Travel modes around Liguria
 

Hello,

Just a couple of quick questions:

1. Is it possible to travel by train or bus from Milan-Linate direct to Genoa or Santa Margherita di Ligure or Portofino or vice versa? Or is it necessary to go into Milan city centre first? I assume that whatever the answer is applies to the return journey to Milan-Linate also?

2. Is it easy to travel direct from Cinque Terre to Genoa by train?

Thanks in advance!

www.trenitalia.com will give you full Italian train timetables, routes and prices.

There is a train from Milan to Genoa and also to Santa Margherita. If you want to get to Porofino, you must take the train to SM and then the ferry to Portofino or if you're feeling like a nice walk, it is about 5km from SM to Portofino. Well worth the visit!! There are trains that run continuously from the Cinque Terre to Genoa. Check out www.trenitalia.com

You will need to change trains at Milano Centrale. There is also a bus to Portofino, but much prettier approach by boat. I take the boat over from Santa Margherita, then bus back.

We took a train from Milano Centrale to Santa Margherita. From Santa Margherita, where we were staying, we visited Portofino on a boat, Genoa on a train, Cinque Terre on a train, then walking and boat in between the villages. I am not sure if a car would make it easier but it was certainly doable using train and boats. Didn't use any bus, so can't comment on that.