- Must visit
Villa Durazzo
A historic villa complex with furnished interiors, period art, and formal gardens overlooking the bay. It is one of the town’s signature cultural sights and combines local history with scenic views.
Cheapest price
$29
Average price
$29
Fastest journey
5 h 25 m
Average duration
5 h 58 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
170 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bologna to Santa Margherita Ligure is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bologna to Santa Margherita Ligure will cost around $29 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
Of the 3 trains that leave Bologna for Santa Margherita Ligure on Sun, Jul 05, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 05 the direct trains cover the 170 km distance in an average of 5 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 25 m .
On Sun, Jul 05 the slowest trains will take 6 h 25 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 train as it is the most popular option from Bologna to Santa Margherita Ligure among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 30m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $29, and a bus costs an average of $11.
Distance: 105 miles (170 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$31 Average price Cheapest | $45 Average price | $85 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 38m Average total duration 4h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Santa Margherita Ligure:
A train is $14 (€12) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bologna to Santa Margherita Ligure costing on average $45 (€37).
Other travel options to Santa Margherita Ligure take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 8m.
Tickets start at around $31 (€25) compared to roughly $85 (€70) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $55 (€45). The journey takes 4h 8m versus 3h 14m 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 Santa Margherita Ligure trains for today, Saturday, July 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:40 AM Bologna | 5h12 | 9:52 AM Santa Margherita Ligure | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:33 AM Bologna | 5h12 | 2:45 PM Santa Margherita Ligure | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:33 AM Bologna | 5h12 | 3:45 PM Santa Margherita Ligure | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:33 PM Bologna | 5h04 | 9:37 PM Santa Margherita Ligure | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Santa Margherita Ligure run on average 37 times per day, taking around 4h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $29 (€24) but you can travel from only $11 (€9) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:43, the last at 22:55. The fastest train covers the 105 miles (170 km) distance in 4h 17m.
Distance 105 miles (170 km) |
Average train duration 4h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€24) |
Trains per day 37 |
Fastest train 4h 17m |
First train 12:43 AM |
Last train 10:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Santa Margherita Ligure — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Margherita Ligure trip today.
A historic villa complex with furnished interiors, period art, and formal gardens overlooking the bay. It is one of the town’s signature cultural sights and combines local history with scenic views.
An open-air sculpture display in the park of Villa Durazzo, featuring contemporary works in a refined garden setting. It is a quieter cultural stop for visitors interested in art and landscape.
A historic abbey complex near Santa Margherita Ligure with artistic interiors, cloisters, and notable gardens. It is an elegant cultural visit often appreciated by travelers exploring the coast.
The main seafront promenade lined with palms, views of the harbor, and elegant buildings. It is one of the best places for a scenic walk and people-watching in town.
Terraced gardens with sea views, manicured greenery, and a refined historic atmosphere. This is one of the town’s most photogenic open spaces and a favorite for a peaceful stroll.
The protected natural park above the coast offers hiking paths, viewpoints, and Mediterranean scenery. It is highly popular with both locals and social-media-minded travelers seeking panoramic shots.
Hand-rolled Ligurian pasta traditionally served with basil pesto, often with potatoes and green beans. It is one of the signature dishes of the Riviera di Levante.
Classic Ligurian flatbread with olive oil and salt, eaten all day as a snack or breakfast. In coastal towns like Santa Margherita Ligure, it is a daily staple.
A thin, crisp cheese-filled focaccia from nearby Recco, one of the area’s most famous specialties. It is especially associated with the Gulf of Tigullio.
Established Michelin-starred restaurant known for refined Ligurian cuisine, creative tasting menus, and a polished intimate atmosphere.
Well-known seafood restaurant on the waterfront, appreciated for classic Ligurian fish dishes and an elegant traditional setting.
Traditional local trattoria known for reliable Ligurian home cooking, pasta dishes, and a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.
Prices are high versus much of Italy, especially in peak season. Hotels and dining cost more than inland towns.
Service is often included or covered by a coperto. Tipping is modest: round up or leave EUR 1-5 in casual places, about 5-10% only for notably good restaurant service.
Official public transport app
Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino Station, Santa Margherita Ligure -> Santa Margherita Ligure Town Center, Santa Margherita Ligure
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bologna to Santa Margherita Ligure 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 Santa Margherita Ligure, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bologna to Santa Margherita Ligure trains use the Bologna Centrale to S. Margherita Ligure-Portofino station pair. Use this guide to compare Bologna and Santa Margherita Ligure 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 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.
S. Margherita Ligure-Portofino has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ristorante Da Michele, Trattoria Baicin
Free.
Ticket office support is available at S. Margherita Ligure-Portofino. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at S. Margherita Ligure-Portofino. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at S. Margherita Ligure-Portofino: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at S. Margherita Ligure-Portofino: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at S. Margherita Ligure-Portofino: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Laurin, Hotel Metropole, Hotel Jolanda.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need