Ferry from Rome to Sardinia

Tickets, Prices & Schedules

Ferries from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Sardinia run all year round, with at least 1 daily crossing to Olbia and regular weekly sailings to Porto Torres, Cagliari and Arbatax. The routes are served by Grimaldi Lines and Tirrenia. The ferry trips take between 7.5 and 15 hr and ticket prices start at around €30.

Find up-to-date info, compare timetables, companies and prices, and book your Rome to Sardinia ferry tickets on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.

Discounts

The ferry companies traveling from Civitavecchia to Sardinia offer discounts to specific passenger categories.

Children up to 3 years old travel for free, while those up to 12-14 years old can have discounts on tickets. In addition, a special discounted fare applies year-round for all Sardinia residents and natives.

Ferry routes from Rome to Sardinia: ports and operators

Ferries from Rome to Sardinia depart from the port of Civitavecchia. Direct routes connect Civitavecchia with Olbia, Porto Torres, Cagliari, and Arbatax.
Grimaldi Lines operates all 4 connections, while Tirrenia only serves the Civitavecchia - Olbia route. Ferry frequency varies depending on the arrival port and season.

On-board services and amenities

On ferries traveling from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Sardinia you can enjoy a wide range of services, including:

  • Air-conditioned lounges with comfy seating
  • Outdoor decks with sea views
  • Restaurants offering à la carte menus or self-service options
  • Bars and cafés for a quick snack
  • Shops for any last-minute purchases
  • Children’s play areas 
  • Wi-Fi access 

On larger ships, you may also find outdoor pools, wellness centers and cinema rooms. 

Cabins and accommodation

Are cabins available on the ferry?

Yes, on ferries from Civitavecchia to Sardinia you will find different types of cabins with 1-4 beds:

  • Interior
  • Exterior
  • Pet-friendly cabins
  • Cabins for people with disabilities

Cabin prices vary depending on the season, ferry route and company but usually start from around €100.

Alternatively, you can book a reclining seat inside the air-conditioned lounges (from about €50), or opt for a deck passage ticket, which is the cheapest option. 

Can I book business-class seats?

Yes, business-class or premium reclining seats are available on selected ferries, depending on the vessel and sailing. Some ferries also offer suites as a separate premium cabin option. Suites usually feature double beds, TV, minibar, air conditioning, and sea-view windows. Prices start from approximately €130 and vary depending on the number of beds and cabin amenities.

How much luggage is allowed on the ferries?

Each company has its own luggage policy:

  • With Grimaldi Lines, passengers can bring one piece of luggage up to 56x45x25 cm, plus a small bag or backpack. Additional luggage requires a surcharge.
  • With Tirrenia, passengers can carry 1 piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20 kg.

Amenities for people with disabilities

Ferries operating on the Civitavecchia - Sardinia routes are fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM). Onboard services may vary depending on the ship and company, but generally include:

  • Elevators and ramps for easy movement between decks
  • Reserved seating in common areas
  • Accessible cabins and restrooms

Can I travel with my pet?

Pets are welcome on board all ferries from Civitavecchia to Sardinia. To travel with your furry friend, simply add your pet to the booking and pay a small supplement.

Depending on the operator, pets are only allowed on designated decks and areas, or they may access some common areas. On some routes, you can also book a pet-friendly cabin.

Small pets (up to 8 kg) must remain in a carrier, while larger dogs are allowed to move in permitted areas but must be on a leash and wear a muzzle.

Don’t forget to bring all the required travel documents for your pet, as well as everything they may need during the journey.

Useful tips for your ferry trip to Sardinia from Civitavecchia

Here are some useful tips for your Rome to Sardinia ferry trip: 

  • During peak season and on weekends, we recommend you arrive at least 1.5 hr in advance at the port of Civitavecchia, especially if you’re traveling with a vehicle.
  • Since Civitavecchia to Sardinia ferry crossings are mostly operated at night, we advise you to book a cabin for a more comfortable journey.
  • We also recommend booking your return ferry from Sardinia to Civitavecchia in advance for a hassle-free trip.
  • Plan your camper vacation in Sardinia to save on accommodation costs and explore the island's hidden gems.
  • Need more travel tips? Read our Sardinia travel guide and get inspired!

Where to take the ferry from Civitavecchia to Sardinia

Ferries to Sardinia depart from San Giovanni Paolo II pier at Calata Laurenti Maritime Station in Civitavecchia. 

From Civitavecchia train station, you can reach the port by bus or on foot. The Varco Fortezza entrance is about 600 m away. The other 2 pedestrian entrances to the port are Varco Vespucci and Porta Livorno (the most striking).

How to get to the port of Civitavecchia?

  • On foot: if you are staying in Civitavecchia town center, the port is about 15 to 20 min away.
  • By bus: COTRAL regional buses connect Civitavecchia with Rome and other towns in the Lazio region. A free shuttle service also operates between the train station and the port terminals.
  • By car: the port is easily reachable via the A12 motorway (Rome–Civitavecchia). Follow the signs for "Porto" once you approach the town. Parking areas are available near the terminals.
  • By train: Civitavecchia train station is served by frequent Trenitalia regional services from Roma Termini, with a journey time of approximately 50 min to 1 hour. The station is located about 1 km from the port, reachable on foot in roughly 10 to 15 min or by shuttle bus.
  • By taxi: taxis are available at the train station and in the town center. A ride from the station to the port takes about 5 min.
  • By plane: the nearest airports are Rome Fiumicino (about 60 km) and Rome Ciampino (about 90 km). From Fiumicino, you can take a direct train or bus to Civitavecchia, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour.

Where does the ferry arrive in Sardinia?

Ferries arrive at the ports of Olbia (Isola Bianca Maritime Station), Cagliari (Riva di Ponente), Arbatax (Banchina di Levante), and Porto Torres (Stazione Marittima Via Antonietta Bassu) in Sardinia.

How long is the ferry ride from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Sardinia?

Civitavecchia to Sardinia ferry connections can take from 7.5 hr to 15 hr depending on the route and ferry company. The fastest crossing to Sardinia from Civitavecchia is to Olbia, with a duration of 7 hr 30 min. Here are all the travel times for Civitavecchia - Sardinia ferries:

Civitavecchia to Olbia ferry duration and frequency

The Civitavecchia - Olbia ferry takes around 7.5 to 8 hr. Tirrenia normally operates daily crossings throughout the year, while Grimaldi Lines provides additional daily sailings during the summer. 

Civitavecchia to Cagliari ferry duration and frequency

The ferry from Civitavecchia - Cagliari takes around 13 to 15 hr. The year-round route is operated by Grimaldi Lines, with approximately 3 to 4 crossings per week. Most sailings travel overnight. 

Civitavecchia to Porto Torres ferry duration and frequency

The Civitavecchia - Porto Torres ferry takes around 7 hr 30 min to 9 hr. The year-round route is operated by Grimaldi Lines, with 1 to 7 weekly crossings depending on the season. Most ferries travel overnight. 

Civitavecchia to Arbatax ferry duration and frequency

The Civitavecchia - Arbatax ferry takes around 8 to 9 hr. Grimaldi Lines operates the route throughout the year, with approximately 2 to 3 crossings per week. Ferries normally leave Civitavecchia in the evening and arrive in Arbatax the following morning.

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FAQs

Choose your arrival port according to the part of Sardinia you plan to explore:

  • Olbia: best placed for northeastern Sardinia, including the Costa Smeralda and the Gulf of Orosei.
  • Porto Torres: a practical gateway to northwestern Sardinia, Sassari, Alghero, and the Gulf of Asinara.
  • Cagliari: the most convenient option for the island's capital and southern Sardinia.
  • Arbatax: well located for the eastern coast and the Ogliastra region.

If you are traveling with a vehicle, compare both the ferry schedule and the onward driving time before choosing your port. Find out more info on our blog about Sardinia ports.

Yes, all Civitavecchia - Sardinia ferries allow cars, motorcycles and other vehicles on board.

Motorcycle tickets normally start at around €15, car tickets at about €40, and camper tickets at around €90. Prices may vary depending on the season and the crossing.

Tip: during the summer months, vehicle spaces may sell out quickly, so we recommend you book your Civitavecchia to Sardinia ferry well in advance.

No, the ferry connections between Civitavecchia and Sardinia are only served by conventional vessels.

The distance between Civitavecchia and Sardinia varies depending on your arrival port, ranging from around 120 to 230 nautical miles (approximately 220-425 km).

The approximate distances are:

  • Civitavecchia - Olbia: 120 nautical miles (220 km)
  • Civitavecchia - Arbatax: 170 nautical miles (315 km)
  • Civitavecchia - Porto Torres: 180 nautical miles (330 km)
  • Civitavecchia - Cagliari: 230 nautical miles (425 km)

Yes, most ferries to Sardinia from Civitavecchia are overnight. Overnight ferries usually leave the port of Civitavecchia between 20:00 and 00:00, arriving in Sardinia the following morning between 05:00 and 11:00.

Ferry Rome to Sardinia duration daytime vs overnight

A daytime sailing is possible mainly on the Civitavecchia - Olbia route, depending on the date and operator. Expect approximately 7.5 hr, for example a morning departure arriving in the afternoon. These sailings are less consistently available than overnight departures, so check the exact timetable for your travel date. Overnight is the normal pattern, and the journey time is typically 7.5 to 15 hr.

Remember that you can check all available Sardinia ferry schedules on Ferryhopper.

When booking your Rome to Sardinia ferry tickets on Ferryhopper and traveling with Grimaldi Lines, you can conveniently check in online, receive your tickets on your phone and board the ferry with your e-ticket. No need to collect paper tickets at the port.

With Tirrenia, you can book your tickets to Sardinia online on Ferryhopper and pick them up in paper form from the company’s collection points at the port before the trip.

Find detailed answers to all your questions about ferry ticket changes, cancellations and refunds.

Remember that you can also use Ferryhopper's online booking modification service, available with certain ferry companies.

If your ferry trip is canceled, you usually have the following options:

  • Change your ticket to another departure of equal value.
  • Cancel your ticket with a request sent to the ferry operator for a full refund.

Find out more about what you can do in case of weather disruption or ferry strike.

If you’re worried about possible delays or cancellations, you can always visit our ferry travel alerts page for real-time updates on strikes, weather disruptions, and service suspensions.

Related ferry schedules

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Civitavecchia

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