Few train journeys capture the romance of coastal travel quite like the Cinque Terre Express. The short but spectacular route clings to the cliffs of northern Italy’s Ligurian coast, darting in and out of tunnels, with sudden flashes of turquoise sea and terraced vineyards framed by the train window. It runs between La Spezia and Levanto, linking five pastel-painted fishing villages that spill down steep hillsides towards the Mediterranean. With roads narrow and scarce, the railway is not only the most practical way to explore this UNESCO-listed stretch of coastline, but also the most evocative.
Travelling on the Cinque Terre Express
Part of Trenitalia’s regional network, the Cinque Terre Express runs regular services throughout the day, connecting La Spezia, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare before continuing to Levanto. Trains run every 15 to 30 minutes in summer and hourly in winter, with short hops of just a few minutes between stations. The air-conditioned carriages are simple but comfortable, and seat reservations aren’t required.
Tickets cost around €5–10 between villages during the warmer months, dropping by half in winter. Interrail and Eurail passes are valid on this route, or you can opt for a Cinque Terre Train Card, which combines unlimited travel with access to the national park’s walking trails, including the famed Via dell’Amore.
The Journey
The line begins in La Spezia, a stately port city with 19th-century boulevards and a lively seafront promenade. It’s worth arriving early to wander the harbour or the Technical Naval Museum before stepping aboard. As the train departs, it slips quickly into the first of many tunnels.
The line emerges above Riomaggiore, a tangle of tall, slender houses that seem to balance on the rocks. From the platform, it’s a steep descent to the village’s tiny harbour, where the sunset paints the cliffs gold.
Next comes Manarola, where terraced vineyards climb the hillside and pastel façades tumble towards the water. The village is small but perfectly formed, with swimming spots tucked among the rocks and terraces serving local wine with unmatched views.
Corniglia is the quiet soul of the five, perched high above the waves and reached by a staircase of 382 steps (or a shuttle bus if you prefer). Its elevated position brings peace and sweeping views, with walking paths linking it to Vernazza through olive groves and flowered terraces.
Then comes Vernazza, perhaps the most photographed of the group, where a cluster of ochre and coral houses curves around a small harbour. Doria Castle stands watch above the bay, a reminder of the village’s long history of defending itself from pirates.
Finally, Monterosso al Mare greets travellers with beaches, lemon groves, and a more leisurely pace. It’s the most practical base for overnight stays, with plenty of small hotels and trattorias tucked into the narrow lanes. From here, the line continues to Levanto, a relaxed seaside town with medieval charm and a long stretch of sand where locals surf when the waves are good.
Whether you ride the full route in one go or hop between the villages over several days, the Cinque Terre Express really captures the spirit of Italian rail travel. A word of warning: it gets extremely busy in peak season, and so it’s strongly recommended to save this trip for the shoulder seasons, or even winter.
Getting to Italy by rail
To plan your own journey by train, head over to seat61.com, or have Byway (byway.travel) help plan your trip. They’ll arrange all passes, seat reservations and hotel bookings as a package, and are rated 5 stars on Trustpilot.
Have a look at their pre built itnerary to Cinque Terre here, or give them a call on +44 (0)20 4525 6215, or +1-210-641-5329 from the USA, if you’d like to customise it.
They have a dedicated concierge team who can help suggest a route and hotels, whether one way or return, no matter where you intend to start. They even look after you while you’re away with on demand WhatsApp support and free rerouting in case of disruptions.
If you just need help booking train tickets and have your own accommodation sorted, you can get in touch with us here and we’d be delighted to assist.
