We are traveling between Murren and La Spezia (actually Manarolla) in August 2018 and believe the two options are: Option 1: train up to Zurich, fly to Florence, train to La Spezia. Option 2: train all the way (through spietz, milan, genova, la spezia). Option 2 may be more scenic, but is long with many changes. Option 1 saves a few hours, but also has many changes. We're leaning towards Option 2, but does anyone have any experience with this route and have feedback. Should we buy train tickets now?
Posted by
Green Bay
20078 posts
Not sure flying is going to save any time.
Option 1, leave Muerren at 7:00 to get to Zurich airport shortly after 10:00 for a noon flight to Florence, arriving about 13:20. Figure (you hope) to get to Florence S.M.N in time to get the 14:28 train to Pisa, after 2 connections getting you to Manarola at 17:05,
Option 2, leave Muerren at 7:00 and after 7 connections, arriving at Manarola at 15:26.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
That's great - we were finding similar results. Thank you
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11315 posts
Sam laid it out nicely. Yes, it requires a few changes of train,but it is far more fun than flying and chances of delays are slim, so take the train(s)!
Posted by
Grand Rapids, MI
768 posts
To answer your final question, no, I wouldn't buy the train tix now. I don't know of any "buy early" discounts on that route, but you can check on www.sbb.ch/en just in case. And if you do find some, you are stuck with that very specific time. There are plenty of trains and seats, and there is something to be said for having some flexibility. In Italy, don't forget to validate your tickets on the little stamping machines on the train platforms.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you all for this help. We are very excited about
this trip
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
Coming from the north, those train connections don't usually include La Spezia. Your train schedule will usually indicate a change at Monterosso or Levanto.