If you’re looking for an amazing Italian getaway, look no further than Cinque Terre. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to five beautiful villages perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea.
But you’ll need to get there before you can enjoy all that Cinque Terre has to offer.
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So, if you’re planning on flying to Cinque Terre, this guide is for you.
Genoa Airport
The closest airport to Cinque Terre is the Cristoforo Colombo Airport in Genoa, which is about an hour’s drive away.
To reach Cinque Terre from Genoa Airport, you can either take a bus or a train.
Several companies offer shuttle service from the airport to the Genoa Train Station, from where you can catch a regional train to one of the five villages in Cinque Terre.
The train takes about 1h20 and costs around EUR 11. You can buy your ticket on Omio.
Alternatively, you can take a direct bus from the airport to Monterosso al Mare, the northernmost village in Cinque Terre.
The bus takes about 1h30 and costs around EUR 6. You can buy your ticket on Omio.
The prices above are only examples from Genoa to Monterosso. If you go to another village, the price might differ.
You can also rent a car if you prefer to drive to Cinque Terre.
Pisa International Airport
Pisa International Airport is the next closest airport to Cinque Terre, about 1h30 away by car. You can take a train to get from Pisa to Cinque Terre.
Several companies offer shuttle services from Pisa Airport to the Pisa Centrale Train Station, from where you can catch a regional train to la Spezia.
The train takes about one hour and costs around EUR 8. You can buy your ticket on Omio.
Alternatively, you can also book directly from Pisa to the village where you wish to stay. You’ll need to do one transfer in La Spezia.
Depending on the village chosen, it could cost around EUR 15.
Milan Malpensa Airport
Milan Malpensa Airport is about three hours away from Cinque Terre by car.
You can take a train to Cinque Terre from Milan Centrale Train Station.
Several companies offer shuttle service from Milan Malpensa Airport to the Milano Centrale Train Station, from where you can catch a regional train to one of the five villages in Cinque Terre.
The train takes about 4 hours and costs around EUR 21. You can book your ticket on Omio directly to the chosen village or La Spezia.
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport
The Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is about three hours away from Cinque Terre by car. You can take a train or bus to get from Bologna Airport to Cinque Terre.
Several companies offer shuttle service from Bologna Airport to the Bologna Centrale Train Station, from where you can catch a regional train to one of the five villages in Cinque Terre.
The train from Bologna Centrale Train Station to La Spezia takes between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the number of transfers and costs between EUR 19 and 27. You can book your ticket on Omio.
Alternatively, you can take a direct bus from Bologna to La Spezia, the nearest city to Cinque Terre. Then, you can take a local train from La Spezia to one of the five villages.
The bus takes about 2h30 and costs EUR 20. You can book your ticket on Omio.
Florence Airport
The Florence Airport is about 2h15 away from Cinque Terre by car. You can take a train or bus to Cinque Terre from Florence Airport.
Several companies offer shuttle service from Florence Airport to the Firenze Santa Maria Novella Train Station, from where you can catch a regional train to one of the five villages in Cinque Terre.
The train takes about 2 hours and costs around EUR 16. You can book your ticket on Omio.
Alternatively, you can take a direct bus to La Spezia, the nearest city to Cinque Terre. You can take a local train from La Spezia to one of the five villages. The bus takes two hours and costs EUR 12. You can book your ticket on Omio.
Should You Drive A Car To Cinque Terre?
Cinque Terre is a beautiful but remote area, and public transportation is the best way to get around.
However, if you’re planning on staying in Cinque Terre for an extended period of time or plan to visit other areas in Italy during your stay, you may want to consider renting a car.
Just be aware that parking can be challenging to find, and roads are narrowed. If you decide to drive to Cinque Terre, make sure to book accommodation that provides parking.
Staying In Cinque Terre?
Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Cinque Terre.
Best hostel: The 5 Terre
Best mid-range hotel: MADA Charm Apartments
Best luxury hotel: La Vista di Marina by The First
Final Thoughts On Flying To Cinque Terre
No matter what airport you choose, getting to Cinque Terre is easy if you travel by train.
Italy is known for its relaxed pace of life, which extends to its public transportation.
Sit back, enjoy the scenery, and before you know it, you’ll be in one of the most beautiful places on earth. (Make sure your patience is on point!)
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