I found a web site that will sell me a ticket from Pisa airport to Monterosso. We are traveling to and from Cinque Terra May 11, a Sunday, and returning to Pisa May 21. Should I buy it in advance? It goes via La Spezia, does that sound correct? What do you know about trains from Pisa to Cinque Terra? Thanks
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8057 posts
More details might be helpful, but as I recall Pisa Airport does not have a train station, so you would need a bus or taxi to the train station (not far) then train from Pisa to La Spezia and usually catch a slow regional train to Monterosso there, all together about an hour and a half. There are enough regional and intercity trains that reservations are not needed and it would be very easy to just buy there as you board. Trenitalia prices the ticket at about 12 Euro each, one way ($18 US) for second class, this website probably will charge you more for "shipping and handling" than that, so I would wait.
Posted by
Meteghan, N.S., Canada
152 posts
Hi Joyce,
The regional trains from Pisa to Cinque Terre do not accept reservations. Thus there is no need or advantage in buying it in advance. As noted above you will need to take a short shuttle bus to the airport from Pisa. I'd just take the shuttle from the airport and then use the handy yellow machines to buy your ticket. Depending upon your time of arrival you may find that you have more than one option in trains to Monterosso. Another reason to wait. Enjoy. We will be in Cinque Terre May 15-18th staying in Vernazza! Here's hoping for great weather...
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
There is train transportation between Pisa airport and Pisa Central train station. It takes about 5 minutes and is inexpensive. I took this train a few years ago.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Pisa is one of three airports in Italy that has an express train from the airport to the main train station. It's a 5-minute ride as described about by Swan. Pisa is a major train change point for travelers going north to the CT. Some runs are direct to Monterosso and others will require another train change in La Spezia.
CLICK HERE to see a train schedule for May 11 beginning at 10:00am. Click on next to see later trains. The fare will be €9.50 for 2nd class.
You absoultely, definitely do not need advance tickets to do this. In fact, if you choose the R trains, you can't buy them in advance anyway. There are over 20 trains a day making this journey. They don't run full.
Posted by
OP
parkersburg, wv, us
2 posts
Thank you all for the info. Now I'm ready to land in Pisa and make my way to Monterosso. I would love any suggestions about activites, eateries, etc!
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1449 posts
Joyce, for ideas about activities and restaurants in Monterosso may I be so bold as to suggest Rick Steve's guide book?