Florence to Cinque Terra- Corniglia

If I recall from our trip last year, we changed trains in La Spezia (Florence-La Spezia-Corniglia)...we were going for fewest changes, there are trains with a change in Pisa as well(which, if you want to take a few hours and see Pisa, is a good option)...just checking trenitalia (I picked a random day in Apr) and the trains with a stop in Pisa can actually be faster, as it is showing wait time of an hour in La Spezia for train change... eg...(Apr 4) Flor-Pisa 9:28-10:28 Pisa-LaSpez 11:00-11:51 LaSpez-Corniglia 12:00-12:15 2h47min VS Flore-LaSpez 9:53-12:19
LaSpez-Corn 13:15-13:30 3h37min because of the long wait time in LaSpez...

Melissa, The best way is to travel by train, and there will be numerous trains on that route every day. You can check the routes and specific details on the Trenitalia website. The train that I'd suggest is a departure from Firenze S. Maria Novella at 09:53, arriving Corniglia at 13:30 (time 3H:37M, one change at La Spezia Centrale, current fares shown at €13.90). As both legs are via Regionale trains, BE SURE to validate your tickets prior to boarding the train on the day of travel! The layover at La Spezia is about 56 minutes, but you could have a snack at the station to pass the time (as I recall, there's even a McDonalds there). When you arrive in Corniglia, you'll have to take the small Shuttle from the station up to the town. Cost is very low, perhaps a few Euros. When you see the stairs leading up to the town, you'll appreciate that fact that you won't have to climb those with luggage, so will gladly pay the Shuttle fee! Happy travels!

Almost all of the trains that depart from Florence for the CT will be Regionale trains. There are more than 2 dozen per day. These trains will stop at Pisa and La Spezia Centrale among the several stops along the way. You may change trains at either Pisa, La Spezia Centrale or both on some runs. From either of these two stops, you will then go to Corniglia. You will find that it is high up on a bluff. Two ways to get up there. 1) take the mini-bus from the train station to the town. 2) Walk up the appox. 425 stairs from the train station up to the town. We've walked down the stairs and you don't want to walk up.

Thank you all for the info. This leg of the trip is sounding a lot easier than I thought. Than you for telling me about the mini bus trip up to the village. I have 2 seniors with me that will greatly appreciate that tip!

Melissa, When you see the layout of the town and the stairs, ALL of you will really appreciate the Shuttle from the station. Are you planning to visit other towns in the Cinque Terre? Getting between the towns is very easy using the local trains. As these are usually Regionale trains, be sure to validate your tickets prior to boarding the train on the day of travel (although the trips are all very short, so your tickets may never be checked).

Yes, we are planning to see all the other towns. Even though I have seniors with me they are avid hikers and it looked like most of the trails are open. Thanks for the tips about the tickets. I love this forum and getting all these insider tips from people who have been there and actually experienced it. Thanks again!

Melissa, if you are intending to be there 2-3 days and visiting the different towns, there is a special card called the Cinque Terre Treno card. You can buy it at any tourist information location in the CT or in some shops. It comes in 1-day, 2-day, 3-day and 7-day versions. It provides free train travel on any Regionale train from La Spezia Centrale to Levanto (most of the trains between these towns are Regionales). It also covers the cost of the minibus that you will ride up and down the hill from Corniglia. It also covers the fares on the 4 famous trails (which are still closed). Yes, there are fare trolls on the trails should they be open. Here's a link to a picture of what the cards look like. http://gyazo.com/b13774be343c4cde36f4a3945efcbce6

Thank you Larry. We are there for 3 days so we will really need that pass!

Should I go ahead and purchase tickets online for this trip or just get them at the train station in Florence?

when is your trip? Usually it is no problem getting them at the Florence station on the day of the trip.

We are leaving tomorrow to start our Italy trip. Rome,Florence then Cinque Terra, so 8 days from tomorrow.
Thanks for the help.

no problem. Have a great trip!

hope this isn't too late for you. The regular Italia Rail take fro Firenza (Florence) to La Spezia CENTRALE (Centrale is important because plain old La Spezia is one stop too early) then there is a little train that goes NORTH to the towns of CT (just a fe euros) you get off at Corniglia to get into "town" three ways i) climb 385 steps or something ridiculous 9especially fi you have luggage with you) ii0 walk up the main road 9an incline- but not too horrble) iii) or (the easiest) take the green shuttle bus- about 1.5 euros i think I hop ehtis isn't too late to be useful to you.
have a wonderful trip!