Everything you need to know about Ferries to Sardinia: Complete Guide to Crossings and Online Bookings
Looking for updated schedules, low-cost fares, and the fastest routes to Sardinia? You are in the right place. We know that choosing a ferry is not just about saving money, but also about the comfort and efficiency of the journey. We have created this strategic guide to allow you to compare the best companies and book online in total safety, always ensuring the best price guaranteed.
Ferry Connections to Sardinia
Connections from Italy
The main routes connect the Mainland with Olbia, Porto Torres, Cagliari, Arbatax, and Golfo Aranci. Here are the active routes with their respective sailing durations:
International and Domestic Connections
Sardinia is also connected to Corsica and France, as well as its smaller islands with short and frequent crossings. Here are the main routes:
Main Companies and Arrival Ports for Major Routes like Livorno - Olbia and Genoa - Olbia
The main companies connecting Italy to Sardinia guarantee a complete service suitable for every type of traveler.
Moby Lines: offers departures from Genoa and Livorno to Olbia and from Sardinia to Corsica (Porto Torres - Ajaccio / S. Teresa di Gallura - Bonifacio), with modern ships, comfortable cabins, restaurants, and relaxation areas.
Tirrenia: connects Civitavecchia with Olbia and Genoa with Olbia and Porto Torres, allowing vehicle transport or passenger-only travel.
Grimaldi Lines: operates from Livorno to Olbia and from Civitavecchia to Cagliari, Olbia, Porto Torres, and Arbatax with comfortable crossings and the possibility of embarking vehicles of all sizes.
Grandi Navi Veloci: connects Genoa and Civitavecchia with Olbia and Porto Torres, offering modern ships and family services.
Sardinia Ferries: completes the offer between Italy and Sardinia, connecting Livorno and Piombino (summer only) with Golfo Aranci.
Corsica Ferries: connects France to Corsica and Sardinia and offers a summer connection between Piombino and Bastia.
Ichnusa Lines: operates on the domestic route Santa Teresa di Gallura ↔ Bonifacio (Corsica).
Corsica Ferries: connects France to Corsica and Sardinia and offers a summer connection between Piombino and Bastia.
Delcomar: ensures constant connections between
Palau and
La Maddalena, and between
Portovesme/Calasetta and
Carloforte throughout the year.
La Maddalena Lines: operates seasonally on the Palau – La Maddalena route.
On-board Services
- Internal and external cabins, also family and pet-friendly
- Restaurants, bars, and self-service
- Lounges and relaxation areas
- Wi-Fi and entertainment
- PRM services for passengers with reduced mobility
- For internal connections, services are limited as they are short routes.
Sardinia Ferry Prices and Offers 2026
Rates vary based on season, accommodation, and vehicle. Offers available:
- Discounts for residents and natives: special reductions for those residing or having ties to the island
- Seasonal promos: active offers during specific periods or holidays
- Early bookings: savings by booking well in advance
- Vehicle offers: discounts on cars, campers, and motorcycles
Sardinia Ferries: Guide to Prices and Offers 2026 Planning a trip to Sardinia requires strategy to navigate through rates and seasonality. Here are the key points to save significantly on your next crossing:
Average Cost Analysis Ticket prices vary based on the route, company, and travel period: The
Queen of Low-Cost Routes: The
Livorno - Olbia route is usually the cheapest thanks to strong competition between Moby, Grimaldi Lines, and Sardinia Ferries.
Passengers: Starting from about €25 in low season (deck space), but prices can exceed €150 on peak summer weekends.
Car in Tow: Essential for exploring the island, it has promotional rates from €41, which can however rise above €300 on "black sticker" days in August.
Cabin Accommodation: Ideal for maximum comfort, starting from €25 for daytime trips but can reach €500 for suites in high season without early booking.
How to Lock in the Best Rate On Ferriesonline.com, the system automatically applies the lowest available price. To optimize your budget:
Book in Advance: "Early Booking" offers are limited; the earlier you book, the less you spend.
Flexibility: Traveling on Tuesday or Wednesday can cut costs by up to 40% compared to the weekend.
Savings Protection: Special rates are often non-refundable. We recommend adding the Cancellation Guarantee to protect your investment from serious unforeseen events or health reasons.
Quick Tips to Save Avoid peak days: Prefer midweek departures.
Free Simulation: Use the Ferriesonline.com quote tool to compare dates and ports in real time.
Check-in and Boarding Procedures
Boarding pass: issued at the port upon presenting the booking confirmation. On some routes, it is possible to check in online and receive it in digital format. Always check the instructions provided in your booking. Required documents: ID card for EU citizens; car registration document if embarking a vehicle; health passport for animals. Boarding times: at least 2 hours before with a vehicle, 1 hour without a vehicle.
Useful Tips for your Ship Trip
Sardinia is a fascinating island, rich in diverse landscapes: from wild mountains to postcard-perfect beaches. Cagliari, Alghero, and Olbia offer historic centers, typical markets, and must-see locations, while La Maddalena and Stintino guarantee breathtaking views and crystal-clear waters. For those seeking relaxation, beaches like Costa Smeralda, Villasimius, Chia, and La Pelosa are among the most popular. Smaller islands, such as La Maddalena and Caprera, offer unforgettable boat excursions. Spring is ideal for those who desire tranquility and nature, while summer is perfect for beach tourism and excursions along the coast. If you arrive by ferry in Olbia or Golfo Aranci: you can explore the northeast, starting from the Costa Smeralda and visiting Porto Cervo, San Teodoro, and La Maddalena. Continuing west, Arzachena and Palau offer unique nature excursions. If you arrive by ferry in Porto Torres: you can explore the northwest, including Alghero, Stintino, and Capo Caccia. If you arrive by ferry in Cagliari: you can explore the south, visiting Villasimius, Costa Rei, Pula, and Chia. Sardinian cuisine is a journey into taste: roasted porceddu, culurgiones ogliastrini, seadas, pane carasau, seafood fregula, Catalan lobster, and local wines like Vermentino, Cannonau, and Carignano del Sulcis. Local markets offer fresh and genuine products, perfect for taking home an authentic taste of the island. Practical information: Euro currency; drive on the right; Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters; main language Italian; high season from June to September, with bookings recommended for ferries, accommodation, and some beaches.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
To get the best rates, it is advisable to book between November and February. Companies like Moby, Tirrenia, and Grimaldi often launch "Early Bird" offers. Booking in advance is essential, especially if you travel with a vehicle (car or camper) or if you want a cabin during the high season (July and August).
The most advantageous Sardinia ferry offers are usually obtained with early booking ("Early Bird"). It is possible to take advantage of resident and native discounts or special family rates. We recommend comparing prices of companies like Moby, Tirrenia, and Grimaldi Lines directly on our comparator to lock in the lowest rate.
On the Livorno-Olbia route, you can choose between the fast ships of Moby and the regularity of Grimaldi Lines. For Golfo Aranci, you can find Sardinia Ferries.
If you depart from Genoa, compare the overnight options of GNV and Moby to arrive refreshed at your destination.
Special rate tickets allow savings over the ordinary rate but are non-refundable; there remains the possibility of a date change up to a few hours before departure, except for Grimaldi Lines which does not allow changes under 48 hours before departure. Alternatively, it is possible to purchase an additional service that allows reimbursement of up to 80% of the penalties for the reasons indicated in the cancellation guarantee. The additional guarantee does not change the company's tariff rule but intervenes to partially cancel the penalties.
Certainly! All major ferries to Sardinia accept pets. For maximum comfort, we suggest booking a pet-friendly cabin (with animal access) available on main routes like Livorno-Olbia and Civitavecchia-Olbia.
If you travel with a vehicle, you must show up at least 2 hours before departure. If you are a foot passenger, 1 hour before is usually sufficient. During August weekends or holidays, it is advisable to arrive with a slight extra lead time.
It depends on the route. Short routes are great by day to enjoy the sea. However, the night trip is very popular because it allows you to save a night in a hotel and arrive in Sardinia refreshed early in the morning.
Yes, there are different types of vehicles available, and it is important to enter the exact dimensions to get an accurate quote. Companies no longer offer the opportunity to camp on board.
Conditions vary based on the company and the rate chosen. Promotional rates are often non-refundable but modifiable by paying a penalty. We always recommend adding cancellation insurance during the booking phase.
Companies require a certificate issued by a gynecologist starting from the 6th month, but for particular conditions, the captain may deny access to the ship even under 6 months and if in possession of medical documentation. All at his unquestionable discretion.
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