La Spezia is the cruise port for the Cinque Terre, Pisa and Florence, on the Ligurian coast of Italy. It is a secured commercial port, so passengers take a free shuttle bus from the ship to the cruise terminal. This page covers the port, the shuttle, maps and meeting locations, general port information, and how to reach the city and nearby destinations.
La Spezia, in Liguria on the Italian coast. La Spezia is a secured commercial port, so passengers are not allowed to walk around the port area.
Where ships dock
Ships dock alongside the quay in the working commercial port, so no tendering is required. Instead of walking, passengers are transferred to the port terminal by free shuttle buses, just a few minutes away by road.
Where you meet your private driver or guide
Leave your ship and board the free shuttle bus. It takes you a few minutes to the cruise terminal, where many drivers and guides are waiting. Your driver or guide will be holding a sign with your name on it.
Watch: How to Find Your Driver at the La Spezia Cruise Port
La Spezia Cruise Port Location
La Spezia Cruise Terminal, Molo Garibaldi, La Spezia, Liguria, Italy
About La Spezia Cruise Port
La Spezia is a working commercial port, so you do not walk off your ship into the city. A free shuttle connects the ship with the cruise terminal.
How the Port Is Laid Out
Ships dock at the commercial port. The port area is secured, and passengers are not allowed to walk through it.
A free shuttle bus takes you from the ship to the cruise terminal, which is only a few minutes away by road.
The terminal is on the Molo Garibaldi waterfront, next to the city and the marina.
Many drivers and guides wait at the terminal for their guests.
Ships dock alongside the quay, so no tendering is required. Your cruise line confirms your berth.
Distance to the City
The old town and Piazza Verdi are about a 10 minute walk from the cruise terminal along the waterfront.
La Spezia Centrale train station is about 3 km (2 miles) from the terminal, roughly a 25 minute walk on mostly flat ground or about 5 minutes by taxi.
The marina, where seasonal ferries depart, is about a 10 minute walk from the terminal.
Distance to Nearby Destinations
The first Cinque Terre village, Riomaggiore, is about 10 minutes by train from La Spezia Centrale. The other villages are up to about 30 minutes away.
Pisa is roughly 1 hour from La Spezia by road.
Florence is roughly 2 hours from La Spezia by road.
The shuttle, your own feet, the train, taxis and ferries connect the cruise terminal with the city and the Cinque Terre. Timetables change, so confirm current details before you travel.
Free Port Shuttle
Because the port is a secured commercial area, passengers cannot walk from the ship to the terminal.
Free shuttle buses take passengers from the ship to the cruise terminal in a few minutes.
Plan on using the shuttle again when you return, since you cannot walk back through the port to your ship.
Walking
From the cruise terminal, the old town and Piazza Verdi are about a 10 minute walk.
The marina is about a 10 minute walk, and La Spezia Centrale train station is roughly 25 minutes on foot.
Train
La Spezia Centrale station is the starting point for trains to the Cinque Terre villages, Pisa, Florence and Lucca.
The Cinque Terre Express runs about 3 times an hour in summer and 1 to 2 times an hour in the off-season. Riomaggiore is about 10 minutes away, and the other villages take up to about 30 minutes.
Tickets must be bought before you board and validated. Check the return times, since you need to be back at your ship on time.
Taxi
Taxis are available near the cruise terminal.
The ride to the train station takes about 5 minutes, to Riomaggiore about 25 minutes, and to Pisa roughly 1 hour.
Ferry
Public ferries to the Cinque Terre villages and Portovenere leave from the marina near the cruise terminal, usually from April to September.
Sailings follow the operator and not your ship, and they can be canceled in bad weather, so check the return time.
About La Spezia and the Surrounding Area
La Spezia is the gateway to some of the best-known destinations in northern Italy, so the port day you choose matters.
A Brief History
La Spezia sits at the head of a deep bay, the Gulf of La Spezia, nicknamed the Gulf of Poets after writers such as Byron and Shelley who lived and visited here.
It grew in the 19th century as a major Italian naval base and is still home to a large naval arsenal as well as a busy commercial port.
The Cinque Terre and Portovenere are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Highlights Many Cruise Passengers Visit
The Cinque Terre, five colorful villages on the Ligurian coast.
Pisa and the Leaning Tower in the Piazza dei Miracoli.
Florence, with the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia.
Lucca and its historic city walls.
Portovenere, a small harbor town near La Spezia.
Planning Your Time
Florence is a full-day trip, so check your ship's all aboard time before you plan it. Pisa and the Cinque Terre are closer and leave more flexibility.
Many visitors combine Florence and Pisa in one day, or Pisa and Lucca.
The Cinque Terre villages involve steps and some walking, so wear comfortable shoes. Some trails require a pass or close for maintenance, so check the park website.
The currency is the euro, and cards are widely accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does my driver or guide meet me?
Leave your ship and board the free shuttle bus. It takes you a few minutes to the cruise terminal, where many drivers and guides are waiting. Your driver or guide will be holding a sign with your name on it.
Why do I need a shuttle at La Spezia?
La Spezia is a secured commercial port, so passengers are not allowed to walk around the port area. Free shuttle buses take passengers from the ship to the cruise terminal, which is a few minutes away.
Is the port shuttle free?
Yes. The shuttle between the ship and the cruise terminal is free. You will use it again when you return to your ship.
Which terminal will my ship use?
Ships dock alongside the quay in the commercial port, and passengers go to the cruise terminal on the Molo Garibaldi waterfront by shuttle. Your cruise line confirms your berth.
Is La Spezia a tender port?
No. Ships dock alongside the quay, so no tendering is required.
How far is the La Spezia cruise terminal from the city center?
The old town and Piazza Verdi are about a 10 minute walk from the cruise terminal.
Can I walk from the cruise terminal into the city?
Yes, once you reach the terminal by shuttle. The old town is about a 10 minute walk, the marina is about 10 minutes, and La Spezia Centrale train station is roughly 25 minutes on foot.
How far are Florence, Pisa and the Cinque Terre?
Riomaggiore, the first Cinque Terre village, is about 10 minutes by train from La Spezia Centrale. Pisa is roughly 1 hour by road and Florence roughly 2 hours by road.
How do I get to the Cinque Terre without a tour?
Take the train from La Spezia Centrale. The Cinque Terre Express runs about 3 times an hour in summer and 1 to 2 times an hour in the off-season, and the villages are up to about 30 minutes away. Seasonal ferries also leave from the marina, usually from April to September.
Are there ferries from La Spezia?
Public ferries to the Cinque Terre villages and Portovenere leave from the marina near the cruise terminal, usually from April to September. They can be canceled in bad weather.
How far is the train station from the cruise terminal?
La Spezia Centrale is about 3 km (2 miles) from the terminal, roughly a 25 minute walk or about 5 minutes by taxi.
