The Cinque Terre and other cities on the Italian Riviera are popular destinations for traveling to Italy. Here we show you how to get from Rome to the Cinque Terre villages, the cities of the Italian Riviera and the city of Genoa.
How to get from Rome to the northwest coast of Italy by train
Note: Check the current train timetables and ticket prices on the Trenitalia website or the Europe Italy train pass rail page, where you can also buy Italian train tickets online in US dollars.
Trains to Genoa: Frecciabianca (fast) trains run between Rome’s Termini and Ostiense train stations and Genoa’s Piazza Principe train station , making the trip in 4 to 5 hours, while Intercity trains take approximately 5 1 / 2 hours. Trains are currently scheduled approximately every two hours during the day from 6:15 am to 6:27 pm The Intercity Notte night train currently leaves Roma Ostiense train station around midnight and lasts six hours. Book your ticket at raileurope.com.
Cinque Terre and La Spezia: from the railway station Termini or Ostiense, take a train to La Spezia Centrale, the main railway station of La Spezia. The same trains that go to Genoa (above) stop in La Spezia, taking 3 to 4 hours. Transfer to a regional train for the short trip to one of the Cinque Terre villages (see Cinque Terre map). Riomaggiore will be the first stop. During the summer you can also take the ferry to Cinque Terre from the port of La Spezia. Book your ticket at raileurope.com.
Italian Riviera: If you are going to Italian Riviera destinations with train stations between La Spezia and Genoa, you will probably have to change trains in La Spezia and continue on a regional train. If your destination is beyond Genoa, change trains in Genoa. There is currently one train a day that departs directly from Rome to San Remo in the afternoon, and lasts approximately 7.5 hours. Book your ticket at raileurope.com.
Buses go to cities not on the railway line, such as Portofino and Portovenere, from the nearest train stations. Ferries also connect coastal cities from late spring to early fall.
Read more about train travel in Italy
How to get from Rome to the northwest coast of Italy by car
The Autostrada A12 (toll road) runs along the coast between Rome and Genoa, although for part of the distance it is not a toll road. The A10 autostrada runs from Genoa to the French border.
Note: Cars are not recommended to visit Cinque Terre, as the villages do not have cars, although there are some parking lots outside the villages.
Genoa, Cinque Terre and Italian Riviera Visitor Information
- Cinque Terre Guide
- Where to stay to visit Cinque Terre
- Genoa Travel Guide
- Italian Riviera Map and Guide
More transport in Rome : how to get from Rome to Civitivecchia, Rome airports and other cities in Italy.
Find flights to Rome or Genoa on TripAdvisor.
