- Recommended
Museo del Parco
Open-air contemporary sculpture museum in nearby Villa Durazzo park, featuring works integrated into landscaped gardens with sea views.
Cheapest price
$116
Average price
$116
Fastest journey
6 h 36 m
Average duration
6 h 36 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
341 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich 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 Zurich to Santa Margherita Ligure will cost around $116 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $116.
Of the 1 trains that leave Zurich for Santa Margherita Ligure on Mon, Jun 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 341 km distance in an average of 6 h 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 36 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 6 h 36 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 Zurich to Santa Margherita Ligure among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $41. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $41, and a train costs an average of $115.
Distance: 211 miles (341 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$150 Average price | $52 Average price Cheapest | $100 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 15m Average total duration Fastest 5h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 44m Average total duration 10h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Zurich to Santa Margherita Ligure:
A bus is $98 (€80) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Santa Margherita Ligure costing on average $150 (€123).
Other travel options to Santa Margherita Ligure take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 14m.
Tickets start at around $150 (€123) compared to roughly $100 (€81) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-50.16 (€-41.05). The journey takes 5h 45m versus 5h 21m 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 Zurich to Santa Margherita Ligure trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:33 PM Zurich | 6h36 | 7:09 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 Zurich to Santa Margherita Ligure run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $115 (€95) but you can travel from only $41 (€33) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:12, the last at 19:46. The fastest train covers the 211 miles (341 km) distance in 5h 44m.
Distance 211 miles (341 km) |
Average train duration 5h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $115 (€95) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 44m |
First train 4:12 AM |
Last train 7:46 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 7 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.
Open-air contemporary sculpture museum in nearby Villa Durazzo park, featuring works integrated into landscaped gardens with sea views.
Small museum inside the historic hilltop castle in nearby Portofino, combining local history, architecture, and panoramic viewpoints.
Major modern art museum in nearby Genoa Nervi with works by Italian artists, useful for travelers wanting a broader Ligurian cultural itinerary.
The town’s scenic seafront promenade, lined with palms, hotels, and harbor views; ideal for a classic walk and sunset photos.
Hiking network accessible from the town, offering panoramic paths through Mediterranean vegetation toward Portofino and hill hamlets.
Terraced gardens around Villa Durazzo with manicured greenery, viewpoints, and a refined atmosphere popular for photography.
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 throughout the day. In Santa Margherita Ligure it is a staple snack from bakeries and bars.
Very thin baked focaccia filled with soft cheese, a celebrated specialty of nearby Recco and widely enjoyed along this coast.
Well-known restaurant near the center serving refined Ligurian cuisine, pasta, and seafood in an elegant long-running setting.
Established seafood restaurant on the waterfront, known for classic Ligurian fish dishes and a polished traditional atmosphere.
Traditional trattoria appreciated for local recipes, pasta, and fish, with a warm and informal atmosphere.
Prices are above average for Italy, especially in peak season. Hotels and waterfront dining cost more than in inland towns.
Service is often included or covered by a coperto. Tipping is modest: round up or leave 5-10% for very good restaurant service; small change for taxis is enough.
Official public transport app
Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure -> Santa Margherita Ligure Town Center, Santa Margherita Ligure
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich 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 Zurich to Santa Margherita Ligure trains use the Zürich HB to S. Margherita Ligure-Portofino station pair. Use this guide to compare Zurich and Santa Margherita Ligure 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.
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