Genoa → Olbia
Genoa to Olbia Ferry (Italy to Sardinia)
Editorial route guide, not live supplier information. Prices, crossing times, operators and service descriptions below may be outdated. Search your dates to check supplier-reported sailings and request a quote; this guide does not establish availability or booking support.
The ferry from Genoa to Olbia is operated by Moby Lines and GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci). The crossing takes 10 to 12 hours 45 minutes, a long overnight ferry from northern Italy to Sardinia. Tickets start at €50 for a deck seat. The route operates primarily during the April to October high season, with limited winter service.
Monthly sailings and fares
At a glance
Static guide reference. These figures are not current prices or schedules.
- Operators
- Moby Lines, GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci)
- Fastest crossing
- 10h
- Typical crossing
- 10h to 11h (overnight)
- Longest crossing
- 12h 45min
- Price from
- €50 deck seat
- Typical price
- €50 deck, €150+ luxury cabin
- Summer frequency
- Daily (high season)
- Winter frequency
- Limited (mostly seasonal)
- Departure port
- Genoa (Piazzale dei Traghetti Iqbal Masih)
- Arrival port
- Olbia
- Distance
- Approximately 403 km
- Year-round service
- No (primarily April-October)
- Cabins
- Yes
- Vehicles
- Yes (cars, motorcycles, RVs)
Ferry operators on the Genoa to Olbia route
Two main companies operate the Genoa to Sardinia ferry route during the high season.
Moby Lines, the leading Italian shipping company for the Mediterranean islands, operates the Genoa-Olbia route during peak summer. Moby has over 130 years of tradition and operates ferries to Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba.
GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) provides additional capacity, operating exclusively in high season on this route. GNV vessels include modern conventional ferries with cabins, restaurants, and full passenger amenities.
How long is the ferry from Genoa to Olbia?
The fastest crossing is 10 hours. Most services take 10 to 11 hours, with the longest at 12 hours 45 minutes. Most ferries are overnight, departing Genoa in the evening and arriving in Olbia in the morning.
How much does the Genoa to Olbia ferry cost?
Standard tickets start at €50 for a deck seat. Cabin supplements vary, with luxury cabins reaching €150 or more. Vehicle prices vary by operator, season, and vehicle type.
Departure and arrival ports
Ferries depart from Genoa's port at Piazzale dei Traghetti Iqbal Masih. Genoa is well connected to northern Italy, France, and Switzerland by rail and road. The port is in the city center, accessible by metro and bus.
Ferries arrive at Olbia Isola Bianca, 3 kilometers northeast of Olbia center. From Olbia, the Costa Smeralda is 30-40 minutes by car.
When to book your Genoa to Olbia ferry
For peak season (July and August), book 2 to 3 months in advance, especially with vehicles. Cabin space and weekend sailings sell out earliest. The route operates primarily April to October; check schedules carefully for shoulder season travel.
Travel tip: northern Italy gateway to Sardinia
Genoa to Olbia is the practical Sardinia port for travelers from northern Italy, southern France, Switzerland, and southwestern Germany. The 10-hour overnight crossing replaces a long drive to Civitavecchia. Pair the ferry with a Sardinian road trip, the Costa Smeralda, Cagliari, the Maddalena Archipelago, and the Gennargentu mountains are all reachable from Olbia by car.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Genoa to Sardinia?
The fastest crossing is 10 hours. Most services take 10 to 11 hours.
Is the ferry available year-round?
Mostly seasonal, primarily April to October. Limited winter service.
What is the cheapest fare?
Standard tickets start at €50 for a deck seat.
Can I bring a car?
Yes. Both Moby and GNV carry vehicles. The route is popular with car and RV travelers.
Are cabins available?
Yes. Cabins range from interior 2-bed to luxury suites. Essential for overnight.
Where does the ferry arrive in Sardinia?
Olbia Isola Bianca port, 3 km northeast of Olbia center.
Should I choose Genoa or Civitavecchia for Sardinia?
Genoa is best for travelers from northern Italy. Civitavecchia is faster and more frequent, best for Rome and central Italy.
What is the alternative to Olbia?
Genoa also runs ferries to other Sardinian ports including Porto Torres.