Ferry from Barcelona to Genoa

Tickets, Prices & Schedules

Ferries from Barcelona to Genoa operate all year round, with 2-5 weekly crossings operated by GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci). The journey takes between 19 and 25 hours, while ferry ticket prices start at around €70.

Find updated info, compare ferry timetables, companies and prices, and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper without any hidden fees.

Discounts

Traveling from Barcelona to Genoa is easy, comfortable and you can take advantage of lower-cost ferry tickets thanks to the available discounts. The ferry company GNV offers special discounts for specific passenger categories, including:

  • Children aged 4 to 11: 30% discount
  • Large groups
  • Large families

In addition, infants and children up to 3 years old travel free of charge.

On-board services and amenities

The conventional ferries traveling from Barcelona to Genoa offer a wide range of services to ensure a comfortable and relaxing trip. On board, you will typically find:

  • Air-conditioned lounges and seating on deck to enjoy the sea view
  • Restaurants, cafés and bars, where you can enjoy snacks, drinks and full meals
  • Play areas for children, with drawing tables, games and, on some vessels, TVs
  • Shops, where you can purchase gifts, toiletries, and other essentials during the trip
  • Dedicated pet-friendly areas, so your fluffy buddies can stretch their legs

On some ferries, Wi-Fi is available through data packages that can be purchased on board. Keep in mind that connection quality may vary during the crossing and can be weaker when the ferry is far from the coast.

Cabins and accommodation

On ferries serving the Barcelona - Genoa route, you can book a cabin for 1-4 passengers, as well as a bed in a shared cabin. All cabins on GNV ferries have air conditioning and wardrobes and typically, you have a choice between cabin types:

  • Interior cabins
  • Exterior cabins (with a window and sea view)
  • Deluxe cabins and suites (with double bed, seating area, mini bar and sea view)
  • Family cabins and suites (with double bed, sofa bed, mini bar and sea view)
  • Pet-friendly cabins (with bedding and late check out)

Cabin prices start at around €80.

Alternatively, you can book a numbered reclining seat for a more comfortable journey.

Can I book business-class cabins?

Yes, on some ferries you can book a more spacious deluxe cabin or a suite with additional amenities. Suites usually feature double beds, a TV, minibar, air conditioning, sea-view windows, and late check-out.

How much luggage is allowed on the ferries?

On Grandi Navi Veloci ferries, you are allowed to bring up to 2 pieces of personal luggage on board, with no weight limit, free of charge.

Amenities for people with disabilities

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

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

The onboard staff is available to assist you throughout your journey.

Can I travel with my pet?

Pets are allowed on Barcelona - Genoa ferries, provided you include them in your booking and purchase the necessary ticket.

On GNV ferries, you typically have the option of booking a pet-friendly cabin, as well as a spot in the kennels on board (with prices ranging from €20 to €30). During the trip, small pets must be kept in their carrier, while larger pets must wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash.

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

Useful tips for your ferry trip from Barcelona to Genoa

Here are some travel tips for your trip from Barcelona to Genoa:

  • The port of Barcelona gets very busy, especially in the summer, so it's best to be there at least 45 min-1hr in advance. If you are traveling with a vehicle, we recommend arriving there at least 1.5 hr before departure. 
  • The sea can get a bit choppy, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking motion sickness medication before the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
  • As the Barcelona - Genoa trip is overnight, we recommend booking a cabin for greater comfort and privacy. Alternatively, you can book a reclining seat in the lounge to stretch out during the trip.
  • Make sure to book your return trip on the Genoa - Barcelona ferry well in advance for a hassle-free break!
  • You can also reach Italy by traveling to other ports, such as Civitavecchia near Rome and Porto Torres in Sardinia. For more details and travel options, check out our detailed guide on Spain - Italy ferry routes, and then plan your trip on our interactive Map of ferries!
  • On Ferryhopper you can find all ferry schedules to Genoa, along with updated departure times, ticket prices and ongoing offers!

Where to take the ferry from Barcelona to Genoa

Ferries to Genoa typically set sail from the Barcelona (Muelle San Beltrán dock) to Genoa in Italy. The port of Barcelona is located 9 km from the center of the Catalan city, in the Port Vell area, making it easily accessible by public transport as well as by car or taxi. 

Nearby you will find plenty of amenities, including cafés, restaurants and shops, as well as ATMs, banks, pharmacies, luggage storage, and parking.

Note: Foot passengers must complete the necessary checks at the GNV counters and wait in the terminal. Once boarding begins, a shuttle bus will take them to the ferry. If you are traveling with a vehicle, enter the port through the gates indicated on your ticket and follow the GNV lanes to the check-in area.

How to get to the port of Barcelona

If you are near La Rambla or Barceloneta, you can get to the port in around 10-20 min on foot, however there area also plenty of transport options:

  • Metro: hop on metro line L3 (green line) to Drassanes station. From there, it’s about a 10-15-min walk to the port area, or a short ride on the port shuttle bus.
  • Bus: there are several city buses (including lines 21, 59, H14, V11) that will drop you off near the port entrance. The dedicated PortBus shuttle also connects Drassanes with the cruise and ferry terminals in 5-10 min.
  • Taxi: it takes around 10 min for a taxi to get to the port from the city center, depending on traffic. If you are traveling from the Barcelona-El Prat Airport, the ride to the port usually takes around 25-30 min.
  • Car: if you’re driving, follow the Ronda Litoral (B-10) and take the exit for Port de Barcelona. You will find parking spaces and parking lots near the terminals.

Good to know: you should be aware that Barcelona has some restrictions on the circulation of vehicles without the DGT environmental label (Zero, Eco, C, and B). We suggest that you visit the official AMB website for more information.

Where do ferries arrive in Genoa?

Ferries from Barcelona usually arrive at the Calata S. Lazzarino dock in Genoa, on the northwest coast of Italy, in Liguria. The dock is located in the Porto di Genova - Terminal Traghetti area, just west of the historic city center and very close to Genoa’s major transport hubs. 

Nearby you will find cafés, bars and restaurants, as well as shops, ATMs, taxis, pharmacies, car rental agencies and parking lots. The nearest train station is Genova Piazza Principe, located approximately 1 km away, which is about 10-15 min on foot or a 5-min taxi ride. There are also several buses from the port that take you to Genoa’s historic center in 10-15 min.

If you are traveling with your car, you can easily reach the city’s main highways (A7, A10, A12) via the Genoa Ovest exit, and from there drive to nearby towns or continue your road trip across northern Italy.

How long is the ferry ride from Barcelona to Genoa?

The duration of the Barcelona - Genoa ferry trip normally ranges from 19 to 25 hr. The duration varies depending on the type of ferry, the selected itinerary, and weather conditions.

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FAQs

Yes, ferries traveling from Barcelona to Genoa have car decks for the transportation of vehicles. The cost to board a vehicle varies depending on the vehicle type and the season.

Prices start from around €115 to transport a car, €55 for a motorbike and around €165 for a camper van.

How do I board a ferry with a vehicle?

When booking, add your vehicle to the ticket and enter its type, model, and dimensions correctly.

On the day of travel, head to the vehicle check-in and boarding area with the amount of time indicated on your ticket. Port staff will tell you when to drive onto the ferry and where to park on the car deck.

Before boarding, have your passenger and vehicle documents ready and make sure the details in your booking match the vehicle you're traveling with.

Important: once your vehicle is parked, you cannot remain inside it during the crossing and access to the car deck is restricted. Before leaving your vehicle, take any documents, medication, valuables, electronic devices, and anything else you may need during the journey.

No, the Barcelona - Genoa route is normally served by conventional ferries. The fastest ferry takes around 19 hr to cover the distance between Spain and Italy.

The distance between the port of Barcelona and Genoa is 348 nautical miles (approximately 644 km).

To travel from Barcelona to Genoa, make sure you have the following documents with you:

  • National ID card or passport: your ID document must be valid for international travel and still in date. Children and infants must also carry their own valid travel document.
  • Vehicle documents: if you’re travelling with a vehicle, make sure to bring your driving licence and vehicle registration documents. We also recommend checking that your insurance provides valid cover abroad.

We recommend booking your Barcelona - Genoa ferry a few months in advance, especially if you're traveling during the high season (between June and August), over the holidays, or if you want to book a private cabin or bring a vehicle on board.

During the low season, you may find availability closer to your travel date, but booking early gives you a wider choice of departure times and accommodation options.

On days when the route is active, there is usually 1 ferry departure per day, generally scheduled in the morning between 09:00 and 11:30. However, ferries do not operate daily: GNV usually runs 2-5 weekly crossings, with frequency varying depending on the season.

We therefore recommend checking the latest ferry schedules for your preferred travel date.

With GNV, you can book your tickets 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.

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