From the most visited stretch of coast in Liguria to the heart of the Tuscan Renaissance, here’s all you need to know about taking the train from the Cinque Terre-Riomaggiore to Florence.
Cinque Terre, the famous group of five pretty fishing villages on Italy’s western coast, is a popular destination for travelers who love stunning scenery and unforgettable hikes. From the beauty of this coastal city, move on to the celebrated art and architecture of Florence, home of Brunelleschi’s Dome, Michelangelo’s David, and Botticelli’s Venus.
Riomaggiore, the southernmost village of Cinque Terre, is only 101 miles (163 km) from Florence, but driving is tricky on the steep coastal roads and Florence has a compact historic center that is best explored on foot. Taking a train may take a bit longer than traveling by car, but it removes the complication of driving and parking.
Frequent Trains from Cinque Terre-Riomaggiore to Florence
There are an average of 10 trains, but often more, from Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre to Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station each day, so finding a departure time which fits your schedule is easy. When booking pay close attention when choosing a train as all routes include at least one change along the way, and many require two.
Routes from Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre to Florence almost always include connections from one Regionale train to another. There are some rarer routes which include a leg of the trip on a faster Intercity or Frecciabianca train. The fastest routes take as little as 2 hours and 37 minutes, but the slowest trains including multiple changes can take up to 5 hours. Ticket prices begin at $19.
Be aware that train travel on weekends and holidays typically means less frequent service and longer travel times.
Direct Trains from Cinque Terre-Riomaggiore to Florence
There are no direct trains from Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre to Florence. All routes require at least once change along the way, most commonly in La Spezia and/or Pisa.
Amenities on Trains from Cinque Terre-Riomaggiore to Florence
Regionale trains are basic. There are no reservations or seat assignments, so seating is first-come, first-served. There are sometimes both 1st and 2nd class cars on Regionale trains, so be sure to choose an available seat in the appropriate class car for your ticket. Regionale trains do not offer food service or a café car, and the air conditioning and power outlets can be unreliable.
Frecciabianca and Intercity trains are the lowest-tier high-speed trains, with more amenities and faster travel times than the Regionale trains. These trains offer 1st-class and 2nd-class cars, with air conditioning and individual power outlets. First-class passengers are given a complimentary drink and newspaper, and all trains offer either snack and drink service and/or a café car.
Cinque Terre-Riomaggiore and Florence Train Stations
The train station in Riomaggiore is near the trailhead of the famous Via dell’Amore, which is the first leg of the hiking trail that runs between the five Cinque Terre villages. The station is about a 5-10 minute walk from the main street in the center of town.
The Firenze Santa Maria Novella station is Florence’s main train station, just across the street from the historic center, making it the best choice for arriving travelers.The city’s major hub for city and regional buses is also right outside of the station.
Journey Information
See below for details on traveling from Riomaggiore to Florence by train.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Train Travel in Italy
From seat assignments and luggage space, to the different types of tickets, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about train travel in Italy.
Arrival and Departure Train Destinations
Read on for information about Riomaggiore to Florence train stations.
Riomaggiore (Cinque Terre)
The five villages that make up Cinque Terre have long been popular tourist destinations on the Ligurian coast, but you can’t buy tickets to the “Cinque Terre train station" since Cinque Terre refers to the five towns collectively.
Read More >>Santa Maria Novella (SMN) Guide
The center of the Renaissance is also a popular Central Italy hub for rail connections.
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