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The longest overnight crossing from Rome to Sardinia and the one that takes you furthest into the island’s south. Compare timetables, fares and cabin options for the Grimaldi Lines service, and book your Civitavecchia Cagliari ferry ticket in minutes.
13 - 15h
CROSSING TIME
Ferry company
GRIMALDI LINES
3× / week
YEAR-ROUND FREQUENCY
€30 - €678
PRICE RANGE
The crossing: Civitavecchia to Cagliari by ferry
A longer crossing, a different Sardinia
There is a reason the Civitavecchia to Cagliari ferry takes longer than the other Rome Sardinia routes: it goes further. While the crossing to Porto Torres or Olbia deposits you in the north of the island, this one takes you all the way to the Sardinian capital in the south, a different journey, and access to a completely different part of the island.
The crossing covers 234 nautical miles and takes between 13 and 15 hours depending on the departure, operated exclusively by Grimaldi Lines three times a week, year-round. You board in Civitavecchia at 20:00, sail overnight, and arrive in Cagliari at around 09:00 the following morning. Given the duration, a cabin is not just a comfort option here, it is the sensible choice.
Civitavecchia departure port
Calata Laurenti ferry terminal, 00053 Civitavecchia RM. Rome’s principal ferry and cruise port, 80 km north-west of the capital. Direct Trenitalia FL5 train from Roma Termini (50 min). The Varco Fortezza pedestrian entrance is 600 m from the station. Paid car parks available near the terminal.
Check-in closes: 1 hour before departure (foot passengers) 2 hours before (with vehicle)
Cagliari arrival port
Stazione Marittima, Via Roma, 09123 Cagliari CA, Sardinia, Italy. Cagliari’s main passenger ferry terminal sits right in the heart of the city, on the waterfront at Via Roma. From the terminal, the historic Castello district is visible on the hill above you, Poetto beach is 4 km east, and the entire southern coast of Sardinia is within an hour’s drive.
Typical arrival: 09:00
Ferry schedules from Civitavecchia to Cagliari
All crossings are operated by Grimaldi Lines, departing from Civitavecchia at 8:00 p.m. The service runs 3 times a week throughout the year, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The frequency does not increase significantly in summer on this route, unlike the Porto Torres or Olbia routes, so available places can quickly become scarce in July and August.
| Season | Departs Civitavecchia | Arrives Cagliari | Duration | Days | Operator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season (Oct–May) | 20:00 | 09:00 | 13–15h | Tue · Thu · Sat | Partner company* |
| High season (Jun–Sep) | 20:00 | 09:00 | 13h | Tue · Thu · Sat | Grimaldi Lines |
SmartFerry tip: With a crossing time of 13 to 15 hours, this is the only route between Civitavecchia and Sardinia where booking a cabin really makes a difference. An inside cabin with two berths generally adds €30 to €60 to the base price, but allows you to arrive in Cagliari rested rather than aching. Book early, as cabins on this crossing fill up faster than on daily routes.
How much does the ferry from Civitavecchia to Cagliari cost?
The price of the Civitavecchia Cagliari ferry varies between €30 and €678 depending on the season, the type of accommodation, and whether you are traveling with a vehicle. The average price is around €73 for a foot passenger and around €412 for a passenger with a car.
Foot passenger: from €30 to €73 per person on average
Passenger ticket only. Includes one piece of hand luggage. For a 13- to 15-hour crossing, it is highly recommended to pay extra for a cabin for greater comfort. Seats and deck chairs are available on deck, but the length of the journey makes this option impractical for overnight travel.
Passenger + vehicle (most popular), €412 on average, ranging from €102 to €678
The most convenient combination for exploring southern Sardinia independently. Standard cars up to 4 m. Vehicle prices are higher on this route than on the Porto Torres or Olbia routes due to the longer crossing and the frequency of 3 times a week. Book as early as possible for summer departures.
Motorhome or Caravan
Grimaldi Lines accepts motorhomes and campervans. As with all routes to Sardinia, garage spaces are the first to be booked. Reservations for the summer must be made several months in advance.
Pets, important restriction
Unlike the Civitavecchia Porto Torres route, pets are not accepted on board on the Civitavecchia to Cagliari ferry. If you are traveling with a dog or cat, you will need to choose a different route. The ferry from Civitavecchia to Porto Torres and the ferry from Civitavecchia to Olbia both accept pets with the Pet in Cabin option.
Discounts and promotions on the Civitavecchia Cagliari ferry
Early booking
Book between January 9 and April 30 for Grimaldi Lines departures between June 1 and September 30. Applies to base fare, cabin supplement, and vehicle. Non-refundable, changeable.
Senior discount (60+)
Available for passengers aged 60 and over on routes to Sardinia.
Child fares
Children under 2 travel free (without a seat). Children aged 2 to 11 receive a 50% discount on the passenger fare.
Super Camper offer
15% discount on the vehicle fare for owners of motorhomes and campervans. Limited availability per crossing. Offer no longer available when garage occupancy reaches 80%. The offer is already included in the price displayed on our smartferry booking system.
Sardinian Resident Fares
Residents and people born in Sardinia are entitled to a regional discount on fares to/from the island. Proof of residence is required upon boarding.
On board the Civitavecchia Cagliari ferry
Grimaldi Lines assigns the MV Corfu to this route for most of the year. Smaller than the Cruise Roma and Cruise Barcelona used on the Porto Torres route, it nevertheless offers solid overnight facilities suitable for a 13 to 15 hour crossing.
Cabins and accommodation
Inside and outside cabins, with 2 and 4 berth options. Cabins accessible to people with reduced mobility are available. Given the length of this crossing, it is highly recommended to book a cabin. This is one of the longest overnight crossings from Civitavecchia, and a comfortable night’s sleep makes all the difference on arrival.
Seats and reclining chairs on deck
Reclining chairs are available for passengers traveling without a cabin. This is a viable option in low season when the ship is less crowded, but uncomfortable for the entire duration of the crossing in the height of summer. Common lounges and outdoor decks are accessible throughout the night.
Restaurant and bar
Self-service restaurant and bar on board. Dinner service in the evening before passengers turn in, breakfast available for early morning arrivals. Provisions are available to take away if you prefer to eat in your cabin.
Car garage
Deck dedicated entirely to cars, motorcycles, vans, and motorhomes. Vehicles are not accessible during the crossing. Take everything you need with you to your cabin or seat before boarding. Arrive in Civitavecchia at least 2 hours before departure with a vehicle.
Accessibility
PRM cabins available. Assistance available at the time of booking. The Stazione Marittima in Cagliari has level access from the terminal to the city.
Everything you need to know about the Civitavecchia to Cagliari ferry
The Civitavecchia to Cagliari ferry is the southernmost route in Grimaldi Lines’ Rome – Sardinia network and the one with the longest crossing time. At 234 nautical miles and up to 15 hours at sea, it is a proper overnight voyage which is precisely its appeal for travellers who want to arrive in Cagliari rested, with their vehicle, ready to head straight out to the coast.
The crossing runs 3 times a week year-round, which is both its strength and its constraint. Three sailings means consistent access to Cagliari from Rome regardless of the season, unlike some Sardinia routes that are purely summer services. But it also means there is no fallback if you miss a sailing: the next one is two days away. Plan your embarkation time carefully.
Why choose Cagliari over Porto Torres or Olbia?
It comes down entirely to where you want to spend your time. If your destination is the Costa Smeralda, Gallura, or the northern beaches, Porto Torres or Olbia are more convenient. But if your trip is focused on the south of the island (Villasimius, Chia, the Costa del Sud, or Cagliari itself as a starting point), it makes more sense to arrive directly in the capital. You disembark from the ferry at the Stazione Marittima on Via Roma, and the most beautiful beaches in southern Sardinia are less than an hour away.
There is also a practical argument in favor of the longer crossing: it departs at the same time as the other Grimaldi Lines routes (8:00 p.m.), but arrives later, which is actually convenient, as the shops, cafes, and car rental agencies in Cagliari are open from 9:00 a.m. You don’t arrive at 5:00 a.m. in the dark with nothing to do.
What documents do you need?
- Valid national ID card or passport (EU internal travel)
- E-ticket or booking confirmation, paper or mobile accepted
- Vehicle registration document and proof of insurance (if travelling with a car or motorhome)
How to get to Civitavecchia from Rome
Direct Trenitalia FL5 regional train from Roma Termini to Civitavecchia (around 50 minutes). The Varco Fortezza passenger entrance is 600 meters from the station on foot. If driving from Rome, the A12 motorway takes approximately 70 minutes. Supervised car parks are available adjacent to the Calata Laurenti terminal.
Other ferry to Sardinia from Civitavecchia and Italy
If Cagliari and the south of the island are not your destination, or if your departure point is different, one of these routes may suit you better.
Civitavecchia - Porto Torres
From the same port in Civitavecchia, the ferry from Civitavecchia to Porto Torres is the fastest route to north-western Sardinia, taking around 9 hours with Grimaldi Lines and running up to five times a week in summer the better option if you are heading to Stintino, Alghero or the Asinara area. For the north-east and the Costa Smeralda, the ferry from Civitavecchia to Olbia covers the route in about 6h30 and is the shortest crossing Grimaldi Lines operates from Rome, from €24.
Genoa - Porto Torres
Travelling from northern Italy or France? The ferry from Genoa to Porto Torres serves the north-west of Sardinia from Liguria in around 13h45 with GNV and Tirrenia, making it the natural choice if you are coming down from Milan, Turin or the French Riviera.
Livorno - Olbia
From Tuscany, the ferry from Livorno to Olbia is one of the most frequent and affordable Sardinia crossings on the peninsula, with Grimaldi Lines and Moby Lines both serving the route in around 8 hours from €20.
All Sardinia ferry crossings
For the full picture across all operators and all departure points, the Sardinia ferry guide brings every route together in one place.
Cagliari & southern Sardinia: what awaits you on arrival
Cagliari is the only Sardinian city that truly functions as a city all year round: 150,000 inhabitants, a university, a gastronomic scene worthy of the name, a lively nightlife, and one of the island’s most beautiful urban beaches just a stone’s throw away. Most visitors just pass through on their way to somewhere else, which is a mistake that needs to be corrected.
- Departure port
- Port address : Terminal Autostrade del Mare Molo 21, I-00053 Civitavecchia, Italy
- Arrival port
- Grimaldi Lines terminal: Molo Sanità - Stazione Marittima, Porto di Cagliari, 09125 Cagliari CA, Sardinia, Italy
- Civitavecchia → Cagliari
FAQ: Civitavecchia to Cagliari ferry, questions & answers
How much does the ferry from Civitavecchia to Cagliari cost?
The prices fluctuate between €30 and €678. The average price for a pedestrian passenger is approximately €73. The average price with a standard vehicle is approximately €412. Prices are highest in July and August and lowest between October and March.
How long does the Civitavecchia to Cagliari ferry take?
Between 13 and 15 hours depending on the crossing. The fastest ferry crossing takes 13 hours. Some winter crossings can take up to 15 hours. All departures leave Civitavecchia at 8:00 PM and arrive in Cagliari around 9:00 AM the next morning. Due to the length of the journey, it is highly recommended to book a cabin.
How many times a week does the Civitavecchia Cagliari ferry run?
3 times a week all year round: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Unlike the Civitavecchia-Porto Torres and Civitavecchia-Olbia routes, the frequency does not increase significantly during the high season, which means that available places fill up quickly in July and August. Book early.
Can I bring my pet on the ferry from Civitavecchia to Cagliari?
Yes, you can travel with a pet on the Civitavecchia Cagliari ferry with Grimaldi Lines. You must add your pet when making the booking. Dogs and cats are allowed in cabins only if you select the “pet in cabin” option. Otherwise, they must stay in designated areas or in a carrier. On outdoor decks, pets must be kept on a leash and may require a muzzle. Make sure you also carry valid documents, such as a European pet passport or health record.
Can I take my car on the Civitavecchia to Cagliari ferry?
Yes. Grimaldi Lines accepts cars, motorbikes, vans and motorhomes on the Civitavecchia Cagliari ferry crossing. You must provide vehicle dimensions, model and licence plate at booking. Your vehicle is secured on deck and not accessible during the crossing. Take everything you need before boarding.
What is the difference between the Civitavecchia Cagliari ferry and the Civitavecchia Porto Torres ferry?
The two ferry crossigns serve different parts of Sardinia. The Civitavecchia to Cagliari crossing takes 13 to 15 hours and drops you in the south of the island. Ideal for Villasimius, Chia and southern beaches. The Porto Torres ferry crossing takes around 9 hours and arrives in the north-west. Best for Stintino, Alghero and Asinara. The Civitavecchia Cagliari ferry route also runs less frequently (3 times per week vs up to 5 times), and does not accept pets. Choose based on where you are heading on the island.
Which vessel operates the Civitavecchia Cagliari ferry crossings?
Grimaldi Lines primarily assigns the MV Corfu to the Civitavecchia to Cagliari ferry crossing. It is smaller than the Cruise Roma and Cruise Barcelona used on the Porto Torres line but offers standard overnight ferry facilities: restaurant, bar, cabins and a vehicle garage. Note that between October and May, the Civitavecchia Cagliari ferry is operated by a partner company check the operating carrier on your ticket.
Ready to book your ferry from Civitavecchia to Cagliari?
Three crossings per week, a single operator, and prices that fluctuate quickly in summer. If you know your travel dates, the best thing to do right now is to check availability and book a cabin before they are all gone.
SmartFerry compares real-time availability for each Civitavecchia Cagliari ferry crossing, shows you the exact fare for your dates and travel conditions, and allows you to finalize your booking in less than 2 minutes. No hidden fees, no markups on Grimaldi Lines prices.
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