After viewing Rick Steve's Italy and beginning to read "Italy" 2012, I want to see the Cinque Terre. Our tour does not go there, but we have a couple of free days in Rome. Is it possible to get to Cinque Terre from Rome by train or some sort or public transportation and back the same day? If possible, how would I find out which train to take? Thanks
Yvonne
Posted by
Minneapolis
1215 posts
Hi Yvonne. It's easy by train, but long; 4 to 5 hours each way. If still interested, see trenitalia.com for schedules and fares. Pick 'Roma ( Tutte Le Stazioni )' for the Rome station.
Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32201 posts
Yvonne, While it is theoretically possible to visit the Cinque Terre as a day trip from Rome, it's not recommended due to the travel times involved. The trip from Roma Termini to La Spezia will be a minimum of about 4 hours each way, which doesn't really leave much time to see the area. Keep in mind there are five towns to visit, so getting to each one even by local train or boat will take some time. When you arrive in La Spezia, you'll transfer to the local trains for the trip to the five towns. The trip to the closest town (Riomaggiore) will only take about 9 minutes. As you have a "couple of free days", you might consider staying in the C.T. one night and then taking the train back to Rome the following afternoon. That would allow you some time to walk the famous Via dell'Amore (Park Pass compulsory) from Riomaggiore to Manarola. Which tour are you taking? Happy travels!