La Spezia → Florence by train
This is the Cinque Terre exit route: change at Pisa Centrale on most connections. Buy the fixed-price Regionale and stop caring about departure times.
Who runs this route
| Operator | Type | Where to book |
|---|---|---|
| RegionaleTrenitalia | Regional, no seat reservation | Trenitalia app or station machine |
| IntercityTrenitalia | Classic long-distance | Trenitalia or Omio |
Check live times & fares
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Timetable at a glance
Services run every 1–2 hours, first departure around 05:30 and last around 20:30. Exact times shift with the seasonal timetable — treat these as planning anchors and confirm the day before you travel.
Buying tickets: when and where
Regional and Intercity fares are mostly fixed — there is no advantage in booking months ahead. Buy the day before or on the day in the Trenitalia app, or at a station machine.
Tickets are digital — show the QR code from the app or a printout. On Regionale services with paper tickets, validate in the green machines before boarding. High-speed and Intercity tickets are train-specific; Regionale tickets are flexible within their validity window.
The stations
La Spezia Centrale
Gateway to the Cinque Terre local line.
Firenze Santa Maria Novella
The station is a 10-minute walk from the Duomo — you rarely need a taxi.
Alternatives, honestly compared
Bus: FlixBus and Itabus connect La Spezia and Florence for less money but roughly double the time — the budget backstop. Driving: around 145 km on autostrade; add tolls, fuel and city ZTL zones (limited-traffic areas with cameras), which make cars a liability in historic centres. Flying only makes sense with checked bags and airport-side hotels — city-centre to city-centre, the train wins on this route.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from La Spezia to Florence?
The typical journey time is 2 h 20 min – 2 h 40 min. Frequency: every 1–2 hours.
How much does the La Spezia to Florence train cost?
Tickets cost from €14.00; prices on this route are largely fixed.
Which stations does the La Spezia–Florence train use?
Departures use La Spezia Centrale and arrive at Firenze Santa Maria Novella.
Do I need to book in advance?
Regional and Intercity fares are mostly fixed — there is no advantage in booking months ahead. Buy the day before or on the day in the Trenitalia app, or at a station machine.
What is the first and last departure?
First departure around 05:30, last around 20:30 — exact times vary by day, check before travel.
Is the train the best way to get from La Spezia to Florence?
This is the Cinque Terre exit route: change at Pisa Centrale on most connections. Buy the fixed-price Regionale and stop caring about departure times.