Hi, this is my first time to Italy. Fly into Florence 16th -2 days there, train to Assisi 2-3 days there, then what? So much to do in the region. I'd like to go to Cinque Terre 22 and stay there until the 25th but how fast can I get to Pisa airport and how long does it take to get to Vernazza from Assisi-how many trains do I have to take? Any help is great. Otherwise I'll stay in a Tuscan town amongst the Sunflowers and olive groves--but which one? thx Millie
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32320 posts
Millie, You can research the rail travel times and other details by using the Trenitalia website. Note that some trains have compulsory reservations, while tickets for Regionale trains MUST be validated prior to boarding or you'll risk a hefty fine (which will be collected on the spot and it won't be cheap!). The trip from Assisi to La Spezia Centrale (close to Vernazza) ranges from 4H:44M to 7H:02M, depending on which train you choose. There will be at least two and sometimes more changes. The trip from Vernazza to Pisa Airport will be about 2H:15M, usually with two changes. The Cinque Terre is a great place to relax, enjoy the local Pesto and wines, do some hiking or just relax on the beach (Monterosso has the nicest sandy beach). You may find it helpful to read this post concering rail travel in Italy: www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/89006/are-the-trains-between-the-towns-of-cinque-terre-covered-by-railpass.html Happy travels!
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
First, you will love Assisi. It's our favorite hilltown. Next, any train runs from Assisi to the CT will take you to Florence first. Really no way to avoid Florence. Here's a TRENITALIA LINK to show you what Trenitalia will show you. Next, when you buy your train tickets to Assisi in Florence, you can buy the remainder of your tickets from Assisi to Vernazza. The 6:51 run shown in the link above is not bad. If you register now with Trenitalia and buy your tickets online, all of your tickets will be pre-validated. If you buy Regionale train tickets in Italy, which you might in the CT, they need to be validated at the little yellow box in the train station. Here's a LINK to a picture of how you validate your ticket. This actually was in Florence and we were going to Assisi. From the CT, you are 2.5hrs away by train from the Pisa airport. The Pisa airport is one of only 4 airports in Italy with a train station. For ticketing, you will want the Pisa Aeroporto.