Cinque Terre is located relatively close to Florence. The distance is around 200 kilometers, 125 miles, and it takes 2.5 to 3 hours to travel from Florence to Cinque Terre depending on your choice of transport.
By train: The best way to reach Cinque Terre from Florence is undoubtedly by train. There are frequent connections from the central station in Florence, Santa Maria Novella, to Cinque Terre. There are no direct trains, there are only routes with one or two connections. We recommend you to take a regional train directly to La Spezia and from there change to a local Cinque Terre Express train to your destination in Cinque Terre. The journey takes from 2.5-3 hours, and tickets cost 18-30 euros. Please note that the regional trains in Italy have one fixed price with unlimited availability, and no seat reservation is necessary.
By car: If you are doing a round trip around Italy, renting a car can be a great alternative to relying on public transportation. The easiest way is to rent a car directly at the airport upon arrival. Car rental in Italy.
The roads in Cinque Terre are narrow and steep with many curves, winding through vineyards and olive groves. It is a scenic drive with an amazing panorama. Choose a hotel in Cinque Terre with private parking, otherwise you will have to park outside the entrance of the villages and then walk from there. For more information: Parking in Cinque Terre.
Price by car Florence - Cinque Terre: toll fee 14 euros + fuel.
Itinerary: By car you can reach the Cinque Terre from Florence in around 3 hours. From Florence take the A11 highway in the direction of Lucca and Genova. Follow signs toward A12 Parma-Genova. If your final destination is Riomaggiore, Manarola or Corniglia exit at La Spezia. Follow the signs to state route number SS370 "Portovenere - Cinque Terre" and then direction Riomaggiore, Manarola or Corniglia.
If your final destination is Vernazza or Monterosso, exit at Brugnato on the A12 motorway. Follow the signs toward Borghetto Vara and Pignone. Follow the directions toward Vernazza or Monterosso. From Brugnato to Vernazza the distance is 30 km and the travel time is 50 minutes. More information: How to get to Cinque Terre.
Hotels in Florence: If you are looking for the best place to stay in Florence for sightseeing, then the historical center is the obvious choice. We have listed the best hotels for you here: Hotels in Florence.
