La Spezia is a compact, walkable city that doubles as the best-value base for exploring the Cinque Terre. Trains connect you to the five villages in 8 to 20 minutes for under 5 EUR a ride. The nearest airports are Pisa (PSA) and Genoa (GOA), both about an hour away by train. This guide covers transport, costs, safety, and the practical questions travellers ask before visiting. La Spezia weather by month.
La Spezia Travel Tips: Getting to La Spezia
Nearest Airports
Pisa International Airport (PSA): 85 kilometres south. Galileo Galilei Airport is the most convenient for La Spezia. A direct train from Pisa Centrale (connected to the airport by the PisaMover shuttle, 5 EUR, 5 minutes) to La Spezia Centrale takes 50 to 75 minutes depending on the service and costs 8 to 12 EUR. Regional trains run roughly hourly. The last train departs Pisa around 10:30 PM. best time to visit La Spezia.
Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA): 100 kilometres northwest. Take the Volabus shuttle (6 EUR, 30 minutes) to Genova Brignole station, then a regional train to La Spezia Centrale (1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, 10 to 14 EUR). Trains run approximately hourly. things to do in La Spezia.
Milan Airports (MXP, BGY, LIN): All three Milan airports connect to Milano Centrale station via shuttle bus (50 to 70 minutes, 10 to 12 EUR). From Milano Centrale, direct Intercity trains reach La Spezia in about 3 hours (25 to 40 EUR). La Spezia events and festivals.
Train Connections
La Spezia Centrale is a major stop on the Rome to Genoa to Turin railway line. Direct regional trains connect to Genoa (1 hour 15 minutes, 10 EUR), Pisa (50 minutes, 8 EUR), Florence (2 hours with a change at Pisa, 15 to 20 EUR), Milan (3 hours direct Intercity, 25 to 40 EUR), and Rome (3 hours 30 minutes by Frecciabianca, 40 to 60 EUR). The Cinque Terre express regional trains depart from platforms 1 and 2, clearly signposted in the station. Validate regional train tickets at the green machines on the platform before boarding or risk a 50 EUR fine. La Spezia neighborhoods guide.
La Spezia Travel Tips: Getting Around the City
La Spezia is a walking city. The historic centre from Piazza Verdi to the port covers about 1 kilometre end to end. The train station is a 15-minute walk from the waterfront. Local ATC buses serve the hillside neighbourhoods and run to Lerici and Portovenere. A single bus ticket costs 1.50 EUR and is valid for 70 minutes. Buy tickets at tabaccherie (tobacco shops) displaying the blue T sign, not on the bus. The main bus terminal is at Via Fiume, next to the train station. Bus line P runs to Portovenere (30 minutes), and line L/S runs to Lerici and San Terenzo (25 minutes). where to stay in La Spezia.
La Spezia Travel Tips: Costs and Money
La Spezia is moderately priced by Italian standards, significantly cheaper than the Cinque Terre villages or Portofino. A typical daily budget breaks down as follows. Accommodation: 50 to 80 EUR (budget guesthouse), 80 to 130 EUR (mid-range hotel), 130 to 200 EUR (waterfront 4-star). Meals: 5 to 8 EUR (breakfast of coffee and pastry), 10 to 15 EUR (lunch: focaccia, pizza slice, or a plated pasta), 20 to 35 EUR (dinner: two courses with house wine). Transport: Cinque Terre train day pass 18.20 EUR, ferry to Portovenere 6 EUR one way, local bus 1.50 EUR. Tipping: not required. Italians round up to the nearest euro or leave 1 to 2 EUR for good service at sit-down restaurants. Coperto (a cover charge of 1.50 to 3 EUR per person for bread and table service) is standard and listed on the menu.
La Spezia Travel Tips: Practical Questions
Can I drink the tap water?
Yes. La Spezia’s tap water is safe to drink and comes from Apennine mountain sources. Refill your bottle at public fountains (fontanelle) throughout the city, including one at Piazza Verdi and another near the ferry terminal.
Do I need to speak Italian?
In hotels, restaurants, and tourist-facing businesses, English is widely spoken. In smaller neighbourhood shops, the covered market, and local buses, you will need basic Italian phrases. Download Google Translate’s Italian offline pack before your trip. Learn “un biglietto per…” (one ticket to…), “il conto, per favore” (the bill, please), and “dov’è…” (where is…).
Is La Spezia safe?
La Spezia is safe by any standard. Violent crime is rare. The main risks to tourists are pickpocketing on crowded Cinque Terre trains in July and August, and opportunistic bag snatching on the waterfront promenade at night. Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket or zipped bag on trains. The area around the train station is quiet at night but has no safety issues beyond standard urban awareness.
What is the best way to visit the Cinque Terre?
Take the train from La Spezia Centrale. Buy the Cinque Terre Card (18.20 EUR for one day) at the tourist office inside the station. Catch the first train around 7:30 AM and visit villages in reverse order (Monterosso first, working back to Riomaggiore) to stay ahead of the crowds coming from the Genoa direction. In summer, avoid the 9 AM to 11 AM window when trains are standing-room-only. The ferry from the Morin dock is scenic but slower and more expensive (30 EUR for a day pass); use it for one leg of the trip for the views, and the train for the rest.
Do I need a visa?
Italy is in the Schengen Area. Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many other countries can enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. Check the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for your specific nationality. From 2025, non-EU visitors who do not need a visa must register through the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) before travel, costing 7 EUR and valid for three years.
Suggested Hotels in La Spezia
CDH Hotel La Spezia
A modern 4-star hotel on the edge of the pedestrian centre, offering soundproofed rooms, a breakfast buffet with local Ligurian pastries, and a 5-minute walk to the ferry docks. Best for travellers who want reliable hotel service in a central location. Check rates and availability
Hotel Firenze e Continentale
A historic Liberty-style hotel directly opposite the train station, making it the most convenient base for Cinque Terre day trips. Rooms feature high ceilings, parquet floors, and updated bathrooms. Best for travellers who want to maximise their time in the Cinque Terre with a two-minute walk to the platform. Check rates and availability
Via Fiume 269
A basic but clean guesthouse on Via Fiume, an 8-minute walk from the station and the edge of the historic centre. Rooms with private bathrooms and air conditioning. The lowest rates in central La Spezia. Best for backpackers and budget travellers. Check rates and availability
