- Recommended
Museo del Castello Brown
Museum inside Castello Brown with furnished rooms, historic photos and exhibitions that explain Portofino’s social history.
Cheapest price on 23 Sept
£21
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£22
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
4 h 22 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
5 h 8 m
Trains on 23 Sept
5
Distance
170 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bologna to Portofino is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bologna to Portofino will cost around £22 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £21.
On Wed 23 Sept, we found 5 trains from Bologna to Portofino, including 5 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 170 km distance in an average of 5 h 8 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 22 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 24 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.










Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Bologna to Portofino among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £32 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 43m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £32, while a flight costs an average of £337.
Distance: 170 km
| Train | Most popular Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£37 Average Price | £337 Average Price | £32 Average Price Cheapest | £64 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 43m Average total duration Fastest 4h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 22m Average total duration 3h 22m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration 5h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Bologna to Portofino:
A coach is £6 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bologna to Portofino costing on average £37.
A coach is £305 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bologna to Portofino costing on average £337.
Other travel options to Portofino take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 13m.
Coach takes on average 5h 0m.
Tickets start at around £37 compared to roughly £64 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £27. The journey takes 4h 13m versus 3h 24m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Bologna to Portofino trains for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2478 · Regionale Veloce 3037 · Regionale Veloce 3285 | 15:50 Bologna Centrale | 5h19 | 21:09 Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 changes | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2478+ Intercity 685+ Regionale 12470 | 15:50 Bologna Centrale | 5h56 | 21:46 Zoagli station | 2 changes | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2478+ Intercity 685 | 15:50 Bologna Centrale | 5h34 | 21:24 Rapallo station | 1 change | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2478 · Regionale Veloce 3037 · Regionale Veloce 3285 | 15:50 Bologna Centrale | 5h23 | 21:13 Rapallo station | 2 changes | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2478 · Regionale Veloce 3037 · Regionale 12469 | 15:50 Bologna Centrale | 6h24 | 22:14 Zoagli station | 2 changes | |
Intercity 597+ Regionale 18307+ Intercity 518 | 16:21 Bologna Centrale | 4h23 | 20:44 Rapallo station | 2 changes | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9547+ Regionale 18307+ FRECCIARGENTO 8556 | 16:27 Bologna Centrale | 3h42 | 20:09 Rapallo station | 2 changes | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9540+ Intercity 679 | 16:36 Bologna Centrale | 3h38 | 20:14 Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 1 change | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9540+ Intercity 679 | 16:36 Bologna Centrale | 3h43 | 20:19 Rapallo station | 1 change | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9540+ Intercity 679+ Regionale Veloce 3282 | 16:36 Bologna Centrale | 4h13 | 20:49 Zoagli station | 2 changes | |
Intercity 590 · Intercity 689+ InterCityNotte 899 | 16:54 Bologna Centrale | 5h59 | 22:53 Rapallo station | 2 changes | |
Intercity 590 · Intercity 689+ Regionale 12471 | 16:54 Bologna Centrale | 6h17 | 23:11 Zoagli station | 2 changes | |
Intercity 590 · Intercity 689+ Regionale 12471 | 16:54 Bologna Centrale | 6h08 | 23:02 Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 changes | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9642+ Regionale Veloce 3037 · Regionale Veloce 3285 | 16:56 Bologna Centrale | 4h13 | 21:09 Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 changes | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9642+ Regionale Veloce 3037 · Regionale Veloce 3285 | 16:56 Bologna Centrale | 4h17 | 21:13 Rapallo station | 2 changes | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2482 · Regionale Veloce 3041 · Regionale Veloce 3275 | 17:50 Bologna Centrale | 5h45 | 23:35 Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 changes | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2482 · Regionale Veloce 3041 · Regionale Veloce 3275 | 17:50 Bologna Centrale | 5h49 | 23:39 Rapallo station | 2 changes | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2482+ Intercity 887 | 17:50 Bologna Centrale | 5h25 | 23:15 Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 1 change | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2482+ Intercity 887 | 17:50 Bologna Centrale | 5h30 | 23:20 Rapallo station | 1 change | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2482+ Intercity 887+ Regionale 12481 | 17:50 Bologna Centrale | 6h21 | 0:11 Zoagli station | 2 changes | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9320+ Intercity 685+ Regionale 12470 | 17:51 Bologna Centrale | 3h55 | 21:46 Zoagli station | 2 changes | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9320+ Intercity 685+ Regionale 12470 | 17:51 Bologna Centrale | 4h04 | 21:55 Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 changes | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9320+ Intercity 685 | 17:51 Bologna Centrale | 3h33 | 21:24 Rapallo station | 1 change | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 3924 · S13 TRENORD 24371+ Intercity 887 | 18:33 Bologna Centrale | 4h42 | 23:15 Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 changes | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 3924 · S13 TRENORD 24371+ Intercity 887 | 18:33 Bologna Centrale | 4h47 | 23:20 Rapallo station | 2 changes | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9588+ Intercity 689+ InterCityNotte 899 | 18:36 Bologna Centrale | 4h17 | 22:53 Rapallo station | 2 changes | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9588+ Intercity 689+ Regionale 12471 | 18:36 Bologna Centrale | 4h35 | 23:11 Zoagli station | 2 changes | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9552+ Intercity 887 | 19:36 Bologna Centrale | 3h44 | 23:20 Rapallo station | 1 change | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9552+ Intercity 887+ Regionale 12481 | 19:36 Bologna Centrale | 4h35 | 0:11 Zoagli station | 2 changes | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9552+ Intercity 887 | 19:36 Bologna Centrale | 3h39 | 23:15 Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 1 change | |
![]() | 3:40 Bologna | 5h22 | 9:02 Portofino | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 5:33 Bologna | 4h22 | 9:55 Portofino | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 9:50 Bologna | 5h24 | 15:14 Portofino | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 13:33 Bologna | 5h16 | 18:49 Portofino | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach, train and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Bologna to Portofino run on average 84 times per day, taking around 4h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £16 but you can travel from only £8 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:14, the last at 22:55. The fastest train covers the 170 km distance in 2h 48m.
Distance 170 km |
Average train duration 4h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Trains per day 84 |
Fastest train 2h 48m |
First train 0:14 |
Last train 22:55 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Portofino — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portofino trip today.
Museum inside Castello Brown with furnished rooms, historic photos and exhibitions that explain Portofino’s social history.
Abbey museum route presenting cloisters, historic spaces and artefacts, adding cultural depth to a visit to San Fruttuoso.
Small parish treasury display with religious objects and local devotional history linked to Portofino’s churches.
Portofino’s iconic harbour piazza lined with pastel buildings and boats; the essential place for atmosphere and photographs.
Protected coastal park with walking trails through woodland and cliffs, offering many of the area’s finest panoramas.
Small pebbly bay near the village centre, popular for clear water, relaxed views and a quieter break from the harbour.
Liguria’s thin chickpea pancake, baked until crisp at the edges. A humble street food tied to Genoa and the Riviera, often eaten hot with pepper.
Hand-twisted pasta from Liguria, traditionally dressed with basil pesto, potatoes and green beans. It is a defining Riviera first course.
A fragrant sauce of basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino and olive oil. It is the signature flavour of Ligurian cooking.
Casual spot for coffee, aperitivi and light meals on the harbour. Good for people-watching and a relaxed drink with Riviera views.
Elegant seafood restaurant overlooking the harbour, known for Ligurian fish dishes and a refined setting in the heart of Portofino.
Polished waterfront dining with seafood, pasta and regional classics. A stylish choice for a longer lunch or dinner by the piazzetta.
Portofino is pricier than most Italian seaside towns, with premium hotels, costly dining and limited cheap transport or food options in peak season.
Service is often included or covered by coperto. Round up in cafés and taxis; leave 5-10% at restaurants only for notably good service.
Official public transport app
Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino -> Piazza Martiri dell'Olivetta, Portofino
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bologna to Portofino by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Portofino, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bologna to Portofino trains use the Bologna Centrale to Rapallo station pair. Use this guide to compare Bologna and Portofino train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bologna Centrale is 1 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna Centrale has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, A Cafè, VyTA Boulangerie, Venchi, Scambio, Juice Bar, KFC, Dispensa Emilia, Lavazza, Mokà, & more
Free Wi-Fi. . ATMs are aTM is located in the main hall.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00. Information desks are customer service center is on the ground floor and open every day from 06:30 to 23:00.
Luggage storage is luggage facility, open daily from 07:00 to 22:00, is located in front of binario 7 Ovest (Track 7 West).
Available at Bologna Centrale: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bologna Centrale: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna Centrale: Accessible facilities including barrier-free restrooms, elevators and ramps. Sala Blu mobility assistance available from 07:45 to 22:30 with advanced one-hour notice.
Nearby hotels include Starhotels Excelsior, Millenn Hotel Bologna, UNA Hotels.
Bologna Corticella is 6 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna Corticella has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Bologna Corticella.
ATMs are available at Bologna Corticella.
Available at Bologna Corticella: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Bologna Corticella: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna Corticella.
Bologna San Ruffillo is 4 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna San Ruffillo has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Bologna San Ruffillo.
Available at Bologna San Ruffillo: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bologna San Ruffillo: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna San Ruffillo: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include San Ruffillo House, Hotel Il Guercino, Hotel Porta San Mamolo.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need