Getting to cinque terre by train the same day we fly in to Milan.

Posted by jkoshy77 on 05/04/24 03:15 PM

Hello we are flying into Milan at 12:15pm on a Monday and then trying to go by train to Vernazza that same day as we have an air BnB booked there.

If we fly in at 12:15 pm, how long would it take for us to collect bags go through customs and get to the train station. Should we book trains ahead of time or will it be fine to do this when we arrive?

We also plan to do train trips from Vernazza to Florence.

And also go via train from Florence to Ravenna the same day we are to embark on a cruise. We hope to get to Ravenna as early as possible to get on the ship. Is this wise or should we plan to get to Ravenna the day before. This is mid May journey and I have heard there can be train strikes. Is there reliable ways to go from Florence to Ravenna if the trains are on strike and would we be able to know at least some days ahead if there is a strike?

Should I be booking these train trips ahead of time or is it ok to wait till day of travel?

Thank you so much in advance for any guidance you can give.

Posted by Sam

Green Bay

05/04/24 06:32 PM

21224 posts

Don't book the train to Vernazza in advance as you can't be sure your plane lands on time, or how long to clear immigration or get luggage. Trains to Florence from Vernazza are mostly regional trains which do not need to be booked in advance. Earliest train to Ravenna from Florence is at 7:10 and gets you there after a train change in Bologna, gets you there by 9:17. Book that one in advance.

Posted by ChristineH

Gettysburg PA

05/04/24 07:09 PM

7233 posts

Ravenna is worth a visit for the fabulous mosaics
I’d recommend getting there the day before
2 partial days will give you enough time to see most of mosaics and enjoy the lovely small town.

And eliminate risk of missing your ship!

There are a few inexpensive hotels right near train station -NH is one- and the mosaics and historic center all easy walk from station

Posted by Rebecca

New York, NY, USA

05/04/24 10:44 PM

64 posts

Just echoing - you don't need to buy your train tixs in advance.

We flew into Milan and then took a bus from the airport to the train station. (That was about maybe an hour in total.) Once there, we just got tixs for the next train to Vernazza and even had time to grab some coffee. The ride was beautiful!
We also took the train from Vernazza into Florence and bought our tickets the morning we left. It gives you flexibility and it's really easy. There are both windows to walk up to purchase tickets, as well as machines.

Posted by shoeflyer

Chicago

05/04/24 11:21 PM

662 posts

Are you flying into Linate or Malpensa?

Linate is more or less in the city and getting to the train station will not take too long.

Malpensa, otoh, is an hour or so to Milano Centrale by train or bus.

While still prob wise not to buy tix ahead of time, what airport you are coming into will impact the train that you can target making.

Posted by Ken

Vernon, Canada

05/05/24 06:39 AM

32363 posts

There's no way of knowing whether your flight will arrive on time (or early?), or how long it will take to collect your luggage and go through Passport control. I've found that the best method is to just buy tickets at the airport rail station and take the next trains heading in the direction I want. You can check the schedules at https://www.trenitalia.com/ . Some of the trips on Mondays have as few as two changes, and that's what I would choose (especially if tired after an international flight).

Travel by train into Milan via the Malpensa Express is usually the quickest method. If using paper tickets purchased at the airport from a self serve kiosk or staffed ticket office, be sure to validate the tickets prior to boarding the train. That may be required also for the tickets on the other trains you'll be taking, if they're Regionale. Also note which of the stations the Malpensa Express will be stopping at for your first change.

You can use the same website to check train schedules for your trips to Florence and Ravenna. This page on the website provides some information on strikes - https://www.trenitalia.com/en/purchase/info_contacts/in_case_of_strike.html . I checked schedules on an arbitrary date for Florence SMN to Ravenna, and there's one listed with a travel time of 2H:07M with one change at Bologna Centrale.

I often buy rail tickets on the day prior to travel if I'm close to the station. Given that your trip is in May, all the discounted tickets might be sold out. Savings are possible only on the premium trains like the high speed Freccia. Tickets for Regionale trains are not discounted. Buying online is certainly possible, but keep in mind that with Regionale tickets, you'll have to check-in online prior to your trip. IMO, paper tickets are less of a hassle. The tickets for the express trains don't have to be validated as they come with compulsory seat reservations that are specific to train, date and departure time.