- Must visit
Museo dell'Abbazia di San Fruttuoso
Abbey museum in a secluded bay with historic interiors, cloisters, and monastic collections. It is one of the region’s most atmospheric cultural sites.
Cheapest price
$57
Average price
$57
Fastest journey
3 h 53 m
Average duration
3 h 53 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
190 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lugano to Portofino is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lugano to Portofino will cost around $57 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $57.
Of the 1 trains that leave Lugano for Portofino on Wed, Aug 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 190 km distance in an average of 3 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 53 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 3 h 53 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.


Trains from Lugano to Portofino run on average 19 times per day, taking around 3h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $44 but you can travel from only $21 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:44, the last at 19:30. The fastest train covers the 118 miles (190 km) distance in 3h 47m.
Distance 118 miles (190 km) |
Average train duration 3h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 |
Trains per day 19 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 47m |
First train 4:44 AM |
Last train 7:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
The table below shows live departures for Lugano to Portofino trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:30 AM Lugano | 3h53 | 2:23 PM Portofino | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Portofino — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portofino trip today.
Abbey museum in a secluded bay with historic interiors, cloisters, and monastic collections. It is one of the region’s most atmospheric cultural sites.
Museum inside Portofino’s hilltop castle with exhibitions on local history and culture, plus one of the best panoramic terraces in the village.
Museum area at the nearby Giannettino Luxoro villa with decorative arts and historic interiors. It is a refined lesser-known cultural stop on the coast.
Portofino’s famous harbor square lined with colorful buildings. It is the essential place to stroll, sit, and absorb the village atmosphere.
Scenic waterfront promenade around the harbor with postcard views of boats and facades. It is ideal for a short classic Portofino walk.
Popular path linking Portofino to San Fruttuoso through Portofino Natural Park. It rewards walkers with forest, cliffs, and sea views.
Traditional Genoese basil sauce with pine nuts, garlic, Parmigiano and olive oil, usually served with trofie. A Ligurian icon eaten throughout the Portofino area.
Thin savory chickpea pancake baked in a hot oven. Popular across Liguria as a simple street food and naturally free of gluten ingredients.
Fresh ravioli filled with wild herbs, greens and ricotta, often served with butter, sage or light sauce. A classic festive pasta from the Ligurian coast.
Elegant Michelin-starred dining at Splendido with refined Ligurian tasting menus and panoramic Riviera views in a historic luxury hotel setting.
Waterfront fine dining in the harbor, known for fresh seafood, classic Ligurian dishes and polished service with iconic Portofino scenery.
Stylish restaurant and wine bar near the marina, serving seafood, pasta and Ligurian plates in a relaxed but polished setting.
Portofino is pricier than many Italian coastal towns, with high hotel rates, upscale dining, and premium waterfront cafés; transit costs are moderate.
Service may be included via coperto or servizio. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service; round up taxi fares; small change is fine at cafés.
Official public transport app
Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino -> Piazza Martiri Dell'Olivetta, Portofino
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lugano 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 Lugano to Portofino trains use the Lugano FLP to Rapallo station pair. Use this guide to compare Lugano and Portofino train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Lugano FLP 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, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ristorante Grand Café Al Porto, Ristorante Trani
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Lugano FLP. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Lugano FLP. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lugano FLP: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lugano FLP: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano FLP: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Lugano Dante Center, Hotel Federale Lugano, Hotel Pestalozzi Lugano.
Lugano has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ristorante Grand Café Al Porto, Ristorante La Cucina di Alice
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Lugano. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Lugano. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lugano: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lugano: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano, Hotel Lugano Dante Center, Hotel Federale Lugano.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need