Ferries Elba

When traveling by ferry to Elba, you can take advantage of the regular discounts offered to specific traveler categories. While these discounts differ from one company to another, typically children under 12 are entitled to 50% off ferry ticket prices, while infants and toddlers up to 3 years old travel for free.

Additionally, Blu Navy typically has special deals on round-trip tickets.

Piombino to Elba routes

The Piombino - Elba routes are active all year round, with both high-speed and conventional ferries. There are usually over 50 daily crossings in the summer and around 20 daily crossings the rest of the year.

• Piombino - Portoferraio: served with around 15-40 daily crossings, with a travel time of 40 min to 1 hr and tickets priced from about €15.
• Piombino - Rio Marina: operated with 2-6 daily ferries that take around 45 min for the trip, and tickets cost from around €13.
• Piombino - Cavo: served with 4-5 crossings every day, with a travel time of 15 min to 40 min and ferry tickets costing from about €13.

Pianosa - Elba ferries

You can travel with conventional ferries from Pianosa to Rio Marina all year round, usually with 1-2 weekly crossings. The journey normally takes 1 hr 50 min and tickets cost from about €17.

Corsica - Elba ferries

There are currently no direct ferries from Bastia to Portoferraio, however, during the high season (May to October), you can usually travel from Corsica to Elba via Piombino. You can hop on the Bastia - Piombino ferry and then continue from Piombino to Elba.

Internal Elba routes

There is a year-round ferry connection between Cavo and Portoferraio, which is served 2-4 times a day. The Cavo - Portoferraio ferry normally takes about 20 min, while the Portoferraio - Cavo ferry trip lasts 15 min. Ticket prices start at around €14.

There are 4 companies operating the ferry routes to Elba:

• Blu Navy and Moby Lines serve the route from Piombino to Portoferraio in Elba.
• Corsica Ferries operates the ferry connection to Elba from Bastia in Corsica.
• Toremar serves the ferry routes from Piombino and Pianosa, as well as local routes between the ports of Cavo and Portoferraio.

How much luggage can you take on the ferry to Elba?

Each ferry company has its own luggage policy:

• With Blu Navy and Moby Lines, you can bring as many bags as you can carry on board by yourself, with no weight or size restrictions.
• Corsica Ferries has no strict weight restrictions, but all items you bring must be up to 200x100x50 cm in size.
• On Toremar ferries, adults are allowed hand luggage weighing up to 20 kg, while children can bring up to 10 kg of luggage.

The ferry trip to Elba takes 15 min to 3 hr, depending on your port of departure, company and vessel. Here are indicative travel times for the main routes to Elba:

• Piombino - Elba: 15 min to 1 hr
• Pianosa - Elba: usually 1 hr 50 min
• Corsica - Elba: around 3 hr
• Internal Elba routes: 15-20 min

Which is the fastest route to Elba?

The fastest route to Elba is from Piombino to Cavo, which takes as little as 15 min with a high-speed catamaran and up to 40 min with a conventional ferry.

What is the cheapest ferry route to Elba?

The cheapest ferry routes to Elba are from Piombino to Cavo and Rio Marina, with ticket prices starting at around €13.

How much more is the high-speed ferry?

High-speed ferries are available on 2 routes:

• On the Piombino - Portoferraio route, prices for conventional ferry tickets start at around €15, while for catamarans, prices start at around €23.
• On the Piombino - Cavo route, tickets for the conventional ferry start at €13 and for the catamaran at €16.

What other factors should I consider?

• Frequency of departures: the Piombino - Portoferraio route has the most daily sailings, giving you more flexibility.
• Vehicle transport: the catamarans, while faster, do not have car decks to transport any vehicles.
• Seasonality: during the off-season, there are fewer crossings, while the direct Bastia - Elba route is usually not active.
• Arrival time & traffic: During peak season, arriving at smaller ports like Cavo or Rio Marina can mean less congestion compared to Portoferraio.
• Weather & sea conditions: Shorter routes are generally more stable in windy conditions, which can reduce delays.

The conventional ferries serving the routes to Elba have car decks, so you can travel with your car, motorbike or camper van to the island. However, the high-speed hydrofoils and catamarans, such as the Schiopparello Jet operated by Toremar, do not have car decks.

How much does it cost to bring my car to Elba?

The cost of transporting a vehicle depends on the type, route, ferry company and vessel. Prices typically start at around €45 to transport a car, €20 for a motorbike and €50 for a camper van.

Can I take my camper van on the ferry to Elba?

Yes, you can travel with your camper van to Elba on most conventional ferries from Piombino, Pianosa and Bastia. For more details and information, check out our blog on planning a camper trip to Elba.

The routes to Elba are served by both conventional ferries and high-speed hydrofoils, which feature modern amenities and services for a comfortable journey.

On most conventional ferries, such as the Moby Niki or Oglasa, you will find:

• Seats in air-conditioned lounges and spacious outer decks
• Cafeterias, serving snacks and drinks
• Entertainment for children, including play areas and video game rooms
• Wi-Fi access for surfing the Internet
• Car decks for the transportation of vehicles

The high-speed hydrofoils prioritize speed and typically have a more basic range of amenities, such as:

• Comfy seating in air-conditioned lounges
• Snack bars, where you can get a quick bite or drink
• Wi-Fi hotspot, to stay connected during the trip

Cabin availability

Due to the short length of the journey to Elba, the conventional and high-speed ferries serving the routes to the island do not have cabins.

Seating options

You can book standard deck/lounge seating and enjoy the journey in an indoor lounge or the outer decks, where available.

Accessibility

The ferries serving the routes to Elba are wheelchair-accessible and feature ramps, elevators, adapted amenities, and dedicated boarding assistance to accommodate passengers with disabilities.

Keep in mind that accessibility may be limited in smaller or high-speed boats. As such, it is advised to notify the ferry company at the time of booking if you require assistance.

Can you take pets on the ferry to Elba?

Yes, pets are allowed on ferries to Elba, provided you add a ticket for them when booking your trip.

During the trip, smaller pets must be kept in a carrier, while larger pets must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle.

Make sure you bring along your pet’s health and travel documents, tickets and any pet supplies you may need for the trip.

Good to know: for more information, check out our blog on traveling by ferry in Italy with pets.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

On most ferries, you can keep your pets with you on the outer decks and in designated pet-friendly areas. When traveling with Toremar and Moby Lines, you can also book a space for your pet on the onboard kennels.

Is there Wi-Fi on the ferries?

Yes, most ferries operated by Moby Lines, Corsica Ferries and Toremar have a Wi-Fi hotspot. Blu Navy does not offer any Wi-Fi on its ferries.

As the routes to Elba are generally short, though, you can also rely on mobile data to access the Internet.

Is there entertainment on the ferries?

Yes, the conventional ferries serving routes to Elba typically have a range of entertainment options for children, including playrooms and video games. Additionally, you can enjoy the sea view on the sun decks, relax with a drink or snack in the indoor lounges and cafeterias, or surf the web via the Wi-Fi hotspot.

The options on the high-speed ferries are generally more limited. On these shorter journeys, you can enjoy the trip in the indoor lounges, grab a quick bite or drink from the snack bars, and use the Wi-Fi to stay connected during the trip.

What documents do I need?

When traveling by ferry to Elba you will need to bring along:

• A valid ID document, such as a passport or national ID card
• Your ferry ticket or booking confirmation (electronic or printed)

If you are traveling with your car, motorbike or camper van, make sure to bring along your driver’s license, as well as registration and insurance documents.

How to book ferry tickets

You can easily book ferry tickets to Elba on Ferryhopper in just a few clicks:

1. Select Elba as your destination, along with your port of departure and travel dates
2. Add passengers, pets and vehicles
3. Compare ferry operators, travel times, and ticket prices
4. Complete your booking securely online

Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive your ferry tickets by email. Ferryhopper allows you to manage your booking, check updates, and access customer support all in one place.

Check-in and boarding procedures

The check-in and boarding procedures are fairly straightforward. You should generally arrive at your port of departure at least 30 min before the ferry is scheduled to set sail. If you are traveling with a vehicle, it is best to arrive at least 1 hr ahead of departure.

Once boarding process begins, follow the crew’s instructions and have your ticket and ID ready for inspection.

Can I board with an electronic ticket?

Yes, when booking your ferry trip to Elba on Ferryhopper, you can easily check in online, get your tickets on your phone, and board the ferry directly with your e-ticket without collecting any paper tickets at the port.

Elba is the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago and a very popular holiday destination known for its beaches, hiking trails, and historic towns. For more information, check out our Elba travel guide.

The turquoise waters of Cavoli beach in Elba

Here are some travel tips to keep in mind when planning your Elba ferry trip

Best time to book

Booking time matters, especially if you’re traveling in summer or bringing a vehicle. Ferry prices and availability to Elba vary significantly from season to season.

Summer

If you’re planning to visit Elba in summer, from June to September, it’s best to book as early as possible, ideally from March to May. The ferries to Elba sell out quickly during the high-season, and last-minute availability can be limited. Prices also tend to rise as demand peaks in July and August.

Shoulder months

For trips during the shoulder months (May/early June and late September/October), you can book a few weeks ahead of your journey. Typically you’ll find a good balance between price and availability, with fewer crowds and more flexible schedules compared to the high season.

Low season

The off-season generally runs from October to April, when demand and prices are at their lowest. While there are fewer crossings and active routes during this season, you can usually afford to book your ferry tickets even closer to your travel date.

Arrival

Arrival time at the port depends on whether you’re traveling on foot or with your vehicle.

• Foot passengers: it is recommended to arrive at the port at least 30-45 min before departure to allow enough time for ticket checks and boarding.
• Traveling with a car, motorbike, or camper: it is advised to arrive at least 1-1.5 hr in advance, especially during summer, when port traffic is heavier and vehicle boarding takes longer.

Keep in mind that the ports can get busy for major holidays and long weekends irrespective of the season. If you are traveling during these periods, it is best to arrive even earlier.

How many ports does Elba have?

There are 3 ferry ports in Elba, on the eastern and northern shores of the island: Portoferraio, Rio Marina and Cavo.

Where are Elba's ports?

• Portoferraio, on the northern coast, is the island capital and main hub. It is centrally located and convenient for reaching most towns.
• Rio Marina is on the east side of Elba, offering easy access to the mining district or the eastern beaches.
• Cavo is on the northeastern tip of the Elba and the closest port to the mainland but further from the western towns like Marina di Campo.

How to get to Elba’s ports

All ports in Elba are connected by road, so it’s fairly straightforward to travel between them:

Portoferraio

You can reach Portoferraio the port by car in about 30 min from Marina di Campo and Marciana Marina, and in around 25 min from Capoliveri. In Portoferraio you will find the island’s central bus terminal, with direct connections from most towns.

Rio Marina

The drive from Portoferraio to the port of Rio Marina takes around 25-30 min, while trips from Capoliveri and Porto Azzurro usually take 15-20 min. Local buses serve Rio Marina, although services are less frequent than those to Portoferraio, so taxis are a reliable option.

Cavo

The port of Cavo is a 30-min drive from Portoferraio and Capoliveri, and a 25-min drive from Porto Azzurro. The bus connections to Cavo are limited, especially outside peak season.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Elba, 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.