Hi, I'm having trouble with the Trenitalia site. What is the best way to get from Riomaggiore to Venice by train?
Thank you. Joan

There is no easy way. It will require multiple train changes (at least three). What problem are you having with Trenitalia?

You can also check schedules using the

www.lefrecce.it site

Hi, Actually, I was trying to check schedules too far in advance and even though I was on an English version, it didn't recognize Venice. I found on another site that I need to put in Venezia S M. So I think I need to go to La Spezia, Pisa, Florence,Venice. Does that sound correct? How far in advance should I book the trains? Any other tips on Italian trains? Thanks. Joan

Between Riomaggiore and Pisa will likely be only slow R trains. You do not want to book them in advance (they have more restrictions for R tickets online than if you buy them in Italy). There are no reserved seats on these trains and they can't sell out. Between Florence/Venice there are discounts for the fast trains which can be as cheap as 9€. You can't book fast trains 120 days out.

Tickets for R trains must be validated before boarding the train. Tickets for other trains will have reserved seating on them and don't have to be validated.

The current schedules are good until early June (usually around the 10th or so). If you are traveling after that you will have to wait until May to book as the summer schedules aren't fully loaded until very close to the date for summer schedule to start.

The most direct route is probably La Spezia to Milan, then change at Milano for Venezia. Alternatively you can first get to Genoa on bus/train, then trains to Milano/Venezia.

The slower trains can be much cheaper and you feel more like a local when travelling on them, but can also be unreliable. Make sure you know the Italian names/spellings or you could end up in an entirely different place to where you expected to go!

The less-direct route is Rio. to Pisa to Florence to Venice

>>>The most direct route is probably La Spezia to Milan, then change at Milano for Venezia.<<<

It isn't any more direct than going through Pisa and the Pisa connection is faster (going through Milan takes an hour longer).

>>>Alternatively you can first get to Genoa on bus/train, then trains to Milano/Venezia.<<<

That would take longer. It takes about 2 hours to go to Genoa from Riomaggiore. From Genoa to Venice would be another 4 1/2 to 5 hours, not counting connection wait in Genoa.