La Spezia (Railway Station)

It is important for passengers to know that the station has a simple and clear layout. The main building is connected to the platforms by an underground passage. In total, there are four main tracks for passenger trains and several additional ones. The main entrance is located on the side of Piazzale Medaglie d'Oro, from where it is easy to access the ticket counters and the exit to the city. Navigation inside is duplicated in English, which facilitates transfers to regional trains.

To plan your trip and clarify details, please use the following contact information:

• Official website: www.trenitalia.com (national carrier)
• Address: Piazzale Medaglie d'Oro al Valor Militare, 19122 La Spezia SP, Italy
• Information phone: +39 06 68475475 (Trenitalia Call Center)
• Opening hours: the station is open daily from 05:00 to 00:00
• Luggage storage: Kipoint service is located on Platform 1 (usually open from 08:00 to 20:00)
• Accessibility: the Sala Blu service operates to assist passengers with reduced mobility (office on the 1st platform)

Getting to La Spezia Centrale station is very simple, as it is located in the immediate vicinity of the historical centre.

On foot: You can walk from the promenade and the port in 15–20 minutes. Simply follow the main pedestrian street, Via Prione, which leads almost directly to the station square. This is a convenient option if you have light luggage.

Public transport: City buses operated by ATC stop in front of the station building. The routes connect the station with various districts of the city, as well as with the port docks, from where ferries depart for Portovenere and Cinque Terre.

Taxi: A taxi stand is located right at the exit of the station building. A trip within the city centre usually takes 5–10 minutes.

The station offers a wide range of services for a comfortable wait and travel preparation. In the main hall, there are ticket counters (open during the day) and numerous red self-service machines that accept cards and cash.

For the convenience of passengers, the following are provided:

• Tourist Office: here you can purchase the Cinque Terre Card and receive information about the trails.
• Waiting Room: a rest area for passengers.
• Restrooms: paid facilities are located on Platform 1.
• Connectivity: public Wi-Fi (Frecciarossa) and charging points for gadgets are available in the waiting areas.
• Security: a railway police station (Polfer) operates on the premises.

There are several options within the station and its surroundings to satisfy your hunger before your journey.

Right inside the station building, a popular fast food restaurant (McDonald's) operates, which is convenient for a quick and budget-friendly snack. Also inside, there is a typical Italian café where you can have an espresso and enjoy fresh pastries or a panini. The average bill for a coffee with a croissant will be around 3–4 Euros.

If you have time, step out onto the station square and walk a little down Via Fiume or Via Prione: there you will find numerous trattorias and pizzerias where you can have a full lunch featuring Ligurian cuisine.

The history of railway communication in La Spezia began back in the 19th century, but the current monumental building of La Spezia Centrale was built much later. It was opened in the 1930s, designed by the architect Angiolo Mazzoni.

The architecture of the station is a vivid example of Italian Rationalism (Futurism) of that era: strict lines, the use of marble and travertine, high ceilings, and large windows. The construction of the new station was necessary to serve the growing city and the important naval arsenal. In recent decades, the station has undergone a series of renovations under the Cento Stazioni project to meet modern standards of comfort and safety while preserving its historical appearance.

Tickets and Validation: If you have purchased a paper ticket for a regional train (Regionale), be sure to validate it in the green or yellow machines before boarding. Fines for non-validated tickets in Italy are high.

Safety: The station is very popular among tourists heading to Cinque Terre, so it is always crowded. Keep a close watch on your luggage and pockets, especially in queues and when boarding the carriage.

Time Planning: In summer, trains towards Cinque Terre can be overcrowded. Arrive at the platform in advance, 15–20 minutes before departure, to secure a comfortable spot. Please remember that the station closes at night, so staying overnight in the waiting room is not possible.