Genoa (Brignole Railway Stn)

Brignole Railway Station (Genova Brignole) is the second largest and most significant railway hub in Genoa after Piazza Principe station. Located on Piazza Verdi, it serves as a convenient gateway to the eastern part of the city centre and the business districts. The station building, designed in an elegant architectural style, immediately sets the mood for travellers to explore the historic atmosphere of Liguria.

This station is the terminus for many trains arriving from Rome, Milan, and Turin, as well as a vital stop for regional trains running along the Cinque Terre coast. Thanks to its convenient location, you can easily walk from here to the main shopping street, Via XX Settembre.

Essential Passenger Information: The station has multiple levels, but the main platforms are located above street level. The building features escalators and elevators connecting the ticket hall to the tracks. The station is integrated with the metro station of the same name, Brignole, making transfers to city transport as quick as possible. Keep a close eye on the information boards: trains may depart from both terminus and through tracks.

• Official Website: Trenitalia (national carrier)
• Information Phone: Trenitalia Call Center (toll number, depends on operator)
• Address: Piazza Verdi, 16121 Genova GE, Italy
• Opening Hours: The station is open daily from early morning until late at night (approximately from 04:00 to 01:00); ticket counters operate from 06:00 to 21:00.
• Luggage Storage Information: The availability of luggage storage (Deposito Bagagli) should be confirmed on-site, as the service may be temporarily unavailable at small and medium-sized stations. The nearest guaranteed point is often found at Piazza Principe station.
• Accessibility Information: The Sala Blu service (assistance for passengers with reduced mobility) is available; advance booking of the service is required.

Getting to Brignole Station is very simple, as it is a major transport hub of the city.

Public Transport: The most convenient method is the metro. The Brignole station (Red line) is located directly within the station complex. Additionally, numerous city buses (lines 15, 18, 31, 49, and others) stop in front of the building on Piazza Verdi, connecting the station with the Corso Italia promenade and the Boccadasse district.

Taxi: A taxi stand is located directly at the main exit. A trip from the port or the old town will take about 10–15 minutes depending on traffic.

Walking: From the central square, Piazza De Ferrari, you can reach the station on foot in 10–15 minutes by walking straight along Via XX Settembre. This is a pleasant walk under the famous Genoese arcades.

Brignole station provides a basic range of services for a comfortable wait before your journey. The main hall features:

• Ticket Counters and Machines: Ticket offices (Biglietteria) and numerous self-service machines for purchasing tickets for regional and high-speed trains.
• Waiting Areas: General areas with seating for passengers.
• Commercial Zone: Several clothing stores, a newsstand (Tabacchi), and a pharmacy.
• Restrooms: Paid facilities, usually located at the platform level or in side corridors.
• Accessibility: The station is equipped with elevators for access to platforms, which is important for passengers with reduced mobility and those with heavy luggage.
• Police: A railway police station (Polfer) to ensure safety and security.

If you need a snack before your journey, Brignole station offers several convenient options.

Inside the building, there are classic Italian coffee bars where you can drink an espresso at the counter or grab a panini to go. This is the fastest and most budget-friendly option (average cost for coffee and a pastry is 3–5 euros). There are also often fast-food outlets on the premises for a more substantial meal.

For those with time to spare, it is recommended to step out onto Piazza Verdi or walk a couple of minutes to Via San Vincenzo, where you will find many authentic focaccerias and trattorias offering the famous Genoese focaccia and pasta with pesto.

The history of Brignole station is closely tied to the development of Genoa in the early 20th century. The current building was inaugurated in 1905 specifically for the World Exposition held in the city. The architectural design in Neo-Baroque and Beaux-Arts style was intended to demonstrate the grandeur and economic power of the city.

The name of the station comes from the Brignole-Sale family, on whose former lands it was built. Originally conceived as a passenger terminal for connections with Rome, the station has undergone several renovations. One of the most important milestones was its integration with the metro system in 2012, which definitively secured its status as the key transport hub of eastern Genoa.

Tickets and Validation: If you have a paper ticket for a regional train (Regionale), be sure to validate it in the green or yellow machines before boarding to avoid a significant fine.

Safety: As with any major station, keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowds and when boarding the train. Avoid leaving luggage unattended.

Arrival Time: It is recommended to arrive 15–20 minutes before departure. Track numbers (Binario) are usually announced 10 minutes before the train arrives.

Transfers: If you are transferring from a train to the metro, follow the signs with the letter "M" — the transfer is inside the complex, so there is no need to go out onto the street.

Overnight Stays: The station closes for several hours at night, so do not plan to sleep in the waiting room.