How To Get From Florence To Cinque Terra

Planning a trip from Florence to Cinque Terre? I’ve been to Cinque Terre twice and in two his comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to make your trip from Florence to Cinque Terre smooth and enjoyable.

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Whether you prefer the convenience of a train, the flexibility of a rental car, or the comfort of a private transfer, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to explore the stunning landscapes, charming villages, and vibrant culture of Cinque Terre.

How to Get from Florence to Cinque Terre

Cinque Terra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, With its five picturesque fishing villages, breathtaking hiking trails, and coastal beauty, Cinque Terre attracts travelers from around the world. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore the best ways to reach Cinque Terre from Florence. Florence and Cinque Terre are located within close proximity to each other, making it easy to travel between the two destinations.

My Top 2 Picks: Florence To Cinque Terra Routes

Transportation options:

How to get to Cinque Terre 

Transportation options are aplenty when it comes to traveling from Florence to Cinque Terre. The Cinque terre to florence distance is about 80 miles or 130 km.  Here are the most convenient and efficient ways to reach Cinque Terre coastal destination:

Transportation Mode	Distance	Travel Time
Train	Approximately 130 km (80 miles)	Around 2 hours
Private Transfer	Approximately 130 km (80 miles)	1.5-2 hours
Rental Car	Approximately 130 km (80 miles)	Around 2 hours
Bus	Approximately 130 km (80 miles)	Around 3-4 hours
Train + Boat	Varies based on route	Varies based on route

Now, let’s explore each transportation option in detail.

DON’T MISS: BEST TOWN TO STAY IN CINQUE TERRA

how to get to cinque terre from florence

1. Train From Florence to Cinque Terre villages

I’ve traveled to Cinque Terra twice now on two separate trips and I’ve always taken the speedy and convenient trains. From Florence to cinque terre by train is by far the easiest and best option.

how to get to cinque terre from florence

The train is the preferred mode of transportation for visiting Cinque Terre from Florence.  The distance from Florence to takes approximately 2 hours, offering scenic views of the Italian countryside along the way. To book your train tickets, visit Omia website.

Cinque Terre from Florence train, a direct train from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella (SMN) train station to La Spezia Centrale, the gateway to Cinque Terre, offers a convenient and scenic journey.

From La Spezia, you can hop on the cinque terre express train that connects the five villages. There are no direct train connections to the Cinque Terre from Florence. All trains from Florence stop in the city of La Spezia where you will need to change to the Cinque Terre Express Train to continue into the park and towns.

 how to get from florence to cinque terre by train 

train from cinque terre to florence

• S.M. Novella Station to La Spezia Centrale Station
• La Spezia Centrale Station to the Cinque Terre
• 2.5-3 hours total travel time
• 33 euro cost: 15 euro train ticket + 18 euro Cinque Terre Train Card
• Book on Omnia

Trains from La Spezia to the Cinque Terre leave every hour between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm and the ride takes 15-30 minutes. Travel from one town to the next takes 5 minutes.

To save money and convenience, you should purchase the Cinque Terre train Card, which provides access to hiking trails, unlimited train rides between the villages, and Wi-Fi access. It’s the best deal! Each train ride is about $5 euros each way, so this card will save you money overall. You can buy the Cinque Terre Card at the train stations or online.

train from florence to corniglia

There is no direct train between Florence and Corniglia. Corniglia is a small town on the Cinque Terre coast in northwest Italy. To get from Florence to Corniglia, you’ll need to:

1. Take a train from Florence to La Spezia Centrale. This high-speed Frecciabianca or Frecciargento train takes around 3 hours, with ticket prices starting from €20-€30 each way. Trains run hourly.
2. In La Spezia Centrale station, transfer to a local train going to the Cinque Terre coastal towns. This train ride takes around 15 minutes to Corniglia station. The small local trains run every 30-60 minutes and cost around €4 one-way from La Spezia to Corniglia.
3. Exit at Corniglia station. From there, you’ll need to climb the long staircase composed of several flights of stairs up the hillside to reach the hilltop village of Corniglia itself (it has no direct road access). Give yourself at least 2-3 hours between trains for this transfer if carrying luggage.

In total, the journey from Florence to Corniglia takes approximately 3.5-4 hours with the change of trains in La Spezia.

2. Private Transfer from Florence to Cinque Terre

For a personalized and hassle-free experience, consider booking a private transfer. A private driver can pick you up from your accommodation in Florence and take you directly to your desired village in Cinque Terre. The distance and travel time for a private transfer vary based on the route and the transportation service you choose. To book your private transfer, check out services like GetYourGuide

3. Getting to the Cinque Terre from Florence by Car

Renting a car provides flexibility and allows you to explore Cinque Terre at your own pace. The distance from Florence to Cinque Terre is approximately 130 km (80 miles), and the travel time is around 2 hours. Renting a car for this day trip doesn’t make much sense as it will cost more than taking the train and will be a hassle. To book your rental car, visit Discover Cars. They have the largest selection and best cancelation policies and most competitive pricing.

4. From Florence to cinque terre by bus

Although less popular than trains, traveling by bus is a budget-friendly option. The distance from Florence to Cinque Terre is approximately 130 km (80 miles), and the travel time is around 3-4 hours. To book your bus tickets, visit the official websites of bus companies like FlixBus

5. Florence to Cinque Terra Day Trips

tour from Florence to cinque terre:

4.5 stars out of 1,088 Reviews | start time 8:00am | see pricing

Another popular option is to take a guided day trip tour from Florence to Cinque Terra. If you’re short on time and would like to see the highlights of this quaint town you can definitely see it in a day.  YHere are the two best tours that offer one day trips to the five towns .

• Small-group day trip to the Cinque Terre villages from Florence Stop
• for lunch in beautiful Vernazza
• Explore Manarola by foot or relax in a cafe or bar
• Small-group tour ensures a more personalized experience

How to get from La Spezia to the Cinque Terre

Once you arrive to La Spezia, you have two options for how to reach the Cinque Terre: take the train or take a ferry.

The easiest option is to take a train from La Spezia’s central station to any of the 5 towns. 

• 15-25 minutes travel time
• Buy Cinque Terre Card direct at La Spezia Centrale train station

You can also take a boat from the port of La Spezia to Rio Maggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, or Monterosso. The boat ride takes 30 minutes to Manarola and 2 hours to Monteross. The price of the ferry is 20-25 euro depending on which town you choose to go to.

The boats are operated by a ferry company called Navigazione Golfo dei Poeti

Exploring The Villages OF Cinque Terre

Once you arrive in Cinque Terre, get ready to immerse yourself in the charm and beauty of this coastal region. Each village offers its unique attractions and experiences. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you:

Monterosso

Visit the largest and liveliest village in Cinque Terre, Monterosso. Relax on its sandy beaches, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, and indulge in delicious seafood at the waterfront restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to explore the historic center and the stunning Church of San Giovanni Battista.

Vernazza

Experience the postcard-perfect beauty of Vernazza, often considered the most picturesque village in Cinque Terre. Wander through its narrow streets, visit the vibrant harbor, and hike up to the Doria Castle for panoramic views of the village and the coastline. Enjoy a memorable sunset from the waterfront promenade.

Corniglia

Perched on a rocky hill, Corniglia offers breathtaking views of the sea. Stroll through its charming streets, visit the Church of San Pietro, and savor the local delicacies at traditional trattorias. Take in the serenity of this village and admire the terraced vineyards that surround it.

Manarola

Known for its vibrant atmosphere and scenic vineyards, Manarola is a must-visit village in Cinque Terre. Walk along the famous Via dell’Amore (Lover’s Lane) to reach the neighboring village of Riomaggiore, and enjoy spectacular views of the coastline. Don’t forget to try the delicious local wines.

Riomaggiore

Explore the southernmost village of Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore. Admire the colorful houses clinging to the cliffs, wander through the narrow alleys, and visit the historic Church of San Giovanni Battista. Indulge in fresh seafood, explore local shops, and capture memorable photographs of this picturesque village.

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