It is important to validate all Cinque Terre train tickets before you board the train. The passengers who board a train without a validated ticket, or with an irregular ticket, will be issued with a penalty fare of at least 50 euros.
How to validate train tickets bought at the station
Regional train tickets purchased at the station (paper tickets) have to be validated before boarding the train, using the green machines on the way to the platform. The green validating machines are usually located in the stairs on the way to the platforms. Insert the ticket into the slot and then slide the ticket to the far left. When you pull your ticket out you should see the date and time printed on the ticket.
Regional train tickets, up to 50 kilometers, are valid 75 minutes after validation. Anyway, if you buy a one-way train ticket with the Cinque Terre Express trains from for example Monterosso to Riomaggiore, you are not allowed to make a short stop in one of the villages in-between.
Tickets for high speed trains, such as Intercity, Frecciarossa and Frecciabianca, do not need to be validated as they always come with seat reservations, date and time.
Regional train tickets bought online
Digital tickets are automatically validated at the time of departure.
You can modify the travel date and departure time an unlimited number of times before 11:59 on the day before your journey. You can modify the departure time an unlimited number of times on the day of your journey before the original train departure time.
If your train travels late and your Regional Digital Ticket expires, you can still complete your journey to your destination.
Do I have to validate the Cinque Terre Card?
No, the Cinque Terre Cards purchased online (e-tickets) or at the station (paper tickets) come with date of validity and must not be validated. Before using the paper version of the card, the users name must be written on the back. Cards must be shown to the controller on the trains or platforms together with a valid identity document. The card will also be checked at the check-points on the hiking trails. The card is valid until midnight on the last day of validity.
