Sardinia ferries 2024: routes, prices and offers

All you need to know and more!

If you’re considering visiting Sardinia for your next holiday, you should definitely get updated information about the ferry routes to the island. Lucky for you, that’s our job!

Let us walk you through all available ferry connections to Sardinia in 2024. Discover all about offers and discounts, read out travel tips and book your ferry tickets with Ferryhopper:

Clouds at sunset over the Isola Bocca lighthouse in Olbia, Italy

The lighthouse of Isola Bocca, at the entrance to the port of Olbia

Ferries to Sardinia: 2024 routes

The immense beauty of Sardinia can be experienced all year round, and one of the best ways to reach it is by ferry. Are you unsure if it’s better to travel by ferry or by plane to Sardinia? Traveling by sea has many advantages, like scenic views, fast boarding, vehicle transportation, options for all budgets and much more.

But where can I take a ferry to Sardinia?

To start, you can take a ferry from one of these 7 Italian ports: Naples, Civitavecchia, Palermo, Livorno, Piombino, Genoa, and Savona. The Sardinian ports of arrival are Cagliari, Olbia, Golfo Aranci, Porto Torres and Arbatax.

From some ports, it is also possible to travel by ferry from Sardinia to the Maddalena archipelago, the Gulf of Asinara and Carloforte on the island of San Pietro in a short time.

Sardinia is also connected to some foreign destinations in Spain, France and Corsica, with some departures available from the Sardinian port of Santa Teresa Gallura.

The 6 ferry companies serving the routes to/from Sardinia are Grimaldi Lines, Moby Lines, Tirrenia, GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci), Corsica Ferries, and Ichnusa Lines, with all year long connections, as well as seasonal ones.

Read more about the 2024 ferry routes to Sardinia:

Naples - Cagliari ferry

From the port of Napoli in Campania you can easily travel to Southern Sardinia and Cagliari, the capital of the island. The Naples - Cagliari ferry route is available all year long with about 3 crossings a week. The ferry trip takes around 15 hr, we therefore suggest you to book a cabin for a more enjoyable journey.

Once in Cagliari, you can start exploring the historic neighborhoods of the city, or simply relax at the Poetto beach.

Useful info: the ticket price to travel from Naples to Cagliari starts at €42, although the cost may be higher depending on the season.

Civitavecchia - Cagliari ferry

Civitavecchia is a coastal town only 1 hour from Rome and is one of the ports better connected to Sardinia. There are many crossings from Rome to Sardinia, especially to Cagliari.

The Civitavecchia - Cagliari ferry route is operated with 3 weekly connections, mostly overnight crossings. The fastest ferry to Cagliari takes around 13-15 hours and the ship usually leaves Civitavecchia at 20:00.

You will arrive in Cagliari in the morning, just in time for breakfast with seadas (maybe at Saseada, near Corso Vittorio Emanuele!).

Palermo - Cagliari ferry

Sicily and Sardinia are connected by sea all year long through the ports of Palermo and Cagliari. The Palermo - Cagliari ferry route runs once a week (usually on Sundays) with morning departures. The crossings last around 12 hours.

Ferries operating between Sicily and Sardinia have car decks, which means you will be able to travel with your vehicle and plan a road trip in Southern Sardinia.

If you don’t have a car or a motorcycle, you will still be able to explore the area and discover nearby attractions. Among the must-sees, we recommend the Molentargius Nature Park, a refuge of pink flamingos!

Pink flamingo taking flight in Molentargius Nature Park, Cagliari, Italy

One of the many pink flamingos in Molentargius Park, in Cagliari, Italy

Livorno - Olbia ferry

The ferry connections from Livorno (Tuscany) to Sardinia are among the most popular, especially the one to Olbia. This route allows you to reach the gorgeous Costa Smeralda all year round.

The Livorno - Olbia ferry usually runs 4-5 times a day. The fastest ferry can take up to 7-8.5 hr. The earliest ferry leaves the port of Livorno at around 09:00 and arrives in Olbia at 17:30. Just in time for you to climb up to Pedres Castle to admire the dreamy sunset!

Good to know: on the Livorno - Olbia route you can often find discounts and offers. Find the best ferry deals in Italy in our blog.

Piombino - Olbia ferry

During summer you can also reach Olbia from the port of Piombino (Tuscany) thanks to the company Moby Lines. The Piombino - Olbia ferry route is served from June to September with 3 crossings per week. In the high season, however, there are almost daily ferries.

The ferries take 5.5 hr and prices start at €37.

Genoa - Olbia ferry

In summer, you can take a ferry to Olbia also from the port of Genoa, in Liguria. This seasonal route is one of the most popular to reach Sardinia from Northern Italy.

The ferry connection from Genoa to Olbia is available from mid-May to early October up to 4 daily departures. The fastest Genoa - Olbia ferry, operated by Moby, takes about 10-12.5 hr.

And since the ferry to Sardinia passes through Corsica, you could plan a 2 stages itinerary to make your trip even more exciting! Start with the Genoa - Bastia ferry, enjoy a few days in Corsica and then continue your trip to Northern Sardinia.

Civitavecchia - Olbia ferry

If you have a few vacation days to spare and you’re traveling from Central Italy, you can take the Civitavecchia - Olbia ferry. This is one of the fastest ways to reach Sardinia by ferry from mainland Italy.

The Civitavecchia - Olbia route is available all year round with at least 1-2 departures per day depending on the period, and the fastest ferry takes only 5.5 hr to reach the island. The tickets start as low as €20.

Tip: during your stay in Olbia you should plan a day trip to the island of Tavolara. This limestone mountain that juts out of the sea is part of a marine protected area and can be reached from the town of Porto San Paolo (a 20-minute drive from Olbia).

Aerial view of the island of Tavolara, off the coast of Olbia, Italy

The island of Tavolara, a jewel just a stone's throw from Olbia

Livorno - Golfo Aranci ferry

The port of Golfo Aranci is, along with Olbia, the main access to the Costa Smeralda. You can travel from Livorno to Golfo Aranci all year long thanks to ferry connections operated by Corsica Ferries.

The Livorno - Golfo Aranci ferry route is served with at least several crossings per week, depending on the season. The journey can take between 7 and 11 hr, and the earliest departure from the port of Livorno is usually at 09:15.

Tickets to Golfo Aranci from Livorno start from €25, and since they sell out quickly we recommend that you book yours well in advance.

Piombino - Golfo Aranci ferry

The small town of Golfo Aranci can also be reached from another port in Tuscany: Piombino.

However, the Piombino - Golfo Aranci ferry route is seasonal, with up to 3 departures per day in August. The crossings take between 6 to 8.5 hr.

Enjoy the summer in Golfo Aranci and dive into the heavenly waters of Cala Moresca or Sos Aranzos Beach!

Genoa - Golfo Aranci ferry

From 2024, you can book your ferries to Golfo Aranci from Genoa thanks to the new Moby Lines route!

The ferry connection from Genoa to Golfo Aranci is active during the summer (in July and August). Depending on the period, there are up to 4 weekly crossings and the ferry trip can last between 10 hours and 11 hours 15 minutes.

Savona - Golfo Aranci ferry

Some ferry connections to Sardinia from mainland Italy are occasional, just like the Savona - Golfo Aranci ferry route.

Keep in mind that this is one of the longest crossings (about 20 hours), and no schedules have been announced for 2024 as of now.

View of the coast of Golfo Aranci, Sardinia, Italy

The beautiful coastline of Golfo Aranci in northern Sardinia

Genoa - Porto Torres ferry

Porto Torres is one of the main cities of northern Sardinia and can be reached from the port of Genoa all year round.

The Genoa - Porto Torres ferry route is served with up to 3 departures per day depending on the period. The fastest ferry takes about 10-14.5 hr, and the earliest departure from the port of Genoa is at around 19:00. The next morning you will find yourself in the heart of Asinara Park!

Civitavecchia - Porto Torres ferry

If you’re visiting Rome, you can easily travel to Porto Torres thanks to frequent ferries departing from Civitavecchia.

The Civitavecchia - Porto Torres ferry route is operated 1-4 times a week depending on the period. The ferry crossing takes about 8 hr, and ticket prices start at €30.

Check out our Porto Torres travel guide and plan your stay with Ferryhopper!

Civitavecchia - Arbatax ferry

The resort town of Arbatax can be reached by sea only from the port of Civitavecchia, and is a popular summer destination, although the Civitavecchia - Arbatax ferries operate all year round.

The company Grimaldi Lines runs 2 crossings per week (on Tuesdays and Saturdays). Ferries usually depart from Civitavecchia in the evening and take about 9 hr to reach Arbatax.

Tip: if you are seeking relaxation and empty beaches, far from the crowds, we suggest you visit Arbatax in September.

The Red Rocks of Arbatax in Sardinia, Italy

The famous Red Rocks in Arbatax

You are planning a trip to Sardinia from outside of Italy? You absolutely can! We gathered all the info you’ve been looking for:

Ferries from Spain to Sardinia

If you’re planning a trip around Europe and want to travel to Sardinia from Spain, you can do so from the port of Barcelona.

The Barcelona - Porto Torres ferry connection is operated by Grimaldi Lines with conventional ships. Here is more info about the route:

Barcelona - Porto Torres ferry

The Barcelona - Porto Torres ferry route is very popular among travelers. In winter there are 1-2 crossings per week and more during summer, with departures both in the morning and the evening.

The ferry trip lasts about 12.5-14 hr and the tickets start at €45.

Tip: learn more about all available ferry routes between Italy and Spain in 2024!

Ferries from France to Sardinia

If your European tour has brought you the amazing French Riviera, you can easily reach Sardinia from there.

In fact, the 2 cities of Nice and Toulon are connected to 2 ports in Sardinia, Porto Torres and Golfo Aranci, by the company Corsica Ferries.

Nice - Porto Torres ferry

The Nice - Porto Torres ferry is seasonal and mostly active in July and August. There are usually 1 or 2 crossings per week and the ferry trip takes around 11-12 hr depending on the type of vessel.

Toulon - Porto Torres ferry

The ferry from Toulon to Porto Torres is available all year round, but the frequency depends on the season. The crossings can take between 14 and 18 hr, so we highly advise you to book a cabin for a relaxing journey.

The cable car of Toulon on its way to Mont Faron

Panoramic view of Toulon from the cable car reaching Mont Faron

Ferries from Sardinia to Corsica

Did you know that 2 of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean are connected regularly and almost year-round?

Ferry routes between Corsica and Sardinia are very popular and will allow you to explore both these Mediterranean gems in a short time. The Corsican ports connected to Sardinia are Bonifacio, Ajaccio, Bastia and Porto Vecchio.

The ferry companies operating the routes between northern Sardinia and Corsica are Ichnusa Lines, Corsica Ferries, and Moby Lines, and the shortest trip takes only 50 min.

Find out how to get to Corsica from Sardinia:

Santa Teresa Gallura - Bonifacio ferry

The Santa Teresa Gallura - Bonifacio ferry connection is the fastest way to move between Sardinia and Corsica. There are up to 7 crossings per day, and even more during summer!

Usually, the earliest ferry leaves Santa Teresa Gallura at 07:00 and reaches Bonifacio in less than 1 hour. The cherry on top? The spectacular view from the ship while arriving in Bonifacio!

Tip: before sailing to Southern Corsica, you should definitely visit the surroundings of Santa Teresa Gallura. Why not planning a day trip from Palau to La Maddalena? This route is in operation daily, served by Maddalena Lines, Delcomar or Ensamar.

Porto Torres - Ajaccio ferry

You can travel by ferry from Sardinia to Ajaccio (the capital of Corsica) from Porto Torres.

The Porto Torres - Ajaccio ferries run from October to June and operate up to twice a week. The crossing takes around 3 hr.

Good to know: Ajaccio is the largest city in southern Corsica and is the ideal starting point for visiting the southern and central parts of the island!

Golfo Aranci - Bastia ferry

From the northeastern tip of Sardinia, you can easily reach Northern Corsica thanks to the Golfo Aranci - Bastia ferry route.

Consider, however, that connections from Sardinia to Bastia operate only a few months of the year with occasional departures. There can be up to 1-2 routes per week, depending on the season.

The shortest crossing takes 6.5 hr, but it is possible that some days the connection will include a stopover at the port of Livorno.

Porto Torres - Porto Vecchio ferry

Another route to Corsica that is operated sporadically from Sardinia is the Porto Torres - Porto Vecchio route.

As of now, no 2024 ferry schedules have been announced for the Porto Torres to Porto-Vecchio route. When active, there are usually 2-3 connections per month, and the trip lasts 5 to 7 hr.

Good to know: the area around Porto-Vecchio is home to some of the most beautiful beaches of the island and is also known for its vibrant nightlife.

Ferry approaching of the rocky coast of Bonifacio, Corsica, France

The famous white cliffs of Bonifacio, on the southern tip of Corsica

Sardinia ferry offers 2024

Want to save money for your trip to Sardinia? Most ferry companies serving the routes to the island usually propose limited offers and fixed discounts for some categories.

In general, babies and toddlers under 2-3 years old travel for free, while children under 11-12 get a 50% discount on tickets. There are also reductions and discounted rates for groups, residents or natives of Sardinia.

As for current limited offers and deals on ferries to Sardinia, here is the latest info:

40% discount on GNV ferries to Sardinia

The ferry company GNV often announces ferry deals for Sardinia of up to 40%. From early-booking events to limited seasonal discounts for the summer months, make sure to keep an eye out for what GNV has in store for 2024!

Tip: these deals are usually of limited availability, so we highly suggest you to book yours as soon as possible! Don't miss this opportunity to visit Sardinia at the best price with GNV!

Discounts on Grimaldi Lines ferries for passengers and vehicles

The ferry company Grimaldi Lines takes you to Sardinia with discounts if you travel with a campervan or a motorcycle.

With the promo Camper & Meals, you get a 30% discount on meals if you board a campervan (or a minibus). This offer is usually valid for specific dates and includes à la Carte or Self-Service lunches and dinners. Keep in mind that the promo is subject to limitations.

Additionally, not only are there discounts for residents and natives of Sardinia, but also for their dependents and any other passenger traveling with them (provided that they are in the same booking).

10% on Moby Lines round-trips between Santa Teresa and Bonifacio

This ferry company is offering a 10% discount on round trips for the Santa Teresa - Bonifacio ferry route until March 31, 2024. This timed promotion applies to passenger and car tickets so that you can easily and inexpensively transfer your vehicle and move around at your own pace.

Useful tips and info for your ferry trip to Sardinia

Here are 7 tips that we hope will be helpful to you before and during your vacation in Sardinia:

  1. Since ferries to Sardinia mostly travel at night, we suggest you book a cabin for extra comfort.
  2. Sardinia deserves at least 1 week of visiting, but if you focus on a specific area and organize everything in advance, you are able to visit it in less time. Find all you need to know for a 3-day trip to Sardinia.
  3. All ferries to Sardinia accept pets on board. You can add your furry friend to the reservation and pay an additional fee.
  4. Ticket prices for ferries to Sardinia tend to get higher during summer. Try to book your tickets at least 4-5 months in advance to get the cheapest.
  5. Boarding piers to Sardinia tend to be very crowded in summer. Arrive at the port well in advance, especially if you are traveling with your car!
  6. Visiting Sardinia by camper will allow you to explore the island with total freedom and save on accommodation.
  7. Find other useful tips and plan your ferry trip to Italy.

Camper parked near a deserted beach in Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is perfect for a campervan road trip!

Book online cheap ferries to Sardinia

On Ferryhopper, you can book your ferry tickets to Sardinia easily and quickly! Take advantage of last-minute ferry deals to Sardinia and sail to the most beautiful destinations of the island!

Explore our Map of ferries, check all available routes and plan your trip to Sardinia hassle-free.

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