How to Get to Sardinia by Ferry

Getting to Sardinia by ferry is one of the great slow-travel experiences in the Mediterranean — board in the evening, sail overnight, and wake up ready to explore. We've made this crossing more times than we can count. Here's everything the booking sites don't tell you.

With routes running from ports across Italy, France, and Spain, choosing the right crossing takes a bit of planning. This guide covers every main route, which Sardinian port to aim for based on where you're staying, what crossings actually cost, and the practical things most guides skip over.

Not sure which Sardinian port you need? The port guide below will help you pick the right one before you search.

Which port do you need?

Sardinia is roughly 270km north to south. Arriving at the wrong port can add two or three hours to your first day.

Olbia

Northeast: Costa Smeralda, San Teodoro, Budoni, Gallura. Most sailings, most operators.

Golfo Aranci

Same catchment as Olbia. Useful when Olbia sailings are full.

Porto Torres

Northwest: Alghero, Stintino.

No major car hire desks

Cagliari

South: Chia, Villasimius, Pula, the Sulcis coast.

Arbatax

East coast: Ogliastra, Cala Gonone, Tortolì. Fewer sailings than other ports.

Ferry routes

Civitavecchia

near Rome

The most popular departure overall. Around an hour from Rome by train. Multiple daily sailings to Olbia.

To	Duration	Type	Operators
Olbia	6–8 hrs	Overnight	Grimaldi, Moby, Sardinia Ferries
Porto Torres	10–12 hrs	Overnight	Grimaldi
Arbatax	10–12 hrs	Overnight	Grimaldi
Cagliari	13–16 hrs	Overnight	Tirrenia

Genoa

Natural choice if you're driving from France or coming from Milan or Turin. Evening departures arrive the following morning.

To	Duration	Type	Operators
Olbia	10–12 hrs	Overnight	Moby, GNV
Porto Torres	10–12 hrs	Overnight	GNV

Livorno

Good if you want to break the drive south with a Tuscany stop. Connections to Florence and Pisa.

To	Duration	Type	Operators
Olbia	6–10 hrs	Day or overnight	Corsica Ferries, Moby

Piombino Shortest crossing

At 4–6 hours, the only route where arriving in daylight is realistic. A good option if you want to avoid an overnight sailing.

To	Duration	Type	Operators
Olbia	4–6 hrs	Daytime	Corsica Ferries

Naples & Palermo

Useful if you're combining Sardinia with a southern Italy or Sicily trip. Both routes serve Cagliari only.

From	To	Duration	Operators
Naples	Cagliari	15 hrs	Tirrenia
Palermo	Cagliari	12 hrs	Tirrenia

Before you search

All routes in this section arrive at Porto Torres in the northwest and run seasonally — typically May to September. If you need a hire car on arrival, the major brands have no desks at Porto Torres. Arrange with a local operator in advance, or take the 20-minute bus to Sassari.

Barcelona Year-round

Popular with UK travellers driving through France and Spain. Grimaldi run year-round with more frequent summer sailings.

To	Duration	Type	Operators
Porto Torres	12+ hrs	Overnight	Grimaldi

Marseille & Toulon May–Sep

From	To	Duration	Operators
Marseille	Porto Torres	15–17 hrs	Corsica Ferries
Toulon	Porto Torres	15–17 hrs	Corsica Ferries

Is the ferry from France or Spain worth it from the UK?

London to Barcelona or Marseille is around 10–12 hours of driving, plus port time, then 12–17 hours on the water — two full days of travel each way. It makes sense with a car full of gear, pets, or if you genuinely value arriving slowly. For most other trips, a 2.5-hour flight is hard to argue with.

Before you book

Book 2–3 months ahead in summer

Peak routes sell out. By late spring, cabin choices narrow and prices double.

Cabins: worth it for families

Couples manage fine with standard seats. Inside cabins are cheaper and perfectly fine — outside costs 30–50% more.

Arrive 1–2 hours early

Miss check-in and you're not sailing. No exceptions made at the terminal.

Evening departures work best

Board at 20:00–23:00, sleep, wake up in Sardinia. Most overnight routes work this way.

Travelling with pets

Most operators accept pets. Always declare at booking — not check-in. EU Pet Passport or AHC required. Spaces fill fast in peak season.

You'll need a car on the island

Sardinia has almost no useful public transport outside Cagliari. If you're not bringing a vehicle, see our car hire guide.

The operators

Grimaldi Lines — Modern fleet, reliable schedules, tends to be competitively priced. Good for Civitavecchia routes and Barcelona.
Moby Lines — Budget end of the market. Older ships, more basic experience, but perfectly functional crossings.
Sardinia Ferries / Corsica Ferries — The same group. Very competitive from French ports and Livorno. Worth comparing alongside others.
Tirrenia — The oldest established operator, state-backed. Reliable coverage of southern routes including Cagliari.
Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) — Larger ships, good for families. Competitive on Genoa routes.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the ferry to Sardinia?

The shortest crossing from mainland Italy is Piombino to Olbia at 4–6 hours. Most overnight routes from Civitavecchia, Genoa, or Livorno take 6–12 hours. Routes from France and Spain run 12–17 hours.

What is the cheapest ferry to Sardinia?

Off-season (November to March), foot passenger prices can be very reasonable. In summer, a return crossing with a car, two passengers, and a cabin typically runs €600–1000. Piombino to Olbia tends to be one of the more affordable options if you're flexible on timing.

Do I need to book a cabin on the ferry to Sardinia?

Not necessarily. Couples and solo travellers manage well with standard seats or lounge space overnight. Families with young children will find a cabin worthwhile. Book as early as possible in summer — cabin availability goes quickly.

Can I take my dog or cat on the ferry?

Yes, most operators accept pets. You'll need a valid EU Pet Passport or AHC (UK), up-to-date vaccinations, and microchipping. Always declare your pet at booking — space is limited in peak season.

Which port in Sardinia should I arrive at?

It depends on where you're staying. Olbia for the northeast and Costa Smeralda, Porto Torres for the northwest and Alghero, Cagliari for the south, Arbatax for the east coast. Arriving at the wrong port can add 2–3 hours of driving. See the full port guide above.

Is there a ferry from Rome to Sardinia?

Civitavecchia is the nearest port to Rome, around an hour from the city centre by train. There are multiple daily sailings to Olbia, Porto Torres, Arbatax, and Cagliari.

Are there year-round ferry routes?

Yes. Routes from Italian ports — particularly Civitavecchia, Genoa, and Cagliari — run year-round with varying frequency. Routes from France and Spain are seasonal, typically May to September.

Enjoy your trip!