Transport

Cinque Terre ferry schedule: Summer 2021

/ Amy Inman / Leave a comment

If you’re planning to visit the Cinque Terre this summer you’re probably keen on the idea of taking the ferries between the villages. Don’t forget that the ferries stop in just four of the five villages (Corniglia is located high above the sea so there’s no docking point there). The ferries also run further down the coast to picturesque Portovenere (which I highly recommend visiting).

Here’s the ferry schedule for this summer:

La Spezia – Portovenere – Cinque Terre – Levanto ferry schedule

PRICING

The current rate for an all-day hop-on, hop-off pass within the Cinque Terre is €27 per adult / €15 per child (ages 7 to 11 years). If you’d like to include Portovenere with that pass the price increases to €35 per adult (but remains €15 per child). Children 6 years and under are free when traveling with an adult.

There’s also the possibility to buy point-to-point tickets. To give you an idea of pricing:

Riomaggiore to Manarola: €7 adult / €5 child

Riomaggiore to Vernazza: €11 adult / €5 child

Riomaggiore to Monterosso: €13 adult / €5 child

Riomaggiore to Portovenere: €14 adult / €10 child

WHERE TO BUY TICKETS

Unless you are a group of 20+ people, tickets are not sold in advance. It’s recommended to turn up 30 minutes prior to your first departure to purchase your tickets at the stand near the docking point.

INSIDER TIP: While the website mentions they accept credit cards it has been my experience that oftentimes they do not. Rather than scramble to look for an ATM at the last moment, bring enough cash to cover your tickets — just in case.

The ferries are run by Consorzio Marittimo Turistico 5 Terre Golfo dei Poeti. You can check out their official website and full offerings here.

Heads up: Don’t confuse the ferry service (which is essentially like a water taxi taking you rather quickly from point A to point B) with the small boat private or semi-private tours. While typically more expensive than the ferries, these boat tours offer a relaxed pace and intimate ambience with optional swim stops and aperitivi. If you are interested in a private or semi-private boat tour please support local. If you’re interested drop me a message and I’ll forward you a list of tried and true local boat tour companies.

Enjoy!

Works on the Cinque Terre railway line between January 7 and March 7, 2020

/ Amy Inman / Leave a comment

First and foremost, BUON ANNO NUOVO!

The year 2020 in the Cinque Terre will start off with major works (amounting to €3.7 million) on the railway lines. If you plan to visit our area between January 7th and March 7th expect less frequent trains as they will be running on just one line (for both directions) instead of two. Is this a problem for visitors? Not really, so long as you plan out which trains you plan to catch in advance (using the TrenItalia app, official website: http://www.trenitalia.com or the handy schedule below) so as to avoid wasting time at the stations. In most cases there will be one train per hour in each direction during prime time but there is an instance in which there’s a two hour gap between trains (between the 8am and 10am trains).

The planned works will focus on the Riomaggiore train station where they will expand the second platform and modernize the station itself. Works will also take place in the tunnel that connects La Spezia to the Cinque Terre; the current drainage system will be updated and security measures will be optimized.

xo

Nearest international airports to the Cinque Terre

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If you are planning to visit the Cinque Terre either at the beginning or the end of your trip to Italy, flying into (or out of) one of the nearby international airports can save you lots of travel time and hassle.

Italy’s airports

I used to fly in and out of Italy’s largest hubs (Rome and Milan) because ticket prices were always lower. However, once I factored in travel expenses (not only getting to the airport but oftentimes a nearby hotel for early departures or late arrivals) I soon realized it made more sense to pay a little more for my ticket to use the closer airports. Plus, there’s the convenience factor—these airports, although international, are small and super easy to navigate.

Here are my top choices for airports, starting with my favorite:

PISA GALILEO GALILEI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (PSA)

Aeroporto di Pisa

This is my top choice airport as it’s connected directly to the railway line and it couldn’t be simpler to reach (for tickets on the TrenItalia website or app enter Pisa Fermata Aeroporto as your station of choice). And did I mention that from the Cinque Terre it takes as little as 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach the airport? Of course, it all depends on the trains you choose—some will take 2 hours—but that’s directly to the airport with no other means of transport necessary.

GENOA CRISTOFORO COLOMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (GOA)

Aeroporto di Genova

Genoa is also very close to the Cinque Terre (as little as 1 hour and 9 minutes away by train), but this airport slips to my second choice because the airport is not connected directly to the railway line. This means you’ll need to take a shuttle bus (called Volabus) from the airport to either of Genoa’s main train stations: Genova Piazza Principe or Genova Brignole. The bus ride from the airport to the train station will take approximately 30 minutes. Check the train schedule in advance (either via the TrenItalia app or the TrenItalia website) so you know which of the two stations you should head to.

FLORENCE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (FLR)

Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (formerly Amerigo Vespucci)

This is my third choice airport to fly in and out of. Florence is further from the Cinque Terre (approximately 2 1/2 hours by train) and you’ll have to take a twenty-minute shuttle bus (called Volainbus) or a twenty-minute tram ride (on the T2 line) to transfer from the airport to the Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station (Florence’s principal station). Oftentimes visitors already have Florence on their travel itinerary so it can make sense to fly in or out of this airport.

If you’re not keen on traveling by train to or from the airport, you can opt for hiring a N.C.C. (that’s short for noleggio con conducente, which is a hired car with driver). To explain to people what these are, I liken them to the black car limousines in NYC (they are usually nicer than a taxi and you have to call or arrange for them in advance, they won’t be at the taxi stands). While obviously more expensive, this is the stress-free way to travel (there’s something to be said about someone standing at the arrivals gate with a board with your name on it). Heads up: If you are 4-6 people oftentimes the price won’t be a whole lot more than what you would spend on the train.

TIP: If you’re staying in Riomaggiore or Manarola I recommend booking 5Terre Transfer as they can drive down into the villages unlike any other N.C.C. (be sure to let them know you were referred by me to get the best rates). Also, if you’re flying into Pisa or Florence they can work in a stop at the Leaning Tower along the way.

I hope you find these practical tips helpful!

P.S. Isn’t my graphic designer awesome? He pulled this map of Italian airports out of his hat for me today. Props to 5Service! Always proud to #supportlocal

Italian train strike from 9pm tonight until 9pm tomorrow

/ Amy Inman / Leave a comment

Italian rail employees have declared a 24-hour national train strike from 9pm on October 24th to 9pm on October 25th.

Until the strike starts, we won’t know to what extent the it will be observed (and how much it will affect travelers). Keep in mind that even during a strike minimum service is required by law: select regional commuter trains will run between 6am and 9am and between 6pm and 9pm during weekday strikes. Also, Italy’s premier high-speed Freccia trains are not affected by strikes.

For more details about Italian train strikes and what to expect, check out my previous post here. You can also find more details about this specific strike on the official TrenItalia website here (but—ahimè—it’s in Italian).

Deep breaths, don’t stress and safe travels,

Cinque Terre ferry schedule: October 14 to 26, 2019

/ Amy Inman / Leave a comment

For those of you planning to visit the Cinque Terre this October, here’s the ferry schedule for the villages + Levanto, Portovenere & La Spezia.

Ticket prices vary depending on where you plan to catch the ferry and what you’d like to do. Below you will find the fares (although the price list doesn’t specify it, the rates are in local currency which is €). Unfortunately the price lists are currently only in Italian so be sure to check out my key (and answers to FAQs) at the bottom of this post.

2019 Ferry prices within the Cinque Terre

2019 Ferry prices to/from Levanto

2019 Ferry prices to/from Portovenere

2019 Ferry prices to/from La Spezia

KEY:

  • A: abbreviation for andata, which means “to” (in this case it also implies a one-way ticket)
  • A/R: abbreviation for andata e ritorno, a round-trip ticket
  • Giornaliero: unlimited day pass
  • Pomeridiano: unlimited afternoon pass
  • Andata con soste: a one-way, unidirectional ticket with the possibility to hop off and on the ferry (the number of stops permitted is specified)
  • o: or
  • e: and
  • Residenti: a special tariff reserved for residents
  • Bambini 6-11 anni: child fare (ages 6-11 years)
  • Adulti: adult fare (which also applies to children 12 years and older)
  • Giro isole: Ferry tour around Portovenere’s islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto)
  • Giro golfo: Ferry tour of the Gulf of La Spezia (also known as the Gulf of Poets)

    • FAQs

    Q. Will the Cinque Terre ferries run after October 26th?

    A. Each year the ferries typically run up until All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (November 1st and 2nd) with a limited schedule. As soon as the timetable is released I will post it here on the blog. Usually the ferries will stop running on November 3rd and recommence the following spring.

    Q. What’s the rate for children 5 and under?

    A. Kids 5 years of age and younger ride for free, so long as they are accompanied by a paying adult.

    Q. Do the ferries always run?

    A. The ferries run contingent on sea and weather conditions. If the seas are rough the ferries are cancelled.

    Q. Can I buy ferry tickets online?

    A. No, ferry tickets cannot be purchased online. You can purchase tickets in person at the ticket counters (strategically located near the docking points). Heads up: Payment is oftentimes only accepted in cash so be sure to hit up an ATM first.

    Q. Is it worth it?

    A. Absolutely! Seeing the Cinque Terre by water is beautiful and offers a glimpse of our area from a different perspective. If you’re traveling solo or with just another person or two, the ferries are usually the most cost effective option. If you’re wanting to have a more personalized experience you can book either a shared or private boat tour with one of the local boat companies. In Riomaggiore I recommend Cinque Terre Boat Tour and Cinque Terre dal Mare. Let them know that Cinque Terre Insider sent you!

    Q. Are the ferries handicap-accessible?

    A. Unfortunately, they are not. If a disabled person is steady on their feet, some stops are easier to board than others (like La Spezia and Portovenere, where passengers typically board from the side of the ferry). All five of the Cinque Terre villages, however, require passengers to embark and disembark via a gangplank (which is less than ideal for those with walking or balance impairments).

    Do you have a question regarding the ferries that I didn’t answer here? Let me know about it in the comments section below!

    Enjoy the Cinque Terre by sea!

    Cinque Terre Insider meets the Discovery Channel

    / Amy Inman

    In October of 2017 I helped host an episode of Impossible Engineering (for those in the UK the series is called Impossible Railways) that focused in part on the Cinque Terre’s railway system. The episode was actually first shown on the Discovery Channel in 2018 but as it’s syndicated you can still find it airing. Here’s a preview (if you have a chance, definitely watch the full episode as this is just a snippet):

     

    I hope you enjoy the show and my debut as a presenter!

    a.k.a. Cinque Terre Insider

    Train strike announced for Wednesday, July 24th

    / Amy Inman / Leave a comment

    The dreaded S word… sciopero. Strike. Tomorrow a national train strike has been called from 9am to 5pm.

    We won’t know the extent of the strike until tomorrow morning at 9. However, excluded from the strike are the TrenItalia trains in the Campania region (that’s the region where you will find Naples) and Italy’s high-speed Freccie trains.

    Planning to travel by train during the strike? No need to panic, have a look at my previous post here.

    Safe travels,

    Amy

    2019 Cinque Terre, Portovenere, Levanto, and La Spezia ferry schedule: April 20 to October 13, 2019

    / Amy Inman / 6 Comments

    The peak-season schedule for the Cinque Terre ferries (including ferries to La Spezia, Portovenere and Levanto) has been released and will be in effect from April 20th to October 13th, 2019.

    Ferry times written in white are confirmed 7 days a week (sea conditions permitting, of course). For times that are written in red on the schedule it’s important to read the key (located at the very bottom).  If there’s a red asterisk (star) it means the times written in red will take place from June 3rd to September 15th.  If instead there’s a red circle near the times written in red that means the stop will take place from April 20th through September 29th.

    Would you like to know the rates for the ferries?  Check out my previous post on the subject (where I explain in detail how to decipher the price list) here.

    What about the ferry times to and from Lerici?  The schedule which is valid from April 20th through September 29th can be found here.

    Enjoy!

    Amy

    [Updated for 2022] PARKING: A great alternative for those driving to the Cinque Terre

    / Amy Inman / 75 Comments

    TIP: Staying in the Cinque Terre?  First, check with your host to see if they offer or if they can help you arrange nearby parking for your stay.  If not, keep reading for details on where to park in nearby La Spezia.  

    You may or may not know that arrival by car to the Cinque Terre can be a bit hairy and anything but convenient.  The roads are very narrow and winding, parking is extremely limited and quite expensive, there’s a pretty high risk of getting a ticket (if you accidentally enter the ZTL zones or park where it’s not allowed) and the historical centers of the villages are pedestrian-only.

    My advice?  Ditch the car before hitting up the Cinque Terre.  If that’s not feasible, you can do the next best thing and park it at the Park Centro Stazione underground parking garage at the La Spezia Centrale train station.

    Current published rates for Park Centro Stazione for 2022 are €1.50 per hour from 8am to 8pm and €1.00 per hour from 8pm to 8am. That means the daily rate (for a full 24 hours) is €30.

    This parking garage, thanks to its recent construction, is pretty avant-garde for these parts with an elevator that will take you directly to the station, restrooms, 64 closed-circuit cameras to monitor the garage, PIN code access (to both the restrooms and the garage in nocturnal hours) and full automation. Of course, you’ll still want to follow common sense rules of thumb like locking things up and not leaving valuables in sight.

    The underground parking garage actually has two entrances:

    • The -1 level is accessed by Via Paleocapa, 7 or latitude: 44.110633 | longitude: 9.815174
    • The -2 level is accessed by Piazzetta Ancona or latitude: 44.110692 | longitude: 9.814421

    There are automated signs near each entrance indicating how many spaces are still available for that level. If one level is full, be sure to check the other entrance to see if that level is full, too.

    LA SPEZIA PARKING photo credit: ATC La Spezia

    If you’re a planner and don’t like the uncertainty of showing up and hoping to find a space (believe me, I get you) you might want to look into booking a space at a private garage just a few blocks (circa 200 meters) from the station:

    Private Parking Le 5 Terre La Spezia

    Via Migliari, 15 (La Spezia)

    latitude: 44.110141 | longitude: 9.817427

    Keep in mind that they have only 10 spaces available and it’s mandatory to book and pay online in advance (don’t just try and turn up). The 2022 daily rates range from €10 to €38 (depening on the season). Do keep in mind that they don’t offer hourly rates. You can arrive any time after 10am (you’ll be provided with an access code after you’ve booked) and you’ll need to retrieve your car no later than 10am on your day of departure. Heads up: If you plan to leave later in the day, you’ll need to book & pay for an extra day.

    Wherever you decide to park, afterwards you can hop on the Cinque Terre Express train to the Cinque Terre.  To reach the Cinque Terre villages from the La Spezia Centrale train station, travel time is as little as…

    • Riomaggiore: 7 minutes
    • Manarola: 10 minutes
    • Corniglia: 14 minutes
    • Vernazza: 18 minutes
    • Monterosso: 22 minutes

    Download the TrenItalia app in advance so you can purchase train tickets on the fly (like I do!), or if you want to plan things out in advance you can check the timetables and purchase tickets online on the official TrenItalia website here.  If you don’t mind standing in potentially long lines you can also wait and purchase your tickets directly at the station.

    Want a Plan B (or C) option in case the garage is full when you turn up? Read my blog post detailing parking for free at the La Spezia Migliarina station here. If you’re not a fan of streetside parking, check out my post on two other public payment parking garages in La Spezia.

    Buon viaggio!

    2019 Cinque Terre, Portovenere, Levanto, La Spezia and Lerici ferry schedules

    / Amy Inman / 13 Comments

    On March 30th the Consorzio Marittimo Turistico 5Terre Golfo dei Poeti will kick off the 2019 touristic season with the first ferry schedules of the year. These schedules will be valid from March 30th to April 19th, 2019. Starting on April 20th these schedules will be replaced with others offering even more options (as soon as they are released I will post them here on the blog).

    The following ferry schedule is for the Cinque Terre and includes Portovenere and Levanto:

    If you’re staying in Lerici and wanting to reach the Cinque Terre (of if you’re staying in the Cinque Terre and you’d like to visit Lerici), this schedule is for you:

    For those wanting to catch the ferry from La Spezia to the Cinque Terre:

    Ticket prices vary depending on where you plan to catch the ferry and what you’d like to do. Below you will find the 2019 fares (although the price list doesn’t specify it, the rates are in local currency which is €). Unfortunately the price lists are currently only in Italian so be sure to check out my key (and answers to FAQs) at the bottom of this post.

    Ferry prices within the Cinque Terre

    Ferry prices to/from Levanto

    Ferry prices to/from Portovenere

    Ferry prices to/from La Spezia

    Ferry prices to/from Lerici

    KEY:

    • A: abbreviation for andata, which means “to” (in this case it also implies a one-way ticket)
    • A/R: abbreviation for andata e ritorno, a round-trip ticket
    • Giornaliero: unlimited day pass
    • Pomeridiano: unlimited afternoon pass
    • Andata con soste: a one-way, unidirectional ticket with the possibility to hop off and on the ferry (the number of stops permitted is specified)
    • o: or
    • e: and
    • Residenti: a special tariff reserved for residents
    • Bambini 6-11 anni: child fare (ages 6-11 years)
    • Adulti: adult fare (which also applies to children 12 years and older)
    • Giro isole: Ferry tour around Portovenere’s islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto)
    • Giro golfo: Ferry tour of the Gulf of La Spezia (also known as the Gulf of Poets)

    FAQs

    Q. What’s the rate for children 5 and under?

    A. Kids 5 years of age and younger ride for free, so long as they are accompanied by a paying adult.

    Q. Do the ferries always run?

    A. The ferries run contingent on sea and weather conditions. If the seas are rough the ferries are cancelled.

    Q. Can I buy ferry tickets online?

    A. No, ferry tickets cannot be purchased online. You can purchase tickets in person at the ticket counters (strategically located near the docking points). Heads up: Payment is oftentimes only accepted in cash.

    Q. Is it worth it?

    A. Absolutely! Seeing the Cinque Terre by water is beautiful and offers a glimpse of our area from a different perspective. If you’re traveling solo or with just another person or two, the ferries are usually the most cost effective option. If you’re wanting to have a more personalized experience (including stops for swim breaks, if you so choose) you can book either a shared or private boat tour with one of the local boat companies. In Riomaggiore I recommend Cinque Terre Boat Tour and Cinque Terre dal Mare. Let them know that Cinque Terre Insider sent you!

    Q. Are the ferries handicap-accessible?

    A. Unfortunately, they are not. If a disabled person is steady on their feet, some stops are easier to board than others (like La Spezia and Portovenere, where passengers typically board from the side of the ferry). All five of the Cinque Terre villages, however, require passengers to embark and disembark via a gangplank (which is less than ideal for those with walking or balance impairments).

    Do you have a question regarding the ferries that I didn’t answer here? Let me know about it in the comments section below!

    Enjoy the Cinque Terre by sea!

    Amy