Sardinia Ferry
Civitavecchia - Arbatax
The only ferry direct to Sardinia's east coast, overnight from Rome-Civitavecchia to the Ogliastra
- Overnight crossing in around 9 hours with Grimaldi Lines
- On fixed weekdays, not daily, dates in the timetable
- Check-in in Civitavecchia: 1 hour on foot, 2 hours with a vehicle before departure
What you should know about the crossing
Table of Contents
Getting there & terminal
Grimaldi Lines departs Civitavecchia from the Autostrade del Mare Terminal (Via Prato del Turco 1; for satnav, "Largo della Pace, Civitavecchia" is enough). Coming from Rome on the A12, don't take the Civitavecchia exits, carry on to the end of the motorway and then follow the ring road towards the port; from the north on the SS1 Aurelia, switch to the Orte-Civitavecchia ring road about ten kilometres before the town.
Foot passengers reach the port from Civitavecchia railway station; the check-in desks are in the terminal building. Fast check-in applies on the Sardinia lines: with your ticket on your phone or on paper, go straight to the boarding area and show it to Grimaldi staff, no need to queue at the desk.
Check-in & departure
- Without a vehicle: at least one hour before departure at the boarding area.
- With a vehicle: at least two hours before departure at check-in, expect queues in high season.
Boarding closes 30 minutes before departure. Missing the deadline means losing the right to travel under the conditions of carriage, even with a valid ticket. Keep photo ID ready for every traveller.
On board
The Corfu sails this route, a Ro-Pax ship with 121 cabins for 936 passengers. Cabins have two or four berths, with or without a porthole, each with its own shower; superior cabins and junior suites come with a TV and minibar. There's a self-service restaurant and an à la carte restaurant. Satellite Wi-Fi is bookable in paid packages, and your phone will otherwise register on the expensive onboard network at sea, flight mode protects against roaming charges.
Vehicle, bike & pet
Cars, motorhomes, motorbikes and bicycles travel too. Bikes and e-scooters must be included in the booking, are wheeled by hand over the vehicle lane at the terminal, and stay in the garage for the whole crossing. Give the total dimensions including roof box, bike rack or tow bar, the wrong vehicle category can cost you the crossing without a refund. There are no onboard power sockets for vehicles. More on dimensions and towing is on Motorhomes on the ferry.
Dogs and cats travel in the onboard kennel or with the Pet in Cabin service alongside you in your cabin, up to three pets per cabin. A lead and muzzle are required on the outer decks, otherwise staff may refuse boarding. Papers and process are explained on Taking a dog on the ferry.
Arrival & onward travel
The port of Arbatax lies right in the town (Via Lungomare 84) and belongs to the municipality of Tortolì; access is via the SS125dir. A town bus links Tortolì and Arbatax Monday to Saturday, and taxis wait at the port. For the Gulf of Orosei, the Ogliastra coast and the Gennargentu, you're much closer here than arriving in Olbia or Cagliari.
Tickets & fares
Booking runs through the booking window above; the from-price comes live from the operator's data and depends on season, accommodation and vehicle. For the overnight crossing you choose between a seat and a cabin. Since the route only runs a few days a week, book your outward and return crossing together and early, switching to another day is rarely possible here.
Civitavecchia - Arbatax
Overnight to Sardinia's east coast
Arbatax is the only ferry port on Sardinia's east coast. Heading for the Ogliastra, the Gulf of Orosei or the Gennargentu, this route saves the long drive across the island from Olbia or Cagliari.
Grimaldi Lines runs the route as an overnight crossing on fixed weekdays, with an extra departure in August. Cars, motorhomes and motorbikes travel too, and you book a cabin alongside.
- Crossing
- approx. 9 hrs.
- Operator
- Grimaldi Lines
- Frequency
- 2-3 departures a week
- From price
- €33
Next departures
FAQ Civitavecchia - Arbatax
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Civitavecchia-Arbatax ferry route
How long does the ferry from Civitavecchia to Arbatax take?+
The crossing takes around 9 hours and runs overnight, departing in the evening and arriving in the early morning. Times for your travel day are in the timetable.
How often does the ferry to Arbatax run?+
Grimaldi Lines sails on fixed weekdays, twice a week on the standard schedule, with a third departure in August. Which days run in your travel week is shown in the timetable.
How early do I need to be at the terminal in Civitavecchia?+
Grimaldi Lines requires one hour before departure in Civitavecchia without a vehicle and two hours with one. Boarding closes 30 minutes before departure, arriving later means losing your right to travel.
What does the ferry to Arbatax cost?+
The from-price above comes live from the operator's data and depends on season, cabin and vehicle. A comparison of all Sardinia routes is on the price overview.
Can I bring my car or motorhome?+
Yes, Grimaldi Lines carries cars, motorhomes, motorbikes and bicycles. The vehicle is measured with everything attached, roof box, bike rack, tow bar. Dimensions and onboard power are explained on Motorhomes on the ferry.
Can my dog come on the ferry to Arbatax?+
Yes. Your dog travels in the onboard kennel or with the Pet in Cabin extra alongside you in your cabin; on deck a lead and muzzle are required. Papers and details are under Taking a dog on the ferry.