The Italian Riviera sits on a narrow coastal plain beneath the towering mountains of the Maritime Alps and the Apennines in the northern Italian province of Liguria.
Centred on the port of Genoa, the Italian Riviera is divided into two sections…
The first section – known as the Riviera di Ponente – stretches from the French Riviera (or Côte d'Azur) at Ventimiglia to Genoa.
While the second section to the east – the Riviera di Levante – stretches to the border of Tuscany, and is best known for pristine coves framed by rocky promontories and soaring pine trees.
The most convenient route to the Italian Riviera is by air to Genoa Airport (GOA), also known as Genoa Christopher Columbus Airport, located about 7km (4.6mi) west of Genoa.
Alternatively, you can fly to Milan and connect by fast train, taking 1 hour 52 minutes, with frequent services.
The Italian Riviera is also easily accessed by road and rail. There are two main roads along the Riviera: the very fast 'autostrada' and the slow 'Aurelia', which winds from town to town (excluding those of the Cinque Terre, which is accessed by foot, train and boat).
Trains run frequently and offer a comfortable service to all the main resorts, including to and from Ventimiglia and La Spezia, as well as numerous smaller villages.
Note: If you are planning on hiring a car, just remember that parking is generally difficult to find in summer and the most picturesque regions of the Riviera di Levante are often jammed with traffic during the high season of July and August.
The following are the most convenient and quickest routes to Genoa Airport (GOA).
Within Italy: Alitalia offers the most convenient daily flights to Genoa.
Rome to Genoa is 1 hr 5 min, direct flight
From United Kingdom: British Airways and easyJet offer the most convenient direct flights to Genoa.
London to Genoa is 2 hrs, direct flight
Manchester to Genoa is 2 hrs 25 min, direct flight
From France: Air France offers the most convenient flights from Paris Orly (ORY) to Genoa.
Paris to Genoa is 1 hrs 35 min, direct flight
From Germany: Lufthansa offers the most convenient flights to Genoa.
Frankfurt to Genoa is 1 hrs 15 min, direct flight
Munich to Genoa is 1 hrs 10 min, direct flight
Berlin to Genoa is 3 hrs 5 min, connecting flightˆ
Dusseldorf to Genoa is 3 hrs 5 min, connecting flightˆ
Hamburg to Genoa is 3 hrs 20 min, connecting flightˆ
From United States: KLM, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Lufthansa, United Airlines and Alitalia offer the most convenient daily flights to Genoa.
Atlanta to Genoa is 11 hrs 24 min, connecting flightˆ
Boston to Genoa is 10 hrs 20 min, connecting flightˆ
Chicago to Genoa is 10 hrs 35 min, connecting flightˆ
Dallas-Fort Worth to Genoa is 11 hrs 40 min, connecting flightˆ
New York to Genoa is 10 hrs 40 min, connecting flightˆ
Los Angeles to Genoa is 13 hrs 30 min, connecting flightˆ
San Francisco to Genoa is 13 hrs 30 min, connecting flightˆ
From Canada: Air Canada, KLM, Alitalia, Lufthansa and Air Transat offer the most convenient daily flights to Genoa.
Toronto to Genoa is 10 hrs 25 min, connecting flightˆ
Montreal to Genoa is 9 hrs 25 min, connecting flightˆ
Vancouver to Genoa is 12 hrs 45 min, connecting flightˆ
From Australia: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and Alitalia offer the most convenient two stop scheduled flights to Genoa.
Adelaide to Genoa is 25 hrs 40 min, connecting flightˆ
Brisbane to Genoa is 24 hrs 50 min, connecting flightˆ
Sydney to Genoa is 24 hrs 45 min, connecting flightˆ
Melbourne to Genoa is 24 hrs 15 min, connecting flightˆ
Perth to Genoa is 22 hrs 45 min, connecting flightˆ
From New Zealand: Air New Zealand and KLM offer the most convenient two stop scheduled flights to Genoa.
Auckland to Genoa is 27 hrs 40 min, connecting flightˆ
From Singapore: Singapore Airlines and Alitalia offer the most convenient scheduled flights to Genoa.
Singapore to Genoa is 15 hrs 30 min, connecting flightˆ
(ˆincludes transfer time.)
Genoa Airport (GOA), also known as Genoa Christopher Columbus Airport (and Genoa-Sestri Ponente Airport, after the city district where it is located), is located about 7km (4.6mi) west of Genoa.
Taxi: Taxi companies, such as Radio Taxi (tel: +39 010 5966; www.5966.it), are available outside the terminal entrance. Journey time to central Genoa is around 15-20 minutes, with the per person fare from €8.
Bus: Volabus (tel: +39 010 558 2414; www.amt.genova.it) operates express bus services to central Genoa, including the main railway station.
Buses run from outside the terminal, taking 30 minutes with a fare of €6 – the single fare includes a 60-minute pass to use on city centre transport.
An alternative is the i24 shuttle, which runs to the nearest railway station (for €1.60), with the fare price including the onward train into Genoa.
Car hire companies include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt as well as some local companies. Desks are situated close to the main terminal entrance.
Money: A bank, bureau de change and ATMs are available in the terminal.
Food: Restaurants and cafes are available in Arrivals and Departures.
Shopping: A range of shops offer gifts, souvenirs and clothing. A duty-free is available for non-EU passengers.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the airport, as are public telephones.
Other: Other facilities available at Genoa Airport include baby changing rooms, an indoor play area for children and several tour operator desks.
The 'Sala Genova' VIP lounge (tel: +39 010 601 5380) can be accessed by economy passengers for a fee of €25.
The airport is fully accessible to disabled passengers, with lifts and disabled toilet facilities. Designated parking is available immediately opposite the terminal entrance.
Any passengers requiring additional assistance are advised to contact their airline before travelling.
A passport valid for at least six months beyond intended period of stay, a return/onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
Best on foot around the main resorts areas; hire cars, scooters and taxis are available for longer sightseeing trips along the coast.
Latest update: How to get to the Italian Riviera: 27 July, 2022
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