Olbia is the busiest port in Sardinia: ferries arrive daily from Civitavecchia, Livorno, Genoa, and Piombino at the Isola Bianca. Bringing your car is worth it for vacations of a week or longer; here are routes, times, and how to save on the crossing.
Civitavecchia–Olbia is the most frequent route (5-8 hours, day or night), convenient from Rome and central Italy. Livorno–Olbia (6-9 hours) serves the north, Genoa–Olbia (10-12 hours, usually overnight with cabin) serves those coming from Piedmont and Lombardy. Piombino–Olbia is the shortest in summer.
In high season, a crossing for two people with a car typically costs €250-450 round trip; prices increase with an overnight cabin. Booking by February-March can find early booking rates saving 20-30%, and prices on weekdays are always lower than on weekends.
The overnight ferry with a cabin gives you 'one more' vacation day: you board in the evening and disembark in Olbia in the morning, ready for the first beach. The daytime option is cheaper without a cabin and is ideal for those prone to seasickness, as summer routes are generally calmer during the day.
The companies serving Olbia accept dogs and cats for an additional fee (€15-40 per leg): in cabins in designated 'pet' accommodations, otherwise in onboard boxes or on a leash with a muzzle in outdoor areas. With children, the overnight crossing in a cabin is the most restful option: you sleep and disembark refreshed. Book the cabin as soon as reservations open: they sell out quickly. Strollers and car seats travel for free as luggage.
Taking the ferry with a car is advantageous for vacations of 10 days or more, for families with lots of luggage, and for those bringing equipment (bikes, inflatable boats, surfboards): the cost is spread over the whole group. The plane is better for short stays and last-minute bookings: with low-cost flights to Olbia and a rental booked in advance, a week for two can cost less than the ferry in August. The typical break-even point is around 7-9 days of vacation for a family of four.
To travel in July-August with a car, it’s best to book between January and March: early booking rates give a 20-30% discount and cabins sell out quickly. For June and September, there is more flexibility.
Yes, Isola Bianca is connected to the center by a walkway that can be walked in 20 minutes. Disembarking in the morning allows you to leave your luggage at the hotel and head straight for an excursion to Tavolara.
With a vehicle, gates typically close 30-60 minutes before departure: arrive at least one and a half hours early on weekends in August, when lines at the port get long. On foot, 45 minutes is sufficient.
Everything except what you need: the garage remains closed for the entire crossing. Pack a backpack with documents, medications, a change of clothes, and charger before boarding — this is a common mistake for first-time ferry travelers.
Yes: Golfo Aranci, 20 minutes from Olbia, is served by routes from Livorno and Piombino. If you find better rates on that route, consider it equivalent: the distance to the final destination doesn’t change much.
In comparison sites, the final price shown at payment includes taxes and fees. Be wary of 'from' prices without details: always compare based on the final total for your vehicle and accommodation.