How to get to the Cinque Terre

The easiest way to get to the Cinque Terre is by train.

A local service connects all the villages, including Levanto, and trains run frequently to the region from key cities such as Genoa and Pisa.

 

An alternative is to go by car, but the roads in the region are very narrow and winding.

The only town with a lot of parking is Levanto. A ferryboat service operates from the beginning of April to the end of October, stopping at each of the villages.

 

To Reach us by Road

The A12 autostrada runs north and south along the coast from Genoa to Livorno. Exit from the A12 at Carrodano-Levanto. Take the direction west following signs to Levanto. This road will bring you right into Levanto (about 10 minutes drive).

 

As you enter Levanto, you pass the train station and come to an intersection. Follow the main road, Corso Roma, towards the water. Signs for hotels and tourist information point to this main street. Almost at the end of this street, you come to Corso Italia with a sign for Villa Margherita. Take Corso Italia to the right and follow it as it winds uphill for a couple of blocks. You will see Villa Margherita on your left.

 

Parking: Keep going past Villa Margheria because the parking is behind and above the villa. After the next turn you will see the parking area behind the villa. See the map to the right.

 

Note: From November to May near Milan and in all the northern part of Italy far from the sea you will find FOG!

 

Use www.viamichelin.com for driving directions and times.

 

To Reach us by Train

Faster trains are Eurostar (ES), Intercity (IC) or Direct (D). The Regional (R) is a local train – stops in every station. Many of the faster trains stop in Levanto. Check your train schedule.

 

From the south, you may have to change trains in La Spezia to get a train that stops in Levanto.

 

From the north, you may have to change trains in Genoa to get a train that stops in Levanto.

 

See the map to the right for the train routes in this part of Italy.

 

Example Train Times to Levanto

Train times depend on the type of train. Times quoted here are for the fastest trains to Levanto.

Milan: under 3 hours

Rome: under 5 hours

Florence: under 3 hrs

Use www.trenitaliaplus.com for train information.

 

To Reach us by Air

The closest airports are Milan (Malpensa), Rome (Fiumicino), Pisa, Bologna, or Florence. From these airports you can drive to Levanto or take the train.

Example Times From Airports to Levanto

Airport By train By car
Milan (Malpensa) Under 3 hours from Milan central 2 h, 41 min
Rome (Fiumicino) Under 6 hours 4 h, 8 min
Pisa About 2 hrs 30 mins 1 h, 10 min