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The Civitavecchia to Olbia ferry is the fastest and busiest sea link between mainland Italy and Sardinia. From the port of Rome, you can reach the Costa Smeralda in just 5.5 to 7 hours, depending on the company you choose. With up to 7 daily departures provided by four major shipping companies, this crossing offers maximum flexibility for your vacation in Sardinia.
Simplicity and peace of mind: say goodbye to the hassle of long waiting lines and complicated formalities. Thanks to our user-friendly platform, booking your Civitavecchia-Olbia ferry tickets has never been easier. Just a few clicks are all it takes to find the best deals and secure your place on board. Enjoy peace of mind by receiving your e-tickets directly in your inbox, avoiding any worries about physically collecting them.
Flexibility and choice: with our online booking service, you can plan your round trip between Civitavecchia and Olbia with complete flexibility. Whether you want to spend a few days in Olbia before returning to Civitavecchia, or prefer a quick getaway, our wide choice of ferry companies means you can find the option that best suits your needs. Enjoy the freedom to choose the times that suit you and benefit from a tailor-made travel experience.
Civitavecchia to Olbia ferry crossing detailed information
Civitavecchia Olbia ferry schedules and frequencies
The Civitavecchia to Olbia ferry operates all year round with exceptional frequency, making this the most frequently served route to Sardinia.
Low season (November to March)
- Frequency: 3 to 5 daily departures
- Schedules: Daytime crossings (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and nighttime crossings (10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.)
- Operating companies: GNV, Grimaldi Lines, Tirrenia
Mid season (April, May, June, September, October)
- Frequency: 5 to 6 daily departures
- Breakdown: 2 daytime crossings + 3-4 nighttime crossings
- First departure: 8 a.m.
- Last departure: 11:30 p.m.
High season (July-August)
- Frequency: 6 to 7 departures daily
- Breakdown: 3 daytime crossings + 4 nighttime crossings
- Maximum capacity: Over 2,000 passengers/day
- Departures every 3-4 hours
Ferry companies coordinate their schedules to offer continuous coverage from 8:00 a.m. to midnight. This frequency of departures makes the Civitavecchia Olbia ferry the most convenient way to reach Sardinia from central Italy.
Duration of the Civitavecchia Olbia ferry crossing
The duration of the Civitavecchia Olbia ferry crossing varies depending on the company and type of ship.
Fast crossings (modern ferries)
- Moby Lines: 5.5 to 6 hours (fast ships)
- Tirrenia: 5.5 to 6.5 hours
- GNV: 6 to 6.5 hours
Standard crossings
- Grimaldi Lines: 7 to 7.5 hours
- Night crossings: 7.5 to 8 hours
Distance by sea: 160 kilometers (86 nautical miles) across the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Day crossings vs. night crossings
Day crossings (departing between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.) allow you to admire the Italian coastline and then arrive in Olbia with a view of the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago. Arrival in the late afternoon.
Night crossings (departing between 10 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.) save you a night’s hotel stay and maximize your vacation time. Depart in the evening from Civitavecchia, spend the night aboard in a comfortable cabin, and arrive in Olbia between 6 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. the next morning, ready to start your day in Sardinia.
Civitavecchia Olbia Ferry Prices
The Civitavecchia Olbia ferry offers competitive rates thanks to strong competition between the four companies operating this route.
Passenger fares
- Adults: €22 to €55 depending on the season
- Children aged 4-12: €11 to €28 (50% discount)
- Infants 0-4 years: Free (no seat allocated)
Seniors 60+: 10% discount on presentation of proof of age
Vehicle fares (driver included)
- Cars < 5m: €75 to €195
- Cars 5-6m: €95 to €230
- Motorcycles: €40 to €85
- Motorhomes < 7m: €120 to €280
- Motorhomes 7-9m: €160 to €350
- Campervans: €110 to €260
Cabin supplement (recommended for night crossings)
- Inside cabin for 2 people: €35 to €70
- Outside cabin for 2 people: €50 to €90
- Cabin for 4 people: €70 to €130
- Suite with balcony: €120 to €220
Example family rates (2 adults + 2 children + car)
- Low season with cabin: €145 to €210
- High season with cabin: €280 to €380
Discounts and special offers
- Round-trip booking: Cheaper than a one-way ticket
- Early booking (3 months): Save money because the closer you get to the departure date, the more expensive the ticket becomes
- Sardinian residents: Preferential rates all year round
- Groups (10+ passengers): Quote on request with a discount on the price
The lowest prices are generally found with Tirrenia and Moby Lines. GNV and Grimaldi Lines are slightly more expensive but offer newer ships and premium services.
Civitavecchia Olbia ferry companies
Four major shipping companies share this strategic route, offering travelers a wide choice of services and fares.
Moby Lines
The long-standing leader on the Civitavecchia to Olbia route with its modern ships decorated in Looney Tunes colors.
Ships used
- Moby Tommy
- Moby Drea
- Moby Wonder
- Capacity: 2,000 passengers, 600 vehicles
Frequency
- All year round: 1 to 2 departures daily
- July-August: up to 3 departures daily
Onboard services
- Self-service and à la carte restaurants
- Bars and cafeterias
- Duty-free shops
- Outdoor swimming pools (some ships)
- Cinema
- Children’s area with entertainment
- Panoramic lounges
- Wi-Fi (free in common areas)
Highlights
- Fastest crossings (5.5-6 hours)
- “Camping on board” service for motorhomes
- Competitive rates
Excellent value for money - Multilingual Italian/French/English staff
Tirrenia
A long-established Italian company offering reliable service at affordable prices.
Ships used
- Sharden
- Nuraghes
- Capacity: 1,800 passengers, 600 vehicles
Frequency
- All year round: 1 to 2 departures daily
Onboard services
- Self-service restaurants
- Bars
- Shops
- Passenger lounges
- Standard and premium cabins
Highlights
- Most economical fares
- Fast crossings (5.5-6.5 hours)
- Reliable service all year round
- Advantageous resident fares
- Over 70 years of experience
Port of Civitavecchia: Practical guide
Access to the Port of Civitavecchia (Port of Rome)
Port address
Molo Vespucci, 00053 Civitavecchia (RM), Lazio, Italy
From Rome city center (70 km)
By car
- A12/E80 motorway towards Civitavecchia (toll €5)
- Exit “Civitavecchia Porto”
- Follow “Porto Traghetti” or “Ferries”
- Duration: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes depending on traffic
By train
- Roma Termini Station to Civitavecchia
- Regional trains (Trenitalia): €10-€15, duration 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes
- Frequency: 2 to 3 trains/hour
- From Civitavecchia station to the port: 2 km (shuttle bus, taxi or 20 min walk)
By bus
- COTRAL bus from Cornelia (Roma-Civitavecchia line)
- Fare: €5, journey time 1 hr 30 min
From Fiumicino Airport (60 km)
- Train from Fiumicino Aeroporto to Civitavecchia: 1 hour, €10-€15
- Rental car: A12 towards Civitavecchia, 50 minutes
- Taxi: €80 to €100
Parking in Civitavecchia
Short-term parking (boarding)
- Free for up to 3 hours before departure
- Drop-off zone for pedestrians
Long-term parking
If you are leaving your vehicle in Civitavecchia:
- Porto parking: €12/day (200 m from the terminal)
- Stazione parking: €8/day (near the train station, port shuttle)
- Traghetti parking: €10/day (500m from the terminal)
- Online booking recommended during high season
Services at the Port of Civitavecchia
Molo Vespucci passenger terminal
- Air-conditioned waiting rooms
- Public toilets
- Vending machines
- Cafés and snack bars
- Free Wi-Fi
- Tourist information office (high season)
Ferry company ticket offices
- Moby Lines: Pier 10
- GNV: Pier 12
- Grimaldi Lines: Pier 14
- Tirrenia: Pier 15
Ticket office opening hours
- Low season: 2 hours before each departure
- High season: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. continuously
Recommended arrival time at the port of Civitavecchia
- Foot passengers: 1 hour before departure
- Vehicles: 2 hours before departure in high season, 1.5 hours before departure in low season
- Motorhomes: 2 hours before departure
Additional services
- Car rental: Hertz, Europcar, Sicily by Car
- Pharmacy
- Currency exchange
- Luggage storage (high season)
Port of Olbia: Upon arrival in Sardinia
Isola Bianca Maritime Terminal
Port address
Via Isola Bianca, 07026 Olbia, Province of Olbia-Tempio, Sardinia
The port of Olbia Isola Bianca is located 3 km northeast of the city center. It is the most modern and best-equipped port in Sardinia.
Leaving the port
- Follow “Uscita Porto” then ‘Centro’ or “SS125”
- Customs checks possible (rare for EU citizens)
- Disembarkation time: 15-30 minutes
Services at the Port of Olbia
- Car rental agencies: All major brands (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Maggiore, Goldcar)
- Tourist information office
- Taxis: Taxi rank in front of the terminal (fare to the city center: €12 to €15)
- Local buses: Line 10 to the city center (€1.50, 15 min)
- Free shuttle bus: Available in high season (port-center)
- Cafés and restaurants
- Vending machines
- Shops
What to do in Olbia and the surrounding area?
Olbia City Center (3 km from the port)
- Basilica of San Simplicio (11th-century Romanesque church)
- Corso Umberto I (main shopping street)
- Piazza Regina Margherita
- Archaeological Museum
- Daily market
Seafood restaurants
Beaches near Olbia
- Pittulongu: 6 km, family beach with amenities
- Porto Istana: 15 km, crystal clear waters
- Le Saline: 12 km, wild beach with flamingos
- Spiaggia del Pellicano: 10 km
Tourist destinations from Olbia
- Costa Smeralda (Porto Cervo): 30 km, 35 min via SP125
- La Maddalena Archipelago: 45 km to Palau, then 15 min by ferry
- San Teodoro: 30 km, 30 min via SS125
- Golfo Aranci: 18 km, 20 min via SS125
- Arzachena and Nuragic sites: 25 km, 30 min
- Porto Rotondo: 20 km, 25 min
- Capo d’Orso (Palau): 40 km, 45 min
Car rental in Olbia
Highly recommended for exploring Sardinia. All agencies are located directly at the port and airport (10 km from the port).
Car rental rates
- City car: €35-€60/day
- Sedan: €45-€75/day
- SUV: €60-€95/day
- 7 seater minivan: €80-€120/day
Online booking is recommended to get the best rates and guarantee availability, especially in July and August.
Tips for booking the Civitavecchia Olbia ferry
Best ferry company to choose for Olbia
For the best price: Tirrenia or Moby Lines generally offer fares that are 15 to 20% cheaper than GNV and Grimaldi. Ideal for those on a budget.
For maximum comfort: GNV has the most spacious ships, premium cabins, and excellent service on board. Perfect for families.
For speed: Moby Lines has the fastest Civitavecchia Olbia ferry crossings (5.5-6 hours). Save precious time.
For the environment: Grimaldi Lines has ferries powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas), which are more environmentally friendly.
Best time to travel from Civitavecchia to Olbia
For low fares: November to March, fares are half the price compared to summer (€22-€35 per adult). Mild weather (12-16°C). The sea can be rough.
For the best compromise: May to June and September, pleasant weather (22-27°C), moderate fares (+40% vs low season, -40% vs August), fewer tourists, calm sea.
For guaranteed sunshine: July to August, intense heat (28-35°C), beaches and tourist services at full capacity, but maximum prices and crowded ferries. Reservations 2 to 3 months in advance are mandatory.
Day ferry or night ferry
Advantages of night crossing from Civitavecchia to Olbia (departure 10:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m.)
- Save on a night’s hotel accommodation (€40-€80)
- Early morning arrival in Olbia (6 a.m.-7:30 a.m.), full day available
- Comfortable cabin for sleeping
- Fewer people on board
Advantages of daytime crossing from Civitavecchia to Olbia (departure between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.)
- No cabin required (saving €35-€70)
- Views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and arrival in Olbia
- Arrival in the late afternoon
- Less tiring for young children
Not the right crossing for you? Here are your best alternatives
Schedules, ports, or travel dates don’t always line up perfectly, and that’s fine, because the Civitavecchia Olbia ferry crossing is just one of many ways to reach Sardinia by sea. Whether you’re travelling from a different Italian city, want a faster crossing, or prefer to depart from France, there’s a route that fits.
Other ways to reach Olbia by ferry
Olbia is the most connected port in Sardinia, and several Italian mainland cities offer direct sailings if Civitavecchia doesn’t work for you.
Livorno - Olbia
If you’re based in Tuscany, the Livorno to Olbia ferry is one of the busiest routes on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Crossing time runs between 7 and 9 hours, with multiple departures throughout the day, a solid option if you want flexibility and frequency.
Genoa - Olbia
Travelling from the northwest? The Genoa to Olbia ferry is a popular overnight crossing of around 12 hours, departing from Liguria. Board in the evening, sleep onboard, and wake up in Sardinia, it’s one of the most comfortable ways to make the journey.
Piombino - Olbia
For the shortest possible crossing from Tuscany, the Piombino to Olbia ferry covers the distance in just 6 to 7 hours. Note that this is a seasonal service, so check availability before you plan around it.
Departing from Civitavecchia but heading elsewhere in Sardinia?
If your final destination isn’t Olbia, Civitavecchia connects to three other Sardinian ports, each opening up a different part of the island.
Civitavecchia - Porto Torres
The Civitavecchia to Porto Torres ferry takes 7 to 8 hours and drops you on Sardinia’s northwest coast, close to the Asinara National Park and Castelsardo.
Civitavecchia - Cagliari
If you’re heading to the island’s capital, the Civitavecchia to Cagliari ferry is a longer overnight sailing of around 13 hours, but Cagliari rewards the trip with its beaches, old town, and excellent transport links to the rest of the south.
Civitavecchia - Arbatax
Looking for something off the beaten track? The Civitavecchia to Arbatax ferry takes about 9 hours and arrives on Sardinia’s wild, less-visited east coast, ideal if you’re heading to the Ogliastra region or the Gennargentu mountains.
Coming from France? Three ferry crossings worth knowing
Sardinia is also well connected from southern France and Corsica, which makes it an easy addition to a broader Mediterranean road trip.
Nice - Porto Torres
The Nice to Porto Torres ferry is an 11-hour crossing departing straight from the French Riviera, a great option if you’re driving down from northern Europe and want to skip the Italian peninsula entirely.
Toulon - Porto Torres
From the Var region, the Toulon to Porto Torres ferry offers a similar 10-hour overnight sailing with good cabin availability.
Bonifacio - Santa Teresa
And if you’re already in Corsica, the quickest ferry connection to Sardinia is the Bonifacio to Santa Teresa ferry, just 50 minutes across the Strait of Bonifacio, linking the southern tip of Corsica with northern Sardinia. Fast, scenic, and incredibly easy to combine with a Corsica stopover.
Planning a ferry to Sardinia? Start here
Not sure which route suits you best? Our Sardinia ferry guide covers every crossing to the island, from all Italian and French departure ports, with schedules, operators, and tips to help you book the right sailing for your trip.
- Departure port
- Port address : Terminal Autostrade del Mare Molo 21, I-00053 Civitavecchia, Italy
- Travel Time
- 5 to 7 hours on average
- Arrival port
- Port address : Stazione Marittima Isola Bianca, Olbia, Sardinia, SS 07026 , Italy
- CIVITAVECCHIA ⟷ OLBIA
Frequently Asked Questions About the Civitavecchia to Olbia Ferry trip
1. How many ferries are there per day between Civitavecchia and Olbia?
The Civitavecchia to Olbia ferry is the most frequent route to Sardinia, with 5 to 7 departures daily depending on the season. In low season (November-March), there are 3 to 5 crossings per day. In mid-season (April-June, September-October), there are 5 to 6 departures. In high season (July-August), up to 7 ferries depart each day, divided between day and night crossings, operated by Moby Lines, GNV, Grimaldi Lines, and Tirrenia.
2. How much does the Civitavecchia Olbia ferry cost?
The price of a Civitavecchia Olbia ferry ticket starts at €22 per adult in low season for a foot passenger. In high season (July-August), expect to pay between €45 and €55 per person. For a car with driver, fares start at €75 in low season and can reach €195 in peak summer. An overnight cabin costs between €35 and €90 extra. A family of four with a car and cabin pays around €210 in low season and €380 in August.
3. How many ferries are there per day between Civitavecchia and Olbia?
The Civitavecchia Olbia ferry is the most frequent route to Sardinia, with 5 to 7 departures daily depending on the season. In low season (November-March), there are 3 to 5 crossings per day. In mid-season (April-June, September-October), there are 5 to 6 departures. In high season (July-August), up to 7 ferries depart each day, divided between day and night crossings, operated by Moby Lines, GNV, Grimaldi Lines, and Tirrenia.
4. Which ferry company should you choose for the Civitavecchia Olbia ferry?
The choice depends on your priorities. For the best price, choose Tirrenia or Moby Lines (15-20% cheaper). For speed, Moby Lines offers the shortest crossings (5.5 hours). For maximum comfort, GNV has the most spacious ships with premium services. For environmental friendliness, Grimaldi Lines uses LNG ferries. All companies are reliable and punctual. Compare schedules and fares to find the best option for your travel dates.
5. Should I book the Civitavecchia Olbia ferry in advance?
Yes, advance booking is highly recommended, especially from June to September. During peak season, ferries can sell out 3 to 4 weeks in advance, especially night crossings and weekends in July and August. Booking 2 to 3 months in advance allows you to get up to 30% off and guarantee your preferred times. During low season, you can book 2 to 3 weeks in advance without any problems.
6. Can you take your car on the Civitavecchia Olbia ferry?
Yes, all Civitavecchia Olbia ferries accept vehicles: cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, campervans, and caravans. The fare depends on the length and height of the vehicle. Motorhomes must declare gas bottles when booking. Arrive 2 hours before departure with your vehicle for boarding. Capacity varies from 600 to 800 vehicles depending on the ship.
8. Are pets allowed on the Civitavecchia Olbia ferry?
Yes, all ferry companies accept dogs and cats for an additional fee of €15 to €40. You have several options: pet-friendly cabins (recommended for long crossings), air-conditioned kennels on board, outdoor decks with leashes and muzzles, or in your vehicle on the garage deck. Required documents: European passport, microchip, up-to-date rabies vaccination (at least 21 days prior), recent veterinary health certificate. Guide dogs travel free of charge.
9. Is it better to take the daytime or nighttime ferry from Civitavecchia to Olbia?
It depends on your priorities. The nighttime ferry from Civitavecchia to Olbia (departing between 10 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.) requires a cabin (additional cost of €35 to €90) but saves you a night’s hotel stay and maximizes your vacation time by arriving early in the morning (6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.). The daytime ferry (departing between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.) does not require a cabin, allows you to admire the seascape, and is more suitable for families with young children. Both options have a similar duration (6 to 8 hours).
10. How to get to the port of Civitavecchia from Rome?
The most convenient way is to take the train from Roma Termini to Civitavecchia (50 min to 1 hr 10 min, €10 to €15). Trains depart every 20 to 30 minutes. From Civitavecchia station, the port is 2 km away (shuttle bus, taxi €8, or 20 min on foot). By car from Rome, take the A12/E80 motorway towards Civitavecchia (1 hr to 1 hr 15 min, toll €5). From Fiumicino Airport, take the direct train to Civitavecchia (1 hour, €10 to €15) or a rental car (50 minutes via the A12).
11. When is the best time to take the Civitavecchia Olbia ferry?
The best time is between May and June and September, when the weather is pleasant (22-27°C), prices are moderate (30-40% cheaper than in August), there are fewer tourists, and the ferries are less crowded. For those on a budget, November to March offers half-price fares but with sometimes rough seas. July and August guarantee good weather and a summer atmosphere but with peak prices and high demand, requiring booking well in advance.
Book your Civitavecchia Olbia ferry now!
The Civitavecchia Olbia ferry is your express gateway to the Costa Smeralda and the wonders of northeastern Sardinia. From the port of Rome, reach Olbia in just 5.5 hours and start your vacation in Sardinia. Compare the schedules of the 7 daily departures and the fares of the four companies, and book your ticket at the best price.
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