Disclaimer: This guide contains affiliate links. If you book or purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our travel blog!
| Mode | Approx. Duration* | Cost (one-way) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Train (Milano Centrale → La Spezia → Monterosso) |
≈ 3 h 25 m (incl. transfer) | €20–45 | Frequent departures. Most routes require a change at La Spezia for the Cinque Terre regional train. Booking early can lower fares. |
|
Bus (Milan → La Spezia) |
≈ 4 h 50 m | €15–25 | Cheaper but less frequent than trains. From La Spezia, take the regional train to the villages. |
| Car | ≈ 3 h (≈ 220 km) | ~ €38–55 (tolls + fuel) | Cars are not allowed inside the villages. Park in La Spezia or Levanto, then continue by train or boat. |
*Times and costs are approximate and can vary by date and service.
TIP: If you prefer the freedom of driving, you can rent a car in Milan and combine it with scenic stops like Portovenere before reaching Cinque Terre. Compare the best rental deals below 👇🏾
Car
Driving offers flexibility and wonderful coastal scenery, but it has drawbacks. The road distance is about 240 km, and the trip takes roughly 3 hours. Private cars cannot enter the Cinque Terre villages, you must park in Levanto or La Spezia and switch to the Cinque Terre Express train. Tolls and fuel typically cost €38–55. Use a small car (parking spaces are tight) and book in advance through a reliable rental company. Here’s a car rental deals .
Train
Trenitalia’s Intercity services depart Milano Centrale every 1–2 hours. The trip to Monterosso takes around 3 hours and costs from €20 when booked in advance. Seven direct trains run daily italiarail.com, while other departures involve a quick transfer at La Spezia. For a day trip, catch an early morning train (around 07:00) to maximise your time.
Bus or Private Transfer
Long‑distance buses from Milan to La Spezia take 4–5 hours and cost €15–25. You’ll still need a train for the final stretch. Private transfers are faster and more comfortable but start around €300–400. If you prefer a stress‑free option, several companies offer full‑day guided tours (see below).
A Brief History of Cinque Terre and Its Villages
There is evidence that suggests human settlement along this coast dates back in the Bronze Age. The villages as we know them began to take shape in the 11th century when locals built terraced vineyards and dry‑stone walls on steep slopes. Pastel‑coloured houses were constructed along narrow streets, and small harbours sheltered fishing boats. Today, Cinque Terre is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and national park.
The Five Villages
The villages are connected by train, ferries and hiking trails. Each has its own character:
Riomaggiore: A cascade of multicoloured houses around a tiny harbour. It’s considered the most romantic village.
Manarola: Famous for a small harbour and colourful houses facing the sea. It’s great for cliff‑side sunbathing.
Corniglia: The only village not directly on the sea. It sits on a cliff 100 m above sea level, reaching it involves climbing 382 stairs or taking a shuttle bus.
Vernazza: Often described as the most picturesque. A small harbour and seaside piazza are backed by pastel houses.
Monterosso al Mare: The largest village with the only sandy beach. It has two distinct areas: the old town and Fegina (new town). The beach makes it ideal for families.
Getting Around the Villages
Train and the Cinque Terre Express
The Cinque Terre Express trains run every 20 minutes between Levanto, the five villages and La Spezia. Service operates from March 15 to November 2 (with reduced frequency in winter). A single ticket costs €5–10 depending on the season, while the Cinque Terre Card provides unlimited journeys and access to the paid hiking trails. Evening fares drop to €5 after 19:30. Travel between adjacent villages takes 4–6 minutes.
Ferries and Boats
Ferries operate between March and November, connecting Portovenere, the Cinque Terre villages (except Corniglia) and Levanto. Boats are less crowded than trains and offer stunning coastal views. Local fishermen also offer small boat tours, which contribute directly to the community.
Hiking
The villages are linked by a network of scenic trails totalling around 120 km. The most famous is the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail), but it’s often crowded. Hiking higher trails offers solitude and incredible vistas. Parts of the Blue Trail require the Cinque Terre Card. Wear sturdy shoes and carry water. Fines apply for hiking in flip‑flops.
Can You Visit All Five in One Day?
Visiting all five villages is technically possible thanks to the frequent trains. However, to truly enjoy each town you’ll need more time. We visited only Riomaggiore and Vernazza in an afternoon. If you start early, consider this itinerary:
Morning: Train from Milan (or La Spezia) to Riomaggiore. Explore the harbour and climb up to the castle for panoramic views.
Late Morning: Take the train or ferry to Manarola and stroll along the harbour.
Lunch: Stop in Vernazza. Hike a short section of the trail to a viewpoint and have lunch at a restaurant like Ristorante La Torre (our choice in Vernazza) overlooking the harbour.
Afternoon: Continue to Monterosso for a swim or gelato on the beach.
Late Afternoon: Visit Corniglia for sunset views before catching the train back.
Guided Tours from Milan
If you prefer a structured day with transportation and logistics taken care of, several companies offer Cinque Terre day trips from Milan. For example, Travel Milan Italy’s private tour (12 hours) includes a scenic drive to Portovenere, a boat cruise from Portovenere to Monterosso, and a train ride to Manarola and Riomaggiore. It highlights the villages and the famous Via dell’Amore footpath. There are also group tours on Viator and GetYourGuide that combine train and boat travel. They typically include a guide, transportation and free time in two or three villages. A self‑guided Cinque Terre day trip from Milan gives you freedom to explore at your own pace. Here’s how:
Book an early train (around 07:00) from Milano Centrale to Monterosso or Riomaggiore. Reserve seats ahead of time; tickets start at €20.
Buy the Cinque Terre Card in Monterosso or at any station. It covers unlimited train journeys and hiking trail access.
Plan your route using the itinerary above. Start at the furthest village you want to visit and work back to reduce back‑tracking. Allocate time for lunch and photos.
Avoid peak mid‑day trains (10:30‑14:30) when cruise passengers arrive. Early morning and late afternoon trains are quieter.
Hike a segment of the trails if you’re reasonably fit. The high paths are quieter and offer the best views.
Driving Self‑Guided
If you plan to drive from Milan:
Rent a small car in Milan (here’s our car rental link) and depart early. Avoid city centre restricted zones (ZTL). The drive takes around 3 hours.
Park in Levanto or La Spezia. Parking in the villages is limited and often residents‑only.
Continue your visit using the train or ferry. This hybrid approach lets you explore the Ligurian coast (e.g., Portovenere) en route.
Remember to purchase travel insurance that covers transportation delays, medical emergencies and lost belongings.
Want to skip the hassle of planning trains and transfers? Check out these top-rated guided tours fromMilan to Cinque Terre 👇🏾
Is Cinque Terre Suitable for Solo Travellers?
Absolutely. A solo travel report rates Cinque Terre as “very safe” with an overall difficulty rating of 1 out of 3 solotravelerworld.com. The villages are easy to navigate by train, locals are friendly, and English speakers are easy to find. The hiking trails are scenic but can be rugged, so solo hikers should stick to marked paths and wear sturdy footwear. Hostels, guesthouses and rental rooms are available in each village. Staying overnight allows you to enjoy the towns after day‑trippers depart.
When to Visit (and How to Avoid Crowds)
Cinque Terre receives millions of visitors annually, so timing your visit matters. Peak crowds are during May, June and September, with July and August also busy. Here’s what to expect by season:
Spring (March–May)
Pros: Mild temperatures (60–70°F / 15–21°C), blooming wildflowers and fewer tourists. Ideal for hiking.
Cons: Easter and Italy’s April 25 Liberation Day can be crowded.
Summer (June–August)
Pros: Beach weather and long daylight hours. Perfect for swimming in Monterosso and boat tours.
Cons: Very crowded. August is particularly busy with Italian holidaymakers. Accommodation prices rise.
Fall (September–November)
Pros: Pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. Early September coincides with grape‑harvest season and the anchovy festival in Monterosso.
Cons: Weather becomes unpredictable by October, it’s the rainiest month.
Winter (December–February)
Pros: Quietest time and lowest prices. December sees festive lights and nativity scenes.
Cons: Chilly (50°F / 10°C) and damp. Some restaurants and hotels close.
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
Travel in the shoulder seasons, late April, early May or late October.
Start early and finish late. Cruise ship excursions flood the villages from late morning to mid‑afternoon. Early trains and ferries are quieter.
Hike less‑popular trails higher up the hills.
Stay overnight in one of the villages to enjoy the tranquil evenings.
We visited now which is at the end of September and found Riomaggiore crowded by midday. To take unobstructed photos, we arrived early and climbed to viewpoints above the harbour.
Useful Resources and Links
Car rental deals: book a small car for maximum flexibility.
Travel insurance: cover for delays and medical emergencies.
Viator Cinque Terre day tour: guided day trip with transportation and boat cruise.
GetYourGuide Cinque Terre tour: guided day trip with train and boat transfers.
Self‑guided itinerary package: includes train tickets and Cinque Terre Card.
Rome vs Florence vs Venice:Which Italian City Should You Visit?: this guide will help you choose the best city to travel to.
The Ultimate Milan Summer Travel Guide: where to stay, eat and explore in Milan.
Closing Thoughts
A Cinque Terre day trip from Milan is an exciting but jam‑packed adventure. Whether you go by train, join a guided tour or drive part of the way, prepare for breathtaking views, steep walks and lots of photo stops. Explore at least two or three villages at a relaxed pace rather than rushing through all five. And if time allows, consider spending a night in the Cinque Terre to savour its beauty after the crowds have gone.
With the right planning and perhaps an early alarm, you’ll soon be soaking up pastel sunsets over the Ligurian Sea, just like we did.
Leave a Reply