How to Get from Rome to Italy's Northwest Coast by Train
Genoa: ICplus and EScity trains run between Rome's Termini and Ostiense railway stations and Genoa's Piazza Principe and Brignole railway stations, making the trip in about 5 1/2 hours. Trains are currently scheduled about every two hours during the day. There's one ESfast train that takes only four hours and costs more than the other trains. The last train to leave Rome (currently at 23:50) goes only from Termini and takes over six hours but it's much less expensive.Cinque Terre and La Spezia: From Rome's Termini or Ostiense railway station, take a train to La Spezia Centrale, the main railway station in La Spezia. The same trains that go to Genoa (above) stop in La Spezia, taking a little over four hours. Transfer to a regional train for the short ride to one of the Cinque Terre villages (see Cinque Terre map). Riomaggiore will be the first stop. During summer you can also take the ferry to the Cinque Terre from La Spezia's harbor.
Italian Riviera: If you're going to Italian Riviera destinations with railway stations between La Spezia and Genoa, you'll probably have to change trains in La Spezia and continue on a regional train. If your destination is past Genoa, change trains in Genoa. (see Italian Riviera map to find your destination). Currently there's one train a day that runs directly from Rome to Sanremo, taking about seven hours.
You can check current train schedules and ticket prices on the Trenitalia web site.
How to Get from Rome to Italy's Northwest Coast by Car
The A12 Autostrada (toll road) runs along the coast between Rome and Genoa although for part of the distance it's not a toll road. The A10 autostrada runs from Genoa to the French border. (See Interactive Autostrada Map)Note: Cars are not recommended for visiting the Cinque Terre as the villages are car-free although there are a few parking lots outside the villages.
- Find car rentals in Rome through Auto Europe
- Find car rentals in Genoa through Auto Europe.
- Find car rentals in La Spezia through Auto Europe.
Genoa, Cinque Terre, and Italian Riviera Travel Information
- Cinque Terre Information
- Genoa Travel Guide
- Italian Riviera from Genoa to Tuscany
- Sanremo Travel Guide
