Getting around

By air — the long-haul leg

The long-haul leg lands at a major European hub, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, or Zurich are the usual choices, and you connect from there. There's no direct intercontinental service to this corner of Liguria, and nothing long-haul lands any closer.

Pisa (Galileo Galilei) — the airport to use

About an hour south by train or car, Pisa Galileo Galilei is the practical gateway for this part of the coast, with the widest selection of routes in the region. From the airport a direct regional train runs north along the Genoa–Pisa line and drops you at Sarzana in roughly an hour, no changes.

Also usable: Genoa and Florence

Genoa Cristoforo Colombo sits further up the line and is useful if your carrier flies there. Florence Amerigo Vespucci brings more route options from the south, though the onward journey to Sarzana is slower than from Pisa. There is no local airport at Sarzana itself.

By train

Sarzana sits on the Genoa–Pisa main line, with the branch to Parma heading inland from La Spezia. La Spezia, the Cinque Terre, Pisa, and Genoa are all direct, frequent, and cheap. The train is the single best thing about living here for getting around. Check live times and book on Trenitalia.

By car

Coming from the north (Genoa) or the south (Pisa and Tuscany), it's the A12 motorway, exiting at Sarzana or Santo Stefano di Magra, then a short run into town. A car earns its keep for the inland hills and Ligurian villages, but the old centre is easier to walk than to park in.

Intercity coach (FlixBus / Itabus)

The budget option for longer legs to bigger Italian cities. For Sarzana, the frequent regional train usually wins on time and convenience, but the coach can undercut on price for longer runs like Rome or Naples. Check routes and schedules on FlixBus and Itabus.

On foot

The historic centre is compact and flat. You can walk it end to end in minutes. The station, the market, the cafes, and most of daily life are within easy walking distance of each other. For ordinary errands in Sarzana itself, your feet are the answer.

Buses (ATC La Spezia)

The local and provincial network is run by ATC La Spezia, covering Sarzana and the wider province. A single ticket is about €1.50. Check the current fare and day-pass options directly on the ATC site before committing.

A car for the hinterland

To reach the inland Ligurian villages and the hills behind the coast, a car makes life significantly easier. In town itself it's optional. The centre is walkable and the train covers the coast. Parking near the old town is the usual squeeze.