Staying in the Cinque Terre but wanting to visit Portofino? Usually this day trip would require a train and bus ride but starting July 3rd through August 28th on every Monday and Friday you can catch a ferry instead!
The dedicated ferry will depart Monterosso at 9:50am and arrive back to the village at approximately 5:20pm. Passengers will be allowed circa 3 hours of free time in Portofino before boarding the ferry again. Portofino is actually pretty tiny so that should be plenty of time to have a good look around.
Rates for the day trip are €33 for adults and €18 for children ages 6-11 (accompanied by at least one adult).
Of course, it’s important to remember that the ferry will not run unless sea and weather conditions permit.
Cinque Terre Insider 
Hi, what a wonderful blog! So good to find a blog that is made by someone actually living in the area.
We are in the cinque Terre now and are thinking of taking this boat trip to portofino. But where do you buy tickets? Do you book it? Or just buy on the boat? I can only find a phone number in contacts at their website. No ticket office?
http://www.navigazionegolfodeipoeti.it/en/timetables-and-rates/riomaggiore.html
I guess the journey is roughly 2h each way. Do you know if the ferry sell any refreshments onboard? Are the boats comfortable or are they crowded so you might have to stand the whole journey? So many questions! 🙂
Thank you for your help!
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Ciao Klara!
Thanks for your compliments! I’m so happy to hear that you like the blog. 🙂 And yes, lots of blog posts on the Cinque Terre but not so many by locals (or transplants, in my case 😉 ).
I just spoke with my friend who works at one of the ferry ticket booths. She said there’s no need to reserve in advance for the trip to Portofino and that they don’t overbook that ferry (so don’t worry, you’ll have a place to sit).
I would show up 30-40 minutes prior to the departure time to allow ample time to buy your ticket and to board. Don’t forget you’ll need cash to buy your tickets (there’s an ATM right next to where they sell the tickets in Monterosso). FYI, the ticket “counter” (more like a table beneath an awning) in Monterosso is very near to where you’ll catch the ferry near the beach in the historical center. I have a photo but it won’t let me post one in the comments section. 😦
Refreshments are not usually sold onboard the Cinque Terre ferries so bring something with you if you’d like. 🙂
I hope this info helps!
Amy
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Hello! I am so exited to know I’ll be there in a few months! I can’t wait. I was wondering if you could help me plan my trip even better. I will be spending the night in La Spezia in order to catch a ferry next morning and visit the Cinque Terre. My question is: how can I get from La Spezia to Portofino? Is there a ferry from La Spezia that gets to Portofino? Any other thoughts? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide. Best regards, Beatrice
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Ciao Beatrice,
You can take the train from La Spezia to Santa Margherita Ligure and then catch a bus just outside the train station that will take you to Portofino. This is the easiest option.
Best,
Amy
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Thank you very much for the prompt response Amy. We now have a better picture as to how to cover Portofino. Thanks a million!
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My pleasure, Beatrice! 🙂
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Is this service still available in 2019.
We are in Monterosso now.
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Ciao Gary,
Unfortunately it’s not. You can either hire a private boat charter or take the train to Santa Margherita Ligure and then a bus or taxi to Portofino. Or, you can hire a private driver or taxi to take you all the way there.
Best,
Amy
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