Getting from Genoa to Portofino on your own

We're looking at a private tour, but I'd also like to know how difficult is it to get to Portofino from Genoa on our own.

It's possible by either water (ferries) or land (train), but the water option may not work in April, depending on the day of week you are there. In April the ferries from Genoa to Portofino only operate on the weekends.

By train, you go from Genoa (the station is very near the port) to S. Margherita Ligure; the ride takes about 45 mintutes.

From the train station in S. Margherita Ligure you can walk (about an hour and a half), take a taxi, or the public bus. The bus leaves from the train station and arrives at Piazza Martiri della Libertà in Portofino in about 15 minutes (there are stops along the way at Covo di Nord Est and Paraggi). It runs every twenty minutes from 6:15 AM until 10 PM.