My husband and I are planning a day trip to CT from Florence and I am debating if we are better off hiring a car/driver or if the trip by train is rather painless and easy enough. I am just concerned about the return trip and being exhausted from our busy day. Would the train and transfers be advisable or should we avoid it? We are not big "going with a tour" couple as we like to be spontaneous and like to wander.
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
1054 posts
How much is the car and driver? And would you have to pay him all day while you are exploring the CT? How long is the car ride there?
The train prices range from 19 - 25 euros one way. I was using Firenze - Monterosso as an example. The trips themselves are between 2:30 hours to 3 hours depending on your transfers. There are sevearl runs a day with only 1 connection. Florence to La Spezia where you change trains for La Spezia - Monterosso. La Spezia is small station to go between platforms. The longer time trains will have 3 connections usually Florence - Pisa, Pisa - La Spezia and then La Spezia to CT towns. If you select one of the trains with only 1 transfer, you shouldn't have any issues after all day at in the CT.
Use the http://www.trenitalia.com/ website to see the times of the trains. Sicne they are regional days use the day of the week you want to travel in but only for a week ahead. TImes for after 7 days won't be posted there. So if you are traveling next month on a Tuesday, use Tuesday May 27 as the date in the website.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you Robert for your reply. I will look at the trains and schedules. I am not sure how much the car/driver option will be, but probably much more than the trains - but I will check that out as well.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
The train connections are not difficult, and you'll be packing light for that daytrip, not taking all your luggage. If you have trains earlier in your trip plan, you'll have a chance to get comfortable with trains and stations in general.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you Laura. I appreciated your reply!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32405 posts
Hiring a car and driver would be somewhat of an expensive option, and spending that many Euro is really not necessary since the trip is very easy to do by train (I know as I've travelled that route). I'd much prefer a short stay in the C.T., but sometimes I only have time for a day trip.
Depending on which of the five towns you choose as your starting point, there will be 1 - 3 changes and a travel time of about 2H:40M to 3H:50M, with fares currently shown as low as €13,50 PP each way. One of the shortest trips is a departure from Firenze SMN at 07:00, arriving Riomaggiore at 09:58 (two changes at Pisa and La Spezia). Although that's a bit early, it would be a good choice if you want to spend the better part of a day there. There are numerous later departures as well.
On a day trip to the Cinque Terre, I always like to end in Monterosso so that I can enjoy a fine meal before heading back to Florence (there are lots of good restaurants in Monterosso, as it's the largest of the five towns). On the current schedules, the last train of the day departs Monterosso at 21:03, arriving back in Florence at 23:50. While that's somewhat of a long day, I didn't find it to be a problem.
You can confirm all the train times and other details using either the Trenitalia or bahn.de websites.