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Train/bus logistics from CT to Siena

Posted by on

Hello all, my partner and I are leaving soon to spend September in Italy (first time). We will be using public transportation only and, from what we’ve learned on this forum, understand that fast trains are best booked early (for discounts) and regional trains and buses can be booked shortly before departing.

I’m under the impression that only our Venice to Florence travel requires the fast train and all else will be regional trains and buses. Can anyone confirm? My question pertains particularly to our Cinque Terre to Siena leg, but I welcome any tips/advice/confirmation for all parts.

Our transport itinerary is:
- Venice > Florence on a Wed. (already pre-booked fast train w/Italo)
- Florence > Lucca on a Sun.
- Lucca > Vernazza, Cinque Terre on a Fri.
- Cinque Terre > Siena on a Mon. (***Rome2Rio makes it seem options are very limited)
- Siena > Orvieto on a Thurs.
- Orvieto > Rome on a Sun.

Grazie in advance!

Posted by
5298 posts

Check trenitalia.com for train schedules on this route. You have several options via train.
I’d suggest choosing the one with the least number of changes. It looks like the journey from Vernazza to Siena will entail changing trains in La Spezia, Pisa, and Empoli.

You can book you ticket while you’re in Italy as this involves a Regionale train, and there is no advantage in pre booking since the price is the same.

If you buy your ticket at the train station, make sure you validate it (date/time stamp) prior to boarding the train to avoid an expensive fine.

Enjoy your trip, your itinerary looks great!

Edited to add… When booking your ticket, buy it as one journey, Vernazza to Siena.

Posted by
7276 posts

Those are all regional trains

Get the Trenitalia app, very easy to use
Set up your account before you go

Rome2Rio is a fun resource to use for a general idea of transit options/travel times but don’t purchase tix thru that site and always confirm on the actual bus or train site as rome2rio is not 100% accurate

Posted by
2580 posts

Cinque Terre seems to provide a bit of a challenge to get to/from. Those will definitely be regional trains.

La Spezia is the last big transportation hub before changing to the smaller trains going to/from CT. Looking at a random Monday in Sept, there seem to be lots of trains going from Vernazza to La Spezia, and lots going from La Spezia to Siena. Maybe look at booking separate tickets? Watch the station carefully where you would make he change. I’m not seeing any trains sold as one ticket between 5 am and 2 pm.

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