Ferries Palau

On the Palau - La Maddalena route, certain passenger categories, such as families with young children, can benefit from discounted fares on ferry tickets.
 
Children up to 3 years old travel free of charge, while children between 4 and 11 years old are eligible for a reduced fare. Discounts may vary slightly depending on the type of service selected.

Useful tip: for non-residents, the ticket price includes the landing fee, which amounts to €2.50. We recommend always checking the terms and conditions when booking for any updates.

The Palau - La Maddalena route operates from April to October. Ferries depart from the port of Palau daily, with many crossings available throughout the day. In high season, frequency increases even further.

The ferry company operating connections between Palau and the island of La Maddalena is Maddalena Lines.

How much luggage can you take on the ferry from Palau?

On Maddalena Lines ferries, you can bring up to 20 kg in total of luggage free of charge.

Note: luggage policies may vary depending on the ticket type, route and time of year. We recommend always checking the specific details on the ferry company page or during the booking process on Ferryhopper.

The crossing from Palau to La Maddalena takes around 20 min.

Can I bring my vehicle on ferries from Palau?

Yes, all ferries to and from Palau allow vehicles on board, including cars, motorcycles, campers, and bicycles. The price may vary depending on the size of the vehicle.

How much does it cost to bring my car from Palau?

Tickets for motorcycles start at €5, tickets for cars start at €10, while camper fares start at around €14.

Passengers can relax in the air-conditioned indoor areas or enjoy the views from the outdoor decks.

Due to the short duration of the route and the type of vessel, Palau - La Maddalena ferries do not have cabins and there are no assigned seats. Only deck passage seats are available, and you can choose freely where to sit during the trip.

The fleet includes spacious garages equipped for transporting cars, motorcycles and campers.

Are the ferries accessible?

Yes, Maddalena Lines ensures a comfortable and accessible travel experience, with particular attention to passengers with reduced mobility needs.

Ferries are generally equipped with elevators, access ramps, reserved seats in common areas and suitable restroom facilities for accessibility needs.

Can I take pets on the ferry from Palau?

Yes, on all ferries to and from Palau, pets are welcome on board for a small extra fee. Larger dogs must wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash, while smaller pets must travel in their carrier.

Before departure, make sure you have all the required travel documents with you, as well as everything your pet may need.

What documents do I need?

When traveling by ferry on routes to and from Palau, you need to bring:

• A valid identity document
• Your boarding ticket in digital or printed format.

Document checks are not carried out before departure, but you may be asked to show an ID document matching the name on your ticket.

How to book ferry tickets

On Ferryhopper, you can book your tickets from Palau in just a few clicks:

1. Enter Palau as your departure port, La Maddalena as your destination port and select your travel dates
2. Add the number of passengers and any pets traveling with you
3. Compare routes and ticket prices
4. Complete your booking online securely

Once your online booking is complete, you will receive the confirmation directly in your email inbox.

With Ferryhopper, you can also modify your booking online, receive updates about your trip and contact customer support.

Check-in and boarding procedures

We recommend arriving at the port of Palau at least 1 hour before departure, especially during the summer months and if you need to board with a vehicle.

Maddalena Lines allows you to check in online and board with an e-ticket or e-ticket.

Boarding usually starts 30 min. before departure, following the instructions of the port staff.

Palau, in Gallura in northeastern Sardinia, is often seen mainly as the departure port for the La Maddalena Archipelago, but it is also worth a visit in its own right. The town center is lively in summer, with markets and small shops, while nearby you can find iconic sights such as the Bear Rock and several beaches.

Want to find out more? Check out our Palau travel guide for information on attractions and beaches.

Best time to book

If you are planning a crossing from Palau to La Maddalena, booking in advance can be a smart choice. This is especially true during the high season or if you have specific travel needs.

In the summer months, particularly in July and August, the number of travelers increases significantly. So, if you are traveling with a vehicle or need to make the return trip on the same day, buying your tickets 1-2 months in advance is the best way to avoid any last-minute issues.

In the low season, on the other hand, there is more flexibility, and it is often possible to buy tickets shortly before departure. Still, checking availability a few days in advance can help you secure more options, especially on weekends or public holidays.

Prices do not vary much between high and low season. However, round-trip discounts or last-minute offers are often available. Checking the available deals can therefore be a good way to save, especially if your plans are flexible.

Other ferry-related tip

Thanks to its many crossings, Palau is the ideal starting point for exploring the La Maddalena Archipelago. Here are some useful tips to help you plan your ferry trip from Palau:

1. Book in advance: ferries to La Maddalena are in high demand during the summer months. Booking both your outbound and return tickets in advance gives you greater flexibility and peace of mind, even for a day trip.
2. Choose June or September for your trip: during these months, the weather is ideal and there are fewer visitors. You can enjoy the beaches and coves in a more relaxed way.
3. Travel with a vehicle to get around independently: bringing your car or scooter allows you to easily explore the more remote beaches of La Maddalena island.
4. Bring snacks and drinks with you: there is a bar on board ferries from Palau. However, during high season, it can get very busy. Bring what you need for a comfortable trip.
5. Book your return ticket too: if you are traveling during the busiest periods, don’t forget to also buy your ticket back to Palau. Planning ahead will help you enjoy your holiday with greater peace of mind!

The port of Palau is located just a short distance from the town center. Thanks to its convenient location, it is easy to reach on foot, as well as by public or private transport.

Where is the port of Palau?

The port of Palau is located on the northeastern coast of Sardinia, overlooking the stretch of sea facing the La Maddalena Archipelago.

How to get to the port of Palau

The port of Palau is easy to reach by car via the SS 125 or the SP 73. If you do not have a car, you can take an ARST bus from Olbia or from other towns in Gallura, or take a taxi from the nearby Palau train station, located just a few minutes from the port.

Ferry route map

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