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Travel to Sardinia from northern Italy’s main port with the Genoa Olbia ferry. This overnight crossing takes you comfortably to the Costa Smeralda in 11 to 13 hours, without wasting a day of your vacation. Three leading ferry companies, including Moby Lines, GNV and Tirrenia, offer daily departures all year round from Genoa to Olbia, with comfortable cabins for sleeping during the crossing.
The Genoa Olbia ferry is the preferred connection for travelers from Northern Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Eastern France. From the Ligurian capital, board your vehicle in the evening and wake up in the heart of Sardinia, ready to start your vacation.
The Genoa Olbia ferry crosses 180 kilometers (97 nautical miles) across the Ligurian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Depending on the ferry company and weather conditions, the sea crossing takes:
The night at sea passes quickly in the comfort of your cabin. Waking up to a view of the Sardinian coast immediately sets the tone for your Mediterranean vacation.
The Genoa Olbia ferry operates with exceptional regularity, making this one of the most reliable crossings in Italy.
January to April (Low Season)
May to June (Pre-season)
July to August (High season)
September to December
Schedules may vary slightly depending on the day and season. Be sure to check when you book online to get the exact departure times for your travel dates.
Prices for the Genoa Olbia ferry vary considerably depending on three factors: the season, the company chosen, and how far in advance you book.
Foot passengers price
Cars (driver included)
Motorcycles and two-wheelers
Motorhomes and vans
Cabins required
Example of family fares
2 adults + 2 children (aged 8 and 12) + car + 4-berth cabin
Early booking = guaranteed savings
Compare ferry company prices. Moby Lines and Tirrenia generally offer the most competitive rates. GNV is slightly more expensive but offers more spacious ships.
Sardinian resident rates: 60-85% discount upon presentation of proof of residence. Applicable year-round on all companies.
Special offers
Three major ferry companies operate the Genoa to Olbia ferry route: Moby Lines, GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) and Tirrenia.
Each operator offers a different experience depending on your priorities: speed and value, premium comfort, or budget-friendly travel. Below, you’ll find a clear comparison to help you choose the best Genoa–Olbia ferry company based on price, comfort, onboard services and travel style.
| Ferry Company | Best For | Price Level | Comfort | Crossing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moby Lines | Best value & fastest | €€ | ★★★★☆ | 10–11.5 h |
| GNV | Premium experience | €€€ | ★★★★★ | 11–12 h |
| Tirrenia | Lowest prices | € | ★★★☆☆ | 11–12 h |
Moby Lines is the market leader on the Genoa Olbia ferry crossing, offering the fastest sailings, modern ships and competitive prices. It’s the best choice for travelers looking for a balanced mix of comfort, speed and value.
GNV focuses on space, comfort and premium services. Ideal for travelers who value onboard experience, large cabins and high-quality dining.
Tirrenia is the most affordable option on the Genoa Olbia ferry crossing, perfect for travelers looking for low prices and reliable service.
The Port of Genoa (Porto di Genova) is the largest commercial port in Italy and one of the most modern in Europe, following a major redevelopment completed in 1999. It is well organised and clearly signposted, making boarding straightforward once you arrive.
Always check your ticket for the exact terminal before departure, as some companies operate from more than one dock.
From Milan and Northern Italy (A7 / E62)
From France and Monaco (A10)
From Southern Italy (A12 / E80)
At the Ferry Terminal (Short Stay)
Long-Stay Parking (If You Leave Your Car)
| Parking | Price | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Porto Antico | €18/day | 1 km (shuttle available) |
| Stazione Principe | €15/day | Near train station, bus to port |
| Dinegro | €12/day | 900 m, walking distance |
Tip: Online booking is strongly recommended in July and August.
From Genoa Piazza Principe Train Station
From Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport
From the Historic City Centre
Arrival Times
Boarding Steps
When you arrive at Isola Bianca ferry port, you are just 3 km north-east of Olbia city centre. The port is modern, easy to navigate and well connected to the surrounding region.
North: Costa Smeralda & Island Archipelagos
East: Wild and Unspoilt Coastline
West: Towards Sassari and Alghero
South: Nuoro and the Sardinian Interior
If the Genoa to Olbia ferry does not fit your travel dates or preferences, there are several alternative ferry crossings to Sardinia. These routes allow you to choose a different departure port, a shorter crossing time, or an arrival point better suited to your itinerary.
To find the best option for your trip, you can compare all available ferry crossings to Sardinia, including routes, travel times and prices, and choose the solution that best matches your itinerary.
The ferry crossing between Genoa and Olbia takes between 10 and 13 hours, depending on the shipping company. Moby Lines offers the fastest crossings, taking between 10 and 11.5 hours. GNV takes around 11.5 to 12.5 hours, while Tirrenia takes 12 to 13 hours. These differences are due to the speed of the ships and slightly different routes. All crossings are overnight, departing in the evening (7pm-9.30pm) and arriving in the morning (7am-9.30am).
The average price of a passenger ticket ranges from €28 (low season) to €95 (high season). For a car with driver, expect to pay between €85 and €380 depending on the time of year. The mandatory cabin for overnight travel costs an additional €40 to €110. A family of four with a car and cabin pays around €190 in March and €420 in August. Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you up to 35%.
The frequency varies depending on the season. In low season (January-April), there are 5 to 7 departures per week, or approximately 1 departure per day. In mid-season (May-June, September), there are 10 to 12 crossings per week, with some days offering 2 departures. In high season (July-August), up to 15 weekly departures are guaranteed, with 2 to 3 ferries on certain days. The three companies (Moby, GNV, Tirrenia) coordinate their schedules. version)
No, access to the garage deck is strictly prohibited during the crossing for safety reasons. You must book a cabin for the night crossing (mandatory on all night departures after 7 p.m.). Exception: Moby Lines offers a “Camping on Board” service allowing motorhome owners to stay in their vehicles for an additional fee of €15 to €25, subject to availability in a dedicated area of the garage.
The choice depends on your priorities. For speed and the best value for money, choose Moby Lines (10-11.5 hours, free Wi-Fi on two ships, competitive rates). For maximum comfort and premium services, opt for GNV (spacious ships, fine dining, VIP lounges). For those on a budget, Tirrenia offers the lowest fares (15-20% cheaper) with decent service. All three companies are reliable and punctual.
Yes, it’s a good idea, especially from May to September. During peak season (July-August), ferries can be fully booked 4 to 6 weeks in advance, particularly on weekends. Booking in advance also guarantees you the best rates (up to 35% discount when booking 3 months in advance) and your choice of cabin. During low season, you can book 2-3 weeks in advance without any major problems.
Yes, all ferries accept motorhomes, campervans, vans, and caravans. The fare depends on the length and height of the vehicle. You must declare any gas bottles when booking. Please arrive 2 hours before departure for boarding. Moby Lines offers a unique “Camping on Board” service, allowing you to stay in your vehicle during the crossing (supplement €15-€25, limited places).
Yes, Moby Lines and GNV accept dogs and cats for a fee of €10 to €30. You have several options: a pet-friendly cabin (recommended, €20 to €40 extra), air-conditioned kennels on board (free to €15), or in your vehicle on the garage deck (very limited access). Required documents: European pet passport, microchip, up-to-date rabies vaccination (minimum 21 days), recent health certificate. Guide dogs are free upon presentation of a certificate.
By car, take the A7/E62 motorway towards Genoa, exit at “Genova Ovest,” then follow signs for “Porto Traghetti” (1 hour 30 minutes, 140 km, toll approx. €11). By train, from Milano Centrale or Porta Garibaldi to Genova Piazza Principe (1 hour 15 minutes-1 hour 40 minutes, €10 to €25), then take the AMT bus line 1 or 13 to the ferry terminal (10 minutes, €1.50). The train is recommended to avoid Genoa traffic, especially in July and August.
For pedestrian passengers, please arrive 1 hour before departure at your company’s ticket office. If you are traveling with a vehicle, please arrive 2 hours before departure during high season (June-September) or 1.5 hours before departure during low season. Motorhomes must arrive 2 hours before departure all year round. Late arrival may result in refusal of boarding without refund. Allow extra time for possible traffic congestion in Genoa, especially on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings in summer.
The Genoa Olbia ferry crossing is the ideal solution for traveling to Sardinia from northern Europe. This historic route, operated by three high-quality companies, combines convenience (daily night departures), comfort (cabins for all budgets), and affordability (competitive fares starting at €28).
Compare the schedules of Moby Lines, GNV, and Tirrenia, evaluate the onboard services according to your needs, and book your Genoa Olbia ferry at the best price. Embark in the evening from the Ligurian capital and wake up in the heart of Sardinia, ready to explore the wonders of the Costa Smeralda.