Soggiorna
In 2001, something happened in Sanremo that rewrote how people move along this entire coast: the single-track railway running along the sea was decommissioned and moved inland.
Since then, the station has been underground, and the old track by the seaside has become the cycle path of the "Riviera dei Fiori" Coastal Park. These are two consequences of the same project, and together they explain why you need a car less here than in any other resort town on the Riviera.
By train
The line is the Genoa-Ventimiglia railway, completed in 1872 and now rerouted further inland compared to its original path. The Sanremo station is buried and located in the center: you step out and you're already in the city, without the transfer needed in many other municipalities in the area.
This is the recommended option if you don't need a car for anything else, and we'll explain why below.
By car
The exit is on the A10, the Autostrada dei Fiori (Flowers Motorway). Getting there is simple.
Parking, honestly
You won't find a list of parking lots with available spaces here, because we don't have a reliable source listing them for Sanremo. We prefer an admitted gap over a list that looks like it belongs to another city: writing down the wrong parking spot here would leave you driving in circles with your luggage in the trunk.
What we can say with certainty is that parking in the center is limited and paid, and during high season and Festival days, the problem isn't arriving but finding somewhere to leave the car.
Hence the crucial question, which should be asked before booking: does the accommodation where you're staying have a parking space? If yes, confirm it; if no, you already know you'll need a parking spot and a few minutes on foot.
Buses
Local lines operated by Riviera Trasporti connect the center to the beaches and nearby towns. They are the solution when the cycle path is too long for the time you have or when it rains.
The cycle path as transport
Here lies the part that guides often treat as a sports detail, but which is actually public transport without a ticket.
The path runs for 24 kilometers between Ospedaletti and San Lorenzo al Mare. Between Imperia and Ospedaletti, after the spring 2023 works, the rideable distance extends to 28 kilometers. It's flat because it used to be railway tracks, has no intersections, and passes above all the beaches.
It's used to go to the beach, to have dinner in the neighboring village, or to reach Bussana. With a rental bike, a holiday in Sanremo can be spent without ever starting the engine — and that's why, if you stay in the area for more than two days, a car is a cost rather than a convenience.
Details on where it leads along the sea are in Sanremo beaches.
If you arrive by plane
Your reference points are Nice, on the other side of the border, or Genoa. In both cases, you arrive by train on the same coastal line.
Things to keep in mind
- February brings the Festival: hotels, trains, and parking are affected for everyone. This must be taken into account even by those not coming for the event.
- The cycle path never closes, and is usable even off-season: it's one of the things that makes Sanremo visitable in winter.
- Parking needs to be sorted out beforehand, not upon arrival.
The overall picture of the city is in Sanremo: City Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Sanremo by train?
Via the Genoa-Ventimiglia line. The station is underground and located in the center: once you exit, you are already in the city, with no need for a transfer.
Why is the Sanremo station underground?
Because in 2001, the coastal single-track section was decommissioned and the railway moved inland. The cycle path was built on the old track by the sea.
Where can I park in Sanremo?
Parking in the center is limited and paid, and during high season or Festival days, it is the main challenge of the day. We don't publish a list of parking lots because we lack a reliable source for Sanremo: it's best to ask your accommodation if they have a parking space before booking.
Do I need a car in Sanremo?
Not for the city, nor for the coast: between the train, Riviera Trasporti buses, and the 24-kilometer cycle path, you can reach everything. If you stay more than two days, a car is more of a cost than a convenience.
How long is the Sanremo cycle path?
Twenty-four kilometers between Ospedaletti and San Lorenzo al Mare, on the route of the railway decommissioned in 2001. Between Imperia and Ospedaletti, following the 2023 works, you can ride for 28 kilometers.