Getting from Venice to Cinque Terre(Vernazza) train

Posted by luke (milwaukee, WI, USA) on 05/17/12 12:52 AM

I am currently in the process of buying train fare(Mini pass), and believe the best way to get to CT, is going through Milan, then to La Spezia, from there Vernazza. I could go through Florence, but it looks like There would be more train transfers. Maybe i am looking at the incorrect station in Florence. In addition we will have some luggage, so less transfers the better. Any suggestions?

Posted by Larry

Elk Grove, CA, USA

05/17/12 12:59 AM

6898 posts

Milan works just fine. 1-3 train changes depending on the run. Most runs, however, go through Florence. You change trains twice and most likely 3 times on that route (Florence, Pisa, La Spezia). Not much difference in the travel time for the two different routes.

Posted by Frank

WPB, FL & Firenze

05/17/12 04:05 PM

3112 posts

If taking trains via Milan, look for a Milan to Vernazza train with a change in Sestri Levante rather than La Spezia. Changing in La Spezia requires you to double back to Vernazza, and that could add a up to an hour to your trip. If going via Florence, then La Spezia is the better place to change. I did that route last September, taking an early train from Venice to Florence, connecting to the 11:53 train to La Spezia (no change in Pisa) and then the local train to Vernazza.

Posted by Ken

Vernon, Canada

05/17/12 11:33 PM

32486 posts

luke, Given the fact you want fewer changes, one of the easiest trips appears to be a departure from Venezia Santa Lucia at 09:27, arriving Vernazza at 15:29 (time 6H:02M, two changes at Firenze S.M. Novella and La Spezia Centrale). Changing in Florence will be easy as it's a "terminating station" which means you won't have to negotiate any tunnels. You may have to use a tunnel to get from one platform to another in La Spezia, but you'll have lots of time. On that particular trip, one of the trains is a "Freccia" (fast) train which you will be able to reserve. The other two trains are Regionale which can't be reserved (AFAIK). You can easily buy those when you arrive in Venice. Regarding the tickets for the Regionale trains, BE SURE to validate in the yellow machine prior to boarding the train. Happy travels!