How to Get from Sanremo to Genoa Airport

The train is the most reliable and convenient way to travel from Sanremo to Genoa Airport. Sanremo is served by Trenitalia regional and Intercity trains running along the Ligurian coast. You will need to change at Genoa Piazza Principe (or sometimes Genova Brignole) to reach the airport via the Volabus shuttle or a local train.

Step-by-Step: Train + Volabus

1. Sanremo Station → Genoa Piazza Principe — Regional trains depart every 30–60 minutes. Journey time: 1 h 50 min – 2 h 15 min. Cost: €13–18 (depending on train type and booking time).
2. Genoa Piazza Principe → Genoa Airport (GOA) — Exit the station and take the Volabus (shuttle bus, bright blue/white, departures every 20–30 min). Journey time: 15–20 min. Cost: €6 (buy ticket at the airport desk, at the station tabacchi, or via the AMT Genova app).

Train Types & Ticket Comparison

Train Type	Time Sanremo→Genova	Price (€)	Seat Reservation	Frequency
Regionale Veloce (RV)	2 h 05 min	€13.00	Not required	Every 30–60 min
Intercity (IC)	1 h 50 min	€17.50–€22.00	Recommended	4–6x/day
Frecciarossa (FR)*	1 h 45 min	€25.00–€35.00	Required	2–3x/day (limited)

* Frecciarossa services on this route are limited and often require a change at Genova. Most travelers use RV or IC.

Important Details

• Luggage: Regional trains have open luggage racks; Intercity cars have overhead bins. No luggage restrictions beyond standard carry-on size.
• Accessibility: All major stations (Sanremo, Genoa P.P.) have lifts and ramps. Volabus is wheelchair accessible.
• Onboard services: Regional trains have a vending machine; Intercity/Frecciarossa have a bar carriage.
• Buying tickets: Use the Trenitalia app or website — regional tickets are valid 4 h after validation. Intercity tickets are tied to a specific train.

Why train is recommended: It avoids A10 motorway traffic (notorious for summer jams), costs 90% less than a taxi, and runs frequently. The coastal scenery between Sanremo and Genoa is also remarkably beautiful — sit on the left side for sea views.

Source: Trenitalia official timetable · AMT Genova Volabus info

Why not flying? The distance between Sanremo and Genoa Airport is only 150 km (93 miles) — too short for commercial flights. The closest airports with regular flights from Sanremo are Nice (France) and Milan, but both require 2–4 hours of ground travel each way, making them impractical.

Driving from Sanremo to Genoa Airport

• Route: A10/E80 motorway (Autostrada dei Fiori) — toll road, well-maintained, with coastal tunnels and viaducts.
• Distance: 150 km.
• Time: 1 h 40 min – 2 h (without heavy traffic).
• Tolls: Approximately €12–15 (one way) — paid by card or cash at toll booths.
• Fuel cost: ~€18–22 for a standard car (1.6L petrol).

Rental Car Options

Company	Pick-up in Sanremo	One-way fee to GOA	Approx. daily rate
Hertz	Via Nino Bixio 12	€30–50	€65–90
Europcar	Corso Imperatrice 45	€25–45	€55–85
Local agencies (e.g., Noleggio Sanremo)	Various	€20–40	€45–70

Parking at Genoa Airport

Genoa Airport has both short-term and long-term parking. Rates: €2.50/h for the first 2 hours, €12/day in the long-term lot (P3). If you are dropping off a rental, follow the "Rental Return" signs at Terminal 1.

When driving makes sense: if you are a group of 3–4 people, have heavy luggage, or plan to explore the Ligurian coast before your flight. The A10 can be congested on summer weekends — avoid Friday 16:00–19:00 and Sunday 15:00–19:00.

Source: Autostrade per l'Italia toll calculator · Genoa Airport parking & rental info

Taking a bus from Sanremo to Genoa is the most economical choice, though it requires a connection to the airport at the end. Both FlixBus and RTI Liguria operate services on this route.

Bus Options Compared

Operator	Route	Time	Price (€)	Stops	Book required?
FlixBus	Sanremo (bus stop near station) → Genoa Piazza della Vittoria	2 h 30 min – 3 h	€8–15	1–2 (Imperia, Savona)	Yes (app/website)
RTI Liguria (regional bus)	Sanremo → Genoa Brignole (via A10)	2 h 45 min – 3 h 15 min	€10–13	Multiple local stops	No (buy on board or at tabacchi)

After arriving in Genoa (Piazza della Vittoria or Brignole), take the Volabus (€6) or a local train (€4–6) to the airport. Total combined journey: 3 – 3.5 hours · Total cost: €14–21.

Night Bus Service

FlixBus occasionally runs late-evening departures from Sanremo (around 22:30–23:00) that arrive in Genoa around 01:30–02:00. These are useful for early-morning flights. However, the Volabus does not run between midnight and 05:00 — you would need a taxi from Genoa city center to the airport (≈€25–35) or wait until first Volabus at 05:30.

Luggage & Comfort

• FlixBus: 1 carry-on + 1 checked bag included; extra bag €5. Reclining seats, power outlets, free Wi-Fi (varies by bus).
• RTI Liguria: No free luggage allowance beyond cabin size; limited legroom. Best for day trips with a backpack.

When bus makes sense: You are on a tight budget (under €20 total), you are traveling light, or you want a late-night departure. For families or those with mobility needs, the train is more comfortable.

Source: FlixBus official schedules · RTI Liguria regional bus info

Taxis and private transfers offer the fastest door-to-door service from Sanremo to Genoa Airport, but at a significant premium. This option is best for groups, travelers with very early or late flights, or those with heavy/ bulky luggage.

Taxi Fares & Details

Type	Estimated Fare (€)	Time	Notes
Licensed taxi (Sanremo rank)	€220–280	1 h 45 min – 2 h	Metered — confirm fixed price before ride
Private transfer (pre-booked)	€200–260	1 h 45 min – 2 h	Includes meet-and-greet, door-to-door
Uber / NCC (luxury car)	€250–350	1 h 40 min – 1 h 55 min	Dynamic pricing; book via app
Shared shuttle (rare)	€80–120 per person	2 h – 2 h 30 min	Limited availability; must pre-book

When to Choose a Taxi / Private Transfer

• Early morning flights (before 07:00): First Volabus departs at 05:30, so a taxi is the only reliable option for flights before 08:00.
• Late-night arrivals (after 23:00): No train or bus connections to the airport from Genoa city center after midnight.
• Groups of 4+ people: Split cost becomes comparable to train+Volabus for multiple tickets.
• Mobility concerns: Direct door-to-door service avoids station transfers and stairs.

Booking tip: Always pre-book a private transfer at least 24 hours in advance — you will pay less than a rank taxi and guarantee availability. Reputable companies include NCC Liguria and Genoa Airport Transfers.

Source: Genova Taxi official fares · Genoa Airport taxi info

Use this table to compare every major travel method from Sanremo to Genoa Airport. Prices are per person (unless noted) and include all required transfers.

Method	Total Time	Total Cost (€)	Cost (USD ~)	Transfers	Best For
🚆 Train + Volabus ★ Best	2 h 40 min – 3 h	€19–24	$21–26	1 (Genoa P.P.)	Most travelers; best balance
🚆 Regional train only (to GOA via train)	2 h 30 min – 3 h	€17–22	$19–24	1 (Genoa Sestri P.)	Budget + rail enthusiasts
🚌 Bus (FlixBus) + Volabus	3 h – 3 h 30 min	€14–21	$15–23	1–2	Lowest cost
🚌 RTI regional bus + Volabus	3 h 15 min – 3 h 45 min	€16–19	$18–21	1–2	No booking needed
🚗 Car (rental + toll + fuel)	1 h 45 min – 2 h	€75–150*	$83–165*	0 (direct)	Groups / flexibility
🚕 Taxi / Private transfer	1 h 40 min – 2 h	€200–280	$220–310	0 (door-to-door)	Early/late flights, luxury

* Car cost is total for vehicle (not per person). Rental based on 1-day hire + one-way fee + tolls + fuel.

🌟 Best value: Train + Volabus — fastest non-car option, cheapest per km, scenic, and reliable. Cheapest: FlixBus + Volabus at €14–21. Fastest: Taxi or car at ~1 h 45 min.

Source: Trenitalia fares · FlixBus fares · Autostrade tolls

1. Luggage — Use Takkyubin (Baggage Delivery) for Heavy Bags

If you have large suitcases, consider Italy's "baggage delivery" service (similar to Japan's Takkyubin). Companies like Pony Express or BARTOLINI can forward your luggage from Sanremo to Genoa Airport for about €25–35 per bag. You travel hands-free and collect your bag at the airport baggage desk. Book at your hotel reception or at Sanremo station.

2. Station Navigation — Genoa Piazza Principe Can Be Confusing

Genoa Piazza Principe is a large station with multiple levels. The Volabus stop is outside the main entrance (Piazza Acquaverde), to the left of the taxi rank. Look for the bright blue "VOLABUS" signs. If you are taking a local train to the airport, follow "Genova Aeroporto" signs to the underground platforms (binari 1–4).

3. Avoid Peak Holiday Travel

During Italian holidays (Ferragosto — August 15, Easter, Christmas week) and the Sanremo Music Festival (first week of February), trains and buses can be completely sold out. Book Intercity seats at least 2 weeks in advance. Regional trains cannot be reserved, so arrive at the station 20–30 min early to queue.

4. The Coastal View Is Worth the Window Seat

The railway line from Sanremo to Genoa runs along the Ligurian coast with stunning sea views. Sit on the left side of the train (when facing north) for the best panorama of the Mediterranean, especially between Alassio and Varazze.

5. Connectivity & Tickets

• Wi-Fi: Regional trains have free Wi-Fi (Trenitalia Wi-Fi), but it can be slow. Genoa Airport has free unlimited Wi-Fi.
• Phone signal: Good along the entire route (4G/5G).
• App to download: Trenitalia (tickets + live departures), AMT Genova (Volabus tickets), FlixBus (if using bus).

6. If You Miss the Volabus Connection

From Genoa Piazza Principe, you can also take a local train to "Genova Sestri Ponente" station and then a 10-minute walk or short taxi (€10–15) to the airport. This is a good backup if the Volabus is delayed or full.

Source: Pony Express baggage service · Trenitalia station maps