Hi. I will be staying for 3 nights in Cinque Terre (air bnb in Riomaggiore specifically) (SUPER EXCITED!). Due to my mother having arthritic knees, we will take the train/ferry to the other towns. I was wondering what the best/cheapest option would be for taking the train multiple times or taking the ferry 1-2 times? I have been seeing a cinque terre "card", but not really sure what that entails. Thank you!!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16710 posts
The Cinque Terre Treno MS Card covers use of the trail system + the regional trains+ plus the park buses (you'll need the bus to get up/down to/from Corniglia from its station). It comes in 1 to 3-day values, and info is here:
http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Ecinque-terre-card.php
To my knowledge there isn't a card JUST for the trains. Individual 2nd-class tickets for trains between towns are 4 euro so you'd need to use the trains at least 4 times a day to break even on a 1 day, € 16.00 card, or 7 times over 2 days for the € 29.00 card, etc.
These cards only have to be validated the first time you use them, and expire at midnight on the day of/day after validation, depending on number of days its good for.
There is also a daily pass for the ferries: currently, € 25,00, or € 20,00 for just the afternoon. Individual ticket prices vary by the distance you're traveling. The ferry website is here:
http://www.navigazionegolfodeipoeti.it/en
It will only show timetables and prices for 2017: 2018 prices won't probably be up until spring of next year, before the ferries start running again after winter shutdown.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32398 posts
Mercedes,
Just curious, when is this trip taking place?
One other point to mention is that the rail stations in the area typically have stairs. Depending on which platform you arrive on in Riomaggiore, you may have to use the sottopassagio (tunnel) to reach the station platform. Hopefully your Mom won't have any trouble with the stairs.
Also the ferry dock in Riomaggiore is down a stairway to a rocky outcropping.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16710 posts
Mercedes' previous post mentioned the trip as being in June of 2018.
Was concerned that it may have been later THIS year after the ferries had stopped running so I'm pleased that's not the case. :O)
Posted by
Boston, MA
1832 posts
Mercedes: if her knees are very bad I do worry about her getting around even by train or ferry as getting around in each town involves inclines/steps, etc...
If going to Corniligia the train stops quite far below the town itself (no ferry to this town), but they have a bus that comes by and picks up passengers and brings them back down ; definitely something someone with bad knees would want to do rather than walk up the road or steps.
You can buy passes for the day or multiple days either in advance or on location. The sales office at the locally train stations I witnessed being very patient with English speaking tourists explaining the options. Ferry is in most towns a different kiosk.
Posted by
Charlotte
60 posts
All the village (except maybe Monterosso) streets are on an incline. The train will be the easy part. Walking may prove difficult. I’m a pretty active adult and got winded walking around! The access on and off the boats require sea legs as well.
Keep in mind that these are quaint and casual villages...go with the flow, sit down when you’re tired and enjoy being in the place!
You can buy train and boat tickets at the kiosks. There is a tourist office at Manarola train station too.
Take it easy and have fun!