Como to Savona Road Trip: Ultimate Coastal Drive Guide

The drive from Como to Savona covers 245 km (152 miles) via the A7 and A10 highways, typically taking 2 hours 45 minutes without traffic. The route traverses the Po Valley, the Ligurian Apennines, and the Italian Riviera, offering a dramatic shift from alpine lakes to Mediterranean shores.

One little-known fact: the A10 between Genoa and Savona was built directly over the ancient Roman Via Aurelia, and remnants of the old road are visible from rest areas near Varazze. This makes the drive not just a journey but a passage through millennia of history.

Before you go, read how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to make the most of your trip.

The main route follows the A9 from Como to Milan, then the A7 (Autostrada dei Giovi) south to Genoa, and finally the A10 west to Savona. Toll costs are approximately €18–€22 for a standard car. Fuel stations are frequent along the A7 and A10, but plan to fill up before entering the Apennine tunnels where stations are sparse.

• Key exits: Como Centro, Milano Certosa, Genova Pegli, Savona.
• Toll payment: Credit cards accepted at most gates; Telepass recommended.
• Alternative scenic route: SS1 Via Aurelia (coastal) from Genoa to Savona, adding 1 hour but offering stunning sea views.

For electric vehicles, charging stations are available at motorway service areas like Secchia Ovest and Turchino. The route has good mobile coverage, but some tunnels (e.g., the 6.5 km Colle di Cadibona) may have brief dead zones.

The A7 has tight curves and heavy truck traffic; maintain a safe distance and use low beams in tunnels. The A10 coastal section is prone to fog in winter and glare in summer. Emergency phones are every 2 km on both highways.

• Family stops: Acquario di Genova (Genoa), Fausto Coppi Park (near Ovada), and the Bimbostop play area at Secchia Ovest service station.
• Pet-friendly rest areas: Most Autogrill locations have pet zones; Il Girasole near Varazze offers a dog beach.

For fatigue management, plan a stop every 90 minutes. Ideal break points are at the Serravalle Scrivia outlet (shopping), the Turchino service area (panoramic view), and the Arenzano rest stop (direct beach access). The route is generally safe, but avoid driving at night on the A7 due to poor lighting in some tunnels.

From Como, the first 40 minutes run through the flat Po Valley, dotted with industrial parks and rice fields. As you approach Genoa, the landscape transforms: the Apennines rise abruptly, with the A7 cutting through the Ligurian hills via viaducts and tunnels. The final stretch along the A10 reveals the rugged Ligurian coast, where the sea appears between green terraced slopes.

• Como: Famous for silks and ornate villas. Stop at the Como Silk Museum to see local craftsmanship.
• Genoa: Europe's largest historic center; visit the Aquarium and Porto Antico.
• Savona: Known for its 16th-century Priamar Fortress and ceramics.

Local markets thrive: in Savona, the Mercato Coperto sells pesto, focaccia, and fresh seafood. The region is also home to the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reachable via a short detour from the A12 east of Genoa.