How Do I Get From La Spezia to Cinque Terre?
If you are interested in getting from La Spezia to Cinque Terre but don’t know which method is the most affordable and consumes the least time, don’t worry. On this page, we’ll show you exactly how to get from La Spezia to Cinque Terre using different possible methods.
Cinque Terre is an idyllic little peninsula jutting out into the Tyrrhenian Sea, just off the Gulf of Poets in Italy. The Cinque Terre has become a bucket list destination for most vacationers to Italy.
The five coastal villages that makeup Cinque Terre are amongst the most beautiful in Italy, but getting from La Spezia, the nearest major city, to Cinque Terre can sometimes feel tricky.
The five villages are connected via hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult and shorter to longer. For those who don’t want to do the hiking,
There are other options too, as shown below.
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Options for Getting from La Spezia to Cinque Terre
Three easy and affordable options to make your way are:
From La Spezia to Cinque Terre Table
| Option | Distance | Average Duration | Average Cost |
| Train | 9.7 km | 13-min | $1- $3 |
| Taxi | 27.1 km | 37-min | $35- $45 |
| Car | 27.1 km | 37-min | $5- $8 |
Let’s discuss all the options in detail.
La Spezia to Cinque Terre by Train
The best way to navigate La Spezia to Cinque Terre is by train. The trains travel between the five towns of the Cinque Terre at regular 15-minute intervals. There are typically 250 trains per week (operated by Trenitalia), though timetables can change on weekends and holidays, so be sure to check.
From March 26 through November 6, you can use this train service. During the colder months, a train travels between the five towns around once/twice each hour.
A one-way railway ticket typically costs between $1 and $3 per passenger. If you wish to go to more than two of the towns, we very much advise you to acquire the Cinque Terre Train Card, which sets you back $18 for adults and allows for limitless train runs between these destinations.
Additionally, you will get access to all the trails of Cinque Terre National Park. You can purchase this card at any of the train stations.
Before boarding the train, confirm your ticket with the green stamp machine. Fines are pretty high!
La Spezia to Cinque Terre in Winter
From November through March, all hiking trails are accessible. If you prefer traveling by train during these months, there is no need to purchase a Cinque Terre train card. Buying a single ticket on the train will save you money. During these months, single access to any of the Cinque Terre villages costs approximately $2.50.
Dogs on The Train
Leashed and muzzled dogs are welcome. All train classes welcome small dogs at no additional cost. If traveling with a big dog, you’ll have to buy a ticket priced at fifty percent of the standard fare.
Bicycle on The Train
On any Ligurian regional train, not just those with the designated bike racks, travelers can bring their bicycles with them at no additional cost.
La Spezia to Cinque Terre by Taxi
You can use Uber or one of the many local car rental agencies to get around La Spezia. But if you want to get around Cinque Terre, it is strongly suggested that you don’t rent a car, because parking is only for locals and is often full. It would be better to use a taxi for the trip of about 37 minutes.
La Spezia to Cinque Terre by Car
Even though it’s not advised, driving to the Cinque Terre settlements is feasible. Because the landscape is mainly made up of steep hills that drop precipitously into the sea, the roads in this area are highly winding and narrow.
On top of that, there are restricted parking places outside the built-up areas where private vehicles are prohibited. Because of these factors, using a car should be avoided if possible.
On the other hand, if you do plan to utilize a car, the following directions will help you.
Manarola and Riomaggiore
From La Spezia to Cinque Terre (20 km), use the State Route S.S. 370 “Cinque Terre coast.” When traveling on the A12 between Genoa and Livorno, take the “La Spezia” exit. From the main entrance, follow the signs to La Spezia. When you get there, walk alongside the water until you see signs for “Cinque Terre – Portovenere”.
The road will diverge at a certain point; from there, you will climb the slope directly in the direction of either Riomaggiore (15 km) or Manarola (18 Km).
Riomaggiore is the initial of the settlements, located 15 km from La Spezia Take the coastal road SP 370; a couple of hundred meters after the 2nd tunnel, you will see the relevant signs on the state roadway and follow the road downhill.
The last 2 km are some of the most beautiful in the area, but also some of the most difficult to travel, because during peak season the road becomes significantly narrower due to cars parking along its sides. You can legally park along some stretches of the road if you observe posted restrictions.
Manarola, the second town on the route, is located 14 kilometres from La Spezia at the terminus of the S.P. n° 370, immediately following the third tunnel. When you reach a roundabout, go down the 2nd exit on the left. There is a small paid parking lot at the beginning of the village, but it fills up quickly in high season Descending further down, the road narrows, and you’ll come upon yet another parking area with a barrier. You can also park along the roadside, provided you pay heed to the posted signs.
Corniglia – From La Spezia to Cinque Terre
The third settlement of the Cinque Terre, Corniglia, is 25 kilometres away. On State Route 370, just a few meters after the third tunnel is where you’ll find the roundabout that marks the beginning of State Route 51.
Get out at the first exit and head uphill to the right, where you’ll see signs for Corniglia and Vernazza. The route now becomes steeper, narrower, and more winding. After 7 kilometres of following the SP51, you will reach the downhill left turnoff for Corniglia and Vernazza.
Be cautious as you navigate this piece of road, as it is both steep and narrow. Since the streets in these villages are somewhat limited, and it can be challenging to find a spot to park, we do not advise driving there.
Vernazza
The Cinque Terre comprises five villages, the fourth of which is called Vernazza. To get there, you can follow the signs to Corniglia along SP51, but make a right at the final crossroads in the San Bernardino area.
Parking is a significant hassle anywhere, but it’s even more challenging in Vernazza, where the very end of the road is allocated for residents only. Just before the road changes into the SP61, you’ll come across a parking lot on the right.
Monterosso al Mare
This town is located 35 km from La Spezia. When you get off the A12 at the “Carrodano – Levanto” exit, keep going straight. After the initial descent, you’ll reach Levanto; from there, head through the town center by turning right; following signs for Monterosso on the left.
As soon as you come out of a tunnel, you’ll see signs for Monterosso pointing you in the direction of the town a few kilometres up the hill. The parking options are more extensive, but only during the summer.
FAQs
Conclusion
As you can see, getting from La Spezia to Cinque Terre is not very complicated. You have to plan and make the right choice based on your travel time, budget and convenience level. Keep these factors in mind when making the final decisions for your itinerary. Have a great time exploring Cinque Terre!
