Parking in La Spezia

I have done the drive and it was an easy one. A bit congested during rush hour one time trying to find my hotel, but eventually found it. When I had a car I stayed just outside of Venice and took the bus in as there was free parking at my hotel. Some others may know what to do with the car if your hotel is right in Venice. When I have stayed right in Venice I flew in. So, roundtrip for 3 to Venice from LaSpezia is $600..? There might be some train guru who can help you get a better route/rate...maybe post it on the Transportation
site.

I don't have any info on the parking, but I just checked the trenitalia site. For a fare from La Spezia to Venice, with changes at Piza and Florence, 4 hr. 27 minute trip, 2nd class ticket is 38.8 euros, or about 57 USD.

Not familiar with 2nd vs 1st class on Italy's trains - the $100/person was 1st class - do we need to spend the extra money? Also trying to avoid the 3 train changes from Riomaggiore to Venice. How bad would the drive be on a Friday morning?

The autostrada usually flows pretty good even around the bigger cities. It gets a bit congested around the bigger places and you have the occasional accident that backs traffic up but you should'nt have any problems with driving it. I'd guesstimate about 4 hours Riomaggiore to Venice. Keep in mind that you will have autostrada fees and I do reccomend sticking to it. You can try cutting some mileage by using SS and regional roads which would save you $$ but would probably cost you time.

Thanks for the info - how much are the autostrada fees? It looks like we may not be able to leave a rental car at the Venice train station and may have to go to the airport which is out of the way since we are leaving on a cruise. Any advise?

My suggestion is ditch the car before you get to the CT. I beleive there are car rentals close to the train station in La Spezia. I know you could probably drop it at the airport in Pisa. You absolutely won't need a car in the CT or Venice. I'm seeing a 51 euro 2nd class fare from Riomaggiore to Venice Santa Lucia. changes in Pisa and Florence. or La Spezia and Florence. That's about 210 USD for all three of you and takes about 5 hours 40 minutes. No worying or cost for tolls, parking and you can end the rental early for probably a cheaper rental fee.

I'd say probably around the 25 euro range for tolls. Parking in both locations can be exspensive and your probably looking at around 50 euro for fuel one way. I agree with Ron and say ditch the car. You'll probably come out even or cheaper plus not have the hassle.