Rome to Sardinia by ferry: the complete guide

After soaking in the historical wonders of Rome, why not extend your Italian adventure with a ferry ride to Sardinia? This Mediterranean gem awaits with its pristine beaches, rugged landscapes and captivating culture.

On this Ferryhopper page, you can find useful information to navigate your journey seamlessly – from picking the ideal port near Rome to finding the perfect ferry connection to Sardinia. Book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper and get ready to trade the bustling Roman piazzas for crystal-clear Sardinian waters!

The charming waterfront of the port city of Civitavecchia

Embarking on your Sardinian adventure

Yearning for an escape to the idyllic shores of Sardinia? We've got you covered! But before you kick back and relax, let's talk logistics. Fortunately, getting from Rome to Sardinia is a breeze with ferries departing from several conveniently located ports: Civitavecchia, Naples, Piombino, and Livorno. 

Whether you're drawn to Civitavecchia's historic charm, Naples' vibrant energy, Livorno's picturesque coastline, or Piombino's laid-back atmosphere, your Sardinian adventure awaits just a ferry ride away.

Discovering ports near Rome for ferries to Sardinia

When planning your ferry journey from Rome to Sardinia, consider the following ports conveniently accessible from Rome:

• Civitavecchia: situated approximately 1 hour (80 km) from Rome by car or public transport, Civitavecchia offers frequent ferry routes to various Sardinian destinations, including Cagliari, Olbia and Porto Torres. Its proximity to the capital makes it a popular choice among travelers.
• Naples: although further from Rome than Civitavecchia, Naples offers additional ferry options to Sardinia from its port of Porta di Massa. Consider this vibrant city, located roughly 220 km south of Rome, if you seek to combine your Roman adventure with a taste of Neapolitan charm.
• Livorno and Piombino: located along the coast of Tuscany, Livorno and Piombino serve as additional gateways to Sardinia from mainland Italy. These ports offer ferry services to destinations such as Olbia and Golfo Aranci, providing alternative options for travelers departing from Rome.

Choosing the perfect port of arrival in Sardinia

The ferry companies operating routes between Civitavecchia, Naples, Livorno or Piombiono and Sardinia are: Grimaldi Lines, GNV, Tirrenia, Moby Lines, and Corsica Ferries. These companies offer connections to popular Sardinian destinations like:

• Olbia: situated on the northeastern coast, Olbia is a major tourist hub and a great starting point for exploring the island's stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife.
• Cagliari: Sardinia's capital city, Cagliari, boasts a rich history, impressive architecture and a charming old town.
• Porto Torres: located on the northwestern coast, Porto Torres is a perfect destination for history buffs, offering ancient ruins and archaeological sites.
• Arbatax: nestled on the eastern coast, Arbatax is a hidden gem known for its dramatic coastline, secluded coves and natural beauty.
• Golfo Aranci: a charming port town on the northeastern coast, Golfo Aranci offers easy access to the stunning Maddalena Archipelago.

Tip: consider your final destination in Sardinia when choosing your ferry route. While Olbia offers the most connections, other ports might be closer to your desired location, saving you travel time on the island.

A picturesque view of Olbia, Sardinia

Rome to Sardinia ferry schedules and travel time

The frequency and duration of your ferry trip to Sardinia will vary depending on your chosen departure port, destination and the ferry company. Here's a general breakdown to help you plan:

From Civitavecchia:

• Olbia: the Rome (Civitavecchia) - Olbia ferry route is active all year round with up to 7 daily crossings in the high season. The crossing takes approximately 5.5 to 8 hours, with both daytime and overnight ferry options available.
• Cagliari: you can travel from Civitavecchia to Cagliari by ferry 3 times per week. The journey usually lasts 15 hours, with most ferries departing in the evening and arriving the following morning.
• Porto Torres: there are usually up to 4 departures per week from Civitavecchia to Porto Torres. The travel time for this route typically falls between 8 and 8.5 hours.
• Arbatax: this route is available with up to 3 weekly crossings. Rome - Arbatax ferries take about 9 hours to reach their destination.

From Naples:

As ferry travel times from Naples are generally longer than Civitavecchia, departures tend to be less frequent. Specifically:

• Cagliari: Naples - Cagliari ferry crossings are active all year round with 3 weekly departures. The trip takes 15 hours.

From Piombino:

Piombino offers a good option for reaching northern Sardinia, with connections to:

• Olbia: Moby Lines operates the Piombino - Olbia ferry crossing up to 7 times per week. The journey usually lasts 5.5 hours.
• Golfo Aranci: the Piombino - Golfo Aranci route is operated only in August by Corsica Ferries. You will find up to 3 weekly departures lasting about 6.5 to 8 hours.

From Livorno:

Similar to Piombino, Livorno offers connections to northern Sardinia:

• Olbia: this is a popular ferry crossing with 4 daily departures in summer. Livorno - Olbia ferry times range from 7.5 to 10 hours.
• Golfo Aranci: Livorno - Golfo Aranci ferry crossings are also quite popular. They are active up to 3 times a day, with sailings lasting 6.5 to 11 hours, making them one of the shortest crossings to Sardinia from mainland Italy.

Rome to Sardinia ferry ticket prices

The cost of your ferry ticket to Sardinia will also vary depending on several factors, including:

• Destination: ferry ticket prices can vary depending on the popularity of the destination and the route's overall demand. While tickets to closer ports might be generally cheaper, this isn't always the case. For example, during peak season, popular routes like Civitavecchia - Olbia can be more expensive than crossings to Cagliari or Arbatax with less traffic.
• Travel time: daytime ferries are typically more expensive than overnight options.
• Travel season: expect higher prices during peak tourist season (July and August).
• Vehicle transport: if you plan to bring your car, van or motorbike, you'll need to book a vehicle ticket, which will increase the cost.
• Cabin selection: most ferry companies offer a variety of cabin options, ranging from interior to exterior cabins with sea view. Upgrading your cabin selection will significantly impact the overall ticket price. 

The good news? Ferry tickets to Sardinia can be relatively affordable, with prices starting from around €30. Keep an eye out for discounts offered by ferry companies – these are often available for children and residents of Sardinia.

Historic buildings in a kaleidoscope of colors lining Cagliari's waterfront

Book ferry tickets to Sardinia from Rome on Ferryhopper

Ready to embark on your Sardinian adventure? Don't wait any longer! Explore all available connections on our Map of ferries, choose the perfect ferry route for your itinerary and book your ferry tickets to Sardinia online on Ferryhopper.