How to Get to the Ligurian Riviera: Train, Car or Plane

The Ligurian Riviera is closer than you think — and easier to reach than most travellers expect. From Frankfurt, a two-hour flight lands you in Genoa. From Paris, a high-speed train gets you there in under five hours. From Munich, you can be walking the seafront in Camogli in less than four hours door to door. This practical guide covers every way to reach the Gulf of Tigullio — home to Camogli, Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure and Genoa — whether you prefer flying, taking the train or driving.

By Train — the Smartest Way to Arrive

Italy's rail network makes the Ligurian Riviera one of the most accessible coastlines in Europe. High-speed trains from Milan, Rome and Turin connect to Genoa, and from there a regional service runs along the coast every 30 minutes, stopping at all the key villages.

• From Milan: Frecciarossa and Intercity trains reach Genoa in about 1h25-1h40. From Genova Brignole or Piazza Principe, the regional train on the Genova–La Spezia line stops at Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo in under 45 minutes. Total journey: around 2 hours.
• From Rome: the Frecciarossa covers Rome Termini to Genova in approximately 3h15. Add the regional connection and you're in Santa Margherita Ligure in about 4h30.
• From Venice: change at Milan or Bologna, reaching Genoa in around 3 hours, then continue by regional train to the Tigullio coast.

Once in Genoa, the Genova–La Spezia regional line is the backbone of the entire Riviera di Levante. Trains run approximately every 30 minutes and connect Recco, Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure–Portofino, Rapallo, Chiavari and Sestri Levante. Tickets for short hops cost 2–3 euros and are available at station machines or on the Trenitalia app. Always validate before boarding.

Coming from Germany, France or the Netherlands?

• From Frankfurt: fly direct to Genoa Cristoforo Colombo airport (approx. 1h45), then Volabus to Genova Piazza Principe (20 min) and regional train to the Tigullio. Total: under 4 hours.
• From Munich: direct flights to Genoa take around 1h10. Alternatively, the EC (EuroCity) train from Munich to Genoa via Milan runs in approximately 5h30 — a scenic option worth considering. With an Interrail or Eurail pass, the regional Ligurian trains are fully covered, making it easy to hop between coastal villages at no extra cost.
• From Paris: TGV to Turin or Milan (3h20), then high-speed connection to Genoa and regional train to the Riviera. Total: approximately 5–6 hours. A genuinely competitive alternative to flying when you factor in airport time.
• From Amsterdam: direct flights to Genoa are available seasonally. Year-round, fly to Milan Malpensa or Linate and connect by train to Genoa. Total travel time: 4–5 hours.

Interrail and Eurail note: the Liguria regional train is fully covered by both passes. If you are touring Italy or Europe by rail, this stretch of coastline requires no reservation — just hop on and enjoy the ride between Genoa and La Spezia.

By Car

Driving gives you flexibility, especially with young children or bulky luggage. From Milan, take the A7 motorway to Genova, then the A12 towards Livorno, exiting at Rapallo or Recco depending on your destination. Journey time: approximately 2 hours in normal traffic.

Parking is the real challenge. Camogli has very few parking spaces and they fill up early in summer. Portofino has almost none. The smart strategy is to park at Recco (cheap, next to the station) or at Rapallo (large paid car parks near the centre) and use the regional train to reach the smaller villages. It saves time, money and frustration.

By Plane

• Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA): the most convenient option for the Gulf of Tigullio. Served by direct flights from London Stansted, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Munich, among others. The Volabus connects the terminal to Genova Piazza Principe in 20 minutes (6€ ticket). From there, regional train to the Riviera. By taxi to Rapallo: approximately 60–80€.
• Milan Malpensa or Linate: far greater international connectivity, with flights from across Europe and beyond. From Malpensa, the Malpensa Express reaches Milan Centrale in 50 minutes; from Linate, the M4 metro line connects to Milan Centrale. Add a Frecciarossa to Genova and a regional connection, and you're at Camogli or Rapallo in 2h30–3h from the airport.

By Ferry — for Travellers from Spain or Sardinia

Genoa's port is one of the busiest in the Mediterranean. Grimaldi Lines and GNV operate regular ferry routes from Barcelona, Porto Torres, Olbia, Cagliari and Palermo. An overnight crossing from Barcelona, arriving in Genoa in the morning and continuing by regional train to the Riviera, is a genuinely pleasant way to travel — and surprisingly affordable.

Getting Around the Riviera Without a Car

Once you arrive, you genuinely do not need a car. The Ligurian Riviera is one of the few parts of Italy where public transport and boats do the job better than any road vehicle.

• Regional train: the Genova–La Spezia line connects all the main villages every 30 minutes. Camogli to Santa Margherita takes just 5 minutes. Rapallo to Camogli takes 10. It is fast, cheap and reliable.
• Tigullio ferries (April–October): seasonal boats connect Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino and the stunning abbey at San Fruttuoso — which has no road access at all. This is the most scenic way to explore the coast.
• Taxi boats: for flexible point-to-point transfers along the coast, local water taxis are available from Camogli and Santa Margherita.
• On foot: the coastal path from Camogli to Portofino via San Rocco and Batterie takes about 3 hours and ranks among the finest coastal walks in Europe. No car needed — or wanted.

The bottom line: the Ligurian Riviera rewards those who leave the car at home. Whether you fly into Genoa, take the train from Milan or cross from Barcelona by ferry, the journey is part of the pleasure. And once you're here, the villages connect seamlessly — by train, boat or footpath.