On Thursday, October 4 we will be traveling from Venice to Cinque Terre (specifically Monterosso). I'm assuming it makes more sense to go through Florence rather than Milan. When searching the Trenitalia site should I search with the end town in the search bar or search Venice to Florence, knowing I will have to switch trains in Florence? Also, what is the average time it takes to get to Cinque Terre from Venice? Thanks in advance, still trying to figure out these train schedules. Would you advise to book ahead? I know on the regional trains I can not do that. But should I do it for the first portion?
Posted by
Charleston, SC, USA
927 posts
It takes 5-6 hours with 2-3 train changes depending on your route. I suggest using Monterosso as your destination so you can see the total time and specific changes with layover times. You can book the entire train journey at one time.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
You can reach Monterosso from Venice either via Florence or via Milan. The connections via Florence are usually a little quicker (as fast as 5 hours and 12 minutes), while it's sometimes possible to travel via Milan with only one change of train. It's all a matter of preference. If you search using Venezia S. Lucia as your departure point and Monterosso as your arrival point, the results will show you options via both Florence and Milan (click on the Cambi down arrow to see where you change train). And if the combination of trains you choose involves a Freccia (high-speed) or Intercity train, you may be able to save by purchasing in advance. Just make sure you understand the restrictions associated with the discounted tickets before buying. I've had no problems when I purchased a regional ticket in combination with a discounted ticket. They come pre-validated and are good for 4 hours from scheduled departure, so you can just take the next regional train if you miss the first one. This is the only situation in which I buy regional tickets ahead of time.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
On the Trenitalia website ( http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en ), or any other rail website, you need to search for the complete trip. In your case Venezia S. Lucia to Monterosso. It will then tell you the quickest route, you don't need to know that first. Where you change trains may be different for different options.
This will take about 5½ to 6 hours.
If you buy tickets early (like ASAP) it will be cheaper than buying on the day, Prices for 4th October are currently selling at €33.40 to €51.10, depending on which train you take. For some trains on that date the very cheapest tickets are already sold out.
Your tickets will be specific to the trains you choose, once bought you cannot change your mind and travel on a different trains.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17578 posts
If you go via Milan, it is possible to make the journey with a single change at Milano Centrale. You take. Frecce train from Venice to Milan, then an Intercity train from there to Monterosso. You would have reserved seats on both trains.
The Florence rote generally has 2-3 changes, and one or more of the train may be Regionales. We found the regional trains from Pisa to La Spezia and La Spezia to our Cinque Terre village so crowded we were unable to find seats. Of course the second train ride was very short, and the stop at Manarola very brief, somwe were better off standing near the door anyway. But it is something to consider.
Look at all the options offered on the schedule; there may be different prices as well as different travel times and routes.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thank you all!