La Spezia Cruise Port to Train Station: Transport Options

Getting from La Spezia cruise port to the train station is one of those situations where having a backup plan really matters. The port can handle multiple large ships at once, and when that happens, the free shuttle service gets overwhelmed fast. You’ll have several options depending on your budget, how much luggage you’re carrying, and whether you’re in a rush to catch the first train to Cinque Terre.

The truth is, most cruise passengers underestimate how busy this port can get. La Spezia isn’t just a gateway to Cinque Terre—it’s also close to Pisa, Florence, and other Tuscan highlights. That means everyone and their grandmother is racing to catch the same regional trains you’re eyeing. Let’s break down your transport options so you can make the right call on the day.

Free Shuttle Bus: What You Need to Know

Most cruise lines offer a free shuttle from the ship to the port exit at Piazza Europa, and from there you can catch a local bus or walk into town. The catch? The shuttle doesn’t take you all the way to La Spezia Centrale station—it drops you at the port gates, and you still need to sort out the final leg.

Here’s what the shuttle situation looks like:

• Frequency: Shuttles typically run every 15-20 minutes when ships are in port, but this varies by cruise line and how many vessels are docked
• Queue times: Expect 10-30 minute waits during peak morning hours when everyone wants to leave at once
• Capacity issues: If there are two or three large ships in port, the shuttles get rammed. You might wait for several rounds before getting on
• Operating hours: Generally aligned with your ship’s port time, stopping about an hour before all-aboard time

The free shuttle is fine if you’re not in a hurry and don’t mind waiting. But if you’ve pre-booked a day trip to Portofino or want to catch an early train to avoid Cinque Terre crowds, you’ll want a faster option.

Want to know more about the port facilities and what to expect when you dock? Check out our comprehensive La Spezia cruise ship port guide for all the insider details.

Taxi: Fast but Not Cheap

Taxis wait right outside the cruise terminal, and they’re the quickest way to reach La Spezia Centrale. The ride takes 7-10 minutes depending on traffic, and you’ll pay around €15-20 per cab. If you’re travelling as a couple or small group, splitting the fare makes this quite reasonable.

A few things to watch out for:

• Some drivers try to charge per person rather than per taxi—agree on the total price before you get in
• If the queue for taxis is long, ask your ship’s port agent about pre-booked transfers (often available for a small premium)
• Taxis fit about four people with moderate luggage. If you’re a larger group or have oversized bags, you might need two cabs
• There’s no Uber or Bolt in La Spezia, so you’re stuck with traditional taxis at their set rates

The taxi option makes sense if you’re short on time, carrying heavy bags, or traveling with kids who won’t cope well with a 30-minute walk in the heat. It’s also worth considering if you’ve got mobility issues or just can’t be bothered with the faff of public transport after a long cruise.

Local Buses: The Budget Option

Once you’re off the free cruise shuttle at Piazza Europa, you can catch local bus lines 3, L, or S toward La Spezia Centrale station. Tickets cost around €1.50 and are valid for one journey. You’ll need to buy them from a tabacchi (tobacconist), newsstand, or bar near the port—not from the driver.

Here’s how the local bus system works:

• Route: Buses stop at Piazza Europa near the port exit, then head into town via the main roads
• Journey time: About 10-15 minutes to the station, depending on traffic and stops
• Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes, though this can be irregular on Sundays and holidays
• Ticket validation: You must stamp your ticket in the yellow machine onboard. Inspectors do patrol these routes and the fine for an unvalidated ticket is steep

The main hassle with buses is figuring out where to buy tickets if you’re unfamiliar with Italian public transport. The automated ticket machines at some stops rarely work, and not every shop near the port sells them. If you’re planning to use the bus, either buy tickets in advance from the ship’s shore excursion desk (if they sell them) or ask a local where the nearest tabacchi is located.

Walking Route: 30 Minutes on Foot

If the shuttle is packed, taxis are expensive, and you fancy a stroll, the walk from the cruise terminal to La Spezia Centrale takes about 25-30 minutes. It’s roughly 2 km and fairly flat, following the waterfront before cutting inland through the town center.

Here’s the route:

1. Exit the cruise terminal and head out onto the main road
2. Turn right along Via Fiume, following the waterfront promenade
3. Continue along Viale Italia (you’ll see the sea on your left)
4. After about 15 minutes, turn left inland toward Piazza Verdi
5. Follow the signs for “Stazione” through the pedestrianised streets
6. La Spezia Centrale station will be on your right as you approach Piazza Saint Bon

This walk is pleasant in the morning or late afternoon, but gets sweaty in the midday sun. It’s also not ideal if you’re hauling a suitcase or large daypack. The pavements are decent but can get crowded during peak cruise port days when hundreds of passengers are all heading the same direction. If you’re planning to walk, wear a good pair of comfortable walking shoes for men or supportive walking shoes for women to avoid blisters, and consider applying some blister prevention before you set off.

One bonus: you’ll pass cafes, gelaterias, and small shops along the way if you need water or a quick snack before your train. A collapsible water bottle is perfect for port days like this—you can fill it up at fountains or cafes and then pack it flat when you’re done. The walk gives you a proper look at La Spezia as a working Italian town rather than just a cruise port, which is refreshing if you’ve been at sea for a while.

When the Shuttle Is Full: Your Backup Plans

Let’s say you’re standing in a massive queue for the shuttle, sweating in the sun, and realising you’re going to miss the train you wanted to catch. Here are your best backup moves:

• Walk to the port exit and grab a taxi directly: Don’t wait for the shuttle—just head straight to the taxi rank outside the port gates. You’ll save 20 minutes of queuing
• Share a taxi with other passengers: Strike up a conversation with the couple next to you in the queue. Four people splitting €20 is just €5 each—cheaper than stressing about the shuttle
• Take the local bus from Piazza Europa: If you’ve already waited for the cruise shuttle to the port exit, the local bus to the station is usually less crowded than the cruise shuttle itself
• Start walking and hail a taxi en route: If you’re halfway through the walk and getting tired, you can flag down a passing taxi. Locals do this all the time

The key is not to panic or feel locked into one option. Italian ports are generally well-connected, and there’s always another way to reach the train station. Just factor in a bit of extra time for plan B.

Reaching Cinque Terre: What to Do at the Station

Once you’re at La Spezia Centrale, buying tickets for Cinque Terre trains is straightforward. The regional trains (Regionale or Regionale Veloce) run frequently throughout the day, stopping at each of the five villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso.

Buy tickets from the self-service machines in the station hall or from the ticket office if you prefer human interaction. The machines accept credit cards and have an English-language option. If you’re planning to hop between multiple villages, the Cinque Terre Card is better value than buying individual tickets.

Critical tip: You must validate your ticket before boarding. The green and yellow validation machines are located on the platforms. Stick your ticket in, wait for the stamp, and you’re good to go. Forget this step and you risk a €50 fine from the train inspector—they’re particularly vigilant on the Cinque Terre route because so many tourists skip validation.

If you’re planning a full day exploring the area, our La Spezia one day itinerary covers how to maximise your time across all five villages plus tips on avoiding the worst crowds.

Transport Options Compared

Insider Tips for a Smooth Transfer

• Check your ship’s port schedule: Some cruise lines publish shuttle frequency and capacity in the daily newsletter. If it says “limited service,” plan for a taxi
• Leave earlier than you think: The worst queues happen between 8:30-10:00 AM when everyone’s trying to catch morning trains. Leaving at 7:30 AM or after 10:30 AM can save you loads of waiting time
• Download the Trenitalia app: You can check live train times, platform numbers, and even buy tickets on your phone. Much easier than deciphering the Italian departure boards. Make sure you’ve got a portable charger with you so your phone doesn’t die mid-journey
• Keep small change handy: If you’re planning to use the local bus, having a few euros in coins makes buying tickets from a tabacchi much smoother
• Ask your cruise director: Some ships arrange group taxi shares or negotiate better shuttle frequency with the port. It’s worth asking at guest services the night before

If you’re sailing from other Italian ports, the transport setup at Livorno cruise port is similar but with better shuttle frequency—worth comparing if you’re doing a multi-port Mediterranean cruise.

Essential Items to Pack for Your Day Trip

Since you’ll be navigating ports, trains, and coastal villages all in one day, having the right gear makes everything easier. Here’s what experienced cruise passengers always bring:

• A quality daypack: An anti-theft backpack is essential for carrying your essentials while navigating crowded train stations and tourist areas. Look for one with lockable zippers and slash-proof material
• Keep your valuables organized: Use travel shoe bags to separate dirty items from clean clothes, and a cable organizer to keep your phone chargers and earbuds tangle-free in your daypack
• Power adapter: If you’re charging devices at cafes or using USB outlets at the station, you’ll need a European power adapter for your electronics
• Waterproof protection: Coastal weather can be unpredictable. A packable rain jacket for women or lightweight rain jacket for men takes up minimal space but saves the day if showers roll in
• Phone protection: Keep your phone safe from splashes and beach spray with a waterproof phone pouch—essential if you’re planning photos along the coastal paths

Spring and fall visits to the Ligurian coast can be cooler than expected, especially on breezy seaside walks. A lightweight puffer for women or packable puffer for men provides warmth without taking up precious backpack space.

Extend Your Stay in La Spezia

While most cruise passengers treat La Spezia purely as a jumping-off point for Cinque Terre, the town itself is worth a night or two if you’re looking to slow down. Hotels in La Spezia are significantly cheaper than accommodation in the five villages, and you’ll have easier access to luggage storage, restaurants, and train connections for day trips along the coast.

The town has a pleasant waterfront promenade, a weekly market that’s busy with locals rather than tourists, and a naval museum that’s genuinely interesting if you’re into maritime history. Staying here also means you can catch the first train to Cinque Terre in the morning before the day-trippers arrive, giving you those magical quiet moments in Vernazza or Manarola that everyone posts on Instagram.

If you’re considering extending your trip, book accommodation near the train station for maximum convenience. That way you’re within walking distance of trains to Pisa, Florence, Genoa, and anywhere else along the Ligurian coast. Pack smart with compression packing cubes to maximize your luggage space, and bring a luggage scale to avoid overweight bag fees when you head home. A travel steamer is handy if you’re staying in hotels and want to freshen up clothes quickly, and a hanging toiletry bag keeps your bathroom essentials organized in compact hotel bathrooms.

Planning Beach Time in Cinque Terre

If your itinerary includes swimming or snorkeling in Cinque Terre’s crystal-clear waters, pack accordingly. The rocky beaches and sea access points require different gear than typical sandy beaches:

• Sun protection: Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine ecosystem—many areas in the Italian marine park encourage eco-friendly products
• Swim gear: A rash guard for men or rash guard for women provides sun protection during long swimming sessions and dries quickly for the train ride back
• Waterproof storage: Keep your phone, wallet, and cruise card safe with a waterproof dry bag while you’re in the water
• Quick-dry towel: A compact beach towel that dries fast is essential since you won’t want to stuff a wet towel in your backpack for the return journey
• Snorkel equipment: If you’re keen to explore underwater, consider bringing a full-face snorkel mask rather than renting one—it’s more hygienic and you can use it at other cruise ports too

Common Questions & FAQ

How early should I leave the ship to reach the train station for Cinque Terre?

Plan to leave the ship at least 90 minutes before you want to catch your train. This gives you buffer time for shuttle queues, buying tickets at the station, and navigating any unexpected delays. If you’re aiming for a specific train departure, add another 30 minutes just to be safe during busy port days.

Can I walk from the cruise terminal to La Spezia Centrale with luggage?

Yes, but it’s not particularly comfortable. The 2 km route is manageable with a small wheeled suitcase on decent pavements, but dragging heavy bags for 30 minutes in warm weather gets old fast. If you have more than a daypack, seriously consider a taxi or the local bus instead. Invest in proper hardside carry-on luggage with smooth-rolling wheels if you frequently do port walks.

Do I need to pre-book a taxi from La Spezia port?

No, taxis are usually waiting outside the cruise terminal and at Piazza Europa near the port exit. However, if multiple large ships are in port simultaneously, the taxi queue can get long. In that case, pre-booking through your ship’s shore excursions desk or a local transfer company guarantees you a ride without the wait.

What happens if I miss the last shuttle back to the ship?

Don’t panic—taxis run all day until shortly before ships depart. The fare back to the terminal is the same €15-20 you’d pay coming into town. Just make sure you leave enough time from the train station, as traffic can be heavier in the afternoon when everyone’s returning to their ships. Keep a charged portable charger with built-in cable so you can call for help if needed.

Are the local buses in La Spezia reliable for getting to the train station?

They’re generally reliable on weekdays but can be infrequent on Sundays and public holidays. The bigger issue is finding somewhere to buy tickets near the port, as the machines are often broken and not every shop sells them. If you’re planning to use the bus, buy tickets from a tabacchi in the town center rather than relying on finding one right at the port.

Is the walk from the port to the station safe at night?

Yes, La Spezia is a safe town and the route between the port and station is well-lit and regularly patrolled. That said, if you’re returning late from a day trip and unfamiliar with the area, taking a taxi is probably more comfortable than navigating in the dark with tired legs. A portable door lock provides extra security in your ship cabin for peace of mind.

Can I leave luggage at La Spezia train station while I visit Cinque Terre?

Yes, there’s a left luggage facility at La Spezia Centrale station. It costs around €6 per bag for the day and is open during regular station hours. This is useful if you’re on a cruise but want to spend the full day exploring without dragging bags through the villages. Just make sure you collect your luggage before the facility closes in the evening. Use packing cubes to keep your belongings organized if you’re accessing your bags multiple times during the day.

How long does it take to get from La Spezia station to the first Cinque Terre village?

The train to Riomaggiore, the closest village, takes just 8-10 minutes. Trains run every 15-30 minutes depending on the time of day, so you can be standing on a Cinque Terre platform within 20 minutes of leaving La Spezia Centrale if you time it right. Bring compression socks if you’re planning lots of walking—they help with circulation during long days on your feet and the train rides back to the ship.