Cinque Terre is a cluster of five picturesque villages along the rugged coast of the Italian Riviera. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers stunning views, clear waters, and colorful houses clinging to the cliffs.
If you’re planning to travel from Cinque Terre to Nice, the capital of the French Riviera, the train is an excellent option. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the journey, provide tips for purchasing train tickets, and suggest places to visit during short layovers.
Planning the Journey
The train journey from Cinque Terre to Nice takes approximately six hours on average. The Cinque Terre Express is a train service that connects the five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. It’s a popular way to travel between these villages and offers breathtaking views of the coastline. However, to travel from Cinque Terre to Nice, you need to change trains in Genoa and Ventimiglia.
There are several ways to travel via train from Cinque Terre to Nice. You can purchase a train ticket from the station, buy tickets online, or through rail travel agencies like Rail Europe. Train tickets are relatively inexpensive, and it’s advisable to book in advance to secure the best fares.
Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Italy. Each of the five villages has a unique character, and there are plenty of attractions to see. Monterosso, the largest of the villages, is known for its stunning beaches and medieval center.
Vernazza is famous for its fishing port and colorful houses perched on the cliffs. Corniglia, the smallest village, is situated on a rocky promontory, and you can reach it by climbing up 382 stairs. Manarola has a picturesque harbor and a well-preserved old town, while Riomaggiore boasts stunning views of the coastline.
The Train Route
From Monterosso, you can take the train to Genoa, which is a journey of approximately one hour and 40 minutes. Genoa, also known as La Superba, is the capital of the Liguria region and is famous for its medieval center and historic port. If you have a short layover in Genoa, we recommend visiting the Genoa Aquarium, the Palazzo Reale, and the Piazza De Ferrari.
From Genoa, take the train to Ventimiglia, which is situated on the border between Italy and France. The journey takes approximately two hours and 30 minutes. Ventimiglia is a charming town with a beautiful old town, a lively market, and stunning gardens. If you have a short layover in Ventimiglia, visit the Hanbury Botanical Gardens, the Church of San Michele, and the Old Town.
From Ventimiglia, you can take the train to Nice, which is a journey of approximately 30 minutes. Nice is a beautiful city with a stunning promenade, a colorful old town, and a vibrant cultural scene. If you have a short layover in Nice, visit the Promenade des Anglais, the Castle Hill, and the Place Massena.
The Train Service
The train service from Cinque Terre to Nice is excellent, and trains run frequently throughout the day. The Cinque Terre Express operates between the villages, and there are regular trains from Genoa and Ventimiglia to Nice. The trains are comfortable, and most have air conditioning and toilets.
The Journey Time
The journey from Cinque Terre to Nice takes approximately six hours on average. The journey time depends on the number of layovers and the time spent in each location. If you have more time, we recommend spending a day or two in each destination to explore the area fully.
Tickets
Train tickets from Cinque Terre to Nice are relatively inexpensive, and it’s advisable to book in advance to secure the best fares. You can purchase tickets at the station or online through rail travel agencies like Rail Europe. We recommend purchasing a ticket that includes all layovers to avoid the hassle of buying separate tickets for each leg of the journey.
Ways to Travel
Traveling via train from Cinque Terre to Nice is the most convenient and scenic option. However, there are other ways to travel, including by bus, car, or a combination of both. The bus ride takes longer than the train, and the journey time depends on traffic conditions. If you’re driving, the journey time is approximately five hours, and you can take in the stunning views of the coastline along the way.
Read: Cinque Terre in March: Hiking Trails, Beaches, and More
Where do I catch the Cinque Terre to Nice train from?
You can catch the Cinque Terre to Nice train from any of the five towns in Cinque Terre, but most people prefer to start their journey from Monterosso or Vernazza. From there, you can take the regional train that connects the towns to the main railway station in La Spezia. The train to Nice usually departs from La Spezia Centrale station, so make sure to check the schedule and plan accordingly.
How long does it take to get from Cinque Terre to Nice?
The journey time from Cinque Terre to Nice by train depends on the train service you choose and the number of layovers. On average, the journey takes approximately six hours, with layovers in Genoa and Ventimiglia. However, the journey time can vary from four to eight hours, depending on the train service and the layovers.
How to get to Cinque Terre from Nice by train?
To get to Cinque Terre from Nice by train, you need to take a train from Nice Ville station to Ventimiglia, the last town in Italy before the French border. From Ventimiglia, you can take the regional train that connects the Italian Riviera to Cinque Terre. The journey time from Nice to Cinque Terre by train is approximately three and a half hours, with layovers in Ventimiglia and Genoa.
Is there a train station in Cinque Terre?
Yes, there are train stations in all five towns of Cinque Terre: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The train stations are all located near the town centers and the coast, making it easy to explore the area on foot. The train service that connects the towns is called the Cinque Terre Express, and it operates throughout the year, with more frequent services during the summer season.
How long is the train ride between the towns of Cinque Terre?
The train ride between the towns of Cinque Terre is relatively short, with an average journey time of approximately five minutes between each town. However, the train ride can take longer depending on the service you choose and the number of stops. The train service that connects the towns is called the Cinque Terre Express, and it’s a great way to explore the area and see the stunning coastline.
What is the closest train to Cinque Terre?
The closest train station to Cinque Terre is La Spezia Centrale, which is located in the city of La Spezia, approximately 10 kilometers from the town of Monterosso. La Spezia is the main railway station in the area, and it connects to the major cities in Italy, including Rome, Florence, and Milan. From La Spezia, you can take the regional train that connects the towns of Cinque Terre.
Conclusion
Traveling from Cinque Terre to Nice by train is a stunning journey that takes you through some of the most beautiful towns and cities along the Italian and French Riviera. The train service is excellent, and the journey time is approximately six hours on average.
To make the most of your trip, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance, exploring each location during short layovers, and spending a day or two in each destination. With stunning views, beautiful towns, and vibrant cultural scenes, this journey is not to be missed.