Italy
Grado to Aquileia Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Grado
Arrives
Aquileia
TPL FVGAt a glance
The Grado to Aquileia ferry takes about 1h 15m. It is operated by TPL FVG.
- Sailings listed
- 0
- Crossing
- 1h 15m
Grado to Aquileia ferry timetable
Seasonal sailing times
The Grado to Aquileia ferry is operated by TPL FVG, and the crossing takes about 1h 15m. Sailings change with the season, and departures are confirmed ahead of each sailing period.
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Grado – Aquileia crossing
This is not a conventional ferry crossing but a scenic lagoon and river excursion linking the seaside resort of Grado with the inland Roman town of Aquileia, in Italy's Friuli Venezia Giulia region. It is run as a public maritime line by APT Gorizia (within the regional TPL FVG transport network) and is best understood as a slow, sightseeing service rather than a fast point-to-point link.
The journey
The battello threads through the Grado lagoon and up the Natissa river, past reed beds, traditional lagoon fishermen's huts (casoni) and open water, before reaching the landing stage at Aquileia. The trip takes about one hour and five minutes each way – deliberately unhurried, since the landscape is the attraction. Aquileia itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, once one of the largest cities of the Roman Empire, and is famous for its early Christian basilica and vast floor mosaics.
Season and practical notes
- This is a seasonal summer service, typically running in the warmer months and usually operating six days a week (commonly closed on Mondays outside special holidays).
- Departures are limited to a handful of sailings a day in each direction, so it suits day-trippers pairing a beach stay in Grado with a cultural visit to Aquileia.
- Both directions are normally equipped to carry bicycles, making it popular for cycle tourism along the lagoon.
- Tickets can be bought in advance or, subject to space, on board; regional cards such as the FVG Card may include a return trip.
Because timetables and operating dates change from season to season, confirm the current schedule with APT Gorizia before planning a trip.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Lagoon motor-boats
- Integrated transit ticketing
- Seasonal tourist lines
- Bus & boat network
Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
Is the Grado to Aquileia service a real ferry or a tourist excursion?
It is a seasonal tourist and sightseeing line rather than a year-round transport ferry. Run by APT Gorizia as part of the regional TPL FVG network, it is a slow lagoon-and-river boat trip designed to enjoy the scenery, not a fast commuter crossing.
How long does the boat from Grado to Aquileia take?
About one hour and five minutes each way. The route winds through the Grado lagoon and up the Natissa river to Aquileia, and the leisurely pace is part of the experience.
When does the Grado to Aquileia boat run?
It operates seasonally in the warmer months, typically six days a week and usually closed on Mondays (except on certain public holidays). There are only a few departures a day in each direction, so check the current timetable before travelling.
Can I take a bicycle on the Grado to Aquileia boat?
Yes. The service is normally set up to carry bicycles in both directions, which makes it popular with cycle tourists exploring the Friuli lagoon and the surrounding cycle routes.
Why visit Aquileia by boat?
Aquileia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was one of the great cities of the Roman Empire, known for its basilica and early Christian mosaics. Arriving by boat up the Natissa river adds a slow, atmospheric approach through the lagoon landscape.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (TPL FVG) for current fares.
Who operates this ferry?
Served by TPL FVG.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailing frequency on this route varies by season. Confirm current dates with the operator before travelling.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with TPL FVG, so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Where can I check live sailing times?
The timetable on this page shows the latest published sailings for this route. Always confirm with the operator before travelling, as schedules change seasonally.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated July 13, 2026.
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