My group of three is trying to figure out transportation from Provence (Avignon or Arles) to Cinque Terre. According to bahn.de, the train route is complicated, long (~13-15h), and involves several middle-of-the-night transfers. I was hoping for an overnight train and a couchette but that doesn't seem like it's an option.

I'm considering renting a car in Avignon and driving to La Spezia, then taking the train or walking to Riomaggiore. However, the La Spezia rental locations seem to have limited hours. Does anyone have experience renting a car in La Spezia? Would it be easier to drive to Genoa, then get the train into one of the Cinque Terre villages?

If your plan is to rent a car in France and drop it off in Italy, you're looking at about a $500 drop-off fee.

When I look for March 14th on DB, I see a double connection that leaves Avignon at 930am and gets into Riomaggiore at 7pm. Maybe you are looking too far out and schedules aren't fully loaded yet? Try looking closer in to see sample schedules if that is the case.