This paper addresses a particularly relevant theme to the geography of transport: port intermodality. The paper aims to verify the relevance of railway intermodality in gateway ports. The case study (La Spezia) demonstrates how the rail intermodal connections can positively influence the port development generating an increase of maritime containers handling and an extension of the hinterland served; besides, this affects the competitiveness of the port and of its hinterland. The methodology used in the case of La Spezia may also be applied to other gateway ports with railway connections, in order to obtain useful
elements for the development of strategic territorial policies.