Ferry Livorno – Olbia: duration, companies, prices and tips
The Livorno–Olbia route is the most frequented to Sardinia: departures almost daily all year round, both daytime and nighttime, and the Tuscan port is very convenient for those arriving from central-north (Tuscany, Emilia, but also Lombardy and Veneto via A1/A11). Arrivals in Olbia, in the heart of northeast Sardinia. Here’s everything you need to know to organize it.
Duration and companies on the route
The Livorno–Olbia route takes on average 8-10 hours, a bit less than the route from Genoa. The companies are Moby and Grimaldi Lines, offering a dual service: Night crossings: departure late in the evening and arrival in Olbia early in the morning. These are the most popular for those traveling with a car and wanting to make the most of the day. Daytime crossings: departure in the morning and arrival in the evening. These often cost less and are convenient off-season when savings on cabins matter. Boarding in Livorno takes place from Varco Galvani (Grimaldi) or Varco Valessini (Moby): check the ticket, the two boarding points are a few kilometers apart. If you're traveling by car, arrive at least 2 hours in advance.
When to book and seasonality of prices
This route has the most competition, so prices are often better — but seasonality remains strong. In the off-season, daytime fares in standard seating can drop below €30-40 per person, with the car around €50-70. In August, the same tickets can triple, and nighttime cabins often sell out weeks in advance. Book between January and March for July-August dates. If you have flexibility, midweek departures and daytime crossings generally cost less than Friday/Saturday nights. Grimaldi frequently offers promotional rates off-season: it's worth comparing both companies on the same date.
Daytime or nighttime? How to choose
The choice depends on how you want to use your time. The nighttime option wins if you want to maximize your days on the island: board, sleep (ideally in a cabin), and wake up in Sardinia. For families with small children, it's the least stressful solution. The daytime option wins on price: no cabin to pay for, and the daytime crossing with calm seas is pleasant — open deck, lunch on board, and arriving with the Sardinian coast on the horizon. The downside: you lose half a day of vacation both ways. In any case, bring the essentials in a backpack: during navigation, the garage is not accessible.
Upon arrival in Olbia: what's around
The port of Olbia (Isola Bianca) is connected to the city center in 5 minutes. From there, the northeast is all within reach: San Teodoro is 30 minutes away, Costa Smeralda 30, Golfo Aranci 20, Palau and the ferries to La Maddalena 45. If you arrive in the early morning with the nighttime crossing, one idea is to have breakfast on Corso Umberto in Olbia before heading to your vacation base. Those arriving in the evening with the daytime crossing should consider booking the first night near Olbia to avoid driving tired on unfamiliar roads.
How long does the ferry from Livorno to Olbia take?
On average 8-10 hours depending on the ship and the route. There are both daytime crossings (morning → evening) and nighttime crossings (evening → early morning).
Which companies operate the Livorno–Olbia route?
Moby and Grimaldi Lines, with almost daily departures all year round that become multiple per day in summer. It's worth comparing both on the same date.
What is the cheapest time for the Livorno–Olbia ferry?
Off-season (October-May) and midweek departures. For July and August, the best rates can be found by booking between January and March.
Is it better to take the daytime or nighttime crossing from Livorno?
The nighttime option saves vacation time (you sleep on board and wake up in Sardinia), while the daytime option saves money because no cabin is needed. With small children, the nighttime cabin is usually the more comfortable choice.
Which boarding point to use in Livorno?
It depends on the company: Varco Valessini for Moby, Varco Galvani for Grimaldi. Always check the ticket and arrive at least 2 hours early if you’re bringing a car.