Munich to Cinque Terre
 

I am looking to take a train from Munich to Genoa then to la Spezia.

Any recos on a train carrier? I was looking at Trenitalia. Is there a fast/better way to get from Munich to Cinque Terre?

No there is only one way by rail, to use the national railway network of Germany, Austria and Italy - there are options on fares usually but not carriers.

Scour these excellent IMO train sources for guidance - www.seat61.com; www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com.

especially check www,bahn.de the German Railways web site for discounted tickets and schedules - discounts at least to the Italian border - then dchekc www.trenitalia.com for discount tickets from there - discounted tickets are often non-refundable non-changeable so book extra transfer times in case your trains are running late. Fully flexible tickets often cost a fortune.

The better way is to fly from Munich to Genova. There are several flights every day. I think it is Lufthansa that has the run. You might also be able to fly to Pisa.

Regional trains and some IC trains from Genoa may well stop at Monterosso, before La Spezia so lessens the backtracking a bit.

The Florence airport is also a viable flight destination, being a few hours by train from the 5 Lands.