We are traveling from Milan to Vernazza in the Cinque Terre in June. What's the fastest way to get there?
The fastest way is by train. It's difficult to make more specific suggestions without more information. For example, when will you be making that trip and what time of day will you be travelling?
You can find schedule information on the Trenitalia website.
Stiffing the urge to answer "By helicopter", I'll say by direct IC train to Monterosso, then change to the local to Vernazza, assuming you mean by public transportation.
Absolutely, the answer is by train. You should explore the schedule on the Trenitalia website:
http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en
Milano Centrale is the main station in Milan but we don't know if you're coming from the city or from Malpensa airport; some 50 minutes from Milan?
We will be coming from Milano central and leaving early. We'd like to be in the Cinque Terre as early as possible. Since we're not wealthy, we will be taking public transportation and not a helicopter:-)
LOL! We figured that so take the train. :O)
this web site will help you get familiar with train travel in Italy! Its great in addition to the Trenitalia site that is a must!
http://www.seat61.com/Italy-trains.htm#.VR1X5st0wfg