Visiting the Cinque Terre by train: the Ultimate Eco-Friendly Travel Guide

Written by Tolt

Published on May 31, 2025

The Cinque Terre — a string of five colorful villages perched between sea and mountains — is a dream destination for many travelers. But did you know that the best way to explore this stunning region is by train? It's practical, budget-friendly, and environmentally responsible.

In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know about visiting the Cinque Terre by train, whether you're coming from France or already traveling through Italy.

What Is Cinque Terre?

Manarola, one the 5 villages of Cinque Terre

If you've never heard of this magical place (which would suggest you’ve been living under a rock without Wi-Fi...), here’s a quick intro.

Cinque Terre, meaning "Five Lands," refers to five centuries-old fishing villages nestled into the cliffs of Italy's Ligurian coastline: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Once isolated and self-sufficient, these villages now form a UNESCO World Heritage site and are protected by a national park.

With their pastel-colored houses, terraced vineyards, and cliffside hiking trails overlooking the sea, the Cinque Terre offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. Cars are practically nonexistent here — locals and visitors get around by foot, boat, or train. And that’s what makes the experience even more special.

When to visit Cinque Terre: best seasons to go

You can visit the Cinque Terre year-round, but the best time to go is spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October). Weekdays during these months offer pleasant weather, accessible hiking trails, and fewer crowds.

☀️ Summer (July–August)

Expect peak tourist crowds, high temperatures, packed trains, and expensive accommodations. If this is your only option, start your days early, visit villages at dawn or late afternoon, and avoid beaches during peak hours.

🌧️ Winter (November–March)

Quieter and more peaceful, with stunning landscapes — but some services (boats, shuttles, restaurants) may be limited. A great time to visit if you're looking for authenticity and solitude.

Why you should go to Cinque Terre by train?

Cars are restricted in most villages. Roads are narrow, parking is scarce, and overcrowding in peak season makes driving a nightmare. The train is by far the easiest, fastest, and greenest way to travel around the Cinque Terre.

A regional railway line runs along the coast, stopping at all five villages. In minutes, you can step off the train and be wandering narrow streets, sunbathing on the beach, or starting a scenic hike.

How to reach Cinque Terre by train from France

1. From Paris

Take a TGV INOUI or Frecciarossa to Turin or Milan (6–7 hours), then connect to an Intercity or Frecciabianca train to La Spezia (3 hours). Alternatively, stop in Genoa and switch to a regional train to go straight to one of the Cinque Terre villages.

🛑 Total travel time: around 10 hours. Tip: break the journey with an overnight stop — Turin is closer and often less touristy than Milan.

2. From Lyon

Similar route to Paris, but Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa is your only option for the Lyon–Turin or Lyon–Milan leg, as SNCF doesn’t operate direct services on this route.

💡 Important: You can’t book Trenitalia tickets on SNCF Connect. Use trenitalia.com, Trainline, or Kombo for best results.

3. From Marseille or Nice

You’ll need at least two connections — usually in Ventimiglia and Genoa — but the views along the coast are beautiful. From Genoa, take a regional train to the Cinque Terre villages.

🚆 Intercity and Frecciabianca trains from Turin or Milan stop at Sestri Levante or La Spezia, but regional trains let you hop off in the heart of the villages.

The Cinque Terre Express: Your Local Travel Hack

Once you’ve arrived, the Cinque Terre Express is your go-to option. This local train runs between La Spezia and Levanto, stopping in all five villages. During high season, it runs every 15 minutes.

How Much Do Train Tickets Cost?

Tickets for the Cinque Terre Express typically cost between €5 and €10, depending on the season. Children aged 4 to 11 travel at half price.

Where to Buy Train Tickets for Cinque Terre

You can buy tickets at vending machines in the stations, but to avoid long queues, we recommend booking online via Trenitalia, Trainline, or Kombo.

Can You Bring Pets on the Train?

Yes, pets are allowed! Small animals (cats or small dogs) can travel for free in a carrier (max dimensions: 70 x 30 x 50 cm). Larger dogs require a half-price ticket, must be leashed and muzzled.

🐾 Regional trains like the Cinque Terre Express are pet-friendly, but always check Trenitalia’s policy before you travel.

Can you bring a bike on the train?

Designated bike area with electrical outlets for charging e-bikes

Yes, but with some conditions:

• Folding or dismantled bikes can travel for free if stored in a bag (max size: 80 x 110 x 40 cm).
• Regular bikes are allowed on trains marked with a bike symbol. You’ll need a separate ticket (valid until 11:59 PM on the day of travel).

🚲 Pro tip: Trains can get crowded during high season, so avoid peak hours or explore the nearby areas (like Levanto to Framura) by bike instead.

Ready to Explore Cinque Terre by Train?

Traveling to Cinque Terre by train is not just convenient — it’s part of the experience. With breathtaking views, easy access between villages, and zero driving stress, it’s the perfect way to discover this coastal gem the sustainable way.