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Direct train from Cinque terre (la spezia) to Florence SMN

Posted by (Montreal, Qc, Canada) on

Hi travel experts,

I'm traveling with a kid and 2 suitcase to europe. This is part of the plan:
Pisa 0.5 day -> Cinque terre (Manarola) 3 nights, hotel near station -> transfer from La Spezia to Florence (NEED HELP) -> 1 night Florence -> next day fly to next destination.

Option 1: Direct train by Frecciargento from La Spezia Centrale (7:09) to Florence (Campo di Marte) .
It requires two transfers with regional train: Manarola-La Spezia & Campo di Marte - SMN
Option 2: Later trains with change in Pisa to Florence SMN. Connection times are tight and takes longer
Option 3: Later direct train from La Spezia to Florence SMN (arrives 6 pm).
Apartment checkout in La Spezia is 10 am so from 10 am to 2 pm we are with suitcases and we lose the day in Florence. Even though it's my second time in Florence after 16 years but i prefer to user the day better.

Do you have any recommendation?
Thanks

Posted by
32398 posts

Diorama,

I'm not entirely clear on your plans. Are you staying in Manarola or La Spezia? You mentioned "Apartment checkout in La Spezia is 10 am". Also are you planning to stop in Pisa on the way from Manarola to Florence?

In the same situation, I'd probably use the departure from Manarola at 09:24, arriving Firenze S.M. Novella at 12:00 (time 2H:36M, two changes at La Spezia Centrale and Pisa Centrale). That's one of the shortest trips on that route and there's enough time between changes that you should be able to get yourself and the kids to the next platform without rushing. That still gives you most of the afternoon to explore Florence.

That solution involves two Regionale trains and one Intercity, so don't forget to validate the Regionale tickets prior to boarding the train on the day of travel or you'll risk hefty fines!

Posted by
16205 posts

I am also unclear with your accommodations.

It’s up to you when to leave, but with Option 1, probably the fastest, I would take the taxi directly from Campo di Marte to your hotel. I wouldn’t bother to take the 3rd train from CM to SMN. You won’t save any time, nor money (unless your hotel is a short walk from SMN). Campo di Marte is just outside the city center.

Posted by
2 posts

Thanks all! here is some more detail:

Day 1) arrival to Pisa at midnight => sleep in hotel near train

Day2) visit tower => 2 pm train to La Spezia (cinque terre central station) => train to Manarola apartment

Day 3-5) Manarola

Day 5) checkout from Manarola => train to La Spezia => train to Florence => sleep in Florence

Day 6) fly from Florence 2 pm => arrive Spain 7 pm with 1 stop

My Day 5 & 6 has lots of load unload suitcases and transfer. I'm trying to find a more relax options for Day 5 train transfers.

Posted by
1759 posts

Trains from Pisa to Florence are relatively frequent and even if you do not make the connection, it won't be long before another train departs from Pisa.

Posted by
16205 posts

The Freccia train from La Spezia to Firenze Campo di Marte is the fastest and most comfortable option (for a bit more money though).

There are two such Freccia a day (on at 7.09AM and one 8.02PM). both cover the distance in just over 1.5 hours.

Once at Florence (Campo di Marte) jump on a taxi cab and go to the hotel.

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