Getting around

By air

Genoa’s Cristoforo Colombo airport (GOA) is small, with mostly domestic and a handful of European routes. For wider choice and long-haul, many people use Milan’s airports (about two hours by train) or Nice, over the French border.

From the airport into town — the Volabus

AMT’s Volabus shuttle runs from the airport to the two main stations, Genova Principe and Genova Brignole, via Piazza De Ferrari in about 30 minutes, for around €6 (€5 online), and the ticket includes onward AMT travel.

By train

Genoa's two stations, Principe and Brignole, put Milan and Turin under two hours and the whole Ligurian coast, the Cinque Terre, the Riviera, within easy reach (times below).

On foot, through the caruggi

The historic centre is one of the largest medieval old towns in Europe, a warren of narrow lanes called caruggi, too tight for cars and made entirely for walking. Most old-town daily life happens on foot.

The metro, funiculars and elevators (AMT)

This is Genoa’s signature: alongside the M2 metro line, AMT runs historic funicular railways and public elevators (ascensori) built into the hillsides, so climbing the steep city is part of the transport system, not a chore. One ticket covers them all.

Buses (AMT)

AMT’s buses fill in the rest of the sprawling, hilly city. A single ride is €2.00, valid 110 minutes, and it covers the metro, funiculars, and elevators too (AMT, 2026).

Intercity buses (FlixBus and Itabus)

A budget option for other cities. On the coastal corridor the train is usually faster and more central, so most people take it, but the coach can win on price or for routes the train serves awkwardly. Check routes and fares on FlixBus ›

A note on driving

Genoa's old town is a car-free maze, and the whole city's steep, narrow, and short on parking, so a car is a genuine liability in the centre. It earns its keep mainly for exploring the Riviera coast and the hills behind the city.