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Set sail from Civitavecchia in the evening and wake up to a view of the Rocce Rosse. The Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry is the only direct crossing between Rome and eastern Sardinia, the wildest and most unspoilt part of the island, which few tourists have yet truly discovered. Compare Grimaldi Lines timetables and fares, and book your Civitavecchia to Arbatax crossing in just a few clicks.
9h
CROSSING TIME
Ferry company
GRIMALDI LINES
2-3 times/week
YEAR-ROUND FREQUENCY
30€ - 237€
PRICE RANGE
The Civitavecchia Arbatax crossing: what you need to know
A unique route to eastern Sardinia
There is something special about the Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry crossing that other routes to Sardinia lack. It is neither the fastest nor the busiest. It’s the one that drops you off on the island’s eastern coast, in Ogliastra, a region that tourist guides are only just beginning to mention and that locals prefer to keep to themselves. You disembark at dawn with the Rocce Rosse. These red porphyry cliffs plunging straight into the sea are the first sight to greet you. It’s hard to find a better introduction to Sardinia.
This line is operated by Grimaldi Lines during the summer season (June to September), and by a partner company the rest of the year. It runs two to three times a week all year round, departing from Civitavecchia at 8.00 pm and arriving in Arbatax around 5.00 am the following morning. The ferry from Civitavecchia to Arbatax takes around 9 hours. Long enough to justify a cabin, short enough to remain comfortable.
Port of departure: Civitavecchia
Port address: Grimaldi Lines Terminal, Calata Laurenti, 00053 Civitavecchia RM, Italy.
The port of Civitavecchia is Rome’s main rail terminal on the Tyrrhenian coast, approximately 80 km north-west of the capital. From Roma Termini, a direct FL5 Trenitalia train takes you there in around 50 minutes. The Varco Fortezza pedestrian entrance is 600 metres from the station. Secure car parks are available near the terminal for those wishing to leave their car on the mainland.
Check-in deadline: 1 hour before departure for pedestrians, 2 hours before for passengers with vehicles.
Port of arrival in Arbatax
Port address: Molo Traghetti, Porto di Arbatax, 08048 Tortolì (OG), Sardinia, Italy.
The port of Arbatax is the main ferry terminal on the east coast of Sardinia. It is situated at the base of the Capo Bellavista headland, approximately 3 km from the centre of Tortolì. Upon arrival, the scene is set: the Rocce Rosse are visible from the quay, just a few minutes’ walk away. The port has free parking on the Molo Centrale.
Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry schedule
The Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry operates year-round with a frequency of two to three departures per week. Outside the summer season, the route is operated by a partner company of Grimaldi Lines under slightly different conditions. Always check the exact operator shown on your ticket.
| Season | Operator | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low season (Oct–May) | Partner company | 9h | 2× / week |
| High season (Jun–Sep) | Grimaldi Lines | 9h | 2–3× / week |
| August (peak) | Grimaldi Lines | 9h | Up to 3× / week |
SmartFerry tip: The frequency on this route is lower than other routes from Civitavecchia to Sardinia. If you miss your departure, the next one may be two or three days later. During high season, arrive at the port at least 2 hours before departure if you are traveling with a vehicle. The “Fast Check-In” service from Grimaldi Lines is available on all departures. Simply present your e-ticket at boarding.
How much does the Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry cost?
Prices for the Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry range from €30 to €237 for a pedestrian passenger, depending on the season and the type of accommodation chosen on board. For a passenger travelling with a vehicle, the average fare is around €410 across all categories.
Pedestrian passenger from €30
Prices vary depending on the season. Passenger ticket without a vehicle. Includes one cabin bag (56×45×25 cm) and one small personal bag. On a 9-hour overnight crossing, booking a cabin is a choice you won’t regret: you board after travelling by road or train from Rome, and disembark at Arbatax at sunrise with a view of the Rocce Rosse.
Travelling to Arbatax by car
Average price: €410 across all categories. This is the most logical choice for exploring Ogliastra. This region is perfect for exploring by car. The coastal roads between Arbatax, Baunei and the Gulf of Orosei are among the most spectacular in the Mediterranean, and public transport is scarce in the area. Please specify the exact length of your vehicle when booking, as fares are tiered by size.
Passengers with a motorbike
Motorbikes are accepted at preferential rates. A popular choice for motorcyclists wishing to explore the SS125 Orientale Sarda, considered one of Europe’s most beautiful motorbike routes.
Passenger with a motorhome or campervan
Motorhomes are accepted on board. Garage space is limited on this route. Book several months in advance for July and August departures. Grimaldi Lines’ Super Camper promotion may apply to eligible departures.
Factors affecting the price of the Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry ticket
The season (July–August is significantly more expensive than October), how far in advance you book, the type of accommodation chosen (armchair, berth, inside cabin, outside cabin), and the size of the vehicle being carried.
Discounts and offers on the Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry
Early Booking, up to 20% off
Grimaldi Lines operates a dynamic pricing system: the first Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry tickets released for the summer season are the cheapest. The earlier you book, the better the fare. For departures from June to September, the ideal booking window is between January and the end of April.
Child Discount
Under 2 years: free travel, without a dedicated seat. From 2 to 11 years: reduced price on passenger tickets. These discounts apply to the base fare and cannot be combined with all promotions. Please check when making your booking.
Discount for PMR (people with reduced mobility) of up to 20%
Grimaldi Lines offers a 20% discount on the total ticket price (passenger fare + accommodation) to passengers with disabilities, upon presentation of documentation certifying their disability. This discount is not valid on territorial continuity routes and cannot be combined with other offers.
Special price for Sardinian residents
A territorial continuity discount applies to residents and natives of Sardinia, as well as members of their household. Proof of residence or a birth certificate is required upon boarding.
Important: All these offers are for information purposes only, as ferry companies may change their offers or promotions at any time. To check current offers, please consult our booking system. On Smartferry, you benefit from all the offers from all ferry companies. You don’t need to do anything. They are already included in the price displayed online.
Onboard services on the Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry
Cabins and accommodation
Interior and exterior cabins (2 and 4 berth), with PRM options available. On a fully overnight Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry crossing of around 9 hours, a cabin completely transforms the experience. You board after dinner, sleep through the journey, and wake up at dawn as Arbatax appears from the deck. A completely different way to arrive in Sardinia by ferry.
Reclining seats and deck spaces
The budget option for travelers looking for a cheap Civitavecchia to Arbatax ferry or those who simply want to cross without extra cost. Acceptable in low season, less comfortable in peak summer when the ferry is busy.
Restaurant and bar
Onboard dining available, with dinner service in the evening and breakfast possible before arrival. Bar open until arrival on this overnight ferry to Sardinia.
Pets
Contrary to some misleading information found on other comparison sites, pets are allowed on board the Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry with Grimaldi Lines. Pet-friendly cabins are available when booking. Animals have access to a dedicated outdoor deck area and must be kept on a leash. A valid European pet passport with up-to-date vaccinations is required.
Vehicles
Cars, motorcycles, camper vans, vans, and caravans are accepted on the ferry from Civitavecchia to Arbatax. Vehicles are parked on the garage deck and are not accessible during the crossing take everything you need before heading to passenger areas.
Fast Check-In
Available on all departures. Present your e-ticket directly at boarding, without going through a check-in desk. Processing time is minimal useful after a long drive from Rome to catch your Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry.
PRM accessibility
Adapted cabins available. Assistance on request at the time of booking. Arbatax port offers step-free access directly from the quay.
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Everything you need to know about the Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry
The Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry is a unique crossing within the network of ferries to Sardinia from mainland Italy. It is not the most frequent. The Civitavecchia to Porto Torres ferry and the Civitavecchia to Olbia ferry operate more often. It is not the shortest route either. But it is the only ferry crossing that takes you directly to the east coast of the island, in Ogliastra, away from the main tourist flows and close to some of the most beautiful and least crowded beaches in Sardinia.
Why take the ferry to Arbatax instead of Porto Torres or Olbia?
The answer is simple: it depends on where you plan to stay. If your destination is Costa Smeralda, Alghero or Stintino, then the Civitavecchia Porto Torres ferry or the Civitavecchia Olbia ferry are more suitable. But if you are heading to Ogliastra, the Gulf of Orosei, Cala Goloritzè, Cala Mariolu, the beaches of Baunei accessible only by sea or on foot, the SS125 Orientale Sarda, with the Gennargentu mountains in the background then Arbatax is the only logical entry point. No other Sardinia ferry route drops you this close to the heart of this region.
There is also the question of tourist density. Northern Sardinia, between Porto Torres, Olbia and Costa Smeralda, attracts the vast majority of summer visitors. Ogliastra, accessible via the Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry, remains relatively preserved, even in July and August. Beaches are less crowded, accommodation prices are more reasonable, and the atmosphere reflects a part of Sardinia that has not yet been overtaken by mass tourism.
Is this ferry route available all year round?
Yes. The Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry operates year-round with a frequency of 2 to 3 departures per week. Between June and September, the route is operated by Grimaldi Lines with its regular vessels. Outside this period, it is handled by a partner company under slightly different conditions, pricing and ticket change policies may vary. Always check the operator indicated on your ticket before contacting customer service.
What documents do you need to travel from Civitavecchia to Arbatax?
For your Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry crossing, make sure you have the following documents ready before boarding:
- Valid ID card or passport (intra-EU travel, no visa required for travel between mainland Italy and Sardinia)
- Ferry ticket (e-ticket recommended for faster boarding with Grimaldi Lines Fast Check-In)
- Vehicle registration and insurance certificate if you are boarding with a car, van or camper
- European pet passport with up-to-date vaccinations if you are traveling with a pet on this Sardinia ferry route
On this route, checks are usually quick, but the port of Civitavecchia can be busy in summer. Keep your documents easily accessible to avoid delays at boarding.
Alternative ferry routes to Sardinia from Civitavecchia and Italy
The Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry is not the only option to reach Sardinia. Depending on your final destination on the island, other ferry routes from Italy may be more relevant.
Civitavecchia to Porto Torres
If you are heading to Alghero, Stintino, La Pelosa or Asinara National Park, the Civitavecchia Porto Torres ferry is a strong alternative. Operated by Grimaldi Lines, this route offers a crossing time of around 9 hours, with up to 5 weekly departures in summer. You arrive directly in the most accessible part of north-west Sardinia.
Civitavecchia to Olbia
For the north-east coast and Costa Smeralda, the Civitavecchia Olbia ferry is the fastest option from Rome. With a crossing time of around 6h30, it is the shortest ferry route to Sardinia from mainland Italy. Ideal for Gallura, Porto Cervo and the beaches of San Teodoro.
Civitavecchia to Cagliari
If your destination is southern Sardinia Cagliari, Villasimius, Chia or Costa del Sud the Civitavecchia Cagliari ferry provides a direct connection. Crossing time ranges from 13 to 15 hours, with around three departures per week.
Genoa to Porto Torres
If you are departing from northern Italy or southern France, the Genoa Porto Torres ferry avoids the detour via Rome. This route connects you to north-west Sardinia in approximately 11 to 13 hours, operated by GNV or Tirrenia.
Compare all ferry routes to Sardinia
To compare all Sardinia ferry routes from Italian and European ports including schedules, ferry companies and prices refer to our dedicated Sardinia ferry guide, which centralizes every available crossing in one place.
Arbatax and Ogliastra: what to expect on arrival
You don’t just get off the Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry, you arrive somewhere different. The port is framed by the Rocce Rosse. These red cliffs drop straight into the sea. The contrast is unique in the Mediterranean. The site is one of the most photographed in Sardinia. It is only 1.5 km from the ferry terminal. At the entrance of the port stands the San Miguel Tower. It was built in the 16th century to defend the coast. The name Arbatax likely comes from the Arabic arba’at ‘ashar, meaning “fourteenth tower”.
Arbatax is only the gateway. Around it lies Ogliastra. This region sits between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gennargentu mountains. The coastline is steep. Many beaches are only accessible by boat or on foot. Inland villages remain authentic. Sardinian is still spoken. The food is very different from the tourist areas in the north.
- CIVITAVECCHIA ⟷ ARBATAX
Frequently asked questions about the Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry
What are the ticket prices for the Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry?
Prices for the Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry range from €30 to €237 for a foot passenger, depending on the season and accommodation type. For a passenger with a car, the average price is around €410. Autumn and winter are the cheapest periods. July and August are the most expensive months. Booking several months in advance for summer departures remains the most effective way to pay less.
How long is the Civitavecchia Arbatax crossing?
The crossing takes around 9 hours. Departure from Civitavecchia is at 20:00. Arrival in Arbatax is around 05:00 the next morning. This is a fully overnight ferry crossing. You sleep and arrive at dawn. Many travelers wake up 30 minutes before arrival to see the Rocce Rosse at sunrise from the deck.
Are pets allowed on the Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry?
Yes. Pets are allowed on this route. Grimaldi Lines offers pet-friendly cabins. Animals can access a dedicated outdoor area on the deck and must be kept on a leash. A valid European pet passport with up-to-date vaccinations is required. You must provide your pet’s details at the time of booking.
How often does the Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry run?
The Civitavecchia to Arbatax ferry route operates 2 to 3 times per week all year. In high season, from June to September, it can reach up to three weekly departures. In low season, two weekly crossings are operated by a partner company. This frequency is lower than other Sardinia ferry routes from Civitavecchia. Missing your departure can mean waiting several days.
Can you take a motorbike on the Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry?
Yes. Motorbikes are accepted on board with specific fares. They are usually cheaper than car tickets. This route is popular with riders who want to explore the SS125 Orientale Sarda, a coastal road between Cagliari and Olbia, often considered one of the best motorcycle routes in the Mediterranean. You must specify your bike model and dimensions when booking.
What is the difference between the Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry and other Sardinia routes?
The main difference is location. Arbatax is the only port on the east coast of Sardinia served from Civitavecchia. Other routes connect to Porto Torres, Olbia or Cagliari on the north or south coast. Choosing Arbatax means choosing Ogliastra and the Gulf of Orosei. This area is less touristy and more preserved.
Is a cabin mandatory on the Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry?
No. A cabin is not required. Reclining seats are available at a lower price. On a 9 hour overnight crossing, a cabin makes a real difference. You board, you sleep, you wake up in Arbatax. It is the most efficient way to travel on this route.
Book your Civitavecchia to Arbatax ferry ticket today!
The Civitavecchia Arbatax ferry runs 2 to 3 times per week with a single operator. July and August departures sell out quickly, especially if you’re traveling with a vehicle. If you know your travel dates, checking availability now is the fastest way to secure your spot.
SmartFerry compares fares for every Civitavecchia to Arbatax crossing in real time. You see the exact price for your journey and can complete booking in under two minutes. No hidden fees, only the official Grimaldi Lines fare.
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