Cuneo

How to Get to Cuneo

Cuneo is well-connected to the Piedmont region, though its small local airport has limited international traffic. Most visitors fly into Turin (TRN) or Milan (MXP/LIN) and continue by train.

From Cuneo Levaldigi Airport (CUF)

• Public Transport: There is no direct train. Take a local bus to the Savigliano railway station (approx. 20–30 minutes), then transfer to a Trenitalia regional train to Cuneo (approx. 25 minutes).
• Cost: Combined transport typically costs €6–€10.
• Tickets: Purchase bus tickets on board or at local kiosks; train tickets are available via the Trenitalia app or station machines (select the English language option).

From Turin (TRN) Airport

• Train: Take the shuttle bus or train from the airport to Torino Porta Nuova or Torino Lingotto station. From there, take a direct Trenitalia regional train to Cuneo.
• Journey Time: Total travel time is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours.
• Cost: Approximately €13–€23 total.

From City Center Cuneo is compact and walkable. For local transit:

• Bus: The city is served by a local bus network (lines such as 1, 2, 3, and 6) connecting the historic center to the train station (Cuneo FS) and the Movicentro bus terminal.
• Frequency: Buses run regularly throughout the day. Tickets are available at local tabacchi (tobacco shops) or newsstands; ensure you validate your ticket upon boarding.

By Taxi or Car

• Taxi: A taxi from Cuneo airport to the city center takes about 25 minutes and costs approximately €25–€35.
• Car: Rental cars are available at both Turin and Cuneo airports, providing the most flexibility for exploring the surrounding Alpine valleys and Langhe wine region.

Travel Tip: Always validate paper train tickets in the green or yellow machines on the platform before boarding to avoid fines.

Cuneo railway station is a straightforward, historic facility that serves as a vital junction for travelers exploring the scenic routes of Southwest Piedmont. Unlike massive metropolitan hubs, Cuneo’s layout is compact and easy to navigate. The station features five passenger tracks (numbered 1 through 6, though track 2 is primarily used for technical operations and carriage composition, not passenger boarding). Think of the station as a single, linear row of platforms accessible from the main station building.

Because the station is relatively small, you will not need to worry about complex level changes or navigating between different wings. All passenger platforms are located at ground level. Regional trains connecting Cuneo to Turin, Fossano, Mondovì, and the spectacular international route toward Ventimiglia and Nice all depart from these central platforms. As a first-time visitor, simply enter the main station hall, check the departure boards for your train number and assigned platform, and walk directly to your track.

The station is very manageable, and walking between the most distant platforms takes only a minute or two. For passengers requiring accessibility support, elevators are available to assist with navigating the station environment, and the station is equipped with modern visual and audio announcement systems to keep you informed. If you arrive with luggage, you will find the layout intuitive and stress-free.

One common point of minor confusion for newcomers is the numbering system; remember that track 2 is reserved for technical and goods traffic, so do not be surprised if you do not see passengers boarding there. Simply follow the platform signs toward your specific track number. If you need assistance or have questions, the main hall houses the ticket office and information areas where staff can provide guidance. The station is integrated with local bus services just outside the main entrance, making your onward journey into the city center or surrounding regions seamless. With only a few platforms to monitor, you can easily orient yourself within minutes of arrival, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the start of your journey through the beautiful Piedmont landscape.

Cuneo’s historic train station is a gateway to some of Europe’s most scenic alpine routes. Don't worry about navigating it, but do keep these insider tips in mind to ensure a smooth arrival.

Before You Arrive

• Download the Trenitalia app: This is essential for checking real-time train updates and platform changes. It’s far more reliable than waiting for station announcements, which can be difficult to hear.
• Ticket Strategy: For regional trains, you can easily purchase tickets at the station machines on the day of travel. However, if you prefer convenience, buying via the Trenitalia app or website saves you from queuing at the station, especially during peak travel times.
• Station Layout: Cuneo station is manageable, with six platforms. It isn't a massive, confusing hub, but it does have a historical, grand feel, so give yourself 20 minutes to get your bearings.

At the Station

• WiFi & Facilities: Free WiFi is available at the station. If you need facilities, there are toilets located within the station; be prepared to pay €1 (coins only, so keep small change handy).
• Luggage: Be mindful that elevators are not always guaranteed or may be out of service; pack light enough to comfortably carry your own bags up or down stairs if necessary.
• Food: While there are kiosks, you’ll find better value and variety by grabbing snacks or supplies in the city center near Piazza Galimberti before heading to the station.
• ATMs: There are ATMs available in the station area for quick cash withdrawals if needed.

Common Mistakes

• The "Validation" Trap: This is the #1 mistake. If you purchase a paper ticket, you must validate it in the green or yellow machines before boarding. Failure to stamp your ticket with the date and time means it is invalid, and you will be fined on the spot by the conductor.
• Platform Checking: Do not assume your platform is fixed hours in advance. Platforms are often updated on the electronic boards only 15–30 minutes before departure. Stay near the main board and keep checking it regularly.
• Payment Limits: While many machines accept cards, some older models can be temperamental with international cards. Always carry some cash (coins and small notes) as a backup for ticket machines.

Terminus station serving Cuneo, Italy. Opened in 1937, this station functions as a vital junction for regional and local rail services, connecting travelers to destinations across southwest Piedmont, including Turin and the scenic route toward Ventimiglia. While the main passenger building reflects its mid-20th-century origins, the station remains fully functional and well-integrated into the modern rail network.

Is this station huge and confusing? You can travel with confidence, as the facility is modest in size and features a straightforward layout. The station utilizes four main passenger platforms, which are clearly numbered and well-signposted to assist first-time visitors. You will find standard amenities, including a ticket office and waiting areas, making it easy to navigate.

As with many regional Italian hubs, be aware that platform assignments can occasionally change up to 30 to 60 minutes before your train’s scheduled departure. Always keep an eye on the digital departure displays in the main hall to confirm your platform. For a stress-free experience, arrive at the station 15 to 20 minutes before your train is due to leave, allowing yourself ample time to locate your platform and board comfortably. The station is compact, ensuring you will not face the overwhelming scale often found at larger, high-speed rail terminals.