Sanremo is straightforward to navigate, but a few practical details will save you time and money. This section covers arrival logistics, getting around, tipping customs, safety, and other questions travelers commonly ask before visiting the Riviera dei Fiori. The city is compact enough that you can cover the main sights in two full days, but staying four to five days lets you add day trips to the French Riviera and the Nervia Valley villages without rushing.
Sanremo Travel Tips: Arriving and Getting Around
Nearest Airports
Sanremo does not have its own commercial airport. The closest is Nice Cote d’Azur Airport (NCE) in France, 60 kilometers west (about 50 minutes by car via the A10/E80 motorway). Nice has direct flights from most European cities, plus long-haul connections to North America and the Middle East. The second nearest is Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA), 140 kilometers east (about 1 hour 45 minutes). Genoa has fewer direct international flights but good connections to other Italian cities. From Nice Airport, you can take a FlixBus or Ouibus directly to Sanremo bus station (Via Cavallotti): the journey takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and costs 8 to 15 euros. By train from Nice, take the TER regional train from Nice-Ville station (not the airport) to Ventimiglia (40 minutes), then change to a Trenitalia Regionale toward Genoa, getting off at Sanremo (15 minutes from Ventimiglia, 5 euros). From Genoa Airport, the Volabus shuttle connects to Genova Piazza Principe station (30 minutes, 6 euros), then take a Regionale or InterCity train to Sanremo (1 hour 30 to 2 hours, 10 to 20 euros). For more, see our weather by month.
Train Station
Sanremo’s train station (Stazione di Sanremo) sits on the eastern edge of the city, about 2.5 kilometers from the city center. It is a 25-minute walk along the seafront, or a 5-minute bus ride on RT Linea 13 (1.50 euros single ticket, buy from tabaccherie or the RT Sanremo app). The station is on the Genoa-Ventimiglia line, served by Regionale and InterCity trains. There is no high-speed service to Sanremo: the fastest connections to Milan involve taking a Regionale to Genoa and changing to a Frecciarossa or Italo high-speed train there. The station has a bar, ticket machines, and a staffed ticket counter for Trenitalia. There is a taxi rank outside; a taxi to the city center costs about 12 to 15 euros. For more, see our best time to visit.
Getting Around Sanremo
The city center is walkable: you can cover the seafront, Casino, La Pigna, and Corso Matteotti entirely on foot. For longer trips (to Bussana, Ospedaletti, or Coldirodi), the RT (Riviera Trasporti) bus network covers the city and surrounding towns. Single tickets cost 1.50 euros and are valid for 90 minutes. Buy tickets at tabaccherie (tobacco shops with a blue T sign) or via the RT Sanremo app: you cannot buy tickets on the bus. Validate your ticket in the orange machine when you board. A 10-journey carnet costs 12 euros. The main bus terminal is near Piazza Colombo on Via Cavallotti. Taxis are available at ranks near the Casino, the train station, and Piazza Colombo: typical fares are 10 to 15 euros within the city. Ride-hailing apps (Uber, FreeNow) do not operate in Sanremo. For more, see our things to do.
Sanremo Travel Tips: Practical Information
Tipping
Tipping in Sanremo follows Italian norms: it is appreciated but not required. In restaurants, a coperto (cover charge) of 1.50 to 3 euros per person is added to the bill automatically and is not a tip. If service was good, round up the bill or leave 5 to 10 percent in cash. In bars, leave small change (0.50 to 1 euro) if you sat at a table rather than standing at the counter. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but rounding up to the nearest euro is common. Hotel porters expect 1 to 2 euros per bag. For more, see our events and festivals.
Drinking Water
Tap water in Sanremo is safe to drink and of good quality, sourced from mountain springs in the Maritime Alps. There are public drinking fountains (fontanelle) throughout the city, including along the Lungomare and in Piazza Colombo. Refill your bottle for free. For more, see our neighborhoods guide.
Safety
Sanremo is a safe city by any standard. Violent crime is rare. The main risk is petty theft: pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas during the Music Festival and on packed summer evenings along Corso Matteotti. Keep wallets in front pockets and avoid leaving bags on the back of chairs at outdoor cafes. The La Pigna area is safe to walk at night, though the alleys are dimly lit in the upper sections: use a phone flashlight on the staircases after dark. The train station area is quiet but not dangerous at night. Emergency number: 112 (European emergency number, works for police, ambulance, and fire). For more, see our where to stay guide.
Language
Italian is the primary language. In hotels, restaurants, and tourist-facing businesses, basic English is widely understood. Older residents and staff at smaller establishments may speak only Italian. Given Sanremo’s proximity to France, some locals also speak French. Learning a few Italian phrases (buongiorno, grazie, per favore, il conto per favore) is appreciated. The local Ligurian dialect is still spoken among older residents but you will not need it as a visitor.
Currency and Payments
Italy uses the euro. Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. Smaller bars, market stalls, and some B&Bs may be cash-only, so carry 50 to 100 euros in cash. ATMs (bancomat) are plentiful along Corso Matteotti and near the Casino. Use bank-affiliated ATMs (Banca Intesa, UniCredit, BPER) rather than standalone Euronet machines, which charge higher fees. Contactless payments work in most chains and mid-range-plus restaurants.
Time Zone
Sanremo is on Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) and observes daylight saving time (CEST, UTC+2) from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.
Sanremo Travel Tips: Visas and Entry Requirements
Italy is part of the Schengen Area. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens need only a valid ID card or passport. Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and most Latin American countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. From 2025, non-EU visa-exempt travelers need ETIAS authorization (7 euros, valid for 3 years, apply online at etias.europa.eu). Citizens of countries requiring Schengen visas should apply at the Italian embassy or consulate in their home country: processing takes 2 to 4 weeks on average. Always check the latest requirements at vistoperitalia.esteri.it before travel.
Sanremo Travel Tips: Suggested Hotels in Sanremo
If you are booking your stay, here are three solid recommendations at different budget levels. All three are centrally located with good guest reviews.
Royal Hotel Sanremo
A 5-star seafront landmark on Corso Imperatrice with a heated outdoor pool, full-service spa, and over 150 years of history hosting royalty and celebrities. Best for luxury travelers seeking a classic Riviera experience. Check rates and availability
Hotel Morandi
A well-reviewed 3-star in landscaped gardens just 5 minutes’ walk from the seafront, with free WiFi, air conditioning, and free parking. Best for couples and solo travelers seeking mid-range value near the center. Check rates and availability
Hotel Villa La Villa
A family-run budget hotel in a converted villa on a quiet side street 10 minutes from the Ariston Theatre. Simple, clean rooms with private bathrooms. Best for festival-goers and short-stay travelers on a budget. Check rates and availability
