cinque terre train system

You can get tickets any time through an automated ticket machine. The windows in small stations have limited hours. But the tobacco shop in the station or near by will sell tickets. Most of the trains serving CT are regional trains with frequent service. Not sure what you are ask by connected to the larger lines. The Regional trains are all connect to the rail system in Italy.

Joan, A variety of trains pass through the five towns of the Cinque Terre. Some are the slower Regionale trains (such as the local trains that service that area), while others are the fast Inter City trains. In some cases, the faster trains don't stop in all of the five towns, but just zip through VERY quickly! If you're standing next to a tunnel when a fast train is approaching, a blast of air will precede arrival of the train. The rail lines in the Cinque Terre are integrated with the FS rail network, so it's possible to connect with trains going just about anywhere. The local trains typically run from Genova in the north to La Spezia in the south, and run frequently during the day. There train times are listed in the Italy Guidebook. There are also large departure and arrival charts in each station (mounted behind a plexiglass window). There isn't a single station on the Cinque Terre. Each of the towns has a station, however the hours of operation and services vary somewhat. The station in Monterosso is the largest and therefore offers better hours, etc. than some of the others. As I recall, the Monterosso station is open every day. There will be ticket Kiosks in each town, for buying tickets when the staffed ticket office is closed. If you haven't travelled by train in Italy, one other point to mention is that you'll often have to get from one platform to another by using the Sottopassagio (tunnel). Walking across the tracks is NOT permitted! One exception is the station in Varenna. Also, when using the Regionale trains, BE SURE to validate the ticket in the yellow machine, or you'll risk a hefty fine, which will be collected on the spot! Happy travels!

Thanks Ken! Great info, as usual!

To add to what Ken has said, and he'll remember which ones, in some of the 5 stations the train may be longer than the platform and you will need to be in the right part of the train or you will be stuck in the tunnel. Ken?

The situation that Nigel described can occur in Riomaggiore, depending on the length of the train. I've had to disembark in the tunnel and walk back to the station platform on a few occasions. There is a tunnel next to the station in Vernazza, but I've never seen passengers disembark there (and may not even be possible as I'm not sure if the ramp extends into the tunnel - will double check that on my next visit). The station in Manarola also has a tunnel, as the station is situated on the other side of a bluff from the town. Passengers have to walk through a foot tunnel to reach the town. There are often street musicians playing in the tunnel, which adds to the atmosphere. The metal ramp behind the station in Manarola is also the starting point for the famous Via dell'Amore. There were also street musicians performing in the tunnel between the old town and new town in Monterosso when I was there last year.

Thank you so much everyone for your helpful information!!!