I will be in Italy next Spring. What is the best way to get from Milan to Cinque Terre? If I took the train would I have to change trains? Does it go all the way to Cinque Terre?

What is the driving like around there?

You would change in Genoa. See more at www.trenitalia.com It stops at several of the villages--where are you going?

I know from Milan to Santa Margarita Ligure, you don't have to change trains, so I would suppose that the same train would bring you to Cinque Terra. Anyway once you see it on the trenitalia site, you'll realize that it's easy to do, and won't be difficult.
Melissa

Yes, you'll have to change in Genoa, exp. if you wish to leave in the morning.
Actually, there are only 2 direct connections : the 16h10 and the 18h10 IC trains from Milano Centrale calling in Levanto and Monterosso, so Melissa is right, also.
You should check back on trenitalia.com website , after December 14th, for 2004 timetable.
Do not forget to reserve your seat if you plan to travel from Friday to Saturday and during Easter holidays.

You dont' want to drive it, and you dont' need a car in 5 Terre. We did the train in reverse and it was pretty simple. Double check what the end dest. of the train is so you don't get lost. We got on a train we dindt' have a ticket for (goton the wrong one but it was going to our desitnation and wasn't a Eurostar so no reservations) and just had to pay 3 extra euro to the conductor.

Thanks everyone! This advice is so great! I guess I'll definitely take the train.

bobthenavigator: I haven't decided which village to stay in yet. I am still trying to decide which I would like best.

Thanks to all for the website information. I'll go there.

Sorry to be a bother, but does anyone know which departure stations are near the Cinque Terre? I just went to www.trenitalia.com and it looked like in order to get the site to work, I needed to know the name of the train station at which I will be departing. Or maybe I was using the site wrong?

Thanks again!

All five of the Cinque Terre have their own station.

Most trains stop at MONTEROSSO (the main resort) and RIOMAGGIORE.

Only local trains stop at the other villages in between - VERNAZZA, CORNIGLIA and MANAROLA. If you plan to stay at one of these 3, coming from Milan/Genoa you will normally have to change at Monterosso or the preceding station, LEVANTO, for a connecting local train.

Check www.trenitalia.com for details.

If travelling south from the Cinque Terre you normally have to take a local train to nearby LA SPEZIA and change there.

Hope this helps ...

Steve

thanks so much! that helps a lot!