Milan to Cinque Terre by Train, Driving and Day Trip
Wondering “How do I get from Milan to Cinque Terre by train?” Well, let us help! Not only is train travel one of the best way to get to the five villages of Cinque Terre, but it’s also the most convenient and hassle-free way. Whether you’re traveling from Milan to Cinque Terre for a day trip or a long weekend, booking an Italian train ticket is a fantastic way to get to Cinque Terre.
Train not your thing? No worries! We’ll cover day trips to Cinque Terre and driving to Cinque Terre too! Doesn’t matter how you get to Cinque Terre, just get to her. Cinque Terre is well worth a visit!
Milan to Cinque Terre by Train, Driving & Day Trip
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What Is The Best Way To Visit Cinque Terre?
First things first, let’s get to Italy. One of the closest airports to Cinque Terre is Milan International Airport (the other two are Pisa International Airport and Genoa International Airport). However, even though you fly into Milan, flying won’t land you directly in Cinque Terre. You’ll need to take additional forms of transportation to get to the coastal villages of Cinque Terre.
From Milan, you essentially have three transportation options to get you to Cinque Terre:
- Take the train
- Book a day trip
- Rent a car and drive
All options are completely doable and a matter of personal preference, but In our humble opinion, the best way to get to Cinque Terre from Milan is by taking the train.
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How Far From Milan Is Cinque Terre
Milan to Cinque Terre is a several-hour trip, regardless of which transportation option you choose. So, how far is Milan from Cinque Terre you ask? There is about a 143-mile (about 230km) separation between the two popular Italian destinations.
Getting To Cinque Terre From Milan’s Central Railway Station
Once in Milan, make your way to Milan’s Central Railway Station. Just say “Milano Centrale” and any taxi driver will take you or, if you’re close, walk. All trains to Cinque Terre depart from Milan’s Central railway station several times per day. So don’t fret, you have options when booking your train ticket to Cinque Terre.
There are some important bits to know before booking your train ticket to Cinque Terre – you need to know which village you’re going to. Cinque Terre is compromised of 5 villages – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
Monterosso is the closest to Milan whereas Riomaggiore is the furthest. The village you choose to stay in should be your intended destination from Milan. Once you have your accommodation booked in Cinque Terre, booking your train ticket is easy-peasy!
Don’t stress over picking “the best Cinque Terre village to stay in”. You’ll be able to visit all five regardless of where you choose to stay. There is a local train that connects each of the five villages or a hiking path.
Milan to Cinque Terre Train Time
As we mentioned above, once you know which village you’re staying in during your time in Cinque Terre, you’ll be able to book your train ticket from Milan.
- Milan -> Monterosso | Direct lines take 3 hours | Connecting lines take 3.5 hours
- Milan -> Vernazza | No direct line | Connecting lines take 3 hours to 3 hours and 20 minutes
- Milan -> Corniglia | No direct line | Connecting lines take 3 to 3 5 hours
- Milan -> Manarola | No direct line | Connecting lines take around 3 hours and 20 minutes
- Milan -> Riomaggiore | No direct line | Connecting lines take around 3.5 hours
Note that weekends and holidays typically mean less frequent service and sometimes longer travel times.
As you see above, the only direct line from Milan to Cinque Terre is to the village of Monterosso. The other four villages will require a connection at either Monterosso Station, Genova Brignole Station, or Sestri Levante. The ticket you purchase will tell you which station you’ll need to connect to.
Now, now, don’t worry, connections are easy. Speaking from personal experience, from Milan we had to disembark at Levanto to catch our connecting train into Manarola. No mess, no fuss. There are signs to help point you to the correct platform/train.
Milan to Cinque Terre Train Price
When booking your train ticket from Milan to Cinque Terre, understand there are two ticketing options – 1st class and 2nd class. The main difference between the first class and the second class is space. First-class seats are typically wider and offer more legroom vs. 2nd class.
- Milan -> Monterosso | 1st Class: €31 – €34 | 2nd Class: €22 – €26
- Milan -> Vernazza | 1st Class: €33 – €35 | 2nd Class: €24 – €27
- Milan -> Corniglia | 1st Class: €34 – €35 | 2nd Class: €25 – €27
- Milan -> Manarola | 1st Class: €34 – €35 | 2nd Class: €25 – €27
- Milan -> Riomaggiore | 1st Class: €34 – €35 | 2nd Class: €22 – €27
Please note, prices are prone to change so please check ItaliaRail for the latest departure times and pricing.
Where to Buy Cinque Terre Train Tickets
No matter where you’re heading in Italy, your train tickets can be purchased online. Italy is a well-oiled machine when it comes to train travel, so its ticketing sites are very user-friendly and straightforward. Head over to ItaliaRail to view train schedules, and ticket prices and ultimately, book your train ticket to Cinque Terre!
Other Ways To Get From Milan to Cinque Terre
Milan to Cinque Terre Day Trip
Now, if you’re limited on time and looking for something that takes all decision-making off you, a Milan to Cinque Terra day trip is for you! From Milan, you’ll be picked up from your accommodation and whisked away to the five colorful, seafront villages of Cinque Terre. Spend your day exploring, and eating, and finally, end your day with a scenic boat trip and see Cinque Terre by water.
With a day trip, there is no need to worry about transportation changes, timetables, etc. Book your tour and sit back in your air-conditioned vehicle and let your tour guide take it from there.
Milan to Cinque Terre Driving
Renting a car in Italy is easy so we fully understand if your trip to Italy is a road trip! Epic choice. However, before setting off from Milan to Cinque Terre, there are a few pointers/tips we want to share.
Driving To Cinque Terre
You have two routes that’ll take you to Cinque Terre from Milan. Both will take around the same time (around 3.5 – 4 hours) so it’s personal preference on the route and where you are looking to park your rental car.
- A7 and A12: If you’re wanting to park at Monterosso or Levanto
- A1 and A15/E33: If you’re wanting to park at Riomaggiore or La Spezia
Parking in Cinque Terre
While you can drive from Milan to Cinque Terre, you won’t be permitted to access Cinque Terre with your vehicle. The five villages are vehicle-free zones, so you’ll need to park your rented car at the rail stations either Monterosso, Levanto, Riomaggiore or La Spezia. Once parked, you’ll need to take the train in to explore and commute between the five villages.
Parking your car at either of these facilities over a few days can quickly add up. It’s a matter of personal preference (so you do you!), but you’ll be paying for a car and parking that you won’t be using during your time in Cinque Terre.
For the most part, renting a car is a little impractical and totally unnecessary to get to Cinque Terre. Taking the train is not only easier, but it tends to be a more affordable option when wanting to explore Cinque Terre.
Getting A Rental Car After Your Visit To Cinque Terre
Look, we’re not here to poo-poo on your road trip dreams throughout Italy, so if you want to rent a car, by all means, RENT A CAR! Road-tripping through Italy is 100% doable and immensely enjoyable, however, if we could offer advice, consider getting your rental car after your visit to Cinque Terre.
Save the extra money you’ll be paying in parking fees and the headache of trying to find a parking spot. Take the train from Milan and get to Cinque Terre that way. After your visit to Cinque Terre is complete, then rent your car.
If your road trip takes you north, catch the train from Cinque Terre to Genoa or Milan and rent your car from either of these cities. Or, if road trip takes you south, catch the train from Cinque Terre to La Spezia and rent your car there. Either way, you ave plenty of rental car options regardless which direction you’re heading into Italy after Cinque Terre.
Where To Stay In Cinque Terre
Monterosso Accommodations | Locanda Il Maestrale | La Casa di Zuecca | La Rosa Dei Venti
Vernazza Accommodations | MADA Charm | Rina Rooms | DonnaBarbara
Corniglia Accommodations | Locanda Il Carugio | Daa Maduneta | Il Timone
Manarola Accommodations | Amanarola | Ca’ de Gianchi | Lory’s Suite
Riomaggiore Accommodations | il giardino di Riomaggiore | Stellio Affittacamere | Ai Pesci
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Happy Travels,
– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stüs)
I am dreaming of visiting Italy. Want to see Milan, Turin, Bordighera, Santa Margherita, Stresaess, Riva del Garda, Trento, Bolzano, Ortiesi, Merano How many days to do. Can I use trains for whole trip
Hi Caryn! Sounds like on amazing trip. While we haven’t been to all these places on your list, we do know that Italy’s train system is vast and covers most places in the country, making traveling by train easy! We recommend checking out italiarail.com and trenitalia.com to get a better idea if trains go to all the places on your list. As far as duration, we suggest at least two weeks given all the places you want to see. Enjoy!!