Ferry Genoa – Porto Torres: duration, companies, prices, and tips
The Genoa–Porto Torres route serves the north-west: you disembark twenty minutes from Stintino and La Pelosa, half an hour from Sassari, and forty minutes from Alghero. For those coming from northern Italy heading to this corner of Sardinia, it's the most logical choice, with night crossings year-round. Here’s how to organize it.
Duration and companies on the route
The Genoa–Porto Torres crossing takes an average of 10-12 hours. The journeys are typically at night: departure in the evening from the Genoa Ferry Terminal and arrival in Porto Torres in the morning. The route is operated by GNV and Tirrenia, with departures nearly daily, which become daily in the summer and, on some dates, double. In peak season, daytime crossings are also available. The ships are equipped for overnight journeys: internal and external cabins, seats, restaurant, bar, and accommodations for pets. As always in Genoa: arrive at the gate with your car at least 2 hours before departure.
When to book and seasonal pricing
The script is the same as on Sardinian routes: low fares from October to May, rising from June, peaking between late July and mid-August. Off-peak, the bridge ticket starts from around €40-60 per person with a car at €60-90; in August, it can exceed double that, and cabins — almost mandatory on a 10-12 hour overnight trip — sell out quickly. For summer, book between January and March. Midweek departures are cheaper than weekends, and a combination of departing on one route and returning on another (for example, returning from Olbia) sometimes saves money: always compare both directions to find the best deal.
Tips for the overnight crossing
On a 10-12 hour overnight trip, a cabin is the recommended option: you depart, have dinner on board, sleep, and wake up with the Sardinian coast in sight. Seats are cheaper, but the sleep quality varies; the bridge ticket is for those who are flexible in exchange for maximum savings. Keep a backpack with essentials for the night: during the voyage, you cannot return to the garage. Identification for everyone, including children. With a camper or motorcycle, the route is quite popular: motorcycle rates are good, and Porto Torres is an excellent starting point for the coastal tour of northern Sardinia.
Upon arrival in Porto Torres: what’s around
Porto Torres is the gateway to the north-west. Stintino and La Pelosa beach are 20 minutes away, Sassari 30 minutes, Alghero with its Catalan historic center 40 minutes, and Castelsardo is half an hour to the east. Excursions to the Asinara National Park, the island-park in front of the gulf, also depart from the port. Disembarking in the morning, you can be at La Pelosa beach before 10 — but in summer, remember that beach access is limited and must be booked online. If your base is Alghero or Bosa, consider a stop at Castelsardo or the Romanesque basilica of Saccargia along the way.
How long does the ferry from Genoa to Porto Torres take?
On average, 10-12 hours. The journeys are typically at night: departure in the evening from Genoa and arrival in Porto Torres in the morning.
Which companies operate the Genoa–Porto Torres route?
GNV and Tirrenia, with departures nearly daily all year round and daily in summer. In peak season, daytime crossings also appear.
Porto Torres or Olbia: which port should I choose?
It depends on your base: Porto Torres for Stintino, Alghero, Sassari, and the north-west; Olbia for Costa Smeralda, San Teodoro, and the north-east. From Porto Torres to Alghero it takes 40 minutes, from Olbia almost 2 hours.
How much does the Genoa–Porto Torres ferry cost with a car?
Approximately €100-150 total off-season to over double in August, excluding cabin. Booking between January and March yields the best summer rates.
Can you visit Asinara from Porto Torres?
Yes: ferries and organized excursions to the Asinara National Park leave from Porto Torres (and from Stintino). The island can be visited in a day with tours by off-road vehicle, train, or independently by bike.