- Recommended
Castello Brown Museum
A historic house-museum inside Portofino’s famous hilltop castle, with period interiors, exhibitions, and panoramic views over the harbor. One of the village’s signature cultural attractions.
We are not able to find a train between these two places.
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Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Varenna to Portofino among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 31m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $24, and a flight costs an average of $217.
Distance: 118 miles (190 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$27 Average price Cheapest | $367 Average price | $50 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 1m Average total duration Fastest 3h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 7m Average total duration 13h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Varenna to Portofino:
A train is $340 (€280) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Varenna to Portofino costing on average $367 (€301).
Other travel options to Portofino take longer:
Flight takes on average 13h 7m.
Tickets start at around $27 (€22) compared to roughly $50 (€41) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $23 (€19). The journey takes 3h 31m versus 3h 25m 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 Varenna to Portofino trains for today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:46 AM Varenna | 4h52 | 10:38 AM Portofino | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Varenna to Portofino run on average 35 times per day, taking around 3h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:51, the last at 19:35. The fastest train covers the 118 miles (190 km) distance in 4h 8m.
Distance 118 miles (190 km) |
Average train duration 3h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€20) |
Trains per day 35 |
Fastest train 4h 8m |
First train 4:51 AM |
Last train 7:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Portofino — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portofino trip today.
A historic house-museum inside Portofino’s famous hilltop castle, with period interiors, exhibitions, and panoramic views over the harbor. One of the village’s signature cultural attractions.
The abbey complex at San Fruttuoso includes historic interiors and interpretive displays linked to the site’s religious and maritime history. A rewarding cultural excursion by boat or hike from the
Genoa’s major maritime museum offers strong context for Liguria’s seafaring heritage and complements a stay in Portofino well, though it is outside the village itself.
The postcard-famous harbor square lined with colorful buildings and boats. It is the social heart of Portofino and the village’s most recognizable must-see area.
The waterfront promenade around the harbor, ideal for a leisurely stroll, classic views, and people-watching. This is one of the most photogenic parts of the village.
The protected natural park covering the promontory, with trails linking Portofino to San Fruttuoso, Camogli, and panoramic viewpoints. Essential for hikers and nature lovers.
Hand-rolled Ligurian pasta served with basil pesto, a regional classic strongly associated with the Riviera and nearby Genoa.
Olive oil-rich Ligurian flatbread with a crisp top and soft interior, eaten throughout the day as a local staple.
Very thin baked flatbread filled with fresh cheese, a celebrated specialty from the Riviera di Levante near Portofino.
Long-standing Portofino favorite near the harbor, known for Ligurian seafood, pasta, and an elegant but relaxed atmosphere.
Established restaurant overlooking the bay, appreciated for seafood, local specialties, and panoramic terrace dining.
Historic and casual spot on the piazzetta area, known for traditional Ligurian dishes, pasta, and a classic old-Portofino feel.
Portofino is a luxury resort. Hotels and seafront dining are pricey, with cheaper options mostly in nearby towns.
Service is often included or covered by a coperto. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for great service is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino -> Portofino Piazzetta
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Varenna 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 Varenna to Portofino trains use the Varenna-esino to Rapallo station pair. Use this guide to compare Varenna and Portofino train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Varenna-esino has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Varenna-esino.
Ticket office support is available at Varenna-esino. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Available at Varenna-esino: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Varenna-esino: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Varenna-esino: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Olivedo, Albergo Milano, Hotel du Lac.
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