I've read a little about the bus that goes from Portofino to Santa Margu. (well, let's just say SML) but I was curious: When I get to Portofino, will it obvious where the bus stop is? I'm coming on a cruise, so they tender us into the middle of the harbor.

From Portofino harbor there is a boat that will take you right into SML. it's a short ride and really a lovely experience-much nicer than the bus.

The boats aren't reliable at least for your must-make return, so at least be prepared for using the bus and knowing whether you can't by a ticket aboard and perhaps must get at a tobacco stand.

You'll probably land in the no traffic zone. I think the footpath dead ends in the direction of SML at shore level. Walking upvalley I think you can find 2 areas marked for bus parking at the end of their line. One may not go to SML.

Also up the right side of valley you run into the road to SML with marked bus stops, but maybe you already need ticket from shops near bus parking. You can walk this road, which I did when the boats didn't show.

Also if you are taking train from SML, take heed from the popularizer of C.T.,
Rick Steves, who writes don't base your happiness on the timeliness of those trains.

Ok - It sounds like the boat is nicer, and it drops you off right in the middle of the town. However, if the boat doesn't come for my return, I should walk up the hill to the bus stop. I need to know where to buy tickets for the bus in case I can't do that on the bus. Do you (Viking) remember how long it took you to walk to the bus stop? I found a map of SML and it looks like maybe the bus stop is around Piazza Veneto, but I'm not sure. I think you're saying that SML is pedestrian-only inside the inner area, correct? Thanks.

Roothy123, I hope my memory serves me well. We took the small ferry from SML to Portofino, and it's a lovely ride on a nice day. We boarded at the dock located off Pz. Martiri della Libe. The ride took about 10 minutes. On our return to SML from Portofino we took the bus. The bus stop as I recall, is located on a street that runs from the port up a hill. The bus stop is directly across from the police station. You can purchase a ticket from the driver. It's a short bus ride from Portofino to SML, and there are many bus stops to chose from, depending upon where you need to get off.

If you need to take the bus, it dead-ends in Portofino, so you won't be lost. It's a very small place, not much bigger than a piazza.
To buy tickets, go to a newstand or tabbachi and ask for a biglietto for the bus. Here in Milan it's 1 Euro, and I imagine it to be the same there.
Ciao!

We caught the bus from SML to Portofino and back. Cost was about 1 euro each one way. We bought 4 tickets - 1 each to get there and 1 each to get back. We caught the bus in SML along the waterfront road - there are lots of buses stopping along there and a booth where they sell tickets. The ticket seller can tell you which bus to catch and where to stand. The bus ride took about 20 mins with nice views out to the sea. The last stop is Portofino where everyone gets off, there is a small parking area and a 5 min walk down to the main area of Portofino with shops and cafes. You could also catch a taxi.
Kay