What is the sequence of trains? busses? to get from Rome to Vernazza?
Hi Patrick,
For all trains in Italy, go to www.trenitalia.com to see all the possible train routes (click "English" at the top). The absolutely exact route will depend on the day and time that you travel as there is more than one exact way to get between the two. Some require you to change in Florence, others in Pisa.
Patrick,
The easiest way I've found from Rome to Vernazza is to take the direct train (no changes) from Roma Termini to La Spezia. Travel time is about four hours, and reservations will likely be compulsory.
When you arrive in La Spezia, simply transfer to the local C.T. train and you'll be in Vernazza in no time. The trains leave La Spezia frequently. Check the Italy book for details.
When you buy your ticket in Rome, be sure to specify the end destination as Vernazza.
Happy travels!
CLICK HERE to see a typical morning train schedule. Most runs with the one train change at La Spezia Centrale go west from Rome and then north along western Italy. You could take the IC train (lower-class train) and save 10Euro.
Once at La Spezia Centrale, there is a TI (Tourist Information) office next to the station on the train platform. If you are staying in the CT for 2-3 days, you might look into the Cinque Terre Treno card. It's a local special card. This card provides unlimited train travel from La Spezia to Levanto in the north. The card also covers the fares on the famous trails (yes there are fare booths there). It doesn't cover the ferry.
You don't mention when you are traveling.
I just returned from Italy on 7/5/09 and tried to get from Florence to Vernazza on Tuesday 6/30.
All trains running this route go through Viareggio where there was just a major accident. It was very difficult and took two days to get there.
If you are traveling in the next week or so, talk to a local travel agent or tourist information office on the current situation.
At the time I was there, trenitalia was running a bus out of Pisa to La Spezia - this was not a pleasant experience. Then from La Spezia you can get a train to Vernazza. Some trains stop at all the 5 villages and some only at the first and last (not Vernazza) so also be aware of this.