Prebook Train Ticket for the Cinque Terre
by Daniele
(Montreal (Canada))
Corniglia

We will be in Cinque Terre on Nov 1st 2010. I'm trying to reserve our train from La Spezia and it says n/a. Only a few trains show up from Monterosso and Vernazza. Is it because it is sold out or it cannot be sold on line or it's because it's a holiday?
We are trying to get from La Spezia to Monterosso at first and coming back towards the 1st village and via del amore.
Also, does the ferry works on November 1st from village to village?
Thank you in advance
Danièle (Canada)

Hello Danièle,
The fact that you see N/A for the prices on the Regional trains ( Train Category R) does not mean that they are sold out or that they are not running because it is a holiday . From my experience , the tickets for these trains become available for purchase online about a week before the date of travel. But since you will be hopping between the five villages as well as doing some hiking along the Cinque Terre trails (which require an entrance fee), it will be much more economical for you to purchase a
Cinque Terre Train Card instead. The Cinque Terre Train Card will not only cover all your train journeys between the villages on the day but also allow you access to the hiking trails in the Cinque Terre, including the
Via dell'Amore . It also gives access to some museums, buses, elevators and other attractions in the villages. For one day the
Cinque Terre Train Card will cost you € 8.50 .
You will not be able to purchase the Cinque Terre Card in advance though. At most train stations , there is a separate information/ticket
office dedicated to the sale of Cinque Terre cards and providing tourist information for the
Cinque Terre in general. For example at La Spezia Central station, the Cinque Terre Ticket office is located on platform1. There is no need for you to queue to buy your CT ticket in the main hall or the self-service machines as they are not authorised to sell it. So when you enter a train station, look out for signs directing you to the local Cinque Terre ticket office.
Concerning the ferry service between La Spezia and the Cinque Terre, there is unlikely to be a service on Nov 1st . However, if there is it will be a subject to the weather and sea conditions on the day. Here is a document from the
ferry service company giving details on the schedule and available ticket options . There is also a phone number on there so you can call them on the day and confirm that the service is running.
I hope this helps and let us know if you have any further questions.
We hope you have an enjoyable time and come back after your trip and let us know how it went.
Gianfranco
LiguriaGuide.com