- Must visit
Galata Museo del Mare
Nearby major maritime museum in Genoa with ships, navigation exhibits, and immersive displays, an excellent excursion from Santa Margherita.
Cheapest price
€18
Average price
€38
Fastest journey
4 h 15 m
Average duration
4 h 21 m
Trains per day
26
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 €38 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €18.
It's difficult to get from Bologna to Santa Margherita Ligure without transferring at least once.
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2462 · Regionale Veloce 3025 · Regionale Veloce 3273
Regionale Veloce TTPER 3914 · Regionale TTPER 19247 · Regionale Veloce 3278
Regionale TTPER 2070 · Regionale Veloce 3261
Regionale Veloce TTPER 3910 · Regionale TTPER 19243 · Regionale Veloce 3274
Regionale Veloce TTPER 3902 · Regionale 19235 · Regionale Veloce 3266
Intercity 612 · Intercity 995
Intercity 657+
InterCityNotte 752
Intercity 584+
Regionale Veloce 4029+
Intercity 674
Regionale TTPER 2070 · Regionale Veloce 3261
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2474+
Intercity 673Omio 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 €18. 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 €18, and a bus costs an average of €13.
Distance: 105 miles (170 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€25 Average price Cheapest | €26 Average price | €70 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 37m Average total duration 4h 7m 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 €1 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bologna to Santa Margherita Ligure costing on average €26.
Other travel options to Santa Margherita Ligure take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 7m.
Tickets start at around €25 compared to roughly €70 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €45. The journey takes 4h 7m 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, Wednesday, August 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FRECCIAROSSA 9409+ Regionale 18365 · Regionale Veloce 3270 | 10:02 AM Bologna Centrale | 4h43 | 2:45 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9516+ Regionale Veloce 3025 · Regionale Veloce 3273 | 10:36 AM Bologna Centrale | 4h38 | 3:14 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
Intercity 584+ Regionale Veloce 4029+ Intercity 674 | 11:21 AM Bologna Centrale | 4h23 | 3:44 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 3910 · Regionale TTPER 19243 · Regionale Veloce 3274 | 11:33 AM Bologna Centrale | 5h12 | 4:45 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2470 · Regionale TTPER 88122 · Regionale Veloce 3277 | 11:50 AM Bologna Centrale | 5h24 | 5:14 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2470+ Intercity 669+ Regionale 12409 | 11:50 AM Bologna Centrale | 4h51 | 4:41 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 3912 · Regionale 19245+ Intercity 680 | 12:33 PM Bologna Centrale | 5h11 | 5:44 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9310+ Regionale Veloce 3029 · Regionale 12419 | 12:51 PM Bologna Centrale | 4h46 | 5:37 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9415+ Regionale 18373+ Intercity 680 | 1:02 PM Bologna Centrale | 4h42 | 5:44 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 3914 · Regionale TTPER 19247 · Regionale Veloce 3278 | 1:33 PM Bologna Centrale | 5h12 | 6:45 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2474+ Intercity 673 | 1:50 PM Bologna Centrale | 4h25 | 6:15 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 1 transfer | |
FRECCIAROSSA 8419+ Regionale 18377 · Regionale Veloce 3278 | 2:02 PM Bologna Centrale | 4h43 | 6:45 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
Regionale 17833 · Regionale 18522+ Intercity 684 | 3:05 PM Bologna Centrale | 4h39 | 7:44 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 3918 · Regionale TTPER 19251 · Regionale Veloce 3282 | 3:33 PM Bologna Centrale | 5h25 | 8:58 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2478+ BUS L685E+ Regionale 12471 | 3:50 PM Bologna Centrale | 7h07 | 10:57 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2478+ Intercity 679 | 3:50 PM Bologna Centrale | 4h28 | 8:18 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 1 transfer | |
Intercity 612 · Intercity 995 | 7:05 PM Bologna Centrale | 4h15 | 11:20 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 17851 · Regionale 18251+ Intercity 658 | 8:35 PM Bologna Centrale | 10h24 | 6:59 AM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9567+ Regionale 18251+ Intercity 658 | 9:27 PM Bologna Centrale | 9h32 | 6:59 AM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
| Thursday, August 20 | |||||
InterCityNotte 752+ Intercity 657 | 5:58 AM Bologna Centrale | 4h16 | 10:14 AM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 1 transfer | |
Regionale TTPER 2070 · Regionale Veloce 3261 | 6:33 AM Bologna Centrale | 4h24 | 10:57 AM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 1 transfer | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 3902 · Regionale 19235 · Regionale Veloce 3266 | 7:33 AM Bologna Centrale | 5h12 | 12:45 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2462 · Regionale Veloce 3025 · Regionale Veloce 3273 | 7:50 AM Bologna Centrale | 7h24 | 3:14 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9300+ Intercity 511+ Regionale 12388 | 7:51 AM Bologna Centrale | 5h22 | 1:13 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
Intercity 583+ Regionale 18361+ Intercity 670 | 8:54 AM Bologna Centrale | 4h50 | 1:44 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
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 €24 but you can travel from only €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 €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.
Nearby major maritime museum in Genoa with ships, navigation exhibits, and immersive displays, an excellent excursion from Santa Margherita.
Town museum inside Villa Durazzo, presenting local history, period rooms, and cultural exhibitions in an elegant aristocratic residence.
Historic abbey complex with guided cultural visits to cloisters, gardens, and decorated rooms, functioning as a heritage exhibition site.
Palm-lined seafront promenade ideal for strolling, people-watching, and views of the harbor, villas, and fishing boats.
Characterful historic center with narrow lanes, colorful facades, and everyday local life. Best explored slowly on foot.
Scenic pedestrian route toward Paraggi and Portofino, loved for cliffside sea views, coves, and classic Riviera atmosphere.
Focaccia col formaggio is Liguria’s ultra-thin cheese-filled flatbread, famed nearby in Recco and widely loved around the Gulf of Tigullio.
Pesto alla Genovese is the region’s signature basil sauce, traditionally pounded with pine nuts, Parmigiano, pecorino, garlic and olive oil.
Farinata is a baked chickpea flour pancake with olive oil, a classic Ligurian street food valued for its simple coastal tradition.
Refined Michelin-starred dining in a grand villa hotel, known for elegant Ligurian seafood and polished fine-dining service.
Well-known local spot for straightforward regional cooking, including seafood, pasta and Ligurian specialties in a relaxed setting.
Historic seafront restaurant near the harbor, appreciated for classic Ligurian fish dishes, pasta and a traditional Riviera atmosphere.
Prices are higher than many Italian towns due to Riviera tourism. Hotels and dining rise in peak season, while local trains and buses stay fairly reasonable.
Service is often included or covered by coperto. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis are usually rounded up. Small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino -> Piazza Caprera, 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 S. Vitale is 2 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna S. Vitale has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Bologna S. Vitale.
ATMs are available at Bologna S. Vitale.
Available at Bologna S. Vitale: Parking, WC.
Available at Bologna S. Vitale: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna S. Vitale: Elevators, ramps.
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.
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