How to reach Portofino
Portofino sits on a peninsula with no station and a pedestrian center. The usual route is by air to Genoa (airport code GOA), by train along the coast to Santa Margherita Ligure, then bus 782, a boat or a walk. In season you can also take a ferry from Genoa or from Santa Margherita and Rapallo.
The routes below are planning data for 2026. Timetables change with the season, so check the current times for your day. If you start in Tuscany, read Portofino from Florence, and for a place to sleep see where to stay.
Our pick: a tour with pier pickup
If you arrive by cruise ship, this trip collects you at the pier and brings you back, so you need no other transfer.
Hand-picked tours, booked through 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.
Portofino trips with transport included
Boat trips, walks and Riviera day tours with live prices and availability. Check the departure point in each listing.
Ferries to Portofino
Boats run in season and depend on the weather. Return fares for 2026:
| Route | Return |
|---|---|
| Santa Margherita to Portofino | €20 |
| Rapallo via Santa Margherita to Portofino | €22 |
| Portofino to San Fruttuoso | €20 |
From Genoa, a separate excursion leaves the Molo dell'Acquario at 10:45, reaches Portofino at about 12:15 and returns at 14:15, arriving in Genoa at 15:45. It runs only on selected days in 2026. An adult pays €29, children aged 5 to 14 pay €18 and children up to 4 pay €1. A reservation is required, and you should be at the pier 30 minutes before departure. This boat does not stop at San Fruttuoso. See boat tours for more.
Trains from Genoa to Santa Margherita
The coastal line is the easiest land route. One example regional train, number 12311, leaves Genova Principe at 06:23 and Genova Brignole at 06:32 and reaches Santa Margherita at 07:12. That is 49 minutes from Principe and 40 minutes from Brignole. Days of operation and works on the line vary, so check your date.
From Santa Margherita, bus 782 to Portofino costs €3.50 to €5 per single ticket in 2026, depending on the ticket type. Validate it and keep it until you get off. The walk takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. More in the Santa Margherita Ligure guide.
From Genoa airport: Volabus, Airlink and taxi
Genoa Cristoforo Colombo airport has the codes GOA and LIMJ. Portofino is not served directly.
Volabus
Connects the airport with the main train stations in about 30 minutes. The ticket costs €10 and children up to 1.15 m travel free. Luggage carries no extra charge.
Airlink
A shuttle from the airport to Sestri Ponente airport stop, every 15 minutes from 06:00 to 22:00. The bus costs €2, and the combined city bus and train ticket €2.20.
Taxi
A taxi to the center of Genoa costs €25 per ride, €30 for more than 4 people. For Portofino or Santa Margherita, agree the fare before you start.
For the last stretch to Portofino you change to the coastal train in Genoa.
Book a private transfer from Genoa Airport (GOA) to Portofino at a fixed price on Kiwitaxi.
By car: A12, Rapallo exit and parking
Take the A12 motorway to the Rapallo exit, then follow signs to Santa Margherita and Portofino. The center of Portofino is a pedestrian area, and driving in is for people with permission. A traffic filter on the SP 227 road for private cars applies from 14 March to 1 November 2026 and is switched on at the discretion of the local police. Buses, emergency vehicles and permitted cars pass freely.
There is a paid covered public car park on Piazza Martiri della Libertà, open 24 hours. A free space is not guaranteed. A rental car has the same limits as any private car. If you only want the village, leave the car in Santa Margherita and take the bus.
From Milan or Pisa
Milano Centrale and Pisa Centrale are both on the rail network. One Intercity example between Santa Margherita and Milano Centrale takes 2 hours 21 minutes and needs a reservation. Check the direction and days you need.
Entry rules
US citizens can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in 180 days without a visa. The EU entry and exit system has been fully operating since 10 April 2026. The ETIAS travel authorization is announced for the last quarter of 2026 with no fixed start date. It costs €20 once it starts. Check the current rules before you fly.
Getting to Portofino: frequently asked questions
What is the nearest airport to Portofino?
Genoa Cristoforo Colombo airport, code GOA. From there you go to a main station by Volabus or taxi and continue by train to Santa Margherita Ligure.
Is there a train to Portofino?
No. The nearest stop is Santa Margherita Ligure. From there take bus 782, a boat or walk about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Is there a ferry from Genoa to Portofino?
Yes, on selected days in 2026: the excursion leaves at 10:45 and costs €29 for adults. It is not a daily year-round service.
Can I park in Portofino?
There is a paid covered public car park on Piazza Martiri della Libertà, open 24 hours. Spaces are not guaranteed, and a traffic filter applies on the access road until 1 November 2026.
Do I need a visa?
US citizens need no visa for stays up to 90 days in 180 days. Check the latest rules for the entry system and ETIAS before you travel.