Pisa to Cinque Terre AND Cinque Terre to Rome

Dmitri, To begin with, if you haven't travelled by train in Italy before it's a good idea to be familiar with the routine, as there are some potentially expensive "pitfalls" to be aware of. If you need further details, post another note. Note that there are usually several stations in each city, so when buying tickets it's important to know which stations you'll be using. Yes, you can absolutely buy tickets at the stations, either from a staffed ticket window (if available) or the automated Kiosks. The two trips you mentioned are fairly easy. You can research the details at www.trenitalia.com. The trip from Pisa Centrale to Riomaggiore is about 1H:15M, with one change at La Spezia Centrale. If you want to travel REALLY early, there's a train departing Pisa Centrale at 06:00. The fare will vary slightly depending on which train you use, but it's as low as €11. The trip from Riomaggiore to Rome is also easy, although the travel time will vary depending on which train you use. Were you planning to head to Rome late on the same day you arrive in the C.T.? There's a departure from Riomaggiore at 19:49, arriving Roma Termini at 23:28 with one change at La Spezia. Fares are as low as €21 if you manage to get the best discount. The local trains run between the five towns all day. The times are listed in the Italy Guidebook, or you can use the Trenitalia website. One other point to note is that if you want to hike any of the trails (two are currently open), you'll need to buy a Park Pass. This can be purchased with a train pass. Given your location, you might find it helpful to take a drive to Edmonds and use the Guidebooks in the Library at ETBD. That would also allow you to speak with Rick's travel experts. Happy travels!

I am getting to Pisa late afternoon on 6/27. My plan is to check out the leaning tower, and then leave later that night for cinque terre. So will I be able to get a locker at the pisa airport to store my stuff while I check out the tower, and then take a train to Riomaggiore in the evening? Also, will 1 day, say starting around 6 am, be enough to see most of Cinque Terre? I appreciate your help! Thanks!

Dmitri, there are a lot more trains running during the day in Italy than you might imagine. Over 20 a day stop in Riomaggiore. The first train out for Riomaggiore from Pisa departs at 06:00. The second at 06:47 and the third at 08:09. You will change trains at La Spezia Centrale on all three runs. When you are ready to depart the CT for Rome, you have several choices. Some routes will take you via Florence and some will take you down the west coast. You can see these train runs on www.trenitalia.com. You can even buy the tickets online within 90 days of travel. The sooner you buy the better the fare. The lowest fares will lock you into a specific train on a specific day that departs at a specific time. Once in Riomaggiore, you might look for a cafe for breakfast if you haven't eaten already. There's a McDonald's in the La Spezia train station but you might not have time to grab something before your next train. I would suggest that you take the world famous Via Dell'Amore coastal trail to Manorola. It takes about 25 minutes. Just walk down the the water's edge and you'll find the beginning of the trail. Tour Manarola. Then, take either the train for the next leg of the trail to the Corniglia train station. You won't need to tour Cornigila. It's high on a bluff. Take the train to Vernazza and tour Vernazza. Might be time for lunch. Finally, take the train to Monterosso. Tour Monterosso. Have a late lunch there if you didn't eat in Vernazza. You can then take the train to Rome from Monterosso. You don't need to return to Riomaggiore.

Dmitri, not sure about lockers at the Pisa Airport. In Italy, many of the larger train stations have staffed luggage storage areas. There are no lockers. At the Pisa Centrale train station, there is a "Left Luggage" facility. You can store you luggage there. We've done that. It's very secure.

Dmitri, Regarding your most recent questions..... I assume you're arriving in Pisa via air? I have no information on Lockers at the airport. You should be able to get from the airport to Pisa Centrale via Regionale trains (a short 5 minute trip - DON'T forget to validate!). I'd suggest leaving your bags at Pisa Centrale station. I've never used it, but there's a Deposito Bagagli at the far end of Platform 1 after the Police station. You'll have to confirm the hours once you arrive, but I believe they operate 06:00-21:00. You can walk from the station to La Famosa Torre but I'd suggest Bus or Taxi. What time are you planning to head to Riomaggiore from Pisa? Many of the smaller lodgings don't have 24-hour staff at the front desk, so probably best not to arrive too late. Where are you planning to stay there? Yes, one day should be adequate for a brief glimpse of all of the five towns. I'm not sure it's necessary to start at 06:00 though. I'd probably want to get a good breakfast first. Under the circumstances, a Cinque Terre Treno Park Card might be the best option (€10 for 1 day). That covers both the hiking trails and trains. You can buy the card at T.I. offices inside the train stations. Be sure to validate before use in the yellow machine. I'd suggest walking from Riomaggiore to Manarola along the famous Via dell'Amore. It's VERY easy, and there's a Bar part way along. You could also hike from Vernazza to Monterosso, although it's fairly strenuous in parts so keep that in mind. What time are you planning to leave for Rome? Cheers!