I've looked at the Trenitalia site and seen schedules from La Spezia to Vernazza (where I'm staying) but it will not allow me to buy a ticket it just says NA where the price should be. (it's only a month away so I know I'm not looking too far out) If I check the same schedule the same day from Pisa to Vernazza I can see a connection to the same trains as above but with a price showing and the ability to purchase. Why will it not allow me to see the cost? Should I be concerned about waiting until I am there to get the ticket? Also, I may want to ride a train once there from town to town, does Vernazza have a manned station? Lastly I'll be traveling from Vernazza to Florence which requires us to change trains twice, is 10 - 15 minutes to change trains enough time, it seems insane, can we do it with luggage?
Posted by
Caruthers, CA, USA
244 posts
Hi Julie, More than 7 days is too far out for the train to Vernazza. The Trenitalia site does not display prices for the regional trains, like the ones in CT, more than 7 days in advance. Pick the same day of the week within 7 days of todays date and it will tell you the cost. You don't need to worry about having advanced tickets for these trains. They don't sell out, I don't believe. Best to plan on buying a ticket at the train station. They have automated ticket selling machines, which prompt you in english (or urdu, if you prefer)
Posted by
OP
Johnson City
5 posts
Thank you, now I understand that the reason I can see the same schedule conecting in La Spezia from Pisa to Vernazza is b/c it involves an EScity train. I'd like to ask your opinion (and anyone else with experience) another question. I'll have a car for doing many little towns in Tuscany. The plan is to drop in La Spezia and get the train, would you do that or drop it in Pisa and get the train from there connecting in La Spezia on to Vernazza? Also, what's your thoughts about those short connecting times? Thanks so much,
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11834 posts
Julie: I was worried about the short connection time, too, but for nought. The stations are very small. But you do need to be quick about it. No dallying, no bathroom breaks! If I had a car, I'd probably drive to La Spezia on the way in, though. Final leg to Vernazza is easy!
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
You can change trains in 10 - 15 minutes. But.....the local trains in the CT often do not run on time. From Vernazza to La Spezia, if the train is running late you may miss your connection. I suggest taking the earlier CT train and hanging out in the La Spezia train station if necessary. I missed an important connection one year because the local train ran 15 min late and I had allowed for a 6-min connection time. You and your luggage should be near the train door if you want to exit quickly.
Posted by
Caruthers, CA, USA
244 posts
Car Question: All other things being equal, I agree with Laurel. However, by "being Equal" I mean how easy is it to drop the car and get to the train station? On a Saturday there are 4 trains going to Vernazza from La Spezia between 10am and noon. In that same time, about Two connect from Pisa through La Spezia. So, dropping in La Spezia will give you more flexibility. However, if you have to drop the car far from the train station, it might be better to drop it in Pisa. IMHO