change in La Spezia .
By Train:
The train is the most recommended way to travel to and within Cinque Terre . La Spezia Centrale is a major gateway, with frequent connections via the Cinque Terre Express and regional trains .
The Cinque Terre Express operates frequently (every 15-30 minutes in peak season) between La Spezia and Levanto, stopping at all five villages . Travel times between individual villages are very short, typically 2-6 minutes .
A single train ticket within the Cinque Terre area costs between €5-€10 for adults and €2.50-€5 for children (4-11 years old) as of 2024/2025 . An evening discount reduces the fare to €5 after 7: 30 PM .
For unlimited train travel and hiking trail access, the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card is available. In 2023, a 1-day adult card was €18.20, a 2-day card €33, and a 3-day card €47 .
By Ferry:
Ferry services typically run from late March to early November (e.g., March 29 to November 2, 2025) .
Boats connect Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Riomaggiore, Portovenere, La Spezia, and Levanto . Corniglia is not accessible by ferry .
A one-day roundtrip ticket for Levanto - Cinque Terre - Portovenere - La Spezia costs approximately €42 for adults and €15 for children (6-11 years) as of 2025 . An afternoon ticket (from 2 PM) is around €28 for adults . One-way tickets are also available .
By Car:
Driving directly into the Cinque Terre villages is not recommended due to narrow roads, restricted access, and very limited parking .
It is advisable to park in nearby towns such as La Spezia or Levanto and continue by train or ferry . Parking in La Spezia is available at locations like Park Centro Stazione (near the train station) or Palaspezia (free, with a 10-minute walk to the station) . Parking costs in Levanto are around €2/hour or €15/24 hours .
Limited paid parking exists at the entrances to some villages, such as Monterosso (around €2.50/hour, €20-€25/day) .
By Bus:
Buses primarily serve local routes within individual villages, connecting areas like Corniglia train station to the village center . There are no inter-village bus services .
A single bus ticket typically costs around €1.50 if purchased at the station or €2.50 from the driver .
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