Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei is the most convenient entry points for onward travel to the Cinque Terre. You can easily reach the Cinque Terre from Pisa by train or car in around 1.5 hours. It is about 110 km (68 miles) between these two popular Italian destinations.
Flying into Pisa: From Pisa Airport you can in just 5 minutes reach Pisa Centrale station with the People Mover (€6.50); a shuttle train linking Pisa Airport with the city center of Pisa. The shuttle trains are running every 5-8 minutes and the train service is available daily from 6am until midnight. A one-way ticket costs 5 euros and can be purchased from machines at the airport.
By train: From Pisa Centrale there are Intercity trains directly to Monterosso in 1 hour and 10 minutes. If you are heading to one of the other Cinque Terre villages, you can take a direct Intercity or regional train to La Spezia and change to a local Cinque Terre Express train to Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso.
For the Intercity trains you need a seat reservation and these tickets are significantly cheaper when you book in advance. Booking for high-speed trains usually opens 3-4 months ahead. The price of an Intercity one-way train ticket from Pisa Centrale to Monterosso starts at 12.50 euros for a second-class ticket.
Local and regional trains do not require seat reservations and have fixed prices, which means there is no cost advantage in pre-booking. From Pisa Centrale to Cinque Terre with a regional train costs 12.50 euros for a second-class ticket.
By car: It is relatively cheap renting a car in Italy. If you are making a round trip through Italy, car rental is a great alternative to public transportation. You can pick up the car right at the airport in Pisa. From Pisa you can reach the Cinque Terre by car in approx. 1.5 hours (110 km). Price by car from Pisa to Cinque Terre: toll fee 10 euros + fuel. Car rental in Italy.
Be aware that the roads in Cinque Terre are narrow with sharp curves that make driving quite challenging and time-consuming. If you are staying in any of the five villages, make sure to book an accommodation in Cinque Terre with private parking.
Itinerary by car: From Pisa take the highway A12 toward Genova. If you are heading to Riomaggiore or Manarola exit at La Spezia and follow signs toward Cinque Terre. If you are heading to Monterosso, Vernazza or Corniglia continue on highway A12 toward Genoa and exit at Brugnato. More information on How to get to Cinque Terre.
