Ferries to Sardinia – Schedules, Offers and Online Booking
Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean, is famous for its white beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unspoiled natural landscapes. Its millenary culture, picturesque villages, and traditional cuisine make it a perfect destination in every season. The main Italian ports served by ferries to Sardinia are Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia, and Naples, with arrivals in Olbia, Cagliari, Porto Torres, or Golfo Aranci.
🔍 Contents
🌊 Ferry connections to Sardinia
Connections from Italy
The main routes connect the Italian Peninsula with Olbia, Porto Torres, Cagliari, Arbatax, and Golfo Aranci. Here are the active routes with their approximate durations:
- Genoa ↔ Olbia / Porto Torres: 10–12 hours
- Livorno ↔ Olbia / Golfo Aranci / Porto Torres: 6–9 hours
- Civitavecchia ↔ Olbia: 6–8 hours
- Civitavecchia ↔ Arbatax: 6–8 hours
- Civitavecchia ↔ Cagliari: 13–15 hours
- Naples ↔ Cagliari: 13–15 hours
- Palermo ↔ Cagliari: 12 hours
International and internal connections
Sardinia is also connected with Corsica and France, as well as its smaller islands with short and frequent crossings. Here are the main routes:
- Barcelona ↔ Porto Torres: seasonal, 12–15 hours
- Toulon ↔ Porto Torres: seasonal, 12–15 hours
- Ajaccio ↔ Porto Torres: seasonal, 12–15 hours
- Palau ↔ La Maddalena: 15 minutes
- Calasetta ↔ Carloforte: 30 minutes
- Portovesme ↔ Carloforte: 30 minutes
- Santa Teresa di Gallura ↔ Bonifacio (Corsica): 50 minutes
Main companies and arrival ports
The main companies connecting Italy to Sardinia provide complete services suitable for every type of traveler.
Onboard services
- 🛌 Interior and exterior cabins, including family and pet-friendly options
- 🏭 Restaurants, bars, and self-service
- 💺 Lounges and relaxation areas
- 📶 Wi-Fi and entertainment
- ♿ Services for passengers with reduced mobility (PMR)
For internal connections, services are limited due to short routes.
💸 Prices and Offers
Fares vary depending on season, accommodation type, and vehicle. Available offers:
- Discounts for residents and natives: special reductions for those living on or connected to the island
- Seasonal promotions: offers active during specific periods or holidays
- Early bookings: save by booking well in advance
- Vehicle offers: discounts on cars, campers, and motorcycles
🚢 Check-in and boarding
- Boarding pass: issued at the port upon presentation of the booking confirmation. On some routes, online check-in and digital boarding pass are available.
- Required documents: ID card for EU citizens; vehicle registration if boarding a vehicle; pet health passport
- Boarding times: at least 2 hours before with a vehicle, 1 hour without a vehicle
🌍 Travel tips
Sardinia is a fascinating island with diverse landscapes: from wild mountains to postcard-perfect beaches. Cagliari, Alghero, and Olbia offer historic centers, typical markets, and must-see sites, while La Maddalena and Stintino provide breathtaking views and crystal-clear waters.
🌴 For relaxation, beaches like Costa Smeralda, Villasimius, Chia, and La Pelosa are among the most loved. Smaller islands such as La Maddalena and Caprera offer unforgettable boat trips.
🍴 Sardinian cuisine is a journey of taste: roasted porceddu, culurgiones ogliastrini, seadas, carasau bread, fregula with seafood, Catalan-style lobster, and local wines like Vermentino, Cannonau, and Carignano del Sulcis.
ℹ Practical information: currency euro; drive on the right; Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters; main language Italian; high season from June to September, recommended booking for ferries, accommodation, and some beaches.
❓ FAQ
- How long does the ferry trip to Sardinia take? It depends on the departure port: the shortest routes (from Livorno or Civitavecchia to Olbia) take about 6–8 hours, while longer routes (like Genoa or Naples) may take 10–15 hours.
- Is it better to travel during the day or at night? Many passengers prefer night crossings to rest in the cabin and arrive in Sardinia in the morning. Day crossings are ideal for enjoying the navigation.
- Can I board my car? Yes, almost all routes to Sardinia allow vehicle boarding. The vehicle registration must be presented at check-in.
- Do I need to book in advance? During high season (June–September), it is strongly recommended to book in advance, especially for cabins, vehicles, and the most popular schedules.
- What documents are needed to travel? EU citizens need a valid ID card. For vehicles, the registration is required. Minors must have an individual document.
- Can I travel with pets? Yes, but rules vary by company. Usually leash, muzzle (if required), and updated health documentation are required. Animals are not allowed in restaurants or lounges.
- Are services available for passengers with reduced mobility (PMR)? Yes, ships provide dedicated services, boarding assistance, and accessible cabins. It is advisable to indicate your needs when booking.
- Can I cancel or change a ticket? For changes or cancellations, contact us for assistance.
- Can I bring sports equipment (bikes, kayaks, boards)? Yes, almost all companies allow transporting sports equipment, often with a supplement.
FERRIES TO SARDINIA