Genoa is a tourist destination that is recently being rediscovered. The city welcomes visitors from all over the world every year, also thanks to its proximity to some of the dream locations in Liguria (Rapallo, Portofino, Savona). Reaching Genoa is not difficult, as it is served by four motorways, numerous state roads and excellent rail links. For international arrivals, you can use the plane and land at the city airport – located a few kilometres from the city – dedicated to Christopher Columbus. Of course, there is no shortage of railway stations and the beautiful port, to welcome visitors travelling by train or cruise ships.
AIRPORT
Genoa Cristoforo Colombo International Airport (GOA)
Built between 1954 and 1962, the airport dedicated to Christopher Columbus is the main access gate to the city of Genoa and Liguria. The first structure was completely renovated and transformed in the 1980s, thus taking on its current form: a single large runway, a terminal divided into two reception areas, numerous car parks, services and connections.
The runway is 3km long and runs along the sea on both sides. The terminal has a modern, large, technologically advanced architecture and includes services such as banks, restaurants, shops, duty-free, medical assistance points, police, relaxation lounges and wi-fi connections. There is no shortage of assistance services for disabled people and connections via public and private transport. Vehicles can be rented at Genoa airport. Genoa airport can handle approximately 700,000 passengers per year.
STATIONS
Piazza Principe
The historic railway station of Genoa is that of Piazza Principe dates back to 1860. Even today, the neoclassical structure of the building is seen by travellers as a historical monument rather than as an infrastructure. The entrance to the station overlooks the properties of the Doria Princes from which it takes its name; the building consists of a ground floor, a first floor and two underground floors.
The tracks that are conveyed here accommodate both long-distance trains and urban trains and the subway. Ten of the 12 total tracks are at street level, 2 are underground.
The Piazza Principe station is equipped with all the services useful to travellers: ticket offices, information points, police points, luggage storage, bar, newsagent, waiting rooms, toilets. It functions both as a connecting station and as an arrival station.
Brignole
Although it is more “modern” than Piazza Principe, the Brignole station is much more spectacular and monumental. The building, built in 1905, has a mix of styles (classical and baroque) rich in details in the central body, more delicate in the two lateral bodies. Those who see it for the first time immediately associate it with the elegant buildings of the historic center, and in fact it is no exception!
The building is divided into street level, underground level, upper floors (used as offices). There are 11 tracks. Among the services, in addition to the ticket offices, we remember: shops, bars, toilets, waiting rooms, public safety points.
Other Stations: Genova Nervi
This small station serves the eastern part of the city, and in particular the Nervi district. It dates back to 1968, consists of two buildings connected by a common passage and hosts only 3 tracks that handle traffic to and from eastern Liguria. It boasts a comfortable waiting room and a bar, among the services present.