If you fly into Milan, you can easily reach the Cinque Terre in around 3 hours, regardless which transportation option you choose. It is around 230 km (143 miles) between these two popular Italian destinations.
By train: The fastest way to reach Cinque Terre from Milan is by train. At Milano Centrale station there is an Intercity train approx. every 2 hours directly to Levanto, Monterosso and La Spezia Centrale. The journey takes around 3 hours. In Levanto or Monterosso you will have to change to a local Cinque Terre Express train to your final destination.
Intercity train tickets are significantly cheaper when you book in advance. The price of an Intercity one-way train ticket from Milano Centrale to Monterosso starts at 9.90 euros for a second-class ticket. A seat reservation is included in the ticket price. Booking for high-speed trains usually opens 3-4 months ahead.
Local and regional trains do not require seat reservations and have fixed prices, which means there is no cost advantage in pre-booking. From Milano Centrale to Cinque Terre with a regional train costs 19 euros for a second-class ticket.
By car: The distance between Milan and Cinque Terre is 230 km (143 miles) and by car the journey takes around 3 hours. 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.
Cinque Terre is made up of narrow roads with sharp curves that make driving quite challenging. It is quite easy to reach Levanto and Monterosso by car, and in these villages it is also easier to find a parking place. If you prefer to stay in any of the Cinque Terre villages, make sure to book an accommodation in Cinque Terre with private parking.
All vehicles must pay tolls at the toll gates of the Italian highways autostrada. You must take a ticket when you enter the autostrada, and pay when you exit using cash or a card. Price by car Milan - Cinque Terre: toll fee 24 euros + fuel.
Itinerary: Take the A7 highway from Milan heading south toward Genova. From Genova take the A12 highway toward Livorno. For Monterosso exit at Carrodano - Levanto, follow the signs toward Levanto. At the second roundabout turn left in direction Monterosso. If you are heading to Riomaggiore and Manarola, exit at La Spezia and continue toward Cinque Terre. More information: How to get to Cinque Terre.
How to get from Milan Malpensa to the city center: Milan Malpensa is the most affordable city to fly into in northern Italy. There are frequent shuttle buses every 20-30 minutes to Milan Central Station from all terminals. Travel time: 50 minutes. Cost: 10 euros. You can also take the train to Milan Central station from Milan Malpensa airport. The Malpensa Express runs daily every 30 minutes. Travel time: 50 minutes. Cost: 13 euros.
