How to get to La Spezia: train, plane, car and bus
Complete guide on how to get to La Spezia by train, plane, car and bus. Connections, travel times and local transport for the gateway to the Cinque Terre.
How to get to La Spezia
La Spezia is the gateway to the Cinque Terre and the Gulf of Poets, one of the most beautiful stretches of Ligurian coastline in the Mediterranean. A lively and authentic port city, it is the ideal starting point for exploring Portovenere, Lerici, the Palmaria islands and the five UNESCO World Heritage villages.
Getting to La Spezia by train
La Spezia Centrale station is a key hub on the Tyrrhenian line between Genoa and Rome, and the departure point for Cinque Terre trains.
- From Genoa (Brignole or Principe): regional trains and Intercity in approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
- From Pisa Centrale: frequent regional trains in approximately 1 hour
- From Florence Santa Maria Novella: direct trains in approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
- From Rome Termini: Frecce and Intercity in approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours
- From Milan Centrale: Frecce via Parma in approximately 3 hours; Intercity via Genoa in approximately 3 hours 30 minutes
- From Bologna: direct trains in approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
- From Turin: Intercity or Frecce via Genoa, approximately 3 hours
From the central station, regional trains depart for the Cinque Terre (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso), running every 15-20 minutes in high season.
Getting to La Spezia by plane
La Spezia does not have its own airport. The most convenient airports are:
- Pisa Galilei Airport (PSA): approximately 80 km, the most convenient by far. Direct regional train connection from Pisa Centrale (reachable via the PisaMover from the airport in 5 minutes) in approximately 1 hour
- Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA): approximately 110 km, then train from Genoa (about 1 hour 30 minutes)
- Florence Peretola Airport (FLR): approximately 170 km, then train (about 2 hours 30 minutes)
- Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP): approximately 280 km, then train via Milan Centrale (about 3 hours 30 minutes)
Pisa Airport is the best choice for international arrivals, with low-cost flights from across Europe and a direct rail connection.
Getting to La Spezia by car
La Spezia is connected by the A12 Genoa-Livorno motorway (now A12/E80) and the A15 La Spezia-Parma motorway.
- From Genoa: A12 southbound, La Spezia exit, approximately 110 km (1 hour 15 minutes)
- From Pisa: A12 northbound, La Spezia exit, approximately 80 km (1 hour)
- From Florence: A11 to Lucca, then A12, approximately 170 km (2 hours)
- From Parma: A15 Cisa motorway, La Spezia exit, approximately 120 km (1 hour 30 minutes) through the scenic Cisa Pass
- From Milan: A1 to Parma, then A15, approximately 230 km (2 hours 30 minutes); alternatively A7 to Genoa then A12
Important note: the Cinque Terre are virtually inaccessible by car (narrow roads, no parking, restrictions). It is strongly recommended to leave your car in La Spezia and use the train. Car parks: station car park, Piazza Europa car park, Park Canaletto.
Getting to La Spezia by bus
- FlixBus connects La Spezia with Rome, Florence, Milan, Bologna, Genoa and other cities
- ATC La Spezia operates provincial connections to Lerici, Portovenere, Sarzana, Levanto and the hinterland
- Seasonal buses to Portovenere from the station forecourt (line 11/P)
Getting around La Spezia and the Cinque Terre
Transport in the area is excellent, especially by train and ferry.
- Cinque Terre Express regional trains: connect La Spezia with all five villages, with increased frequency from March to October
- Cinque Terre Card Treno: day pass including unlimited trains on the La Spezia-Levanto stretch, trail access and shuttle buses in the villages
- Consorzio Marittimo 5 Terre ferries: from Molo Garibaldi in La Spezia to Portovenere, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza and Monterosso (seasonal, March-October)
- ATC urban buses for getting around the city
- Boats to Lerici and Portovenere from Passeggio Morin
- Water taxi service to secluded coves and beaches
La Spezia itself is a pleasant city to explore on foot: the seafront, the Piazza Cavour market, the Lia Museum and the San Giorgio Castle are all within walking distance.
Practical tips
If visiting the Cinque Terre, buy the Cinque Terre Card directly at La Spezia station. In summer, trains are very crowded: leave early in the morning or in the late afternoon. The ferry is a scenic alternative to the train, but does not serve Corniglia (reachable only by train or hiking trail). La Spezia is also the perfect base for excursions to Portovenere and Palmaria Island.
To plan your stay, also check our guides on where to stay in La Spezia, what to see in La Spezia in 2 days and where to eat in La Spezia.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit How to get to La Spezia?
The recommended time is April, May, June, September and October, when it is less crowded.
Is How to get to La Spezia crowded?
How to get to La Spezia is a not very crowded destination compared with the more touristy ones.
Where is How to get to La Spezia?
How to get to La Spezia is located in La Spezia, Liguria, Italy.
