I can find rail schedules for Italy on the rail europe web site but the cinque terre schedules are not there. I've looked at Trenitalia site but it seems really difficult to navigate. I would like to find out what the schedules are departing from and returning to La Spezia and also what the schedules are between the towns. It seems like I should buy a pass b/c it covers the trails too. I would really love to get feedback and the advantage of the recent experience of others.
Julie, The schedules for the local trains are shown in the Italy Guidebook (page 315 in the 2010 edition). Regarding the Cinque Terre Treno Card the Guidebook states that this is "not a good value as you'd have to hike and take three train trips a day just to break even". The Trenitalia website is actually very easy to navigate, once you get used to it. If you could provide some further information on the rail trips you'll be making, I may be able to provide more specific details on the trains. Cheers!
the schedule between towns is not very reliable. you better show up on time for the trian, and likely wait for another 10 min it'll come.