Train from Florence to Vernazza (Cinque Terre)

Driving to Vernazza from Florence may take you less time compared to taking the train, but there are complications to consider if you decide to drive. Parking is problematic, as it is reserved for residents and deliveries only, and the roads in the Cinque Terre region are not well kept, making the drive more difficult.

So, while covering a distance of 112 miles (180 km) may take a bit longer by train, it really is the most convenient option. Let's take a look at the details.

Frequent Trains from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Vernazza

There are approximately five trains per day from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Vernazza, and they range in cost from $20-29. Most of these trains also stop at Firenze Rifredi station as well, located in the north of the city on Via dello Steccuto, if this station is more convenient for you.

All train routes from Florence to Vernazza require at least one or two train transfers. For the itinerary involving just one train transfer, you'll have to change trains at La Spezia Centrale for the 17-minute ride to Vernazza. In this case, both trains are Regionale. The itinerary requiring two train transfers includes traveling from Florence to Pisa Centrale on an InterCity train, and then from Pisa Centrale to Levanto on a Regionale train for the 7-minute ride.  

Note that weekends and holidays typically mean less frequent service and sometimes longer travel times.

Direct Trains from Florence to Vernazza

There are no direct trains from Florence to Vernazza.

Amenities on Trains from Florence to Vernazza

Regionale trains have 1st class and 2nd class cars, but there is not a huge difference between the two. Because reservations are not required on these trains, you simply find an available seat on a car in the appropriate class for your ticket. There is no food service or cafe car on these trains, and the on-board air conditioning doesn’t always work.

InterCity trains are quite similar to Regionale trains, but there is a food and beverage cart that passes through the train on longer rides. It serves basic sandwiches, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.

Florence and Vernazza Train Stations

Florence's Santa Maria Novella station, the main station in the city, is close to the historic center, and is a major hub for city and regional buses, making it easy to get to and from the station if you're traveling light. Firenze Rifredi station is not as large as Santa Maria Novella, but there is an attached bus station for city buses.

La Spezia Centrale is the city’s main station, located in the city center on Piazza Medaglie. Several bus lines stop outside the station, and there are regular trains from La Spezia to the Cinque Terre towns nearby.

Pisa Centrale station is also the city's primary station, located 1.4 miles (2.3 km) from the main attractions, including the leaning tower and cathedral. There is a luggage storage office at the station if you need to store your bags while you make a quick trip to see the tower. Take the number 1 bus from the station to get to the Campo dei Miracoli.

Vernazza station is built into the cliffs of the Cinque Terre. It was recently renovated after severe flooding, and includes a bar, toilets and a ticket desk.

Levanto station also includes a bar, toilets and a ticket desk.