buses in Italy

Train is fastest and easiest. Do you have a problem with trains?

Elli, As mentioned, travel by train will be the fastest method but there will be a few changes (depending on which particular trains you choose). Depending on the trains you use, you may reach the Cinque Terre via Genova and not La Spezia. The trip will be about six hours either way. If you haven't travelled by train in Italy before, there are a few potentially expensive "caveats" to be aware of. If you need more information, post another note. Will you be staying in Corniglia for a few days? Happy travels!

Elli, Here's my usual "boilerplate" on the subject of rail travel in Italy.... When travelling by train in Italy, there are a couple of VERY IMPORTANT potentially expensive "caveats" to be aware of. When using Regionale trains which don't require reservations, it's VERY IMPORTANT to validate (time & date stamp) the tickets prior to boarding the train. This includes the Leonardo Express from the airport to Roma Termini. The validation (Convalida) machine will either be bright yellow or blue & gray, with a small digital display on the front. These are easy to find and located near the tracks. If the machine is out of order, writing the time & date on the ticket may be acceptable (ask the Conductor as soon as possible). Those caught with unvalidated tickets may be fined on the spot! The fines start at €50 per person and if not paid on the spot, they DOUBLE and increase from there! The same fines apply to those travelling via Bus in Rome and other places (in that case, validation machines are often located ON the Bus). Conductors are now carrying portable debit/credit card Terminals, so payment of fines WILL be easily accomplished! Those travelling on the "premium" trains such as the Freccia high speed trains MUST have a valid reservation or again may be fined on the spot! These fines also start at €50 per person, in addition to the cost of the reservation, which is currently ~€10 PP. Reservations on these trains are compulsory and are specific to a particular train and departure time. It's NOT POSSIBLE to simply buy a ticket with reservations and then board any train. The ticket or reservation will specify the train number (ie: ES 9718), so it's important to verify that before boarding. Cheers!

Elli, As mentioned in a previous reply, you can check the details of all the rail trips by using the www.bahn.com/i/view/USA/en/index.shtml or www.trenitalia.com (there's an English language option). Changing trains often involves going down stairs to a tunnel to get from one platform to another (you CAN NOT cross the tracks in most stations in Italy). A few stations have Elevators, but you should be prepared to haul your luggage up and down stairs. With the Trenitalia site, you'll have to use the Italian station names. You'll also have to be clear on which stations you're using, as many cities have more than one. in Venice, it will be Venezia Santa Lucia.

Thanks, We will be staying 2 days, have never done train only travel, with one carryon, we're in our 60's and fit and having been reading up a lot on train travel in Italy. What are the main problems? Elli

Its very easy and even relaxing. To get to Corniglia, you will need to change trains at least twice and possibly three times. Once in Florence for sure. There are direct trains from Florence to La Spezia, or you may have to change in Pisa. At La Spezia you will change for the last leg to Corniglia. You can see the schedule easiest at www.bahn.com, just put in sart and end locations and date and time and it will show various itineraries with the changes and times when you click on the details. You can buy the tickets at www.trenitalia.com.