Cinque Terre to Interlocken

Plane is definitely out. No airports in the CT. There's not one of any size in Interlaken. Train is your best choice. Train from the CT to Milan where you will change trains (3.5hrs). Milan to Spiez by train/bus (3.5hrs). Spiez to Interlaken (20 minutes).

Colin, As Larry mentioned, travel by air is not an option on that route. I believe the nearest airport is Genoa, and you'd likely have to fly to Zurich (not sure if flights are even available on that route). Travel by train is absolutely the best option, although it will be a bit of a long trip. You can see all the rail details on the German Rail website. The shortest trip that I could find from Monterosso to Interlaken Ost was 8H:33M with four changes (reservations compulsory on some legs). Note that a Bus is currently being used on the stretch from Domodossola to Iselle di Trasquera, probably due to track work. I'll also be travelling that route on my next trip, and that's the easiest route I could find. Happy travels!

There is a 705 and an 802 train that stops in levanto and will connect at milan to ec 52 to spiez where you can connect to interlaken the 705 is levanto to milan total 7hr 26 m the 802 is levanto to genoa one more change but faster 6.5 hr genoa to milan hope this helps
Paul

Thank you for your advice, so the train that I looked at from Riomaggiore to Spiez has some pretty tight connections, and that worries me abit about the way Italian trains seem to run....and also, how do you suggest getting from Spiez to Murren---I looked last night and there seemed to be several option for arriving in Murren ?

Take the train to Lauterbrunnen and asked at the train station. I know it is on the right hand side of the main street. It is one of those cog type trains. Beautiful area....enjoy.

First, while in the Spiez train station (not large), run around the back and use the ATM to get some nice Swiss Francs. I've done this. Then, take the 20-minute ride to the Interlaken Ost train station (also small). Then go to track 2A and take the Jungfraubahn train into Lauterbrunnen (about 22-minutes and very scenic). From the Lauterbrunnen train station, walk across the street to the gondola station (aka Lauterbrunnen BLM on the Swiss website). Six minutes later, you are in Grutshalp. A cog train will be waiting for you. A few minutes later, you are in Muerren. Sounds complicated doesn't it. It's not and you'll enjoy the whole thing. It's really quite an experience. At Muerren, you will be at 5,200'.

If you miss a connection...take the NEXT train. There is more than 1 train per day to Mürren and most every other destination in Europe.