I don't know if this has been addressed but I found I have misunderstood how to get to CT by train, resulting lost time and/or money on both of my trips there. I think I've got it now, so I'll share. Based on my reading of Rick's books, I had the feeling that the CT line was somehow separate from the main train line and that you have to go through La Spezia, so I have asked for tickets to La Spezia, planning to change there. Not so. Ask for tickets to the CT town you want. This may or may not involve a change in La Spezia. It is a slow train, so if you have a choice you won't want to go all the way to Milan on it, but it's fine between Pisa and Monterossa or visa versa. Similarly, if there is no faster train available in La Spezia to get you to Milan, you don't have to go back to La Spezia to go north. Bottom line, don't assume, as I did, that you have to use La Spezia as a hub.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
The key is to remember which trains stop at which stations. The fast trains don't stop at little towns and the trains that stop at little towns don't go fast. Most people want a fast train to save valuable time. When you get into the smaller towns, you need to change to the locals that will stop at the places you want to visit. If budget is more important than time, the local trains are much more affordable.
Posted by
Madison, WI, USA
534 posts
It's been 4 years since I have been there...but I remember it being as the book said it would be. Main train to La Spezia and then get off to take the local "milk" trains into the towns of CT. Since I have been there and based on how touristy CT has become - maybe the main trains stop there now? Was your book current? My '04 book described as we experienced it and we went in '05.
Posted by
Long Beach, New York, USA
56 posts
I, too, was under the assumption that you took the main trains to La Spezia and then changed there for the local CT trains. In fact on a website for the CT it says that very same thing.
I certainly hope it's that way b/c I'm leaving for Italy tomorrow!
Posted by
OP
Gilmanton
6 posts
My first trip (in '04) we realized something was weird on the return trip. At the Vernazza station we asked for tickets to La Spezia, in La Spezia got the tickets to Milan (must have been too late in the day or something for a faster train,) boarded the train and then rode through (and stopped at, I think) each of the CT trains before taking the long trip to Milan (stopping at nearly every stop along the coast.) This time (9/08,) from Pisa asked for tickets to La Spezia, while on the train I realized some fellow passengers were on their way to CT and didn't seem to be getting off in La Spezia to change, I asked the ticket agent when she came around and found out, sure enough, all stops for CT were included on this train. I paid the extra, including the premium for paying on the train, to not get off and wait for another train. We stopped at Monterossa, but fellow passengers were going on to Vernazza. This was at about 5 PM on a Friday. Our return to Pisa was at 10:30 am on Sunday from Monterossa. I'm sure you can't always go straight to CT, but I don't think you'll find a much faster train from Pisa to CT. Anyway, just suggesting you ask.....