If you want to take a direct* train from Milano to Pisa you have a choice of taking these Intercity trains, or the alternative, slightly faster Frecciabianca train.
*When looking up this journey, most of the journey options will involve taking a high speed train from Milano to Firenze and then connecting there for a train on to Pisa.
The journey:
Final Destination: Livorno or (or Grosetto)
All trains also call at: Monterosso (for Cinque Terre), La Spezia, Viareggio
Type of Scenery: Coast
Star Rating: ****
South of Genova the railway line frequently runs close to the coastline - but you need to hope that your reserved seat is on the right (when facing the direction of travel) to see the best of the views.
Though you'll need to take the morning train, which departs from Milano at around 08:10, (or the alternative Frecciabianca train at 13:10) in order to experience this journey at its best.
The other 3 x trains of the day don't depart from Milano until after 16:00, so will be travelling along this part of the route at dusk or in darkness.
The highlight of the journey is the stretch between Genova and Sestri Levante.
The railway line also passes through the Cinque Terre towns after Monterroso - where there are fleeting glimpses of the coast between the frequent tunnels.
Those tunnels made it tricky to film this journey when ShowMeTheJourney spent an afternoon travelling back and forth by train between Genova and La Spezia, hence the attempt at a video montage.
Also as can be seen the weather wasn't the best either, but the video does showcase that it can be worth taking in these sea views, even on a grey day!
All of the images were taken from the right of the train.
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If you’re new to travelling by train in Italy, more info is also available on our Italian Train Travel Guide.
It is packed with info and useful links to help ensure you’ll have a stress-free trip.