Train from Florence to Cinque Terre
 

I need to purchase train tickets from Florence to Cinque Terre (Manarola). After looking on trenitalia.com, I know I will have to make one stop in La Spezia. I also know that I cannot purchase online tickets until 60 days prior to the trip. However, I have no idea what the price will be. What is typical?

Is it best to buy ahead of time online, or are there other options?

It would be 7.90 Euro on regional trains with a change in La Spezia.

$7.50? I just checked and it was $94!

I travelled between venice, florence, rome, cinque terre, and other small towns for less than $100 (2nd class) so I doubt the fare is $94. I remember it's cheap to go from Florence to Cinque Terre and there really wasn't any reason to buy the tickets so far in advance. I bought that leg of the trip when we arrived in Florence. One tip I have is to print out the train schedules you want to travel in advance and present them at the ticket windows to make it clearer where you want to go.

M - Musicteacher is correct - the fare is € 7.90 (- 2nd class) if you use 'Regional' trains via La Spezia.

If you use an 'Intercity' from Florence to La Spezia (- then 'Regional' to Manarola) the fare is € 16.50 (- 2nd. class).

www.trenitalia.com

Hope this helps ...

Steve

P.S. Patiboo - where on earth did you find $94 !!?

Oops. Well, I found via Bahn, for 2 people, first class with reservations.
As a first time traveler to Italy in a month, do you think reservations are necessary to get a seat? I heard the trains are very full!

Buy your ticket in Italy, from the train station a couple of days before your train journey. There are self-serve electronic machines, a lot like ATM machines (yes, in English!)

You can make reservations at the same time you buy tickets. I spent two weeks travelling though Italy last September, buying my tickets this way. We never got reservations -- just took our chances in 2nd class. We had no problems whatsoever. After you change trains in La Spezia, it's a short 5 minute ride to the Cinqueterre. Enjoy!