The nearest railway station is Santa Margherita Ligure, 6 km up the coast on the Genova–La Spezia line. From there, take the bus (line 82, about 20 minutes) or a taxi to Portofino. In summer, the ferry service from Santa Margherita is the most pleasant option and avoids the road entirely.
By car take the A12 motorway (Genova–Livorno) and exit at Rapallo or Recco, then follow the SS227 along the coast. Parking in Portofino is extremely limited and expensive in summer — there is a small pay car park at the village entrance. Driving beyond the car park into the village itself is restricted. In high season you will almost certainly queue.
By boat is the ideal way to arrive. Ferries run from Genoa, Rapallo, and Santa Margherita Ligure between April and October; services from Camogli also connect during summer. The ferry dock is right on the Piazzetta.
By air, the nearest airport is Genoa Cristoforo Colombo (GOA), about 35 km away. From the airport, take a train to Santa Margherita via Genoa Brignole station.