Genoa - Santa Margherita Ligure - Portofino

[enroh]

We (2 of us) are on the Princess Cruise in May, stopping in Genoa on Thursday, May 11^th and trying to decide between taking the Ship Excursion (Portofino On Your Own -$139.95 each) or do everything on our own by taking the train from Genoa to Santa Margherita and then  the ferry to Portofino (returning the same way).

How far is it to the nearest train terminal (Genova Nervi Railways Station) from the cruise terminal; any unforeseen issues in booking return train and ferry tickets (cash or credit card) that we should be aware of? How much travel time should we plan for  … would leave the ship by 9am and return mid afternoon.

[edinburgher]

.and then  the ferry to Portofino (returning the same way).

 

Having never visited Genoa, others can perhaps help with the question about the train station, but we have visited both SML and Portofino using the ferry crossing both directions.I would suggest you train to SML, and go directly to Portofino as it is really tiny.  You can explore there then cross back to SML as it too is worth a visit.

 

Note that Portofino can be reached from SML by ferry, public bus, taxi or by walking if you are fit,as it is a relatively short distance between the two.

 

By going in that order, you can maximize your time in each and already be in SML for the train back to Genoa for the time you plan to leave

 

It should be easy enough to do on your own and cost a fraction of the shorex price but you will need to research train and ferry timings.

 

Most scenic of course is the ferry ride both ways, but even one way  would be better than none if the ferry timings do not work for you. i think the best view of Portofino is arriving FROM SML, but if you can only go one way and it is Portofino TO SML, position yourselves at the back of the ferry fror that same view.

 

There have been recent threads on that same topic which you could search for and read for additional info.

Hhere is one to start you off:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2878848-travel-from-genoa-to-portofino/#comment-63896768

 

Edited February 2, 2023 by edinburgher