Planning a Florence to Cinque Terre day trip? In this guide, we’re sharing all you need to know for your day trip, including a complete itinerary, a transportation guide, tour options, and tips on how to make the most out of your visit to Cinque Terre.
The Cinque Terre are five villages sitting along the coast of the Italian Riviera. The picturesque views, multi-colored coastal houses, and incredible scenery make this one of the most popular spots to visit in all of Italy.
I’ve been to Cinque Terre many times, and it’s doable as a day trip. I will say, though, a day trip from Florence is a trek. Be prepared for a long day of travel and a busy day of sightseeing. You’ll want to plan on getting to Cinque Terre around 9:00 AM and returning to Florence after 9:00 PM.
This day trip is filled with a bit of hiking, sightseeing and optional swimming. I’ve done this many times, and this is exactly how I’d plan it if I only have a day to squeeze it into my itinerary.
How to Get from Florence to Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre are located 150km northwest of Florence. The best and quickest way to get from Florence to Cinque Terre is by train.
Florence to Cinque Terre by train
Florence to La Spezia: Take the train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to La Spezia Centrale. You may have to transfer in Pisa depending on the train you book.
The journey takes between 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours each way. Plan to arrive in La Spezia between 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, the earlier the better.
Our train left Florence at 7:00 AM and arrived in La Spezia at 9:30AM. This included a change in Pisa. Our return ticket was booked for 8:00 PM, and we felt like that was plenty of time for a full day.
Booking train tickets: Book your train tickets online in advance using the Trenitalia website or app. Purchase your tickets at least 3 weeks in advance to get the best prices.
La Spezia to Cinque Terre: Once you arrive in La Spezia, you need to change trains to access the Cinque Terre via the Cinque Terre Express train. This is a completely different train system, and you need to purchase the Cinque Terre train card. We’ve included more information on these tickets in the next section.
Check the timetable for the 2026 Cinque Terre Express trains here.
Florence to Cinque Terre by car
While it is possible to drive to Cinque Terre, we do not recommend it, especially for a day trip from Florence. Parking is difficult to find and it’s more of a hassle than taking the train.
If you plan to drive, here is our recommendation. Drive to La Spezia and park there – do not try to drive to each village because it’s very difficult to navigate.
The drive from Florence to La Spezia takes between 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. Parking is available near the train station.
From the train station, hop on the Cinque Terre Express train and navigate between the villages via the local train system.
Read more: Best Day Trips from Florence
The Cinque Terre Card
The Cinque Terre Card is your all-access pass to the trains and hiking paths around the 5 towns.
There are two types of passes:
- The Cinque Terre Train Card: full access to the trains for the entire day + the hiking trails
- The Cinque Terre Trekking Card: access to the hiking trails only
For this day trip, get the Train Card. Book the card online to avoid the long lines at the station.
Note about high season: Between May and September, expect train delays. Plan for an extra 15-30 minutes at each station. Because of the crowds, trains often get delayed.
Cinque Terre Ferry
There is a ferry service that runs between all of the towns except Corniglia. The ferries operate from March 28, 2026 – November 1, 2026.
The ferry runs less frequently and takes much longer than the train, which is why we would advise against taking the ferry for your day trip. If you are looking for a scenic boat ride, then you could take it from one town to the next and take the train the rest of the way.
Here’s the link to the ferry company and the current timetable.
Hiking in Cinque Terre National Park
Hiking in Cinque Terre National Park is one of our favorite things to do in all of Italy! The views are absolutely stunning everywhere you look.
The most popular trail is the Blue Trail, which is 7.5 miles (12 km) long and takes you to each of the five towns. The hiking path starts in Riomaggiore and ends in the last village, Monterosso al Mare or vice versa.
Check out this site for updates and current statuses on all of the trails in Cinque Terre.
Read more: Best Things to do in Florence
Cinque Terre Day Trip Itinerary
We recommend starting your day in Monterosso al Mare, the furthest town from La Spezia, and making your way back to Riomaggiore at the end of the day.
Monterosso al Mare
Start your day in Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the seaside towns. It takes about 25 minutes to get there from La Spezia.
Monterosso is split up into two sections: the old town and the new town.
The train station is in the new town, so from here, you can walk to Spiaggia di Fegina, a beautiful sandy beach with orange and green striped loungers. It’s a great spot to relax at the beach if you’re looking for a slower paced day.
In the old town, visit Aurora tower, check out the ancient ruins, and walk through the small streets. From here, you can either hike to Vernazza along the Blue Trail or walk back to the train station and take the train.
The hike to Vernazza is 3.5km and takes around 1.5-2 hours to complete. Make sure to have your Cinque Terre Card on hand, as you’ll need to show your pass to use the trail.
Read more: 3 Days in Florence
Vernazza
Vernazza, in my opinion, is the most picturesque of the five towns.
The best views of Vernazza are up the hill and on the trail that leads from/to Monterosso. If you opted to take the train, then it’s worth a quick walk up the trail to check out the views. Otherwise, the views from the port are also great.
Batti Batti’ Foccaceria and Pippo a Vernazza are a couple of good options for lunch in Vernazza.
After exploring the quaint streets and old fishing port, make your way up the steps through the town to start your hike to Corniglia.
Tip: There is a public tap in the main square near the beach that you can use to fill up your water bottle. Make sure to have a full water bottle for the hike to Corniglia. All taps that say “Aqua Potible” have potable water.
Corniglia
The hike from Vernazza to Corniglia is stunning. The path winds you through terraced vineyards and ancient olive groves with gorgeous views of the Mediterranean sea.
The trail is 4km and takes about 1.5 hours. It is a dirt trail with a few uphill and downhill climbs. Overall, it’s a pretty moderate hike, but I still recommend coming prepared with sunscreen, plenty of water, a light snack, and covered shoes.
Tip: Stop by Bar Il Gabbiano mid-hike for a refreshing orange and lemon granita. It’s delicious.
If you opt out of the hike, then you can of course take the train to Corniglia. From the train station, you have to climb up 382 steps to get to Corniglia. Alternatively, there is a free shuttle bus (with the Cinque Terre Card) that can take you to the village.
You can also skip Corniglia if you feel like you do not have time.
Riomaggiore
From Corniglia, take the train to Riomaggiore for a nice walk around this colorful village.
For the best view, walk down to the harbor and to this viewpoint. On a nice day, you can lay out on the rocks by the sea and watch people swimming.
A couple of hours before sunset, you can either take the train to Manarola, or walk the Via dell’Amore from Riomaggiore to Manarola. This is a 1km coastal path that was recently re-opened after 10 years due to a landslide.
If this is something you’re interested in, you’ll want to reserve a time slot in advance online at the official website. There is a fee to walk the path.
Manarola
Manarola is the best place to watch the sunset in Cinque Terre. Walk up to this viewpoint for great views of the village and sea.
You can also get a table at Nessun Dorma, located right above the viewpoint, for light snacks and drinks. It gets busy during high season – I recommend going to their website to get on the waitlist in advance.
If you packed your swimsuit and towel, the rocks in the harbor here are a popular spot to layout and swim.
Florence to Cinque Terre Tour Options
Prefer to take a guided tour instead of planning your own Cinque Terre day trip? Here are a few Florence to Cinque Terre day tours that we recommend.
Our top pick: Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking
This 5-star rated, full-day guided tour takes you through all five villages with an option to hike one of the trails. It includes transportation by bus, a guide, entry tickets to Cinque Terre National Park, a boat ride (from end of March to end of October), optional lunch, and extra time to wander around on your own.
#2 pick: Seaside Beauty Day Trip to Cinque Terre
This Cinque Terre day tour takes you to Manarola, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, and Monterosso al Mare with a guide. From April 1 to October 31, you’ll get to enjoy a boat ride between Monterosso and Vernazza.
Additionally, the tour includes an optional lunch, transfer between Florence and Cinque Terre by bus, guide, and free time to explore the towns or go swimming.
#3 pick: Cinque Terre Private Day Trip from Florence
This highly rated private tour includes a visit to all five towns, lunch, and a wine tasting in Monterosso.
A private tour is a fantastic option if you are traveling with a group (up to 6) and want a more relaxed, tailored experience.
Transfer from Florence is included, plus extra time to explore and swim.
Is a day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre worth it?
Yes and no. I only recommend doing a day trip from Florence if you don’t have the time to spend the night in Cinque Terre.
It’s a long day trip, expect to be gone for 12-15 hours, with 5-6 hours of round-trip transportation on the train. To get the most of your day, arrive between 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM and leave after 8:00PM.
If you want to spend more time exploring Cinque Terre, then we recommend spending two full days here. One day for hiking and exploring the towns. The second day for relaxing at the beach, going on a boat ride, or visiting the nearby town Porto Venere.
Read more: Is Cinque Terre worth visiting?
Tips for Visiting Cinque Terre
- Make extra time for the trains: During the high season, the trains get really busy and packed. We know this from first hand experience. Unfortunately, Cinque Terre has become extremely over crowded from May to September, so expect train delays and plan on extra time getting between towns. We had a few experiences where we weren’t able to get on a train because it was too packed and had to wait for the next one (which was also crowded).
- Visit during the shoulder season or low season: If you want a more calm experience during your day trip to Cinque Terre, we recommend visiting in between April – May and late September – October.
- Be prepared: Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle to refill. The days get hot and the sun is harsh, you’ll be happy to have these things with you.
- Bring comfortable shoes: Bring sturdy shoes if you’re hiking the trails. The trails are rocky and uneven, and it’s helpful to have comfortable shoes for day. If you want to hike in sandals, you can wear Birkenstocks or similar shoes. We hiked with someone who was wearing these and they did fine.
- Buy your Cinque Terre card in advance: To avoid the lines, buy your Cinque Terre Card online. This way you can make the most out of your day trip from Pisa to the Cinque Terre without wasting any time.
- Bring a swimsuit: If you’re visiting during the warmer months, bring a swimsuit to go for a swim in the Mediterranean sea! With the beach in Monterosso and swimming opportunities in Manarola, you should definitely take advantage and enjoy the water.
- Leave early: Try to take the train from Pisa to La Spezia early in the morning (around 7am or 8am) to beat the crowds. You’ll also have more time during the day and won’t feel as rushed with this extra time.
- Make lunch and dinner reservations in advance: If you plan to eat either lunch or dinner at a proper restaurant in Cinque Terre, then do your research ahead of time and book in advance (at least a day or two). There are plenty of options to grab and go (pizza, sandwiches, etc.), but for a dine in experience, you’ll need to make a reservation by calling a couple of days ahead of time.
Discover Our 14-Day Italy Itinerary
This 14-day self-guided itinerary takes you from Venice to Rome, including stops in Verona, Pisa, Cinque Terre, and Florence.
The guide includes:
- A detailed 14-day travel itinerary
- City guides for Rome, Verona, Florence, and Venice
- Hotel, restaurant, and shopping recommendations
- A custom map with all our favorite spots
Hi Colin and Jenoa, Thank you very much for all your info, we are going to Italy in May, visiting Milan , Florence and Rome.
Thanks, regards
Lech.
Melbourne,
Australia.
Hi Lech,
Happy to help! Enjoy your trip to Italy this spring. It sounds amazing!
Best, Jenoa
This has been SUPER helpful and I plan to follow your lead this August when we travel to Florence for a week with 3 kids (who are adventurous and love outdoor activities!). I do have one question, though. If you swim or hang at the beach, is there a place to make a change into/out of bathingsuits and/or to rinse off? How do you navigate that on a day trip?
Hi Katie,
How fun! In Monterosso, if you rent beach chairs, there should be a changing cabin and showers available.
Enjoy your trip! – Jenoa
Hi,
We’ll be visiting in early-mid September. We will be driving from Florence to La Spezia to park our car. We’ve heard there was luggage storage in La Spezia Central Station but I can’t get any current website info on it and just how big the storage units are, etc.
I know you mentioned luggage storage in your Pisa to CT post, hoping you can help in La Spezia.
And can you confirm that La Spezia parking lots are typically safe if no valuables left to see in car.
Thanks so much for all your great details!
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
I did some research and it looks like you can leave your luggage at Stow and Go near La Spezia station.
I’ve never parked a car in La Spezia, so I don’t have any personal experience to share with you. However, just make sure you take all valuables and luggage. I’ve driven a car all over Italy and have had no issues.
Best, Jenoa
This is fabulous. Planning our Cinque Terre self planned trip based on all of this!
Hi Rachel – Thank you for your kind comment! Enjoy your trip to Cinque Terre!
-Jenoa
Thank you for the information I am planning to do this alone but I will be travelling from San Giovanni to Florence then on to La Spezia. I just wanted to check if it is okay to do this solo ?
Hi Daniela,
Based on my experience, you should be fine doing this trip solo. There are plenty of other tourists around and I felt safe in Cinque Terre. I’ve never visited solo, but I have been with just me and my younger sister. I’d highly recommend getting your Cinque Terre Treno Card online in advance to avoid the stress of waiting in line once you arrive.
Hope this helps.
Best,
Jenoa
I noticed that you mentioned to leave after 7pm but the only train that I can get to take me back leaves at 6.40pm do you think I can still do a day trip and if I wanted to take a boat trip from one village to another which is the best one to do Thanks Daniela
Hi Daniela,
If you arrive early in the morning (before 9 or around 9), and only visit 4 out of the 5 villages, you should have enough time for the boat trip.
Hope this helps.
Best,
Jenoa
Thank you for sharing this very detailed and super helpful itinerary, which I am planning to make a good use of with my son next week! Could you say how much time you felt was sensible to plan in each village, please? Thank you.
Hi Gosia,
I’d recommend a minimum of one hour in most of the towns. Corniglia is really small and you only need 30 minutes to walk through it. I’d spend the most time in Monterosso, Vernazza, and Manarola.
Enjoy your trip! – Jenoa
Hello!
Planning to go solo to Cinque Terre and i find this very detailed information! Thank you!
Also i have a question, i am planning to visit this coming May 16th. Would a day trip be enough? planning to arrive before 9 or before 10. I want to do both hiking and boat tour.. would that be enough? What can you suggest? This will really mean a lot to me!
Thank you!
Hi Ace,
A day trip is enough time to see Cinque Terre. I’ve done it a couple of times from Florence. I do not recommend doing a hike and a boat tour, that leaves you little time to actually explore the towns. I’d recommend choosing one or the other.
Hope this helps!
Jenoa
Hi!
Would a private boat tour be possible for a day trip? If so, any recommendations for places of departure/drop off? We would still like to see a few towns.
Your guide is very helpful! Thank you!
Hi Kacy,
Yes, I think a private boat tour would be possible. You won’t be able to visit all towns if you do this though. I haven’t ever done a private tour myself, so unfortunately, I don’t have any recommendations based on personal experience. I found this tour on Viator that gets high reviews. It doesn’t stop at any of the towns, but after the tour, you’d probably have time to stop at a couple of towns.
Best,
Jenoa
Thank you so much for this incredible resource! We had the best day trip to Cinque Terre thanks to your guide, which was really easy to follow.
Hi Carly,
Thank you for your comment! I’m so happy to hear that you had a wonderful day in Cinque Terre!
Best,
Jenoa
You might wanna stay over at La Spezia for 2 nights. Ride on a morning train from La spezia Central to Cinque Terre.
La Spezia is a beautiful city with tons of boutique hotels and restaurants. Cheaper than to stay at Florence！
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences in Cinque Terre. it is very helpful. I am traveling to Italy next April and we are looking forward to visiting this beautiful place from Firenze. Rome is our first stop from SF and then Firenze, and last Milano, visiting family. Grazie Mille.
I’m happy to help! Enjoy your trip in Italy with family 🙂
Best,
Jenoa
Thanks for this very informative blog. It helped me immensely to plan my day trip to Cinque Terre and it was incredible!
Hi Nida, I’m so happy you found this helpful and had an incredible time in Cinque Terre!
-Jenoa