The port of Genoa is one of the largest and most important ports in Europe and stretches along the city’s coastline for more than 22 kilometers. It is divided into several areas that serve different activities, including cargo, ferries, cruises, and yachts. The port is well marked, with signs indicating the different areas for ferries, cruises, and logistics. Near the terminals, you will also find ticket offices and information points where you can get maps and assistance. In this article we will explain how to get to the port of Genoa and reach the ferry embarkation terminal.
Getting oriented in the 4 areas of the port
The port of Genoa is divided into four main operational sections. Many areas of the port have visual maps and information totems indicating the layout of the port and key points such as parking lots, ticket offices, embarkation terminals, and waiting areas.
- Port of Sampierdarena (Porto Vecchio). This is the most historic part of the port and is mainly used for commercial and logistics traffic, with container terminals and industrial infrastructure.
- Passenger Port (New Port). It includes the Ferry Terminal and the Cruise Terminal. Ferries to Sardinia, Sicily, Corsica and international destinations such as Spain and North Africa depart from here. It is also the embarkation point for cruise ships. This area is located near the Dinegro district, with the Ferry Terminal located in Piazzale Iqbal Masih.
- Port of Voltri. This section, located west of downtown Genoa, is mainly used for container and freight traffic. It is not accessible to passenger traffic.
- Marina di Genova and Marina di Porto Antico. These areas are dedicated to yachts and pleasure boats. The Old Port, in particular, is a popular tourist area, with attractions such as the Genoa Aquarium and various restaurants and stores.
Where the ferry terminal is located
Ferry boarding in the port of Genoa is located at the Ferry Terminal. This terminal is located in the Piazzale Iqbal Masih area , near Calata Chiappella and the Dinegro district. It is an area specifically dedicated to passenger ferry connections, with departures to all destinations connected with the Port of Genoa. Address: Piazzale Iqbal Masih, 16126 Genoa GE, Italy. The terminal is located near the Dinegro subway station, which is about a 5-minute walk away. It is also in close proximity to the famous Genoa Harbor Lantern, a landmark of the city. If you are traveling by car, follow the signs to the port and ferry terminal, which are well signposted from the main access routes into Genoa.
Directions to the port of Genoa
To reach the ferry embarkation of the port of Genoa, there are several options depending on the starting point in the city. Below we will list the route from some of the most important points in the Ligurian capital.
From Genoa Piazza Principe Station
Genoa Piazza Principe train station is the one closest to the ferry port. Once you arrive here, you can opt for several options.
Walking. Genoa Piazza Principe Station is about a 15-20 minute walk from the ferry terminal. Just follow the signs to the port or “Ferry Terminal.” Walking along Via Andrea Doria and then Via Milano, you will reach the boarding area.
Bus. You can take the bus AMT No. 3 or 20 from the Piazza Acquaverde/Principe FS stop (in front of the station) and get off at the Dinegro/Terminal Ferry stop, which is a short walk from the terminal. Subway. Take the subway from Principe towards Brin and get off at the Dinegro stop. The ferry terminal is about a 5-minute walk from the subway station.
From Genoa Brignole Station
If you arrive in Genoa at Brignole station, here is how to get to the port.
Bus. From the Brignole Station stop, you can take Bus No. 20 in the direction of Fiumara and get off at the Dinegro/Terminal Ferry stop. Subway. Take the subway from Brignole towards Brin and get off at Dinegro. From there, the ferry terminal is a few minutes’ walk away.
Train. You can take a regional train from Brignole station to Genoa Piazza Principe station and then follow the directions from Principe station (as described above).
From Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport
If you arrive in Genoa by plane, you can reach the ferry port this way. Volabus. The Volabus bus service connects the airport with downtown Genoa Piazza Principe Station. Once you get to Principe, you can follow the directions above (walk, bus, or subway).
AMT bus No. 100 Airlink. It is a city bus that connects the airport with Genoa Sestri Ponente station, from where you can take a train to Piazza Principe station and then continue as indicated.
From the city center
If you are already in the historic center or central areas of Genoa, you can get to the port in several ways. Buses. Buses No. 20, 30 and 3 connect the city center with the ferry terminal. Subway. You can take the subway in the direction of Brin and get off at Dinegro. The ferry terminal is within walking distance.
From the Genoa West exit of the freeway
Once you exit the Genova Ovest toll gate, directions to the port and the Ferry Terminal are well signposted. From the exit, follow Via Cantore and continue in the direction of the port. After about 5-10 minutes of driving, you will arrive near the boarding areas.
How to get to the ferry terminal at the port of Genoa
Once you reach the port of Genoa or the vicinity of the port, it will be easy to get to the ferry terminal by following the directions. Alternatively, you can also consult the interactive maps found at many locations in the Port of Genoa.
- By car. Follow the signs to the Port or Ferry Terminal from the highway or downtown. Once near the port, you will find signs for the various boarding areas. The main road that runs alongside the port is Via Milano.
- Public transportation. The nearest subway stop to the ferry terminal is Dinegro. From here, you can walk to the ferry terminal. Several bus lines connect the port with various parts of the city, such as bus No. 3 and No. 20 .
- Walking. If you are near the city center, you can walk to the Old Port and the Cruise Terminal, but the Ferry Terminal is farther away and requires about a 20-minute walk from the Genoa Piazza Principe train station.
Genoa port and ferry terminal parking lots
If you have to leave your car at the port, there are several parking areas available. Long-stay parking lots. These are available near the Ferry Terminal, with dedicated spaces for passengers who leave their cars for long periods. It is advisable to reserve in advance if possible.
Useful tips for boarding ferries at the port of Genoa
It is advisable to arrive at the ferry terminal in the port of Genoa at least 2 hours before the ferry departs. This gives you plenty of time for check-in, boarding, and parking (if you have a vehicle). The Genoa Ferry Terminal has facilities such as bars, restaurants, restrooms, and waiting areas. If you arrive early or have time before departure, you can relax in one of these areas. The port of Genoa is well signposted. Once you arrive, follow the signs to your ferry or shipping company. Companies such as Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), Tirrenia, Moby, and Corsica Ferries have specific areas for check-in and boarding. If you are traveling with a vehicle, the port has dedicated parking areas. Follow the signs for car and motorcycle boarding and be sure to reserve a spot for your vehicle if necessary. Remember that ferries are accessed in order of arrival, so arriving early can ensure faster boarding.
