The Cinque Terre Card is the official visitor pass for the Cinque Terre National Park. It covers trail access, public buses within the villages, and — from 2026 — the Via dell’Amore. If you plan to hike between the villages or take multiple trains, it will almost certainly save you money and time. Here is everything you need to know before you buy one.
The Two Types of Cinque Terre Card
There are two main versions of the card, depending on how you plan to travel between the villages.
Cinque Terre Trekking Card
The Trekking Card covers access to all paid hiking trails in the National Park, including the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro) and the Via dell’Amore. It also includes free use of public buses within the villages and free access to public toilets at stations.
- 1 day: €7.50
- 2 days: €14.50
This card does not include train travel between villages. You will need a separate Cinque Terre Express train ticket for that.
Cinque Terre Treno MS Card
The Treno MS Card combines trail access with unlimited train travel on the Cinque Terre Express between Levanto and La Spezia (stopping at all five villages). This is the best-value option for most visitors planning to move between multiple villages in a day.
- 1 day: €19.50–€32.50 (varies by season)
- 2 days: €34–€59
- 3 days: €46.50–€78.50
2026 Update: Via dell’Amore Now Included
The most significant change for 2026 is that the Via dell’Amore — the iconic 1 km cliffside path between Riomaggiore and Manarola — is now included in the Cinque Terre Card. Previously it required a separate timed ticket in addition to trail access. This makes both card versions better value than in previous years.
Access to the Via dell’Amore still operates via timed entry slots, which can be reserved when purchasing your card online.
What the Card Includes
- Access to all paid hiking trails including the Blue Trail and Via dell’Amore
- Free bus rides within all five villages
- Free use of public toilets at train stations
- Access to Podere Case Lovara on the Levanto–Monterosso trail
- Selected guided tours and discounts at La Spezia civic museums
- Treno Card only: unlimited train travel on the Cinque Terre Express (Levanto–La Spezia)
Where to Buy the Cinque Terre Card
You can buy the card in several ways:
- Online at the Cinque Terre National Park website — recommended to avoid queues
- At tourist offices inside train stations at La Spezia, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso, and Levanto
- At trail entrances on the Blue Trail
Buying online is strongly recommended in peak season (July–August), when queues at station offices can be long and timed-entry slots for the Via dell’Amore fill up quickly.
Is the Cinque Terre Card Worth It?
For most visitors, yes. The Treno Card pays for itself quickly if you plan to visit two or more villages and take the train between them — individual train tickets between villages cost €4–€5 each, so three journeys alone cover a significant portion of the card price. Add trail access, bus rides, and the Via dell’Amore, and the value is clear.
The Trekking-only Card makes sense if you arrive by car, park in La Spezia, and intend to hike between villages rather than taking the train back. If you are only visiting one village and not hiking, neither card may be necessary.
Visiting La Spezia or the Cinque Terre?
Escape the crowds with our
truffle hunt & vineyard tasting in Lunigiana — a perfect shore excursion from La Spezia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a Cinque Terre Card to visit the villages?
No. Entry to the villages themselves is free. The card is required only if you want to hike the paid trails (including the Blue Trail and Via dell’Amore) or if you want the convenience of unlimited train travel on the Cinque Terre Express. You can visit any village without a card by buying a standard regional train ticket.
What is the difference between the Trekking Card and the Treno Card?
The Trekking Card (from €7.50/day) covers trail access and village buses only — no trains. The Treno MS Card (from €19.50/day) adds unlimited train travel on the Cinque Terre Express between Levanto and La Spezia. Most visitors who plan to move between multiple villages in a day will find the Treno Card better value.
Is the Via dell’Amore included in the Cinque Terre Card in 2026?
Yes. From 2026, the Via dell’Amore is included in both the Trekking and Treno Cards — no separate ticket required. Access is still managed via timed entry slots, which can be reserved when buying your card online.
Can children get a discounted Cinque Terre Card?
Yes. Children under 6 enter free. Reduced rates apply for children aged 6–11. A family card is also available. Check the National Park website for current pricing as rates are updated annually.
Can you buy the Cinque Terre Card on the day?
Yes, cards are available at station offices and trail entrances. However, in peak season (July–August) queues can be very long. Buying online in advance is strongly recommended, especially if you want to book a timed-entry slot for the Via dell’Amore.
Does the card cover the ferry between villages?
No. Seasonal ferries between the villages are not included in the Cinque Terre Card. Ferry tickets are sold separately at the port in La Spezia and at village harbours.
Which trails require the Cinque Terre Card?
The main paid trails are the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro, connecting all five villages) and the Via dell’Amore (Riomaggiore to Manarola). Higher inland trails, including the route from Monterosso to Levanto via Punta Mesco, are generally free and do not require a card.
Is the Cinque Terre Card valid for consecutive days only?
Yes. Multi-day cards are valid for consecutive days from first use. If you buy a 2-day card and activate it on a Monday, it is valid Monday and Tuesday. You cannot split the days.
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