Florence Cinque Terre - Manarola

The area’s postcard-perfect fishing villages, dramatic coastal cliffs, and scenic hiking trails have made Italy’s Cinque Terre a popular stop for travelers. Although it’s possible to make this journey into a day trip from Florence, to truly explore the area and do any hiking, it would be best to plan on staying at least overnight. Regardless of how long you visit, the train is the best way to get there.

Manarola, one of the Cinque Terre villages, is just 111 miles (179 km) from Florence. This short distance makes travelers believe that driving between the towns is their best option, but you must keep in mind that driving to and around the Cinque Terre is complicated by both the mountainous terrain and the tiny size of the towns, which are largely closed to vehicles. It’s far more simple to take the train directly from the center of Florence to the center of Manarola.

Frequent Trains from Florence to Cinque Terre-Manarola

There are about 11 trains per day from Florence to Manarola, the second smallest of the five towns which make up Cinque Terre. Because Manarola is so tiny, there are no direct trains to its two-track station overlooking the Mediterranean sea, and almost all trains are Regionale for either a portion or the entire trip.

Manarola is along the local line which runs from La Spezia, so all trains from Florence include at least one change of train at La Spezia. Some trains include two changes, usually first in Pisa or, rarely, the Campo di Marte station in Florence, and then in La Spezia. Be sure to check your itinerary closely to ensure that you make your connections at the correct station. The trip takes from 2.5-3.5 hours, and tickets cost $20-28. Also, try your best to sit on the left side of the train from La Spezia to enjoy spectacular views of the sea along the route which hugs the coast. 

Keep in mind that weekends and holidays often mean less frequent service and occasionally longer travel times.

Direct Trains from Florence to Cinque Terre-Manarola

There are no direct trains from Florence to Manarola. All routes include one or two connections, so when you book, note how many changes you’ll need to make.

Amenities on Trains from Florence to Cinque Terre-Manarola

Regionale trains offer more economical routes and include few amenities. There are sometimes both 1st and 2nd class cars, but don’t expect the same 1st class that you would see on the AV trains. Regionale trains often have spotty air conditioning and the power outlets may not all work. Reservations on these trains aren't necessary, so passengers choose a seat in their class as they board.

Frecciabianca and Intercity trains are the lowest category AV trains, but still offer passengers air conditioning, 1st-class and 2nd-class cars, and a café car. First class seats have meal service, a mini-bar, power outlets, and free newspapers.

Florence and Cinque Terre-Manarola Train Stations

Florence's main Santa Maria Novella station is just across the street from the historic center, and is a major hub for city and regional buses.

Note: the Florence Santa Maria Novella station currently has a security check before the platforms, so factor in extra time for the delay.

Manarola is the second to smallest of the five Cinque Terre towns, and has a tiny double-track train station directly above the coastline. Only the slowest Regionale trains servicing the Cinque Terre stop here. There is a pedestrian tunnel alongside the track which leads into the center of town.