Hello, we are currently staying in Tuscany near the town of Sarteano in siena. The nearest train station is called Chiusi. We would like to make a day trip just to see the leaning tower of Pisa and also Cinque Terre. We do have a rental car but driving seems like it would take too much time for a day trip. Can someone point us in the right direction for the best way to reach Pisa by train? and from there, the best way to get to Cinque Terre? Thank you!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
How to Look Up Train Schedules Online gives you the DB train schedule link and tips for using it. Trains from Chiusi to Pisa take 3 - 3.5 hours each way with a connection at Florence. According to Google Maps, you could drive that distance in about 2.25 hours (but round up a bit). www.viamichelin.com is another site that helps plan driving routes (fastest, discovery, without tolls, etc.).
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Trying to visit both Pisa and Cinque Terre as one daytrip from Chiusi area would make for a very long day of travel. Pisa is about 3.25 hours each way by train, with Monterosso another 1.25 to 2 hours each way (depending on whether you catch an intercity or regional train). That’s 9 to 10.5 hours of just train travel. You might consider Pisa and Lucca instead, as they’re close to each other and easy to connect by bus or train. If there are only 2 of you, cost of public transit and driving would be about the same. If there are more than 2 of you, then you might save money (and about an hour of travel time) by driving to Pisa.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16240 posts
If you think a day trip from Sarteano to Pisa and Cinque Terre via car is too long, you are going to like the the rail alternative even less. Drive my friend, and stop in Pisa on the way back for 5 minutes in the evening.