Hi all- I found a post from about a year ago detailing how to get from Milan to Monterosso, and so I am assuming it will be similar to Riomaggiore, but I just wanted to clarify a few things. This is my first time to Europe, I don't speak Italian, and I am traveling there alone and meeting a friend in Cinque Terre so I'm a little nervous about navigating the train system by myself. As I understand it, I have to take a train from MXP to Milan Central train station and then catch another train to Cinque Terre. Is there one directly to Riomaggiore, or do I have to catch one of the local trains in Monterosso to get to Riomaggiore? I also read that it is best to buy the tickets at the Trenitalia station at the airport, however, I may have to get the one for Cinque Terre at Milan Central? I also do not have a credit card with a pin and chip, which I read somewhere that people thought that was the only type of card accepted at some train stations. Should I get a new credit card to use over there, or will my magnetic strip work?
Also - any tips or preparation advice for a first time European traveler who doesn't speak Italian? Thank you in advance for your time and help. I'm really excited to go on the trip, just a little nervous about getting there and this would make me feel much more comfortable.
Posted by
Green Bay
20089 posts
It more or less works like this. There is a train connection to the Cinque Terra every hour from Milano Centrale. Every other hour, you have to change trains in Genoa, the other ones go to Monterosso. In both cases, you change to a train to Riomaggiore. Its just a small town that only the local trains stop at. Buy tickets at Milan airport, you should not have any problems there. The agent is bound to know enough English to sell you a ticket. They do it all day long.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks Sam! That was really helpful... I found the raileurope and trenitalia websites which are also both helpful in giving information for train travel. I have had heard mixed things about buying tickets ahead of time. I'm guessing you would recommend waiting to buy them at the airport in case my flight gets delayed since many are non-refundable? Thanks again!
Posted by
Massachusetts
715 posts
I would wait to buy your tickets since there are no guarantees on your flight arriving on time or getting through the airport in time to catch your train.
Youtube has lots of videos on how to buy train tickets in Italy.
Also, this site (Rick Steves) has information and roninrome.com and www.seat61.com.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
You need a chip and pin card for automated machines, not for the staffed ticket windows.