Sanremo

How to Get to Sanremo

Sanremo is well-connected to the Italian Riviera, but international travelers should note that the nearest major airport is across the border in France.

From Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)

• Direct Bus: The most straightforward option is a direct bus (FlixBus or BlaBlaCar Bus). Travel time is approximately 1 hour 10 minutes, with tickets typically costing €3–€8.
• Train: Take a local bus or tram to Nice Saint-Augustin station, then board a regional train to Ventimiglia. From Ventimiglia, transfer to an Italian Trenitalia regional train to Sanremo. Total journey time is roughly 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours. Tickets cost €7–€20 depending on the operator.
• Important: You can purchase train tickets at station kiosks or via the Trenitalia app. Look for the English language option on machines—they accept major credit cards. Always validate paper tickets in the green or yellow machines on the platform before boarding to avoid fines.

From City Center

• Local Bus: Operated by Riviera Trasporti, buses connect the city center (hub at Piazza Colombo) to the train station and surrounding districts. A single ticket is approximately €1.50 (valid for 90 minutes).
• Walking: The train station is centrally located near the City Hall. Most hotels in the downtown core are within a 10–15 minute walk.
• Tickets: Purchase bus tickets in advance at Tabaccherie (shops with a large 'T' sign) or newsstands. You must validate your ticket immediately upon boarding.

By Taxi

• Cost/Time: A taxi from the airport to Sanremo takes about 50–60 minutes. Expect to pay significantly more than public transport; ensure the meter is running or agree on a fare beforehand. Cash is the preferred payment method.

Sanremo station offers a straightforward, modern layout, though its unique design requires a bit of patience. Unlike traditional historic stations, this facility is located entirely underground within a tunnel, which was constructed to bypass the old coastal route. The station consists of just two passenger platforms, labeled 1 and 2, which serve all regional and intercity traffic along the Genoa–Ventimiglia line. Think of it as a simple, linear tunnel station where the two tracks run parallel to one another.

The most important thing for a first-time visitor to understand is the distance between the station entrance and the actual tracks. The entrance building is situated at street level, but the platforms are located deep inside a mountain tunnel. To bridge this gap, the station features a lengthy pedestrian corridor—approximately 600 to 700 meters long—that connects the main ticket hall to the platforms. While this corridor is equipped with moving walkways in both directions to assist with your journey, it is not a quick dash. You should allow at least 10 to 15 minutes to comfortably navigate from the station entrance to your platform, especially if you are traveling with luggage.

Because there are only two platforms, the layout is quite simple: Platform 1 generally serves trains heading toward Ventimiglia and the French border, while Platform 2 typically handles trains heading east toward Imperia, Savona, and Genoa. However, always verify your specific departure on the digital signage in the main hall before heading down the corridor, as track assignments can occasionally vary. The two platforms are connected by an underpass, allowing you to cross between them if necessary.

Navigation is generally intuitive, but the primary point of confusion for newcomers is the sheer length of the access corridor. Do not be alarmed by the distance; simply follow the clear signage toward the platforms. Elevators are available for those with mobility needs or heavy luggage, and the station is fully integrated with regional transit, making it a reliable hub despite its unconventional, subterranean nature. Arrive with plenty of time to enjoy the walk through the corridor, and you will find your train with ease.

Tips for First-Time Visitors: Sanremo Station

I wish someone had told me how unique Sanremo station is before I arrived. Don’t worry, but do prepare for a bit of a trek; the station is entirely underground and connects to the entrance building via a long corridor.

Before You Arrive

• Download the Trenitalia app: This is essential for checking real-time departures, platform changes, and buying tickets on the go. Avoid ticket queues by purchasing digital tickets in advance; they are valid immediately and don't require further action.
• Pack light: The station is modern but requires a lengthy walk (about 10 minutes) from the entrance building through a corridor equipped with moving walkways to reach the platforms. If you have heavy luggage, you will be very grateful for a manageable, lightweight bag.

At the Station

• Moving walkways: Utilize the moving walkways in the long corridor to save time and energy, but keep your luggage close, as these can get crowded.
• Facilities: The station includes a bar, a kiosk, and a ticket office in the main building. Restrooms are available for a fee of €1 (ensure you have coins, as card readers are not always reliable).
• Accessibility: While the station is modern and offers elevators, always verify the status of elevators and ramps in advance if you have reduced mobility, as maintenance can occasionally limit access.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to validate: If you buy a paper regional ticket at the station, you must validate it in the small green or yellow machines before boarding. Failing to do this can result in an immediate fine, even if your ticket is valid.
• Platform complacency: Don't just check the platform once when you arrive. Platforms can change with little notice, sometimes only 15–20 minutes before departure. Keep a close eye on the departure screens in the main hall and near the tracks.
• The "Station Distance" trap: Many visitors expect the station to be directly on the seafront like the old one. It is actually a bit of a hike from the main tourist center and old port. Factor in extra time to walk or take a local bus to reach your final destination in the city.

Through station serving Sanremo, Italy. Opened in 2001, this modern facility replaced the original 1872 coastal station, moving rail operations into an underground structure to accommodate double-tracking of the Genoa–Ventimiglia line. While it does not serve high-speed trains, it is a vital stop for regional and Intercity trains connecting travelers along the Italian Riviera to destinations such as Genoa, Milan, and Nice.

First-time visitors may be surprised by the station’s layout. Because the platforms are located inside a tunnel, the main entrance building is separated from the trains by a long pedestrian corridor. This walkway is equipped with moving sidewalks to assist with the approximately 10-minute transit to the tracks.

Is this station huge and confusing? No, it is quite straightforward. The station features two side platforms, clearly marked 1 and 2, and is well-signposted with standard Italian and English displays. To ensure a stress-free experience, allow extra time for the walk to the platforms. As in many European hubs, final platform assignments for your train may only be confirmed on the departure boards 30 to 60 minutes before the scheduled time. Remain attentive to these screens, and you will find navigating this coastal hub to be a simple process.