NL
The Cinque Terre Express is the regional rail service that links five colourful villages along the Ligurian coast. This panoramic railway offers a smart and comfortable way to discover the steep cliffs, azure sea and characteristic houses without the stress of driving or parking. In this article you’ll read which villages you visit, how the train service works and what you can do in each village.
Which five villages can you visit with the Cinque Terre Express?
The train runs between La Spezia and Levanto and stops at all five villages in this order: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. Each village has its own character and lies only a few minutes by train from the next. The route is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and combines perfectly with other scenic train routes with special views, such as the most beautiful panoramic trains in Europe.
Riomaggiore is the southernmost village and is known for its colourful houses built into the rocks. From the station you walk through a short tunnel straight into the village centre. The village has several wine tastings where you can try local Sciacchetrà, a sweet wine that is typical of this region.
Manarola is more compact and has a charming little harbour. This village is popular with photographers because of the iconic skyline you see from the water. The Via dell’Amore, a walking path to Riomaggiore, starts here, but is often closed for maintenance.
Corniglia is the only village that is not directly by the sea, but on a cliff. From the station you have to climb more than 350 steps, or take the local shuttle bus. The village is quieter than the other four and has narrow alleys and terraces with vineyards.
Vernazza is often seen as the most beautiful village. It has a sheltered harbour with a small beach, surrounded by colourful buildings. The square by the water is an ideal place for an afternoon break with an espresso or Focaccia Ligure.
Monterosso al Mare is the northernmost and largest village. This is the only village with a real sandy beach, which makes it popular with families. You’ll also find more restaurants and shops here than in the smaller villages.
‘ This makes the train ideal for a flexible day plan where you decide for yourself how long you stay in each village. ’
How long does a train ride between the villages take?
The journeys between the villages are remarkably short. From La Spezia to Riomaggiore the ride takes nine minutes. Between the individual villages it’s only a few minutes. For example, you travel from Riomaggiore to Manarola in two minutes and from Manarola to Corniglia in three minutes. The shortest ride is between Levanto and Monterosso: five minutes.
The frequency of the trains varies by season. From early March to early November the Cinque Terre Express runs about every fifteen minutes, from early morning until late in the evening. Outside the high season the frequency drops to about every half hour. Trains can be delayed in summer due to crowds, but thanks to the high frequency the waiting time remains limited.
You don’t need a reservation. You get on, check in with your ticket and get off where you like. This makes the train ideal for a flexible day plan where you decide for yourself how long you stay in each village.
What are the best activities in each of the five villages?
Each village has its own activities that match the character of the place. In Riomaggiore you can walk along the Via dell’Amore, a romantic cliff path, although this path is regularly closed for maintenance. The village itself invites you to wander through the alleys and taste local wine at an enoteca.
In Manarola you can swim from the rocks by the small harbour. The village doesn’t have a sandy beach, but the clear water and sheltered location make it popular with swimmers. Also walk up to the viewpoints above the village for photos of the skyline.
Corniglia is made for a walk through the vineyards. The village lies higher than the others and therefore offers wide views over the coast. The surrounding terraces have been laid out for wine growing and you can taste local Vermentino here.
Vernazza has a small beach by the harbour where you can swim. The Castello Doria, a medieval defensive tower, gives a beautiful overview of the village and the bay. It is also a good starting point for walks to Monterosso or Corniglia via the coastal paths.
Monterosso al Mare is the best choice for beach activities. The sandy beach is larger and more accessible than the rocky shorelines at the other villages. You’ll find beach clubs with sunbeds and parasols, but also free sections of beach. The old centre has narrow streets with shops and local studios.
How do you buy tickets and what are the prices?
The best option for visiting the five villages is the Cinque Terre Card. This pass gives you unlimited train travel on the Cinque Terre Express for one day. The card also includes access to the walking paths and several museums in La Spezia. This is cheaper than buying single tickets, especially if you plan to hop on and off several times.
You can buy the pass at the station ticket offices in La Spezia, Levanto or at the smaller stations in the villages themselves. There are also ticket machines, but the counter offers personal advice if you have questions about the route or timetable. Check the current price when you buy, as it can vary by season.
Single train tickets are available if you only want to make one or two stops. These are cheaper than the day pass but less flexible. Make sure you validate your ticket at the yellow stamping machine on the platform before boarding. Without a valid stamped ticket you risk a fine.
Ideally, buy your ticket before you take your first train. In high season the queues at the ticket offices can be long, especially around midday. Early in the morning or late in the afternoon the waiting times are shorter.
‘ Not all shops and restaurants in the smaller villages accept card payments. ’
Practical tips for your train journey along the Ligurian coast
Avoid the crowds by planning your visit outside peak hours. The trains can be packed between 11:00 and 15:00, especially in July and August. Travel early in the morning or after 17:00 for a more comfortable experience. Sunrise and sunset also create beautiful light effects on the cliffs and the water.
Combine the train with walking if you are reasonably fit. The historic coastal paths, part of the Sentiero Liguria, connect the villages and run through olive groves and terraces. These paths can be demanding because of steep steps and rocky ground. Wear sturdy walking shoes and take enough water. The train is an excellent alternative if you are tired or in hot weather.
Alternatives such as the ferry are available, but less practical. Ferry services run from La Spezia to four of the five villages (Corniglia has no harbour). The boat offers a different perspective on the coast, but runs less frequently than the train and is more expensive. The boat is a fun addition to your train journey, but not a replacement.
Book accommodation near a station if you are staying longer. Monterosso and Riomaggiore have more hotels and apartments than the smaller villages. Staying in La Spezia or Levanto is also an option, as both places are well connected to the Cinque Terre Express and have more facilities.
Take cash with you for small purchases. Not all shops and restaurants in the smaller villages accept card payments. There are cash machines in every village, but these can run out of money during busy periods.
Discover more about train journeys and destinations
The Cinque Terre Express is a good example of how travelling by train gives you access to special places without hassle. On the Traveler Tips website you’ll find much more information about rail holidays, routes through Europe, practical tips for on the road and inspiration for your next trip. Discover more and plan your journey more smartly with reliable, in-depth information that helps you make conscious choices.
Frequently asked questions
The best ticket option is the Cinque Terre Card, which gives you unlimited travel on the Cinque Terre Express between La Spezia, all five villages and Levanto, as well as access to the walking paths. This pass works out cheaper than single train tickets if you want to hop on and off several times a day. Plan your route logically in one direction (for example La Spezia → Riomaggiore → Manarola → Corniglia → Vernazza → Monterosso, or the other way round) to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth travel. Travel early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the crowds and combine short train rides with a few walking sections.
Travel outside peak hours: take the first trains in the morning or travel after 18:00, when the Cinque Terre Express is quieter and the villages are less crowded. Combine short train rides with (parts of) the walking paths between the villages, so that you walk sections where few day-trippers come. Spend a little longer in one or two villages instead of quickly ticking off all five; this way you experience the local rhythm better. Consider having an evening meal or watching the sunset in a village, when most excursion groups have already left.
Park your car in La Spezia or Levanto, where you’ll find plenty of (paid) parking and can change straight onto the Cinque Terre Express. Buy the Cinque Terre Card there so you can travel unlimited by train between the villages and leave your car parked all day. Use the car only for the outward and return journeys of your road trip, and rely entirely on the train for local transport for the best accessibility. Plan your stops in the villages in the order of the train route (e.g. La Spezia → Riomaggiore → … → Monterosso) to minimise changes and waiting times.
Start early, buy a Cinque Terre Card and use the train in hop-on-hop-off style between the villages in a single direction (for example La Spezia → Monterosso) so you don’t waste time. Limit yourself in each village to one or two highlights (for instance viewpoint/harbour plus a short wander through the streets) and draw up a tight schedule for each stop in advance. Save a long beach or restaurant visit for the last village, so that you keep the earlier stops short and efficient. Choose the order based on rush-hour crowds (go early to the most popular villages Vernazza and Manarola, later to Corniglia and Riomaggiore).
