Italy · Overnight crossings from mainland Italy
Sardinia ferry routes & schedules
Sardinia sits far enough offshore that most of its ferry traffic is long-haul: overnight and daytime car ferries from mainland Italian ports and neighbouring Corsica, rather than short island hops. They are the affordable, cabin-and-car way to reach the island for a road trip.
- 18
- Connections
- 6
- Operators
- 11
- Quays
- 55m
- Avg crossing
About
Ferry travel in Sardinia
Reaching Sardinia by sea
The main gateways are the ports of Olbia, Cagliari, Porto Torres and Golfo Aranci, served from Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia (Rome) and Naples on the Italian mainland, plus short crossings from southern Corsica. Many are overnight sailings with cabins, letting you sleep aboard and wake up with your car ready to roll — see our guide to overnight ferries and cabins. Our full Sardinia ferry guide compares the routes, operators and seasons.
Quays
Ferry quays in Sardinia
11 quays with published connections. Open a quay for every route that calls there.
At a glance
Which Sardinia crossings run most often?
The busiest published crossings, ranked by number of listed sailings.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Maddalena (ITMDA) → Palau (ITPAU) | 15m | 34 / wk | 1 |
| Palau (ITPAU) → La Maddalena (ITMDA) | 15m | 34 / wk | 1 |
| Porto Vesme (ITPVE) → Carloforte (ITCLF) | 40m | 30 / wk | 1 |
| Carloforte (ITCLF) → Porto Vesme (ITPVE) | 40m | 29 / wk | 1 |
| Calasetta (ITCLS) → Carloforte (ITCLF) | 30m | 19 / wk | 1 |
| Carloforte (ITCLF) → Calasetta (ITCLS) | 30m | 18 / wk | 1 |
| Porto Torres (ITPTO) → Civitavecchia | 7h 45m | 4 / wk | 1 |
| Olbia → Livorno | 7h 45m | 4 / wk | 2 |
| Olbia → Genoa | — | 4 / wk | 2 |
| Golfo Aranci → Livorno | 6h 45m | 1 / wk | 1 |
| Porto Torres (ITPTO) → Genoa | — | 1 / wk | 2 |
Timetables
Ferry routes in Sardinia
11 routes departing Sardinia.
Carloforte (ITCLF)2 routes
Olbia2 routes
Porto Torres (ITPTO)2 routes
Calasetta (ITCLS)1 route
Golfo Aranci1 route
La Maddalena (ITMDA)1 route
Palau (ITPAU)1 route
Porto Vesme (ITPVE)1 route
Operators
Who runs the ferries in Sardinia?
Guides
Planning ferry travel in Sardinia
Practical guides to fares, booking and the crossings worth building a trip around.
- Ferries to Sardinia: Your Comprehensive GuidePlan your ferry trip to Sardinia from mainland Italy. Discover routes from Genoa, Civitavecchia, Livorno, and more, with top operators and essential booking tips.
- Ferry vs Flight: Rome (Civitavecchia) to Sardinia (Olbia)Ask in February and the answer is a plane; ask in July and it is almost certainly a ship. A month-by-month look at Moby, Tirrenia and Grimaldi sailings from Civitavecchia to Olbia — and when the Rome flight quietly takes over.
- Overnight Ferry: Cabin or Seat? What to Book and What It CostsOn an overnight crossing the ticket class decides whether you arrive rested. Cabins, reclining seats and deck passage compared — real prices, when cabins sell out, and why the lounges are rarely quiet.
- How to Take a Car on a Ferry: A Complete GuideEverything you need to know about driving onto a ferry — booking vehicle space, what to do at the terminal, and how to board safely.
Travel updates
Latest updates for Sardinia
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Sardinia by ferry?
By car ferry from mainland Italy — chiefly Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia (for Rome) and Naples — landing at Olbia, Golfo Aranci, Cagliari or Porto Torres, plus shorter crossings from southern Corsica. Many are overnight sailings where you can book a cabin and take your vehicle.
How many ferry routes are there in Sardinia?
Sardinia has 18 ferry and express-boat connections across 11 quays. Each route page lists the timetable, crossing time and operator.
Who operates ferries in Sardinia?
Boat and ferry services in Sardinia are run by 6 operators, including Corsica & Sardinia Ferries, Delcomar, Grandi Navi Veloci, Grimaldi Lines, Moby Lines and Tirrenia. Most are part of Italy's county public-transport network.
How long are ferry crossings in Sardinia?
Across Sardinia's active crossings the average sailing takes about 55m, while the longest runs roughly 10h. Each route page shows the exact duration.
Explore
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Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 9, 2026.