- 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
$138
Average price
$146
Fastest journey
6 h 43 m
Average duration
6 h 52 m
Trains per day
19
Distance
344 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Portofino is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Portofino will cost around $146 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $138.
It's difficult to get from Zurich to Portofino without transferring at least once.
EuroCity 23 · BUS L685E+
Regionale 12471
EuroCity 13+
Intercity 665
EuroCity 153+
Intercity 673
EuroCity 23+
Intercity 995
EuroCity 21+
Intercity 679
EuroCity 13+
Intercity 665
EuroCity 21+
Intercity 679
EuroCity 13+
Intercity 665
EuroCity 21+
Intercity 679
EuroCity 13+
Intercity 665+
Regionale 12389Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Portofino among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $36. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 5h 47m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $36, and a flight costs an average of $82.
Distance: 213 miles (344 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$131 Average price | $49 Average price Cheapest | $273 Average price | $178 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 24m Average total duration 5h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 17m Average total duration Fastest 5h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 5m Average total duration 9h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Zurich to Portofino:
A bus is $81 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Portofino costing on average $131.
A bus is $224 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Portofino costing on average $273.
Other travel options to Portofino take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 54m.
Flight takes on average 9h 5m.
Tickets start at around $131 compared to roughly $178 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $48. The journey takes 5h 54m versus 5h 31m 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.
Direct services run with Trenitalia.
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 Zurich 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EuroCity 13+ Intercity 665 | 7:33 AM Zurich HB | 6h48 | 2:21 PM Rapallo station | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 13+ Intercity 665+ Regionale 12389 | 7:33 AM Zurich HB | 7h14 | 2:47 PM Zoagli station | 2 transfers | |
EuroCity 13+ Intercity 665 | 7:33 AM Zurich HB | 6h43 | 2:16 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 31+ Intercity 669+ Regionale 12409 | 8:33 AM Zurich HB | 8h08 | 4:41 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
EuroCity 31+ Intercity 669 | 8:33 AM Zurich HB | 7h47 | 4:20 PM Rapallo station | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 31+ Intercity 669+ Regionale 12409 | 8:33 AM Zurich HB | 8h18 | 4:51 PM Zoagli station | 2 transfers | |
EuroCity 153+ Intercity 673+ Regionale 12429 | 10:33 AM Zurich HB | 8h14 | 6:47 PM Zoagli station | 2 transfers | |
EuroCity 153+ Intercity 673 | 10:33 AM Zurich HB | 7h47 | 6:20 PM Rapallo station | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 153+ Intercity 673 | 10:33 AM Zurich HB | 7h42 | 6:15 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 151+ Intercity 675+ Regionale 12441 | 12:33 PM Zurich HB | 7h28 | 8:01 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
EuroCity 151+ Intercity 675+ Regionale 12441 | 12:33 PM Zurich HB | 7h33 | 8:06 PM Rapallo station | 2 transfers | |
EuroCity 21+ Intercity 679 | 1:33 PM Zurich HB | 6h50 | 8:23 PM Rapallo station | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 21+ Intercity 679+ Regionale Veloce 3282 | 1:33 PM Zurich HB | 7h16 | 8:49 PM Zoagli station | 2 transfers | |
EuroCity 21+ Intercity 679 | 1:33 PM Zurich HB | 6h45 | 8:18 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 23+ Intercity 689+ Regionale 12471 | 3:33 PM Zurich HB | 7h24 | 10:57 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
EuroCity 23+ Intercity 689+ InterCityNotte 899 | 3:33 PM Zurich HB | 7h20 | 10:53 PM Rapallo station | 2 transfers | |
EuroCity 23+ Intercity 995 | 3:33 PM Zurich HB | 7h52 | 11:25 PM Rapallo station | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 23+ Intercity 995 | 3:33 PM Zurich HB | 7h47 | 11:20 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 23 · BUS L685E+ Regionale 12471 | 3:33 PM Zurich HB | 7h33 | 11:06 PM Zoagli station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, flight, 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 Zurich to Portofino run on average 24 times per day, taking around 5h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $67 but you can travel from only $36 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:14, the last at 17:36. The fastest train covers the 213 miles (344 km) distance in 5h 41m.
Distance 213 miles (344 km) |
Average train duration 5h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $67 |
Trains per day 24 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 41m |
First train 4:14 AM |
Last train 5:36 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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 Zurich 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 Zurich to Portofino trains use the Zürich HB to Rapallo station pair. Use this guide to compare Zurich and Portofino train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich HB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Au Premier, Brasserie Federal
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need