Colorful houses and boats line the waterfront in Portofino, Italy with blue sky and mountains in the background.

Is there a train to Portofino?

No, there is no direct train to Portofino. The nearest station is Santa Margherita Ligure–Portofino, located 5 kilometres away. From there you can take a bus, ferry, taxi or even walk.

What is the easiest way to get to Portofino?

The easiest way is to take a train from Genoa to Santa Margherita Ligure, then continue by bus or ferry.

How is the walk from Santa Margherita to Portofino?

It is a pleasant coastal walk of about 5 kilometres, taking roughly 1 hour. The path follows the waterfront, offering sea views and passing charming villas and gardens. Below are some photos from the walk

A historic castle perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the blue Mediterranean Sea in Portofino, Italy.
A luxurious yellow villa perched on rocky cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Portofino, Italy.
Colorful hillside buildings and villas overlook the blue waters of the Italian Riviera on a sunny summer day.

Travelling to Portofino

By Plane


The closest airport to Portofino is Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (IATA: GOA), located approximately 45 kilometres to the west. The drive via the A12/E80 motorway takes about one hour, depending on traffic. Car hire is available at the airport and can also be booked online in advance. There are also bus tours that connect Genoa Airport with the Ligurian coast.



Other nearby international airports include:


  • Milan Malpensa Airport: about 220 kilometres north, with a driving time of around 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours via the A7/E62.
  • Florence Peretola Airport: approximately 206 kilometres east, about 2 hours 30 minutes by car via the A11 and A12/E80.
  • Turin Airport: about 230 kilometres north-west, with a journey of around 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours via the A21/E70 and E25.
  • Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (France): around 237 kilometres away, roughly a 3 hour drive via the A10/E80.


Panoramic view of colorful buildings and luxury yachts along the harbor in Portofino, Italy on a sunny day.

By Train and Public Transport


There is no direct train to Portofino itself, as the town does not have a railway station. The nearest station is Santa Margherita Ligure–Portofino, which lies about 5 kilometres away. From Genoa, the train journey to Santa Margherita takes around 45 minutes and costs approximately €3 (about £2.60 or $3.20).

From Santa Margherita Ligure, you can continue to Portofino by:


  • Bus: frequent services connect the station to Portofino.
  • Boat: ferries run regularly in the warmer months.
  • Taxi: a convenient but more expensive option.
  • Walking: it is possible to walk along the scenic coastal road, which takes around 1 hour. The walk is not strenuous and offers beautiful sea views.


Scenic view of colorful Italian coastal buildings nestled in the mountains of Liguria with terracotta rooftops.

By Boat


Portofino is a natural harbour and a popular destination for ferries, private boats and yachts. Arriving by sea is one of the most memorable ways to experience the town.

  • From Genoa: In summer, there is at least one direct ferry per day to Portofino. The ticket price is usually around €15 to €20 one way (approximately £13 to £17 or $16 to $22).
  • From Santa Margherita Ligure: frequent short ferry rides are available, taking about 15 minutes.
  • From Cinque Terre: seasonal ferries sometimes run between the Cinque Terre villages and Portofino, though they usually require a change in Santa Margherita Ligure.


Ferries to Portofino generally depart from Genoa’s Porto Antico, Santa Margherita Ligure, and other towns along the Ligurian coast.

Panoramic view of colorful buildings along the waterfront in Portofino, Italy with green hills in the background.