We are considering a trip to include Florence, Volterra and Cinque Terre. We will probably not be renting a car and need information for travel between Florence and Volterra and then between Volterra and Cinque Terre. All use of public transport needs to take into account ourselves and our luggage. Thanks for your assistance..
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
907 posts
It will be difficult to get to Volterra without a car. Bus perhaps, but it will be time consuming. Consider driving. Then you can pick up a car at Florence airport, drive to Volterra and see San Gimignano on the way (and other Tuscany sites and sights, such as Pisa). Then drive to La Spezia, dump the car, and take the train to 5 Terre. Schlepping a lot of luggage around 5 Terre won't be a joy.
Posted by
New Orleans
1225 posts
I just returned from a trip that included Florence, Volterra, Ravenna, Lucca and Venice. On an earlier trip was Rome, 5T, Pisa. Florence. Took public transportation on both trips. Really not hard at all; just have to do some prep and print out some travel options to take with you. Although some will tell you to take bus from Flo and change in Colle Val d'Elsa to another bus to Volterra, I chose to take train from Flo to Pontedera and switch to a bus there. (I much prefer departing Flo train station to departing Flo bus station.) Was quite easy: come out of Pontedera train station, cross the small piazza, and bus station is on your left. Ask around for your bus; I waited about 15 min; can buy a ticket on board the bus. Total travel time about 2-2 1/2 hrs. Coming out of Volterra, take bus back to Pontedera and then train on toward 5T. Use Trenitalia and Sita bus websites for schedules. I found on-line schedules quite reliable. I suggest buying all of your train tickets ahead of time from the very user-friendly ticket machines in the Flo train station (if regionale tickets, they will be good for weeks until validated in the validation machine near the train platform which you will do before getting in the train.)
Posted by
New Orleans
1225 posts
And about your luggage: on the buses , it's quite easy; the driver will open the luggage holder on the lower side of the bus and you'll put it in and out yourself. You'll have to carry it up a few steep steps onto the train. I don't recall if you will have to carry it down a flight of stairs and then back up, when you arrive/depart at the train station in Pontedera or a 5T town. The hardest part may be the schlep up to your b&b or apt once you arrive in a hilly 5t town. Wheeled luggage definitely a plus.