Getting There & Away: Portofino

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Liguria

Several airports serve the Liguria region, offering different gateways to Portofino. Select the airport that best fits your travel plans and origin.

Airport Options

Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA): Closest, ~45 km from Portofino.
Pisa International Airport (PSA): Alternative, ~140 km from Portofino, for budget airlines.
Milan Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN): Larger international hubs, ~180-200 km, for wider connectivity.

Airlines & Routes

Major European airlines like ITA Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, and Swiss fly to these airports. Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet also operate routes.

Flight Information

Direct flights are common from major European cities.
Long-haul flights typically need a connection in a major European hub.
High season (June-Aug) has peak prices. Shoulder season (Apr-May, Sep-Oct) offers moderate prices. Low season (Nov-Mar) has lowest prices.

Airport Facilities

All major airports offer standard facilities: ATMs, currency exchange, car rental, cafes, restaurants, duty-free shops, and Wi-Fi.

Genoa Airport Transfers

Taxi to S. Margherita Ligure is ~€80-€150. Public transport (Volabus + train) is a value option. Check Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner for deals.

Pisa & Milan Airport Transfers

From Pisa: Pisamover to Pisa Centrale, then train to Santa Margherita Ligure. From Milan: Express train/bus to Milan Centrale, then train to S. Margherita Ligure.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

Closest train station: Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino.
Trenitalia operates services; purchase tickets at stations or online.
Regular regional trains connect to Genoa (~30-40 min), La Spezia (~1 hr), Milan (~2-2.5 hr), and Rome (~4-5 hr).
Long-distance buses (FlixBus) reach larger cities, then transfer to train/local bus. The ATP E007 local bus serves Portofino from Santa Margherita Ligure.

Self-Driving Considerations

Valid national driving license and International Driving Permit (IDP) are needed if your license is not in English/Italian.
Roads to Portofino (SP227) are narrow and winding.
Parking in Portofino is very limited and expensive. Parking in Santa Margherita Ligure is recommended, then use bus/ferry. Visit DiscoverCars.com for rental options.
Be aware of ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) in historic centers to avoid fines. A GPS navigation device helps.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Public passenger ferries are a popular and scenic way to arrive, connecting Portofino to Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, and Camogli. Seasonal services may also connect to Genoa and Cinque Terre. Main operators are Servizio Marittimo del Tigullio and Consorzio Marittimo Turistico 5 Terre.

Cruise Ports

Portofino has a small harbor. Large cruise ships typically anchor offshore and tender passengers ashore, as the harbor cannot accommodate large vessels. No river transportation is applicable.

Immigration at Seaports

For ferry travel within Italy, no immigration procedures happen. For cruise passengers from outside Schengen, immigration occurs at the first Schengen port of entry.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Airport Departure

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied on departing international flights from Italy; these are usually included in your airline ticket price.

Departure Timing

For intra-Schengen flights, arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure.
For intercontinental flights, arrive 3 hours before departure.
This permits sufficient time for check-in, security, and potential delays.

Train/Ferry & Airport Facilities

For train or ferry departures from Santa Margherita Ligure, arriving 15-30 minutes before departure is generally sufficient. These services are less formal than airport departures.

Amenities for Departing Travelers

ATMs and currency exchange services.
Various restaurants, cafes, and shops (including duty-free at airports).
Comfortable waiting areas.

Document Readiness

Have passports and tickets ready for smooth departure processing.

Punctuality

Arrive with ample time to avoid last-minute rush, especially for flights.

Final Preparations

Confirm all bookings and transportation details for your onward journey.

Seamless Departures

Post-Travel Logistics

Upon returning home, organize and reflect on your Portofino journey. Sorting through travel documents and photos preserves memories.

After Your Trip

Organize and back up your travel photos and videos.
Process any travel expense reports.
Consider writing reviews for hotels, restaurants, or tours.

Reflecting on Your Journey

A journey to Portofino offers a blend of natural splendor, cultural richness, and sophisticated charm. Reflecting on these aspects enriches the overall experience.

Memorable Aspects

The colors of the village against the Ligurian Sea.
Hiking trails in the Portofino Regional Natural Park.
The fresh seafood and local Ligurian cuisine.

Future Travel Inspirations

Explore More of Liguria

Consider visiting nearby towns like Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, or the Cinque Terre.

Italian Riviera Discovery

Extend your journey to other beautiful spots along the Italian Riviera.

Return to Portofino

Plan a return visit during a different season to experience new facets of the village.

Farewell from Portofino

Your journey to Portofino holds many wonderful memories.

Getting There & Away