The Livorno–Cagliari route is the choice for those leaving from Tuscany or Emilia and heading directly to southern Sardinia: Villasimius, Chia, Pula, Sulcis. The journey is long but comfortable — a true overnight sailing — and arrives in the heart of Cagliari, just minutes from the center. Here’s everything you need to know to organize it well.
Duration and companies on the route
The Livorno–Cagliari crossing lasts an average of 17-20 hours: it’s one of the longest routes to Sardinia, as it travels all the way down the Tyrrhenian Sea. The trips are overnight, departing in the afternoon from Livorno and arriving in Cagliari the next morning.
The route is operated by Grimaldi Lines, with weekly services all year round that increase in summer. Given the duration, the ship becomes a true floating hotel: there are cabins, a restaurant, a bar, and all the services necessary for a long crossing.
Boarding at Livorno takes place from Varco Galvani: always check your ticket and arrive with your car at least 2 hours before departure.
When to book and price seasonality
The seasonality is the same as for other Sardinian routes: minimal prices from October to May, increasing from June, peaking between late July and Ferragosto.
Off-season, a bridge ticket typically starts from €40-70 per person with the car at €60-90; in August, prices can double, and cabins — which are almost essential given the duration — sell out quickly.
An alternative to consider for southern Sardinia: flying to Cagliari and renting a car on the island. This is convenient if you are a few people and traveling light; the ferry from Livorno is better for large families, many bags, pets, or bringing your own car. For high season, book between January and March.
The long crossing: practical tips
With 17-20 hours of sailing, a cabin is not a luxury: it's almost a necessity. Sleeping in a real bed and disembarking rested makes a difference, especially if you then have to drive to Villasimius or Chia. External cabins (with porthole or window) cost slightly more than internal ones, and waking up with the Sardinian coast in sight is worth the extra charge.
Prepare a backpack with essentials for the night: during the crossing, the garage is not accessible. Bring documents for all passengers and something for dinner or lunch — the onboard restaurant is convenient but not inexpensive.
With pets: book the pet-friendly cabin immediately. There are few, and they get filled first, especially in summer. If you're prone to seasickness, the southern route is generally more exposed: a preventive pill is a small investment that is always worth it.
Upon arrival in Cagliari: what's around
The ferry docks at the historic port of Cagliari, right in front of via Roma: you’re literally in the city center on foot. If you have a bit of time before continuing your journey, it’s worth a stop: the Bastion of Saint Remy, the Cathedral in the Castle, the San Benedetto market, and the Poetto promenade are all within walking distance or just a few minutes away.
From Cagliari, the south is all accessible: Villasimius and Costa Rei are about an hour to the east, Chia and Pula are 40-60 minutes to the west, and Sulcis and the island of Sant'Antioco are about an hour and a half. For those wanting to explore the interior (Barumini, Su Nuraxi), it’s about a 50-minute drive.
Without a car, rentals are available in the city and at Elmas airport (10 minutes by train from Cagliari): book in advance for the summer.