If you are visiting Cinque Terre we recommend flying into Genoa Airport, situated only 100 km (62 miles) from Cinque Terre. The train ride to Monterosso takes around 1-1.5 hours.
From the airport: When you fly into Genoa Airport, you can catch the Airlink service in front of the arrivals, which will bring you to Genova Sestri Ponente train station. The bus service operates from 6am to 10pm and costs 1.50 euros for a single ticket. There is a Airlink every 15 minutes and it only takes 5 minutes to shuttle between the two stops. You will have to change trains at Genova Principe before reaching Cinque Terre.
Alternatively, you can take the shuttle bus VOLABUS from the airport to either of the main train stations in the centre of Genoa, Genova Piazza Principe or Genova Brignole, from where you will find trains to your final destination in the Cinque Terre. The VOLABUS are running daily with departures every 45 minutes. A one-way ticket costs 6 euros and can be purchased from machines at the airport. The travel time to Genova Brignole is around 30 minutes.
By train: From the two main train stations in Genoa, Genova Porta Principe and Genova Brignole, there are Intercity and regional trains almost every hour directly to Levanto, Monterosso and La Spezia. The travel time is appr. 1-1,5 hours. If your destination is Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola or Riomaggiore, you will have to change to the local Cinque Terre Express in Levanto. There are also some direct regional trains during the day from Genoa stopping in Riomaggiore. A one-way ticket from Genoa to Monterosso costs appr. 15 euros in second class.
By car: From Genoa you can reach the Cinque Terre by car in approx. 1.5 hours. Take the highway A12 toward Livorno. If your destination is Monterosso, Vernazza or Corniglia exit at Brugnato. If your destination is Riomaggiore or Manarola continue on highway A12 and exit at La Spezia and follow the signs in direction Cinque Terre.
All vehicles must pay tolls at the toll gates of the Italian highways. You take a ticket when you enter the highway and pay when you exit using cash or a card. Price by car Genoa - Cinque Terre: toll fee 9 euros + fuel.
Car rental: Italy is one of the cheapest countries in Western Europe to rent a car. The easiest way is to rent a car directly at the airport upon arrival. Car rental in Italy.
Hotels in Genoa: If you are looking for the best place to stay in Genoa for sightseeing, then the historical center is the obvious choice. We have listed the best hotels here for you: Hotels in Genoa.
