How to get to Sanremo: train, plane, car and bus

How to get to Sanremo

Sanremo, the City of Flowers, is the gem of the Riviera di Ponente. Famous for its Song Festival, its Casino and its mild year-round climate, this elegant Ligurian city faces the sea among palms, gardens and a fascinating medieval quarter, the Pigna. Getting to Sanremo is straightforward thanks to its position on the coast between Genoa and the French border.

Getting to Sanremo by train

Sanremo's renovated, modern station is located in an underground tunnel in the city centre. It is served by the Genoa-Ventimiglia line.

• From Genoa (Brignole or Principe): regional trains in approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours
• From Ventimiglia: regional trains every 20-30 minutes, only 15 minutes' journey
• From Milan Centrale: direct Intercity in approximately 3 hours 30 minutes; or Freccia to Genoa then regional
• From Turin Porta Nuova: direct trains in approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours
• From Nice: TER trains from France via Ventimiglia, approximately 1 hour with a change at Ventimiglia
• From Rome: direct night Intercity or Freccia to Genoa and change, approximately 5-6 hours

From the station, the centre and seafront are just a few minutes' walk. The old railway line has been converted into the Coastal Park cycle path.

Getting to Sanremo by plane

The nearest airport is Nice Cote d'Azur (NCE), in France, approximately 60 km away.

• From Nice: Riviera Trasporti bus or TER train via Ventimiglia, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes; taxi approximately 50 minutes
• Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA): approximately 150 km, then regional train (about 2 hours 30 minutes)
• Turin Caselle Airport (TRN): approximately 220 km, then train (about 4 hours)
• Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP): approximately 310 km, then train via Milan and Genoa

For international arrivals, Nice Airport is the most practical choice thanks to its international flights and proximity. Note: you will cross the Italian-French border, so an identity document is required.

Getting to Sanremo by car

Sanremo sits on the A10 Genoa-Ventimiglia motorway (now A10/E80), the Autostrada dei Fiori.

• From Genoa: A10 towards France, Sanremo exit, approximately 145 km (1 hour 30 minutes)
• From Nice: French A8 then Ventimiglia border crossing and A10, Sanremo exit, approximately 60 km (50 minutes)
• From Milan: A7 to Genoa then A10, approximately 290 km (3 hours); or A26+A10 via Alessandria
• From Turin: A6 to Savona then A10, approximately 230 km (2 hours 30 minutes)
• From Cuneo: Tenda tunnel (SS20) then motorway, approximately 100 km (1 hour 30 minutes)

Parking: the centre has limited paid parking. Recommended: Porto Vecchio car park, Mercato dei Fiori car park, Pian di Nave car park. In high season, arrive early.

Getting to Sanremo by bus

• FlixBus connects Sanremo with Milan, Turin, Genoa, Rome and some European cities
• Riviera Trasporti operates coastal connections to Imperia, Ventimiglia, Bordighera, Taggia and the hinterland
• RT (Riviera Trasporti) line 1 connects the entire coast from Ventimiglia to Imperia via Sanremo

Getting around Sanremo

Sanremo is a city well suited to walking, with some help for the hilly terrain.

• Riviera Trasporti urban buses for hillside areas and outlying districts
• Riviera dei Fiori Coastal Park cycle path: 24 km of coastal route from Sanremo to San Lorenzo al Mare (and beyond), built on the old railway, ideal for bicycles and rental e-bikes
• Lift from the lower town to the Pigna (medieval old town)
• Porto Vecchio and pedestrian seafront for walks
• Taxis and private hire for excursions to the hinterland (Bussana Vecchia, Triora, Apricale, Dolceacqua)

The centre is compact: from the Casino to the Pigna, from San Siro cathedral to the port, everything is reachable in a 15-20 minute walk.

Practical tips

Sanremo enjoys an exceptional microclimate that makes it visitable year-round. Its proximity to France allows day trips to Nice, Menton and Monaco. The cycle path is an attraction in itself: it lets you reach nearby beaches and villages pedalling along the coast. For those arriving by train from France, the change at Ventimiglia is quick and well organised.

To plan your stay, also check our guides on where to stay in Sanremo, what to see in Sanremo in 2 days and where to eat in Sanremo.