The Cinque Terre Train Line: Italy’s Most Scenic Coastal Rail Journey

There are few places where train travel feels quite as magical as it does along the Cinque Terre coast. In just a handful of minutes, the railway threads its way through tunnels carved into cliffs, emerging suddenly into postcard views of pastel villages, terraced vineyards, and the deep blue Ligurian Sea. It’s a journey where the train isn’t just transport—it’s part of the experience.

Travelling the Cinque Terre by train is also the only sensible way to do it. Roads are narrow, parking is limited, and village access is restricted. The train, by contrast, delivers you straight into the heart of each village, making this one of Italy’s most stress-free and rewarding rail adventures.

Why Go?

The Cinque Terre—five historic fishing villages strung along the Ligurian coast—offers a rare combination of dramatic scenery, walkable villages, and effortless rail connections. Unlike many scenic destinations in Italy, you don’t need a car, and you don’t need to rush. The train lets you hop between villages in minutes, linger where you like, and shape the day around swimming, hiking, food, or simply watching boats drift in and out of the harbours.

It’s ideal for first-time visitors to Italy, slow travellers, photographers, hikers, and anyone who wants iconic landscapes without logistical headaches.

What to Expect from the Train Journey

This short regional rail line runs along the Ligurian coast between La Spezia and Levanto, stopping at all five Cinque Terre villages.

The trains are local Regionale services, frequent, affordable, and designed for exactly this kind of exploration. Travel times between villages are often 2–5 minutes, and trains run every 15–30 minutes for most of the day.

Expect tunnels, sudden bursts of sunlight, sea views framed by cliffs, and the occasional collective gasp from passengers seeing the coast for the first time.

How to Do It (Logistics Made Easy)

Start by basing yourself either in La Spezia (the most practical hub) or Levanto (quieter and less crowded). From there, buy a Cinque Terre Train Card, which gives unlimited travel between the villages for the day and access to walking trails when open.

Trains stop at:

• Riomaggiore

• Manarola

• Corniglia

• Vernazza

• Monterosso al Mare

You simply hop on and off as you go—no reservations required.

Where to Start and Finish

Start: La Spezia

La Spezia is the transport gateway to the Cinque Terre, with direct rail connections from Florence, Pisa, Milan, and Genoa. The station is modern and well-organized, and trains to the villages depart frequently throughout the day.

Finish: Levanto

Levanto is often overlooked, but it makes a wonderful final stop. It has a relaxed seaside feel, a long beach, excellent bakeries, and far fewer crowds than the Cinque Terre villages themselves.

You can also do this route in reverse—Levanto to La Spezia works just as well.

What to See and Do at Each End

La Spezia

Before heading into the villages, take time to explore La Spezia’s harbor promenade and historic center. It’s a lived-in Italian city with local markets, relaxed cafés, and excellent seafood restaurants without tourist pricing.

Levanto

Levanto is perfect for a swim, sunset aperitivo, or overnight stay. Walk the seafront, browse local shops, or hike one of the quieter coastal trails that start just outside town.

Food & Cuisine to Try Along the Way

This stretch of Liguria is a paradise for simple, high-quality food:

• Pesto alla Genovese – made with local basil, pine nuts, and olive oil

• Focaccia – especially focaccia di Recco with melted cheese

• Anchovies from Monterosso – a regional specialty

• Seafood pasta – often with mussels, clams, or prawns

• Sciacchetrà – the local sweet dessert wine from Cinque Terre vineyards

Eating well here doesn’t require reservations—some of the best meals come from small bakeries and takeaway counters overlooking the sea.

Where to Stay

For rail-based travel, these bases work best:

• La Spezia – best value, best connections, ideal for early starts

• Levanto – relaxed, scenic, and excellent for overnight stays

• Monterosso al Mare – the largest village, best beaches, most accommodation options

Staying inside the smaller villages can be magical but comes with higher prices and more stairs—worth considering if you’re traveling light.

Seasonal Highlights & Best Time to Go

• April–May: Wildflowers, mild weather, fewer crowds

• June: Long days, swimming weather, lively atmosphere

• September: Warm sea, grape harvests, calmer pace

• October: Golden light, quieter villages, excellent hiking conditions

July and August are stunning but extremely busy—train travel remains efficient, but expect crowds midday.

Why This Route Works So Well by Train

The Cinque Terre rail line is the perfect example of why Italy shines when explored by train. It removes the stress, keeps the focus on scenery and experience, and allows you to travel at your own pace. No parking battles, no narrow cliff roads—just step off the train and into one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe.

If you want a journey where the views start before you even arrive, this is the one.