How to get from Florence to Cinque Terre

Explore the allure of the Italian Riviera by making your way from Florence to the charming coastal villages of Cinque Terre. This guide provides a quick and comprehensive overview of your transportation options, ensuring a smooth journey from culturally-rich Florence to Cinque Terre's rugged beauty.

How to get from Florence to Cinque Terre 

Cinque Terre, a captivating collection of five coastal villages along the Italian Riviera, beckons with their vibrant architecture and dramatic cliffs. This UNESCO World Heritage Site invites travellers to revel in its stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and delectable local cuisine by the Ligurian Sea.

The most recommended way to journey from Florence to Cinque Terre is by train, although alternative options like travelling by car or joining a guided tour are also available.

Please note that the entire region falls under the protective umbrella of the Italian government, nestled within the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre. As a visitor, you'll need to budget for an entrance fee of approximately 18 euros, an important consideration when planning your trip.

Going to Florence or Cinque Terre? Contact our Italy travel experts  to save yourself the trouble of mapping out an itinerary and planning.

How far is Cinque Terre from Florence?

Cinque Terre is approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles) from Florence. This distance is measured by road travel and represents the approximate straight-line distance between the two locations.

Set on taking a trip to Tuscany? Read about our fully cutomisable Tusany itineraries. 

What's the quickest way to get from Florence to Cinque Terre? 

The quickest way to get from Florence to Cinque Terre is typically by train. Here are the various options for travelling from Florence to Cinque Terre along with their approximate duration:

• Train: Taking a train is the most efficient and popular option. The journey duration can range from approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
• Car: Driving by car is an option, but it may not always be the quickest. The drive typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on road conditions.
• Bus: While less common, there are bus services that connect Florence to Cinque Terre. The bus journey may take quite a bit longer than the train, usually around 4 to 5 hours, and involves many transfers.

Short on time? Check our 5-day Florence itinerary.

By train

Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours | Cost: 18-30 € + price of park entrance

The most convenient and efficient way to travel from Florence to the picturesque Cinque Terre villages is by taking the train. 

While there are no direct train routes to Cinque Terre,  you can board a direct train bound for the nearby coastal gem, La Spezia, nestled in Liguria. From La Spezia, it's a seamless hop onto the Cinque Terre Express train, your gateway to all five towns. Frequent train connections are accessible from Florence's central station, Santa Maria Novella, to Cinque Terre. 

For an optimised journey, it's recommended to board a regional train directly to La Spezia and then switch to a local Cinque Terre Express train. This train ride typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours, with ticket costs ranging from 18 to 30 euros. 

Notably, regional trains in Italy have a fixed price with unlimited availability, and seat reservations are unnecessary. 

As you touch down in Cinque Terre, let the 5 Terre Express train be your guide through these captivating coastal villages, weaving along cliffs with cinematic panoramas. For ultimate freedom, snag a 5 Terre Express day pass in La Spezia, permitting you to hop on and off at each village at your leisure.

Love epic train journeys? Discover the 10 best railway journeys in Italy.

By bus

Duration: 4+ hours | Cost: Varies

When it comes to venturing from Florence to the enchanting Cinque Terre, hopping on a bus isn't the most seamless choice. The journey brings its fair share of challenges,  namely because no direct bus routes to these charming coastal villages. 

An alternative route involves a lengthy 4-hour journey, initially by bus to Langhirano, with a possible taxi connection.  Another option is taking a bus to Genoa and transferring to a train to reach Cinque Terre, but this route is more time-consuming and complex compared to the efficient train journey.

What's more, this bus journey doesn't offer significant cost savings, making it a less favoured choice for travellers seeking a smoother and more direct path from Florence to Cinque Terre.

By car

Duration: 2 hours | Cost: Varies

Driving from Florence to Cinque Terre can offer convenience, provided you have access to a car during your Florence stay. Yet, renting a car exclusively for a day trip to Cinque Terre might not be the most cost-effective or practical choice, especially with the availability of efficient train services.

Be prepared for some costs, including tolls, which can amount to around £30, fuel expenses, and parking fees, typically at approximately £1.50 per hour.

As you cruise towards Cinque Terre, you'll be greeted by breathtaking vistas, winding through picturesque vineyards and olive groves. However, be prepared for narrow, winding roads with plenty of twists and turns, and limited parking spaces. In some sections, the roads are so snug that two cars can't pass simultaneously.

If you're committed to a driving adventure, consider setting up camp in Monterosso al Mare or Riomaggiore, as these towns provide parking options even for those who aren't local residents.

Into independent travel? Read up on getting around Italy.

By organised tour

Duration: 2 hours | Cost: from €50

For a truly seamless and enriching adventure in Cinque Terre, consider the option of organised tours or hiring a dedicated driver and guide. Private tours provide the freedom to savour the towns at your leisure, with opportunities to make intriguing stops along the way.

These guided journeys typically come in different flavours, starting with basic tours that cover transportation and include a knowledgeable tour escort, all beginning at a reasonable €50 per person. If you prefer the camaraderie of a group experience, guided group tours to Cinque Terre kick off at approximately €60 per person.

Alternatively, for an exclusive and tailor-made exploration, private tours can be arranged, starting at around €250 for a group embarking on a train tour or €350 for those opting for a bus tour. By choosing an organised tour, you'll bask in a worry-free experience, savour the charms of the towns, and glean invaluable local insights, ensuring your Cinque Terre visit becomes an unforgettable chapter of your travels.

Can Cinque Terre be a day trip from Florence?

A day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre might sound enticing, and even technically possible — however, it is worth to spend more time than just one day in this beautiful region.

The charming coastal region of Cinque Terre lies roughly 170 kilometers (105 miles) away, meaning a substantial chunk of your precious day will be dedicated to getting there and back.

Planning your trip to Cinque Terre

Our tailor made trip service eliminates the need for you to delve into the intricacies of navigating between destinations. Our local travel experts design itineraries that are entirely adaptable to your preferences. Reach out to us, and let's begin crafting your dream journey today.

Useful resources for your travel in Italy

See our Rough Guide to Italy: a comprehensive guide to Italy travel, encompassing all the essential information you should acquaint yourself with before embarking on your journey.

For more inspiration, see our Italy itineraries.