Ferries Sardinia

Sardinia is a heavenly destination every month of the year, but choosing the best time to book your ferry can make all the difference.

If you are planning to travel during the summer, we recommend booking 4-5 months in advance to make sure there is availability in tickets, cabins, and car-deck spaces. Plus, you can take advantage of early-booking offers.

During the high season, which runs from the beginning of June to the end of August, ferries to Sardinia are in high demand. If you book in advance, you can avoid last-minute inconveniences and potentially take advantage of better fares.

Beyond the time of year, there are also specific days and periods when prices tend to rise, such as holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays. To have a better chance to save on your ferry tickets, it’s best to travel on weekdays.

The off-season is perfect for those who prefer to explore the island away from the summer crowds. Plus, you can often find lower prices and benefit from last-minute deals! If you travel in autumn, winter, or spring, you'll also have more flexibility with travel dates and crossing options, as demand is lower.

Remember that on Ferryhopper and the Ferryhopper App, you can compare routes, schedules, and ferry prices to and from Sardinia, and choose the option that suits you best.

Ferry companies offer special discounts for certain passenger categories. Children up to 3 years old normally travel for free, while children up to 11-12 years old get a discount on their tickets.

Sardinia resident discount

If you are a resident of Sardinia, you can enjoy a special discount and save on your ferry trip to/from the island. You just need to select the discount and enter your ID or passport number when booking your ferry on Ferryhopper.

Note that you should carry a document proving your Sardinia residence to present when boarding the ferry.

Useful information: fixed discounts may vary slightly from one ferry company to another.

Ferries to Sardinia offer a wide range of services, which vary depending on the route and company. Most ferries are conventional, but there are also high-speed vessels available on certain routes.

Vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and campers, can be transported on all ferries. Policies and fees may vary depending on the operator, so it’s a good idea to check in advance.

The most modern ferries often include extras, such as entertainment areas and Internet access. Most operators offer paid Wi-Fi service, so you can have Internet access in common areas, corridors, and cabins.

Dining options include à la carte and self-service restaurants, bars, and pizzerias, with vegetarian, vegan, and kids' menu options available. Larger ferries may also feature entertainment, such as game rooms, outdoor pools, and lounges.

Accessibility is also a priority on ferries to Sardinia, with features such as designated parking, elevators, accessible cabins, and restrooms. Find out more about traveling by ferry in Italy for passengers with disabilities.

Fun fact: the Legacy and Fantasy ferries of Moby Lines which operate on the Livorno - Olbia route, are among the largest and eco-friendly ferries in the world, boasting cruise-like amenities.

The “Fantasy” ferry of Moby Lines traveling to Olbia

Cabins & seats

For your trip to Sardinia, you have the option to book a deck-passage ticket, a numbered seat, or a cabin.

The deck-passage option provides access only to the common areas of the ferry and is normally the cheapest type of accommodation. Ferries to Sardinia have indoor and outdoor areas with tables, chairs, and sofas. However, for longer routes, we recommend booking a seat or a cabin for extra comfort and safety.

The numbered airplane-type seat option is ideal for passengers who want to rest during the crossing. The reclining seats are located in dedicated areas equipped with TV and air conditioning.

If you wish for privacy and maximum comfort on the ferry, it’s best to book a cabin. Ferry companies serving connections to Sardinia offer various options that meet the needs and budget of all passengers.

From standard cabins to luxury ones with panoramic windows, there is a wide range to choose from. Cabins can be interior, exterior, single, double, or family-friendly ones, allowing travelers to customize their experience to their liking.

Most cabins have private bathrooms and air conditioning, while suites may also have a minibar and TV. The cabins are usually equipped with sheets, towels, and a kit with soap and shower gel. They also have electrical outlets.

All companies also offer a number of accessible cabins for passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs), and even pet-friendly cabins.

Tip: if you wish to book a cabin for your trip, we recommend booking your tickets well in advance, as they usually sell out fast during the peak-season months.

Entertainment

The entertainment options on ferries to Sardinia may vary depending on the operator, the ferry and the season. Some common options include game rooms, casinos, relaxation lounges, and duty-free shops.

Moreover, on larger ships, you can find outdoor pools, solariums, and cinema halls. There might even be musical entertainment available, as some ferries have dance floors.

Even the little ones can have fun on the ferry! All companies have play areas on the ferries, where children can watch cartoons, draw and play.

A colorful children’s play area on a GNV ferry

Sardinia is the second-largest island in Italy and a top summer vacation destination. Famous for its emerald waters, pristine beaches and millennia-old history, Sardinia is ideal for a trip filled with relaxation and adventure.

Sardinia's beaches vary from coast to coast, offering stretches of white sand, rocky coves, and wild bays. Beyond its amazing coast, Sardinia enchants with its art-filled cities, numerous medieval villages, local crafts, and delicious cuisine.

If you love nature, we recommend hiking in Asinara National Park and birdwatching in the area of Oristano.

Sardinia is a perfect destination for families, couples, and friend groups. With a sunny climate and mild temperatures, it is a great holiday destination even in the off-season.

Capriccioli, a corner of paradise on the Costa Smeralda

Here are 4 useful tips to keep in mind before and during your vacation in Sardinia:

1. Ferry crossings to Sardinia are often overnight, so we recommend booking a cabin to enjoy a more comfortable journey.
2. The Italian ports can become quite busy during the summer. It's best to arrive at the port well in advance, especially if you are bringing along your car.
3. Touring Sardinia by camper allows you to explore the island’s hidden corners and save on accommodation costs.
4. Check out our dedicated guides for Livorno - Olbia and Genoa - Olbia ferry trips with Moby Lines.

Sardinia has 7 main ports, all located near the island’s tourist resorts. The most important ports are: Cagliari, Arbatax, Olbia, Golfo Aranci, Porto Torres, Santa Teresa Gallura and Palau.

Here is some useful information about the main ports of Sardinia:

1. Cagliari: the Sardinian capital is located in the south of the island and is connected all year round with the ports of Civitavecchia, Naples and Palermo.
2. Arbatax: this popular holiday resort is located in the east of the island and is connected all year round with the port of Civitavecchia.
3. Olbia: located in the northeast, it is one of the most important ports on the island and welcomes more than 1 million travelers every year. Olbia is well connected to the ports of Civitavecchia, Genoa, Livorno, and Piombino.
4. Golfo Aranci: the port is located in the north of Sardinia and is the main access point to the Costa Smeralda. Golfo Aranci is connected to the ports of Livorno, Piombino, Nice and Bastia.
5. Porto Torres: its strategic position in the northwest of the island makes it the main landing point for ferries from Italy (Genoa and Civitavecchia), Spain (Barcelona), France (Nice and Toulon) and Corsica (Ajaccio). In fact, Porto Torres is the largest port in Sardinia.
6. Santa Teresa Gallura: it is the closest Sardinian port to Corsica. Santa Teresa Gallura is in fact connected with the port of Bonifacio all year round, and is located at the northern tip of Sardinia, in the province of Sassari.
7. Palau: from this port in the north of Sardinia, you can hop on a day trip to the island of La Maddalena, one of the wonders of the Mediterranean. Palau - La Maddalena ferries run very frequently and the crossing lasts only 15-20 minutes.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Sardinia, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.