Pisa to Cinque Terre: A Great Day Trip

Are you in Pisa and planning a great day trip? Let me provide a few tips on how to get from Pisa to Cinque Terre.

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Table of Contents

  1. Getting from Pisa to Cinque Terre on a day trip
    1. BY CAR
    2. BY TRAIN
    3. ORGANIZED TOUR
    4. BY PRIVATE TRANSFER
    5. BY TRAIN AND BOAT
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Getting from Pisa to Cinque Terre on a day trip

where to stay in Riomaggiore

The closest big Italian town to the Cinque Terre, Pisa, is perfect for a day trip to the coastline.

BY CAR

Roughly 120 kilometers by road will take you to the incredible Italian gem. However, we’ll have to warn you about what you must consider when renting a car and taking a trip to the Cinque Terre. 

TIP: When we rent a car, I always book way in advance and use Discover Cars for the best prices.

When going from Florence to Cinque Terre by car, you’ll have to factor in the road (narrow and winding), finding a parking space, and the parking price. 

Access by car is not allowed in all five villages, and once you get there, you’ll understand why. Also, parking in Cinque Terre is expensive, especially during the peak season. Finding one is almost impossible.

BY TRAIN

By far, the fastest way to get from Pisa to the Cinque Terre is by train, which can last as little as 45 minutes. In addition, prices start from a bit below 8 EUR

We have always preferred to travel by train in Northern Italy, and we did so in the Cinque Terre.

You must take the train from Pisa to La Spezia and then the Cinque Terre Express Train.

The Cinque Terre Express is an essential transportation network that connects the five enchanting villages of Cinque Terre along the rugged Italian Riviera.

This regional train service is a convenient and efficient way for visitors to explore the picturesque landscapes and vibrant communities of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

Operating frequently throughout the day, the Cinque Terre Express allows travelers to quickly hop from one village to another, experiencing the unique charm of each destination.

The one-way tickets for the Cinque Terre Express are 4 EUR regardless of the distance, and for 14.8 EUR, you can also buy the Cinque Terre Card, a daily ticket that offers unlimited train rides between the five villages.

As always, we suggest booking your ticket in advance. This will save you money and time at the train station.

Book your Italy tickets here

Pisa to Cinque Terre

ORGANIZED TOUR

I honestly don’t think an organized tour from Pisa would be an option since getting from Pisa to the Cinque Terre by train is so easy, fast, and affordable.

When we travel, we often go on tours, especially when the destination is not easily reached or when we want to take advantage of the local guide’s knowledge and experience.

Guides often share local recommendations for the best viewpoints, restaurants, and hidden gems, allowing you to make the most of your visit and discover authentic aspects of the Cinque Terre.

Moreover, tours are designed to maximize time and efficiency. With a well-planned itinerary, you can visit multiple Cinque Terre villages daily, ensuring you make the most of your time without the hassle of planning logistics.

So, if you find an organized tour might be more efficient, here is a great option.

BY PRIVATE TRANSFER

Booking a private transfer is a good idea, especially if you travel from the airport to the Cinque Terre and want to make the most of your time.

With a private transfer, you can enjoy the luxury of door-to-door service, with professional drivers meeting them at the airport, hotel, or any preferred location in Pisa.

The journey to Cinque Terre is made in a comfortable and well-maintained vehicle, allowing passengers to relax and soak in the picturesque Tuscan and Ligurian landscapes without worrying about navigating public transportation.

The flexibility to choose the departure time according to individual preferences ensures a tailored and stress-free itinerary.

Additionally, private transfers often offer the convenience of making stops at scenic viewpoints, charming towns, or other attractions, enhancing the overall travel experience.

BY TRAIN AND BOAT

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We loved taking the boat from La Spezia to the Cinque Terre because it’s the best way to admire the colorful villages from afar and take beautiful photos as you approach them by sea.

The azure waters of the Ligurian Sea provide a stunning backdrop as you embark on a nautical adventure, offering unique perspectives of the colorful cliffside villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

It is worth knowing that this option is only available during the peak season, from April 1st to November 1st. This should be on your list if you are traveling during spring or fall!

NavigazioneGolfoDeiPoeti is where you can find the timetables and prices for the ferry from La Spezia to the Cinque Terre.

The ferry stops in four villages except Corniglia, Porto Venere, and Levanto. You can book your ticket from La Spezia to Levanto or choose to stop in any of the smaller villages.

You can also buy a ticket with two stops, as we did when we stopped in Porto Venere and took the next boat to Manarola.

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