- 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
$20
Average price
$25
Fastest journey
2 h 7 m
Average duration
2 h 23 m
Trains per day
25
Distance
126 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Milan 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 Milan to Santa Margherita Ligure will cost around $25 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Of the 25 trains that leave Milan for Santa Margherita Ligure on Sat, Jun 20, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 126 km distance in an average of 2 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 7 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 2 h 49 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.
Regionale Veloce 3041 · Regionale Veloce 3289
Regionale Veloce 3013 · Regionale 12339
Regionale Veloce 3067 · Regionale 12363
TRENO DEL MARE TRENORD 3005
Regionale Veloce 3077 · Regionale 12465
Intercity 687
Intercity 673
Intercity 679
Intercity 651
Regionale Veloce 3073 · Regionale Veloce 3375 · Regionale Veloce 3281Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Milan to Santa Margherita Ligure among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $6. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 11m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $6, and a train costs an average of $17.
Distance: 78 miles (126 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$21 Average price | $8 Average price Cheapest | $60 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 48m Average total duration 2h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 41m Average total duration Fastest 2h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Milan to Santa Margherita Ligure:
A bus is $12 (€10) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Milan to Santa Margherita Ligure costing on average $21 (€17).
Other travel options to Santa Margherita Ligure take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 18m.
The journey is about 12m faster (2h 18m by train vs 2h 30m by car) and roughly $39 (€32) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($21 (€17) vs $60 (€49)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Intercity, Regionale, Italo.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Milan to Santa Margherita Ligure trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Regionale TRENORD 2355 · Regionale Veloce 3015 | 7:25 AM Milan Centrale | 3h27 | 10:52 AM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 1 transfer | |
Regionale Veloce 3017 · Regionale 12359 | 8:25 AM Milan Centrale | 3h16 | 11:41 AM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 1 transfer | |
Regionale Veloce 3017 · Regionale 12379 | 8:25 AM Milan Centrale | 5h14 | 1:39 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 1 transfer | |
Regionale Veloce 3017 · Regionale Veloce 2119 · Regionale Veloce 3265 | 8:25 AM Milan Centrale | 2h49 | 11:14 AM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce 2018 · Regionale Veloce 2125 · Regionale 12389 | 9:15 AM Milan Centrale | 5h22 | 2:37 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce 3025 · Regionale Veloce 3273 | 12:25 PM Milan Centrale | 2h49 | 3:14 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 1 transfer | |
Regionale Veloce 3029 · Regionale 22857 · Regionale Veloce 3277 | 2:25 PM Milan Centrale | 2h49 | 5:14 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce 3029 · Regionale 12419 | 2:25 PM Milan Centrale | 3h12 | 5:37 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 1 transfer | |
Regionale Veloce 3033 · Regionale Veloce 3281 | 4:25 PM Milan Centrale | 2h49 | 7:14 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 1 transfer | |
Regionale Veloce 3037 · Regionale Veloce 3285 | 6:25 PM Milan Centrale | 2h44 | 9:09 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 1 transfer | |
Regionale Veloce 3041 · Regionale Veloce 3289 | 8:25 PM Milan Centrale | 3h10 | 11:35 PM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
Intercity 651 | 6:00 AM Milan Centrale | 2h22 | 8:22 AM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale Veloce 3013 · Regionale 12339 | 6:25 AM Milan Centrale | 3h16 | 9:41 AM Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | 1 transfer | |
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 Milan to Santa Margherita Ligure run on average 24 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $17 (€14) but you can travel from only $6 (€5) by bus.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:41, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 78 miles (126 km) distance in 1h 53m.
Distance 78 miles (126 km) |
Average train duration 2h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 (€14) |
Trains per day 24 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 1h 53m |
First train 12:41 AM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 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
The train connection between Milan and Santa Margherita Ligure is both convenient and scenic, making it a popular choice for travelers. You can choose from several providers including Regionale, Intercity, and Frecciabianca. With frequent departures throughout the day, you’ll enjoy comfortable rides through picturesque landscapes as you journey from the bustling city of Milan to the charming coastal town of Santa Margherita Ligure.
The train journey from Milan to Santa Margherita Ligure takes approximately 2 hours and 4 minutes. There are up to 5 direct connections available each day, making it a convenient option for travelers. The departure stations include Milano Centrale, Milano Lambrate, Milano Porta Garibaldi, and Milano Rogoredo, with the arrival station being S. Margherita Ligure-Portofino.
The first daily train from Milan departs at 05:25, allowing early risers to start their journey towards the beautiful coastal town of Santa Margherita Ligure. The last train leaves at 20:10, providing ample time for travelers to explore and enjoy the stunning scenery before heading back in the evening.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Milan and Santa Margherita Ligure is €12. The average ticket price typically hovers around €16, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore this beautiful coastal town from the vibrant city of Milan.
Welcome to the enchanting Castello di Santa Margherita Ligure, a fortress that dates back to the 16th century, originally built for defense against pirates and invaders. Its significance lies not only in its historical role but also in its stunning panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. Unique features include well-preserved battlements and charming gardens that invite you to explore while soaking up centuries of history.
Next on our journey is the Chiesa di San Giacomo, an exquisite church with roots tracing back to medieval times; it's renowned for its striking Baroque architecture and intricate frescoes. This sacred site holds great significance as both a spiritual haven and a cultural landmark where locals gather during annual festivals celebrating their heritage. One unique feature you'll notice is the beautifully crafted wooden altar adorned with gold leaf detailing—an absolute must-see!
Finally, we arrive at Villa Durazzo, an elegant villa surrounded by lush gardens that reflect Italian Renaissance design principles from the 17th century. The villa's importance stems from its role as a noble residence hosting illustrious guests throughout history while serving as an art gallery today showcasing local talent. Among its unique features are meticulously landscaped terraces offering breathtaking views over Portofino Bay—a serene escape into nature’s beauty!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Milan 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.

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