Portofino from Florence: what to know first
Portofino has no main-line station. Trains stop at Santa Margherita Ligure, the last rail stop for the village. From there you continue by bus, boat or on foot. Whatever you book from Florence, the day ends up built around that last stretch.
Check the current timetable for the whole chain from Florence before you go. A day tour with a driver or guide handles the connections for you; going by yourself means planning each change. Allow generous time for the trip from Florence, and consider an overnight stay on the coast for a more relaxed plan. See day trips from Portofino for what you can add once you are there.
Our picks: day trips by boat from Milan
We found no Portofino tour that starts in Florence. These three start in Milan, which is the closest big city with a booked day tour, and each takes a long day.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide and Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
From Milan: Genoa and Portofino day trip
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Tour leader
- Boat ride to Portofino
A 12-hour day that starts in Milan, with an air-conditioned vehicle, a tour leader, free time in Genoa and a boat ride between Rapallo and Portofino.
Check availability →
From Milan: Genoa walk and cruise to Portofino
- Guided walk in Genoa
- Focaccia tasting
- Free time in Portofino
A 13-hour day that starts at Milan Central Station, with a guided walk in Genoa, a focaccia tasting and free time in Genoa and Portofino.
Check availability →
From Milan: Genoa and a boat cruise to Portofino
- Bus from Milan to Genoa
- Tour leader
- Boat to Portofino
A 12-hour day that starts in Milan, with a bus to Genoa, a tour leader and a boat to Portofino. Food and drinks are on you.
Check availability →Portofino tours from Florence
Day tours and Riviera trips with live prices and availability. Check the departure point and the length of the day in each listing.
Day tour or train: which one suits you
A guided day tour takes the planning off your hands. You see the timetable of the day in the listing, and the group moves between stops together. The trade-off is that you follow the group's pace and spend less time in the village.
Going by train gives you freedom. You pick your own hours, stop for a coffee in Santa Margherita and decide on the spot whether to take the bus, a boat or the walk. The cost is that you need to check each leg yourself. Fares and times for the Florence part change with the season, so look at the current timetable on the day you plan.
| Guided day tour | Train and bus on your own | |
|---|---|---|
| Planning | Done for you | You plan each connection |
| Time in Portofino | Set by the tour | Your choice |
| Flexibility | Low | High |
| Boat to San Fruttuoso | Only if the tour includes it | Possible, with time to spare |
For most visitors with one day, a guided tour is the calmer choice. If you have two days or more, the train and a night on the coast give you much more of the place.
The last stretch: Santa Margherita to Portofino
Three ways to cover the final kilometres, all with a 2026 price or time to plan with.
By bus
Line 782 runs from the Santa Margherita station to Portofino. A single ticket for this line costs €3.50 to €5 in 2026, depending on the ticket type. Validate it and keep it until the end of the ride.
Santa Margherita Ligure →By boat
A return from Santa Margherita to Portofino costs €20 (2026). Boats are seasonal and weather-dependent, so check the day's service.
Boat tours →On foot
The walk takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. It is not a flat promenade, so wear proper shoes and leave time for the return.
Getting there →From Milan as an alternative
If you base yourself in Milan instead, the picture is simpler to plan. One example is an Intercity from Santa Margherita to Milano Centrale at 07:39, arriving 10:00, a ride of 2 hours 21 minutes. That train needs a seat reservation. It is a timetable example for the direction Santa Margherita to Milan, so check the train for the direction you need.
Genoa sits between the two and works as a stopover. The coastal line from Genova Brignole reaches Santa Margherita in about 40 minutes on the example train that leaves at 06:32. See day trips for Genoa and the Cinque Terre.
Portofino from Florence: frequently asked questions
Is there a train from Florence to Portofino?
Portofino has no station. Trains end at Santa Margherita Ligure, then you take bus 782, a boat or walk. Check the current timetable for the Florence leg and the changes.
Can I do Portofino as a day trip from Florence?
Yes, guided day tours exist. Time in the village depends on the tour, so see the tours above for the departure point and the length of the day.
How much is the bus from Santa Margherita to Portofino?
A single ticket for bus 782 costs €3.50 to €5 in 2026, depending on the ticket type. Fares can change, so check the price at the ticket point on the day.
Is there a train from Milan?
Yes. One Intercity example takes 2 hours 21 minutes between Santa Margherita and Milano Centrale and needs a reservation. Check the direction and days you need.
Is this the official Portofino website?
No. This is an independent travel guide and has no link to the municipality, the nature park, the abbey or any tour operator.