hi all, hoping for some insight on a few things regarding trip to Pisa from Gatwick then up to Cinque Terre...
It appears there is a BNL ATM at the airport, is that reality and it is pretty quick to find after leaving plane? We're going to be hustling to catch a train at Centrale and we aren't clear on how long it typically takes to get off plane, immigration check, collect luggage, find the ATM and get tram to train station.
We'll likely not buy train ticket until we're at the station as we're not sure timing.
Also, I'm one more traveler seeking assurance that the short time between train to La Spezia, changing trains for Monterosso is enough time for someone who doesn't know the station. I've seen times as short as about 8 minutes.
I understand we could buy ticket to La Spezia then get another one for rest of the way. Or if we miss the connecting train can we just get on the next one or do we need a new ticket?
And... it feels like using cash at some of the smaller businesses in the CT would be...smart, good, appreciated? Or are folks finding cards work everywhere.
Finally, for hiking in CT I see trail descriptions and need for shoes with decent tread. Sounds like there could be shoe checks, fines for inappropriate shoes (maybe those are open toes?) my sturdy tennis shoes I'm hoping to use have decent tread but they aren't hiking shoes. I'm an experienced hiker but hoped not to lug hiking shoes...
thanks so much, as always, for invaluable info.
Posted by
Wengen
2376 posts
Like everywhere else in Europe you just buy a ticket to your actual destination, in this case Monterosso. And yes, Italy is finally realizing too that you need to keep passengers moving and that efficient transfer times are good. They’re not at Swiss levels yet though, but if you miss a connection you just take the next one.
So no need to lose any thoughts on how long it will take you to get out of the airport.
Posted by
Green Bay
20940 posts
There is a direct IC train about every hour from Pisa Centrale to Monterosso, so take one of those a eliminate the missed connection worries. And at 12.50 EUR base fare, it is actually cheaper than regional trains with connections in La Spezia.
Posted by
Los Angeles
1034 posts
I'm one more traveler seeking assurance that the short time between train to La Spezia, changing trains for Monterosso is enough time for someone who doesn't know the station. I've seen times as short as about 8 minutes.
Trains run every 20 mins from LA Spezia, so no worries regarding a missed connection:
https://www.trenitalia.com/en/services/travel-around-5-terre.html
In regard to hiking and shoes:
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1634 posts
Baggage retrieval is not very efficient at Pisa; in some extreme cases I have waited up to 45-60 minutes, so time spent at immigration is usually absorbed. As far as I remember, the arrival area is one side of the airport, the ATM is just at the middle, and the Pisa mover to station is on the opposite departure side, so you have to walk all the airport lenght (it takes 3 minutes).
Posted by
OP
Sebastopol, California, United States
100 posts
Thanks so much! Always love how those last questions needed to smooth out a trip get answered by this community.
R and R