Ferry from Elba to Pianosa

Tickets, Prices & Schedules

You can travel by ferry from the island of Elba to Pianosa in the Tuscan Archipelago all year round, with weekly sailings available. Ferries depart from the port of Rio Marina on Elba, and the journey usually takes around 1 hr 50 min. Ticket prices start from approximately €24.

Toremar serves the Elba - Pianosa connection with conventional ferries. Find up-to-date info, compare timetables and prices, and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.

Discounts

Children from up to 3 years old travel for free, whereas children up to 12 years old are entitled to reduced fares. There are also special rates for residents of the Tuscan archipelago.

On-board services and amenities

Toremar usually operates the Elba - Pianosa route with the Giovanni Bellini passenger vessel. The ferry features a comfortable armchair saloon, as well as a sun deck. On board, passengers can also visit the bar. The ferry offers Wi-Fi, allowing travelers to stay connected during the voyage, while smartphone charging points are available in the passenger area.

Cabins & accommodation

No, cabins are not available on ferries traveling from Elba to Pianosa, as the journey is relatively short. Instead, passengers travel in comfortable indoor seating areas or relax on outdoor deck spaces. Seating is included in the ticket price.

Luggage

Toremar’s baggage allowance is up to 20 kg per passenger.

Pets on board

You can travel from Elba to Pianosa with your pet on Toremar ferries. Dogs must wear a muzzle and be held on a leash, and other small animals must be transported in a cage or carrier. Pets are not allowed in lounges.

Important: in Pianosa, dogs must always be leashed.

Useful tips for your ferry trip to Pianosa from Elba

Here are some useful tips for your Elba - Pianosa trip:

  • The port of Rio Marina gets busy, especially in the summer, so we recommend being there at least 1 hr ahead of departure. If you are traveling with a car, it’s best to arrive 1.5 hr before the ferry is scheduled to leave.
  • Pianosa is part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, which protects the area's environmental heritage. According to the park’s authority, you should usually pay a fee to visit Pianosa.
  • If you would like to spend a night in Pianosa, we recommend booking your accommodation well in advance. The only place where you can stay on the island is Albergo Milena, a hotel with only a few rooms.
  • Aside from connections from Elba, you can also reach Pianosa by ferry from Piombino.
  • You can find out more about Pianosa in our updated travel guide.

Where to take the ferry from Elba to Pianosa

Ferries operated by Toremar depart from the port of Rio Marina on the eastern coast of Elba.

Rio Marina is a small harbor town about 20 km from Portoferraio, the island’s main port and largest town, and roughly 30 min by car. The port is close to the town center, within walking distance of local cafés, restaurants, and small shops. Elba’s local bus network (Autolinee Toscane) connects the island’s main towns. Buses run between Portoferraio and Rio Marina typically taking 30-50 min depending on the route and season.

Where does the ferry arrive in Pianosa?

Ferries from Elba arrive at the port of Pianosa, the small harbor located next to the island’s main village (Pianosa village) on the northern coast. The harbor is the island’s only port.

The port area is very compact and within a short walking distance of the village, where you will find a few basic facilities such as a restaurant, visitor services and the small historic settlement. Because Pianosa is a protected island with strict visitor limits, infrastructure is minimal.

How long is the ferry ride from Elba to Pianosa?

The Elba - Pianosa trip lasts 1 hr 50 min.

Elba - Pianosa ferry companies

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FAQs

Although Toremar ferries operating the Rio Marina - Pianosa route have car decks, vehicles are generally not permitted to disembark on Pianosa. The island is part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, where private vehicle access is restricted. The island is very small, and you can mainly explore it on foot, bike or bus .

The distance between the island of Elba and Pianosa is only 16 nautical miles (about 30 km).

There are no high-speed ferries on the Elba - Pianosa route. It’s served by Toremar’s conventional vessels taking about 2 hr.

Pianosa is a protected island with strict access regulations and a limited number of visitors allowed each day. To preserve its ecosystem, the Tuscan Archipelago National Park enforces a daily cap of 450 visitors.

Access to most parts of the island is also restricted. Areas beyond the small village can generally only be visited on authorised routes, usually as part of guided tours.

As Pianosa lies within the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, certain activities, including fishing, diving and anchoring, are prohibited unless prior authorisation has been granted.

When booking your Elba - Pianosa trip 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.

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.

Related ferry schedules

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