How to Get to Savona. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports

Three main airports serve Savona, each offering different connectivity levels.

Main Access Points

Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA): ~45 km (28 miles) east, main Ligurian gateway.
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE): ~130 km (81 miles) west, wider international range.
Milan Malpensa (MXP) / Linate (LIN): ~180-200 km (112-124 miles) north, extensive intercontinental connections.

Airline Connections Genoa GOA

Genoa Airport connects mainly to European destinations.

Carriers & Routes

Domestic: ITA Airways, Ryanair, Volotea, Wizz Air.
International (European): Ryanair, Volotea, Vueling, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, The National flag carrier airline of turkey, British Airways.
Connects to major European hubs: Rome, Milan, London, Paris, Munich, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Istanbul.

Global Hubs

Direct flights from North America or other global hubs are rare for Genoa Airport (GOA). Most travelers link through major European aviation centers (LHR, CDG, AMS, FRA, FCO, MXP).

Seasonal Pricing

Flight prices vary significantly. Highest in summer (June-August) and around major holidays (Easter, Christmas). Shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) often present better value.

Genoa Airport Facilities

Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) has no-cost Wi-Fi, duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, car rental agencies, currency exchange, and ATMs. The airport is compact and easy to navigate.

Transfers to Savona

From Genoa GOA

Volabus to Genova Principe train station (€6).
Frequent regional trains from Principe to Savona (~40-60 min, €5-8).
Taxi ride (~€80-100, 40-50 min).
Car rental agencies at GOA.

From Nice NCE & Milan MXP/LIN

NCE: Tram to Nice Ville, then train to Ventimiglia (border), then to Savona (2.5-3.5 hrs).
NCE: Flixbus direct routes. MXP/LIN: Flixbus direct routes.
MXP/LIN: Express train/bus to Milan Centrale, then train to Savona (2-3 hrs).
Car rental at NCE, MXP, LIN.

Flight Planning Tips

Best Deals

Check Dollar Flight Club for flight deals. Use Skyscanner for comparing prices and finding affordable tickets.

Connecting Flights

Most travelers from abroad connect via major European hubs. Factor in sufficient layover time.

Compensation

For delayed or canceled flights, AirHelp may secure compensation up to €600.

Land Transportation

Train Travel

Savona railway station acts as a major hub on the Genoa-Ventimiglia line, offering excellent connectivity.

Train Services

Countryside Trains: Frequent connections to Genoa, Imperia, Sanremo, Ventimiglia.
Intercity/Frecciabianca: Faster connections to Milan, Turin, Rome. Book in advance for peak times.
Trenitalia is the main operator. Book online or in person at the station.

Bus & Border Crossing

Flixbus and other regional bus operators offer connections. The main bus depot is near the train station.

Bus Services & Borders

Buses are a budget-friendly option for longer distances.
Border crossing from France (e.g., Nice) at Ventimiglia is seamless for EU/Schengen citizens.
Non-Schengen citizens have passports checked at first Schengen entry point.

Self-Driving Essentials

Driving offers flexibility to explore Liguria's hidden gems.

Requirements

Valid national driving license. Non-EU citizens: International Driving Permit (IDP).
Vehicle registration and insurance documents.
Major credit card in main driver's name for security deposit.

Road Conditions & Rules

Italy has a well-maintained network of "autostrade" (motorways) and regional roads.

Driving Information

Autostrade are toll roads; take a ticket upon entry, pay at exit.
Italian drivers can be assertive. Lane discipline is less strict.
ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) zones in city centers: restricted traffic, monitored by cameras. Unauthorized entry results in fines.

Parking & Driving Notes

Parking: Blue lines (paid), White lines (free, hard to find), Yellow lines (reserved).
Pay attention to ZTL signs. Ask accommodation for ZTL access if within one.
Headlights are mandatory outside urban areas during daylight hours on two-lane roads.

Speed limits: 50 km/h (urban), 90-110 km/h (main roads), 130 km/h (autostrade).
Driving on the right-hand side.
Car rental for drivers 21-25 possibly has a surcharge. Use DiscoverCars.com for bookings.

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry & Cruise Access

Savona's identity as a port city indicates sea travel's role in arrivals and departures.

Port Services

Savona Port: Significant cruise port, home for Costa Cruises, stop for other lines.
Ferry connections to Corsica (Bastia) and Sardinia (Porto Torres).
Corsica Ferries - Sardinia Ferries operates these routes.

Immigration & Onward Travel

Standard passport control applies for international arrivals by sea. Cruise passengers typically pre-clear immigration.

Port Logistics

If arriving from a non-Schengen country, passport checks occur at the port.
Savona cruise terminal (Palacrociere) sits close to the city center.
Shuttle services connect the terminal to main city areas. Local buses and taxis are available. Walking to the historic center is possible.

No Exit Fees

Italy does not impose specific exit fees or taxes upon departure for tourists. Your airline ticket price includes any applicable airport fees.

Departure Timing

Airport: 2-3 hours before international flights (non-Schengen), 1-1.5 hours for domestic/intra-Schengen. Train: 15-20 minutes before departure. Cruise: Follow cruise line instructions.

Terminal Facilities

Larger airports (Genoa, Milan) offer shops, restaurants, lounges. Savona train station has fundamental services (newsstand, bar, restrooms). The where the cruise ships dock provides waiting areas.

Booking Advice

For train travel, booking regional trains nearer to the travel date is suitable. For faster, long-distance trains (Intercity, Frecciabianca), booking ahead of time often brings better prices.

How to Get to Savona