Ventimiglia Train Station

Lisa, As I recall, the station in Ventimiglia is a smaller station so it is "easy to navigate". I've found that rail transfer times are usually quite accurate, so if they allow 13-minutes, I'm sure that will be adequate.

Ventimiglia station is pretty simple. Probably the train from from Nice will come into the platform nearest the station, on the right. Most of the trains from Nice are double deckers. If you sit upstairs on the right you will have the shore and some fantastic views just outside the window. As you come into Ventimiglia the train goes through an Italian looking goods yard then you arrive. Next to the entrance of the station(to the left) is a Bar which is a typically Italian one which, in addition to the usual fare, also serves piping hot (mostly) Socca. There is often a border guard watching folks getting off the train, sometimes with more interest than most of the time. My memory is there are around 6 platforms. If you haven't checked which platform you need with the Bahn or onboard (sometimes they come around to check tickets) there is a big departure board in the main hall just to the right of the bar. Even if you don't know the station I would have thought 13 minutes is reasonable. Generally the SNCF-PACA trains (the local double deckers which run from Cannes to Ventimiglia via Nice) run pretty close to time. If the SNCF-PACA are on strike again (they have had ongoing industrial relations problems for several years because they think that SNCF are trying to reduce jobs and cut pensions - which they are) they tend to protect about half the trains except in the mid afternoon. If, when you are in Nice you discover a strike day you would be wise to leave plenty of time so you don't miss the Venice train. If they are strike protected trains all guesses as to on-time running are out the window, and they get much more crowded.

Nigel, I'm glad you mentioned the subject of "labour issues" on the trains on that particular route (I wasn't sure if I should mention it or not?). On my last trip from Nice Ville to Milan, I arrived at the station bright and early, only to find that the workers were "on strike" (it would have been nice if someone had mentioned that the previous day, when I bought my ticket)! There were a few trains running towards Ventimiglia, so I did eventually make a connection in Italy, but it was a bit of a nuisance. Sounds like the situation is still the same. Cheers!

It is indeed an easy station to navigate in such a short time (assuming your trains are on time, arriving and departing). Which is really too bad! One would think such a dinky station would have no amenities, while it has a great store and a wonderful bar that serves terrific cappucinos in cute little disposable cups. I actually spent about 1 1/2 very pleasant hours there in 2009.

Hello Everyone!
On a similar topic. I am taking a bus from Albegna to Ventimiglia and I am then catching a train. I already have my ticket for the train but I only have 5 minutes for the transfer. Does the bus stop right at the train station and if so will this be enough time?
Thank you for your help!

My personal opinion - no way I'd try that with only 5 minutes.

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