The Cinque Terre villages are joined by a single railway line that runs mostly through tunnels, with a station in each village and short hops of a few minutes between them. The park sells two versions of its card. The Trekking Card covers the paid walking trails, and the Train Card adds unlimited train travel along the coast on top of that. Either card is bought for a calendar day or several days, and both cost more at peak times than in winter. The sums are simple: if you plan to walk and ride only once or twice, the Trekking Card plus single tickets is enough, but if you expect three or more train hops in a day, the Train Card is usually the better deal. Guests of accommodation that carries the park's Eco Quality Label can get a discount with a code from their host. You can buy online before you travel or at the park's welcome points in the stations, and it is wise to have the card in hand before you start walking.
How the two cards differ
The Trekking Card is aimed at walkers and covers the trails that have checkpoints, the village shuttle buses and some guided activities. The Train Card includes all of that and adds unlimited regional trains between Levanto and La Spezia, which takes in Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Neither card covers the Via dell'Amore on its own terms, because that short cliff path is sold on timed slots with a supplement or a dedicated card. Fast intercity trains are not included, so stay on regional services.
Train disruption this season
The park's card page lists weekend closures when no trains run between Corniglia and La Spezia, on 14 and 15 November, 19 and 20 December 2026, then 9 and 10 January and 6 and 7 February 2027. On those days plan to use a replacement bus or walk, and check Trenitalia before you travel. Night services on the line are also reduced on some evenings, so do not plan a late return from dinner without checking the last train.
Making it work
Corniglia sits on a hill above its station, so the shuttle bus or a long staircase is part of the day. In low season the trains are far less crowded, and you can ride freely between villages without the crush of summer. Keep the card in a pocket where it is easy to show, since checks happen on trails and sometimes on trains.
What to expect
The experience
A day or multi-day pass from the national park, bought online or at a station welcome point, with a Trekking version for trails and a Train version that adds unlimited regional trains.
Best time
Buy it the evening before or on arrival, so you can walk or ride the moment you reach the first village.
How long
Valid for the calendar days you choose, so one day is enough for a quick visit and two or three suit a slower stay.
Tips
Choose the Train Card if you expect three or more train hops in a day, keep to regional trains, and check the closure weekends before you plan a day trip from La Spezia.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who plans to walk a trail section or hop between the villages more than a couple of times.
- Families
- The shuttle buses and short train hops save little legs on hot or wet days, and a day card avoids buying many small tickets.
- Couples
- A Train Card makes a relaxed day of village-hopping and an early dinner by the water easy, without worrying about single tickets.
- Pair with
- The Sentiero Azzurro walk, the Via dell'Amore and a boat tour from Monterosso.
- Time needed
- Ten minutes to buy it, then it works all day.
Good questions
What is the difference between the Trekking Card and the Train Card?+
The Trekking Card covers the trails and village buses. The Train Card includes that and adds unlimited regional trains along the coast.
Do I need a card to walk the trails?+
The main coastal trail sections with checkpoints need a card, while some higher mountain paths are free to use. If you plan to walk the classic village-to-village route, buy a card first.
Are there days without trains this winter?+
Yes, the park lists weekends with no trains between Corniglia and La Spezia on 14 and 15 November and 19 and 20 December 2026. More dates follow on 9 and 10 January and 6 and 7 February 2027.
Can I use the card on fast trains?+
No, the card is for regional services between Levanto and La Spezia. Fast and intercity trains need their own tickets.
Where do I buy the card?+
Online in advance or at the park's welcome points in the station buildings. Buy before you start a trail, because checkpoints may not sell cards.
