Train from Pisa to La Spezia Centrale

Now that you’ve visited one of Italy’s most recognized monuments, you can move on to the western coastline along Liguria and the port city of La Spezia. Located directly on the Gulf of La Spezia, this historic coastal capital is one of the main departure points for trains to Cinque Terre, and ferries to Cinque Terre, Lerici, and Portovenere.

Pisa and La Spezia are a mere 52.5 miles (84.6 km) apart, but driving in the center of La Spezia is known to be tricky, and navigating the small coastal villages nearby is almost impossible. It’s much better to take the train to reach La Spezia and to explore the northern and southern coastlines.

Frequent Trains from Pisa to La Spezia

Each day, an average of 39 trains run from Pisa to La Spezia, and the fastest trains take just about 40 minutes. The shortest trips are those on high-speed trains, including both the Frecciabianca and Intercity trains between Pisa and La Spezia.

The second option for direct trains from Pisa to La Spezia are Regionale trains, which take about 1 hour and 15 minutes to make the journey. Tickets on this route cost around $9 for the Regionale trains, $10 for Intercity trains, and $11 for the fastest Frecciabianca trains.

Be aware that trains on weekends and holidays are generally less frequent and travel times are longer.

Direct Trains from Pisa to La Spezia

All trains, including the Frecciabianca, Intercity, and Regionale, between Pisa and La Spezia, are direct. Trains depart frequently from early in the morning to late at night, so travelers have an ample selection of direct trains to La Spezia from Pisa to choose from.

Amenities on Trains from Pisa to La Spezia

Frecciabianca trains are the third-tier AV trains. They are slightly slower than the fastest AV trains but offer similar services. Frecciabianca trains include air-conditioned 1st-class and 2nd-class cars. First-class passengers get a free drink and newspaper. Sometimes Frecciabianca trains include a café car for all passengers, and all seats have power outlets.

Intercity, including Intercitynotte night trains, are the slowest  AV trains, though still faster and more comfortable than Regionale trains. Intercity trains have air conditioning in all classes, and 1st-class cars include free newspapers, power outlets at each seat, a mini-bar, and meal service. There is also a café car available to all passengers.

Regionale trains may include 1st class and 2nd class cars, though not always. Reservations are not required, so passengers on these trains can choose any available seat located in the appropriate ticket class car. The air­ conditioning and power sockets do not always work, and there is no food and beverage service or café car on Regionale trains.

Pisa and La Spezia Train Stations

Pisa has two train stations, the smaller San Rossore station and the main Pisa Centrale station. The Pisa Centrale station is where trains to La Spezia depart and is about a 15-20 minute walk from the Leaning Tower in Piazza dei Miracoli. You can choose to walk the distance or you to the station, or you can take a bus to the train station. 

Note: the Pisa Centrale station currently has a security check before the platforms, so make sure to factor in a few extra minutes for the delay.

La Spezia Centrale is La Spezia’s main train station on Piazza Medaglie d’Oro in the city center. Trains to the Cinque Terre villages depart from this station, or you can take the bus from the station to the nearby piers where ferries depart.