Traveling from Venice to Cinque Terre Italy

Define "better". Cheaper? Takes less time? Less stressful? If any of those, the train is likely the better option. You won't need a car in CT or Venice, so it seems a bit silly to rent a car JUST to get from one place to other when you can take the train.

However, if you were wanting to make several stops along the way, such a spending a couple days roaming around the Tuscan countryside and searching out wineries, then a car is ideal.

Thanks. We will have four days to travel prior to needing a car in Umbria for our seven day stay . Where would you suggest that we get a car? We want to visit Assisi.

I've never rented a car in Italy, but I've seen many posts about picking up or dropping off a car in La Spezia before or after CT. Or another option is to pick one up in Florence. Just don't drive in the ZTLs!

What are ZTL's?

Areas where cars are restricted, like in most historical city centers in Italy. If you drive into a restricted area, a picture of the car is taken, the Italian police will contact your rental agency and get your info, then send a HUGE fine you several months down the road. The car rental agency may also send you a bill for providing your info to the police.

BTW, you also need to have an International Driving Permit for each driver of the car. If you are caught without one, again a huge fine and this time payable on the spot.

I would definately vote for taking the train.

Unless you're planning to take some time getting from Venice to the Cinque Terre and explore out-of-the-way locations, travel by train will be faster and a more efficient use of your travel time. Note that there are "caveats" to be aware of when travelling by either car or train, but those can be covered when you've decided which method you'll be using.

There are two common routes between Venice and the Cinque Terre, one which travels through Florence and the other through Milan. The first part of the journey from Venice to either one of those cities will likely be via Freccia high speed train, which travels at up to 300 kmH (reservations compulsory). The final segment from those cities to the Cinque Terre may use InterCity, Regionale, Regionale Veloce or Freccia trains. You can check the various solutions using the Trenitalia website.

Happy travels!