My son is in Italy now, they are being told there is a Train strike starting Saturday, but it will only affect the regional trains.
How can you get to Vernazza from La Spezia without going by train?
Is there a BUS?
Also heard there maybe a way to do it by boat but it takes two hours?
He can see more strike details at http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom/Informazioni/Treni-garantiti-in-caso-di-sciopero but it's typical that most regional trains are cancelled before most longer-distance trains.
Yes, there is the boat. He can see http://www.navigazionegolfodeipoeti.it/en/timetables-and-rates.html or talk to someone at the waterfront kiosk. Hoteliers also usually know the drill. There's no bus.
Is there a BUS?
Yes! Here it is!
http://www.explora5terre.it/en/
Timetables:
http://www.explora5terre.it/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/EXPLORA-ORARI_NEW.pdf
This is a tourist/sightseeing bus but is the most DIRECT bus method I've been able to find.
And here's the ferry schedule:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B68xwDrx0UDhMTc2U01YaXpBVnM/view
But have him ask at his hotel EXACTLY which trains will be on strike and what time the strike begins. I'm very sure hotel staffs will be gearing up to assist their departing/sightseeing guests with information.
Strikes are also frequently cancelled so tell him not to panic. :O)
(Edited to substitute a better ferry schedule)
rharmon,
Apparently the transportation strikes will be occurring from 9pm on Thursday to 4pm on Friday. These may also affect Buses, so using that mode of transport may not be possible (not sure about boats?). You may find this article helpful - https://www.thelocal.it/20170615/italy-gears-up-for-a-day-of-transport-strikes
The article states that Regionale trains have to provide essential services at some times of the day, so some trains will be running. Conditions are always a bit chaotic during strikes so patience and flexibility are required. i'm sure your son will get to Vernazza eventually.
