I am traveling from Florence to Manarola by train. My preferred train trip on Trenitalia shows a only 5 minute time frame to change trains in La Spezia. The trip involves only that one change. Florence to La Spezia, La Spezia to Manarola. I will have only one 22" suitcase. Is the 5 minutes cutting it too close? I have rented an apartment in Manarola and need to let my hosts know my time of arrival. I do see that the trains from La Spezia to Manarola are quite frequent, every 15 - 30 minutes.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

If on time no problem - small station with few tracks - and yes other trains soon.

In La Spezia tracks 2 and 3 share the same platform, as do 4 and 5. Your two trains are mostly likely coming in and leaving from such a pair of tracks. The timetables are devised to enable those quick switches. The trick is to keep an eye on the time and get up as the train approaches La Spezia, take your suitcase and move towards a door. Be among the first to exit, get your bearings, and you'll be fine.

Will you have a cellphone with you? Just call the landlord if you miss the connection. You'd likely arrive only 30 minutes later than originally planned.

Thanks PalenQ, michelhuebeli and Jean for your help! I passed through La Spezia years ago and couldn't remember the size of the station. It's good to know it's so small and I have a good chance of making the connection. Jean, I will have a cell with Italian sim. But, unfortunately, my landlord speaks no English and my Italian is non-existent as well. I think I will send him a additional email (thank heavens for Google translate) stating that if I miss the second train, I'll arrive 30 minutes latter.

Again, thank you for your assistance.

We were just in Cinque Terre and the trains were usually late by about five minutes so hopefully you will make it. Have fun.

Paqngo, thanks. I'll be in sprint mode. Here's hoping I make the connection!

If you have a cell phone you can send a text msg (SMS) to your landlord. Also, your landlord can look on the internet and see if your Florence train is running on time. No Italian expects punctuality is guaranteed if they are meeting somebody who is coming by train. Give your landlord an hour window, telling him if you make the connection, you will be there at XX.XX. If not, you will certainly be there by XX.YY.

In case of something going really wrong, ask other passengers who speaks English and ask them to call your landlord using your cellphone to explain the problem.

Just tell them you will be later than thought now and if train is on time you'll just have to wait a few minutes if the hotel is not open when you get there a tad early.

Better be early than late.