How realistic is it to catch an early train from Vernazza to La Spezia on a Saturday morning to pick up a rental car before they close by noon? It appears there are trains every hour and it’s only about 20 minutes away. Is this too risky or should I stay in La Spezia the night before just to be on the safe side (which means only one night stay in Vernazza)? I’ll be traveling next June 25th 2016. Thanks.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
Sharon,
I'd suggest staying in Vernazza, as it's only a short trip to La Spezia and you shouldn't have any trouble getting to the rental place on time. If you left Vernazza at about 08:00, there are still several later trains that will get you to La Spezia by noon (assuming the schedules don't change too much).
Posted by
Minneapolis
1216 posts
Hi Sharon. There is no need to stay in La Spezia the night before. Suggest you stay in Vernazza and train to La Spezia in the morning to pick up your rental car. Just allow a little cushion in case the train is a few minutes late, and for time to get from the station to the rental car place. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
15810 posts
I'll throw my vote in with Ken, Sharon; you shouldn't have any trouble at all. It's a different story when one, say, has a morning flight out of an airport that's an hour or more away. Then it makes sense to stay close to the departure point the night before.
Posted by
Berkeley CA
1307 posts
Sharon, the only problem might be one of those pesky Italian train strikes.
But there would still be a couple of options for you, since the strikes are advertised/announced a day or two ahead of time. (And sometimes the trains will run the early trip because they know that it's important to get the other workers to their jobs!)
If the weather was good, there would be a ferry to La Spezia from Vernazza (fellow forumites, correct me if I am wrong) or you could still stay over night in La Spezia at the last minute, losing an evenings' lodging price in Vernazza but perhaps enjoying the whole day while keeping the room to change or shower in before checking out late (since you'd be paying for it anyway.)
I'd take the chance and book for the 2 nights in Vernazza.
SharYn
Posted by
Washington, Nc, US
167 posts
just curious.. why would you want a car in Vernazza?
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19092 posts
"why would you want a car in Vernazza?"
I don't think they want a car in Vernazza. I think they are driving elsewhere and the nearest place to rent a car is in La Spezia.
Posted by
OP
32 posts
Yes, we are heading towards Tuscany with a car. Will I arrive at La Spezia Centrale Station?
Posted by
Rick Steves Europe
353 posts
Sharon,
Yep, La Spezia centrale is the station you willl arrive in. To echo many of the others here, I also suggest staying in Vernazza, as it's only a short trip to La Spezia. You shouldn't have any trouble getting to the rental office before it closes if you leave Vernazza on an early train.