Olbia to Civitavecchia Ferry

The Olbia to Civitavecchia ferry is the workhorse of the Sardinia–mainland network, linking the Costa Smeralda's gateway port in northeast Sardinia with Civitavecchia, the deep-water port that serves Rome roughly 80 km up the coast. It is the shortest and most frequently sailed of the crossings between Sardinia and central Italy, which is why the bulk of car and passenger traffic between Rome and the island funnels through it.

Operators and vessels

Tirrenia (operating alongside Moby) runs this line year-round, typically with one to two departures a day. In the summer high season the route is reinforced by Grimaldi Lines and GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci), so from roughly June through September you can find multiple sailings daily across the operators. The ships are large ro-pax vessels built for the crossing, carrying cars, campers, motorhomes, motorbikes and freight lorries alongside foot passengers.

Crossing time and timetable

The passage takes around 5 to 8 hours depending on the operator and vessel. Faster daytime sailings run in the region of 5–7 hours, while the classic overnight service departs late evening and arrives at dawn — for example a night departure around 22:00 reaching port near 06:30 the following morning. Daytime and overnight options let you choose between a deck seat for a quick hop or a cabin for the night crossing.

Booking and onboard

Accommodation ranges from deck seats and reclining poltrona seats to inside and outside cabins for the overnight run. Because Olbia sits close to the beaches of the Costa Smeralda and the Gallura, demand and fares climb sharply in July and August, so booking well ahead is wise if you are bringing a vehicle. Off-season fares can start from around €20 per foot passenger.