Civitavecchia to Cinque Terre by Train?

We have a cruise that ends in Civitavecchia coming up in the fall. Our plan is to take the train from there to Monterosso (Cinque Terre) after disembarking and spending a few days there before heading back to Rome for a few more days. In any case, I am a bit concerned about taking the train as I read that there is no elevator at the Civitavecchia train station and we will likely have a problem managing our luggage down the stairs to the train platform. Any suggestions here? Should we consider renting a car and driving to Cinque Terre instead? Are there any porter service available at the train station to assist with luggage? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

There is no one to assist you at Civitavecchia, nor at La Spezia where you'd need to change trains, nor at Monterosso.

Driving yourself is a good alternative, especially since you'll be there after the summer crush.

It is a four hour Weekday train trip with only one change of trains at La Spezia. Civitavecchia Dep 1047 La Spezia Arr 1355 Change trains

La Spezia Dep 1425 Monterosso Arr 1445 .

Seat Reservations are required on the 1047 from Civitavecchia to La Spezia.

Help is usually available for a nominal fee with luggage at Civitavecchia station . La Spezia station has elevators linking all platforms with the passenger subway .

Monterosso just a few steps down from the paltform to street level.

So quite doable by train, and a very pretty trip along the coast by train .

There is no one to assist you at Civitavecchia, nor at La Spezia where you'd need to change trains, nor at Monterosso.

 

Driving yourself is a good alternative, especially since you'll be there after the summer crush.

It is a four hour Weekday train trip with only one change of trains at La Spezia. Civitavecchia Dep 1047 La Spezia Arr 1355 Change trains

La Spezia Dep 1425 Monterosso Arr 1445 .

 

Seat Reservations are required on the 1047 from Civitavecchia to La Spezia.

 

Help is usually available for a nominal fee with luggage at Civitavecchia station . La Spezia station has elevators linking all platforms with the passenger subway .

Monterosso just a few steps down from the paltform to street level.

 

So quite doable by train, and a very pretty trip along the coast by train .

Thanks for the responses although I am still at a loss of which way to go.

I think we can handle our luggage getting onto/off of trains. Our only concern was going up or down flights of stairs. If I can pay for someone to help us with that in Civitavecchia I am not so worried.

I was able to reserve a rental car for 4 days with pick-up in Civitavecchia and drop-off at FCO for about 200 euros. Not too bad. In the range of what the train would cost. Our hotel in Monterosso has free parking so that is not an issue. But I think we would prefer to take the train if possible. Still in a bit of a quandary.

 

Help is usually available for a nominal fee with luggage at Civitavecchia station . La Spezia station has elevators linking all platforms with the passenger subway .

I have never seen anyone available in Civitavecchia to help with luggage.

Am I just really unlucky? Has anyone else seen help available here?

I have never seen anyone available in Civitavecchia to help with luggage.

 

Am I just really unlucky? Has anyone else seen help available here?

Perhaps the poster is OK with the roaming strangers who will say they will help with your bags and then ask for money?? ;)

The best way to handle using the trains is to be sure that you pack and take no more luggage than what you can capably handle yourself. One bag with wheels and a backpack-type carryon is best for me. The roller should be no heavier than what you can deadlift yourself; stand up on some stairs at the 3rd stair, reach down and try to lift the bag up to you without using the stairs as a aid - this will give you an idea of what you may have to do on the train. If there are 2 of you, be sure the one who will be doing the lifting/lowering (getting off the train) can do this.

DO NOT rely on anyone at the station there to help you with bags. I will say that, my next-to-last time at Roma Termini a year ago (traveling to Florence), there were employees in Trenitalia sweaters and windbreakers at the head of the platforms. I was asked for my ticket and then escorted to my car and I was asked if I wanted assistance getting my bag on the train (I declined). That was only one time in my four Trenitalia trips that vacation, so I would not say that it is something to expect.

I was able to reserve a rental car for 4 days with pick-up in Civitavecchia and drop-off at FCO for about 200 euros. Not too bad. In the range of what the train would cost. Our hotel in Monterosso has free parking so that is not an issue. But I think we would prefer to take the train if possible. Still in a bit of a quandary.

We have done exactly that drive (actually a few more days for additional sightseeing, but basically the same) and it was an easy drive. There are interesting places along the shore where you can stop for some quick sightseeing or lunch, such as Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano in the peninsula Argentaria, or Tarquinia.

My only caveat, there are two ways to get into Monterosso, so it depends on whether your hotel is in the Fegina side or the Monterosso (Centro Storico) side. So ask at the hotel which of the two roads you should take.

The road to Fegina splits off the SS38 up in the hills just in front of the Hotel Monterosso Alto. (There may be additional signs for Monterosso-Fegina-Lungo Mare and for Monterosso-Centro Storico.) Be on the lookout for it. There is no road or street crossover further down or at sea level. Once there, you walk along the shore from one side to the other. The train station is on the Fegina side, the ferries are on the Monterosso side.

We will be traveling for two months so it would be difficult to limit our luggage based on this one side trip. There are two of us and we each expect to have one large 20 kg bag, one smaller 10 kg bag and a backpack of about 5 kg. We have managed that on trains in Europe before but not up and down stairs. What do people in wheelchairs do at the train station in Civitavecchia? If there were a ramp or elevator then we would be fine.

Anyway I am leaning towards the rental car at this point. Unless someone has a better idea.

Driving is a lot less hassle. No waiting for taxis and trains; no handling luggage. And a lot more flexible. You will get to CT earlier and will be able to stop over if you wish.

We will be traveling for two months so it would be difficult to limit our luggage based on this one side trip.

I'm leaving for a 5-week trip in Europe in 2 weeks, and I'll be bringing a medium-sized backpack and a large purse. It can be done! Granted, I will be staying for 4 of those weeks in a flat with laundry, but even so, I would try to eliminate one of the bags. That said...

We have managed that on trains in Europe before but not up and down stairs.

If you can lift your luggage up onto the Italian trains, I don't think the stairs will be that bad. Or do what my mom likes to do, and look helpless at the top/bottom of the stairs when a young muscular young man is passing, and he'll most always will carry your bags for you :D.

We've done the train along the coast, and it really is a lovely ride. I personally wouldn't let luggage make me miss it.

Driving is a lot less hassle.

I'd term it different hassle. It's great for the passenger, but the driver has much less opportunity for seeing the sights.

I'm leaving for a 5-week trip in Europe in 2 weeks, and I'll be bringing a medium-sized backpack and a large purse. It can be done! Granted, I will be staying for 4 of those weeks in a flat with laundry, but even so, I would try to eliminate one of the bags. That said...

I know it can be done but I don't want to. Our trip includes 34 days at sea without laundry facilities. So unless I want to spend a good part of my cruise doing laundry in the sink, we need to bring what we plan to bring.

I'd term it different hassle. It's great for the passenger, but the driver has much less opportunity for seeing the sights.

Exactly! I don't relish a 4 hour drive in a rental car with manual transmission on strange roads. I will do it if I have to but if we can manage the train, that would be my preference.

Civi has 2 sets of stairs to maneuver going from Platform1 to Platform 2. Each has about 20 steps. So if you don't mind shuffling or can haul luggage 1or 2 cases at a time, down then under the tunnel, then back up several times. You should be able to take the train.

Call me crazy, but we have been driving (with me as the driver) in Europe for the past forty years of traveling. We have never had issues with late trains, train strikes, trying to drag luggage to and from distant stations through stations, up and down steps, dragging the stuff on to trains (sometimes with a large step) trying to secure the stuff on the train, guarding our stuff while on the train, etc. For those that love this experience, we say tis wonderful.

As to not seeing things when driving, this is not true. When we take roads (as opposed to trains) we can select the most picturesque routes (where there are often no trains) and have no problem pulling over to admire a good view. If we pass a cute village, we can stop for a drink or meal. Drive by a neat looking restaurant...stop and eat. Pass an interesting looking vineyard...stop and tour the place, perhaps meet the owner, etc.

Now the OP's issue is one of logistics and that poses other questions. Renting a car in Civitavecchia is an OK option (we do this quite often...most recently this past April) but one needs to consider how to get from the pier to the rental car agency with one's luggage (not always easy). At times I have left DW by herself with or luggage while I walked (sometimes a mile) to a rental car agency to pick up our car and later return. Other times, (such as in Livorno) it is possible to have a car delivered to the pier (this is not possible in Civitavecchia. But if we had the same exact situation as the OP, we would rent a car and work out the logistics. Especially when you factor-in that you will have to also change trains (more of a hassle) with luggage.

And finally, add us the those who have never seen a real porter (to help with luggage) in Civitavecchia (or even Termini)! In Europe, when you use trains you must plan on handling (and always protecting) your own luggage. If anyone offers to help you, it is time to put up your antenna and watch you valuables.

Hank

Call me crazy, but we have been driving (with me as the driver) in Europe for the past forty years of traveling. We have never had issues with late trains, train strikes, trying to drag luggage to and from distant stations through stations, up and down steps, dragging the stuff on to trains (sometimes with a large step) trying to secure the stuff on the train, guarding our stuff while on the train, etc. For those that love this experience, we say tis wonderful.

 

As to not seeing things when driving, this is not true. When we take roads (as opposed to trains) we can select the most picturesque routes (where there are often no trains) and have no problem pulling over to admire a good view. If we pass a cute village, we can stop for a drink or meal. Drive by a neat looking restaurant...stop and eat. Pass an interesting looking vineyard...stop and tour the place, perhaps meet the owner, etc.

Amen to that!

And an additional logistic for the OP if he takes the train. Upon arriving in Monterosso, the station is in Fegina. If the hotel is on the other side (Monterosso- Centro Storico) he will have to walk a good distance with all his luggage and maybe up a hill. And back again when he leaves. If the hotel is on the Fegina side, just as the train station, the walk will be shorter. But, still a walk.

Amen to that!

 

And an additional logistic for the OP if he takes the train. Upon arriving in Monterosso, the station is in Fegina. If the hotel is on the other side (Monterosso- Centro Storico) he will have to walk a good distance with all his luggage and maybe up a hill. And back again when he leaves. If the hotel is on the Fegina side, just as the train station, the walk will be shorter. But, still a walk.

The hotel is an easy walk from the train station in Monterosso. Made sure of that! :)

We will be traveling for two months so it would be difficult to limit our luggage based on this one side trip. There are two of us and we each expect to have one large 20 kg bag, one smaller 10 kg bag and a backpack of about 5 kg. We have managed that on trains in Europe before but not up and down stairs. What do people in wheelchairs do at the train station in Civitavecchia? If there were a ramp or elevator then we would be fine.

 

Anyway I am leaning towards the rental car at this point. Unless someone has a better idea.

Wow. 77 lbs each. That's a lot of stuff. Your cruise has NO laundry service?? I'd never make it with that much when I travel. Good for you if you can do it. Does your airline allow for that much weight and # of bags for free?

I looked at sagetraveling website - a good board for disabled travelers. It sure sounded like there are no elevators to the other platforms - disabled travelers have to make "reservations" in advance for assistance to tracks/platforms other than the first one out of the station door. So it seems that the stairs are the only choice.

I've driven quite a bit through Italy, Germany, Austria. Easy to do. But, I found for point-to-point trips, I prefer the trains. If I can take my time and meander, I'll drive. I can turn a normal drive that should take 2 hours into an 8 hour wonderful journey!

Wow. 77 lbs each. That's a lot of stuff. Your cruise has NO laundry service?? I'd never make it with that much when I travel. Good for you if you can do it. Does your airline allow for that much weight and # of bags for free?

 

...............

For international travel to Europe you get one bag up to 23 kg free. You can also have a carry-on suitcase plus a personal item (backpack) for free. Most US airlines have no limit on personal items. For flights within Europe we use discount airlines and just prepay to check the carry-on bags. We have traveled Europe many times with about this much luggage and have had no issues. Most train stations have elevators. The last one I ran into without one was in 1999 in Delft, the Netherlands and I just kind of toughed it out down the stairs.

Laundry is available on board our cruises but is charged by the piece and expensive.

We just completed an around the world trip over 7 weeks and brought over 200 lbs of luggage and managed just fine. This was doable because we were mostly on cruise ships and used taxi vans to transit to our pre-cruise and post cruise accommodations. No trains or stairs to deal with. We did not have to pay any extra airline fees for our luggage as all flights allowed us to check 2 x 23 kg suitcases aa well as bring a carry-on. So traveling with that much luggage CAN ALSO BE DONE quite comfortably.

 

As to not seeing things when driving, this is not true. When we take roads (as opposed to trains) we can select the most picturesque routes (where there are often no trains) and have no problem pulling over to admire a good view. If we pass a cute village, we can stop for a drink or meal. Drive by a neat looking restaurant...stop and eat. Pass an interesting looking vineyard...stop and tour the place, perhaps meet the owner, etc.

 

 

 

Hank

On the other hand, I have also read advice of yours where you recommend not leaving a rental car unattended if one has luggage and valuables inside (as these travelers will).

How do you stop for a meal or a vineyard tour and also keep an eye on your car?

On the other hand, I have also read advice of yours where you recommend not leaving a rental car unattended if one has luggage and valuables inside (as these travelers will).

 

How do you stop for a meal or a vineyard tour and also keep an eye on your car?

- Put everything in the trunk before your next stop.

- Put away the maps, etc in the glove compartment before you stop the car. Leave nothing visible inside the car.

- Never put something in the trunk and walk away from the car. In fact, don't look in the trunk at all and walk away. Sure sign there are valuables in the car.

- Do keep your valuables (money, passports, jewelry) with you.

- Act as if there is nothing in the car when you walk away from it. Thieves do not know where you are staying. If your car looks empty, you probably left everything in the hotel before sightseeing.

- If possible, back up against a wall when you park the car.

We have been driving in Europe (and lived there for a while) for over 30 years and never had anything stolen from the car.

For international travel to Europe you get one bag up to 23 kg free. You can also have a carry-on suitcase plus a personal item (backpack) for free. Most US airlines have no limit on personal items. For flights within Europe we use discount airlines and just prepay to check the carry-on bags. We have traveled Europe many times with about this much luggage and have had no issues. Most train stations have elevators. The last one I ran into without one was in 1999 in Delft, the Netherlands and I just kind of toughed it out down the stairs.

 

Laundry is available on board our cruises but is charged by the piece and expensive.

 

We just completed an around the world trip over 7 weeks and brought over 200 lbs of luggage and managed just fine. This was doable because we were mostly on cruise ships and used taxi vans to transit to our pre-cruise and post cruise accommodations. No trains or stairs to deal with. We did not have to pay any extra airline fees for our luggage as all flights allowed us to check 2 x 23 kg suitcases aa well as bring a carry-on. So traveling with that much luggage CAN ALSO BE DONE quite comfortably.

You are clearly out of my league. But, cruises are my minority trips - land trips are my definite majority, so I pack accordingly for comfortable transit of me and my belongs. I am an independent traveler, so I must pack for what I can maneuver myself. If I did nothing but cruises and planned on using planes and taxis and bellmen and skycaps and porters, I guess I might pack a little more than what I really needed for a trip ;)

One thing you may want to recant: most US airlines DO have limits on personal items - read their in-cabin rules. Many people choose to ignore that and will try to take more on board and many GAs don't check. This "take whatever" attitude is what causes the boarding bottlenecks and decreases the chances of those in Zone 2 and later to have space available for the items they have brought onboard. One carryon and one personal item is what is standard. Jackets, fast food, crutches/canes to not count toward that allowance. It's a pet peeve of mine when people feel the 1+1 rule does not apply to them and hog bin space that others could use...

We will be traveling for two months so it would be difficult to limit our luggage based on this one side trip. There are two of us and we each expect to have one large 20 kg bag, one smaller 10 kg bag and a backpack of about 5 kg. We have managed that on trains in Europe before but not up and down stairs. What do people in wheelchairs do at the train station in Civitavecchia? If there were a ramp or elevator then we would be fine.

 

Anyway I am leaning towards the rental car at this point. Unless someone has a better idea.

We often travel for two months and through all climates. But we have to Limit ourselves to 20kg plus backpacks as that is the allowance on the airline we use.

Many people do find it difficult with trains as we get older. I have an unusual knee problem where even wheeling my bag isn't the best. So my husband has to shuttle the bags up and down the stairs and lift them both onto the train.

Thus we chose driving for our recent pre cruise in Italy. But you would need a large car for all the luggage you are intending to take. Then the problem is driving on narrow streets and parking.

Have you looked at private transfers or buses?

We often travel for two months and through all climates. But we have to Limit ourselves to 20kg plus backpacks as that is the allowance on the airline we use.

Many people do find it difficult with trains as we get older. I have an unusual knee problem where even wheeling my bag isn't the best. So my husband has to shuttle the bags up and down the stairs and lift them both onto the train.

Thus we chose driving for our recent pre cruise in Italy. But you would need a large car for all the luggage you are intending to take. Then the problem is driving on narrow streets and parking.

 

Have you looked at private transfers or buses?

We have a Fiat 500X reserved and that should be fine with the luggage we have planned.

I have not check into private transfers. Probably worth a look. Would be easier than driving.

We have a Fiat 500X reserved and that should be fine with the luggage we have planned.

 

I have not check into private transfers. Probably worth a look. Would be easier than driving.

I just found this thread as we wanted to spend a couple of days post cruise in Cinque Terre. Our new itinerary ends in Civitavecchia and I liked the train option to Monterosso. From there, we would fly back to Boston from Florence (Pisa doesn't work as well with flights) on a Monday.

I thought the train made more sense than a car rental as it relates to convenience and price. Was it just a luggage problem why you decided to go with the car rental? Our luggage should be 40 pounds each on good rollers. The train goes right up the coast and is a 3.5 hour ride with that one change and there is no risk of missing the one change since La Spezia to Monterosso seems to go every 15 to 20 minutes.

I just found this thread as we wanted to spend a couple of days post cruise in Cinque Terre. Our new itinerary ends in Civitavecchia and I liked the train option to Monterosso. From there, we would fly back to Boston from Florence (Pisa doesn't work as well with flights) on a Monday.

 

I thought the train made more sense than a car rental as it relates to convenience and price. Was it just a luggage problem why you decided to go with the car rental? Our luggage should be 40 pounds each on good rollers. The train goes right up the coast and is a 3.5 hour ride with that one change and there is no risk of missing the one change since La Spezia to Monterosso seems to go every 15 to 20 minutes.

The luggage is the main issue. If the train station at Civitavecchia had an elevator we probably could make it work. But with two suitcases each plus backpacks I don't think making it up and down stairs would work. I also have some back and knee issues so no point ruining a great vacation through an injury.

Price is a wash as our rental car only costs about 140 euros for 4 days and the train would have been close to that for the two of us. Of course we still have to pay for gasoline. The hotel we found in Cinque Terre has free parking. Driving has it's plus and minuses. I have driven in Italy before but only in the northern part of the country.

Our trip is in October. I will post here when we get back about how the driving went.