Livorno to Olbia Ferry Guide
The most popular ferry route to northern Sardinia, operated by Moby Lines' iconic Looney Tunes-decorated fleet. 7-8 hour crossing from Livorno Porto Mediceo to Olbia's Isola Bianca terminal with cabins, restaurants and vehicle transport.
Crossing Time
7-8 hours
Daily Departures
Up to 2 in each direction (summer)
Operators
Moby Lines
Distance
190 nautical miles (350 km)
The Livorno-Olbia Experience
The Livorno to Olbia crossing is the gateway to northern Sardinia for millions of Italian and European holidaymakers every year. Operated by Moby Lines — whose giant Looney Tunes murals make the ships instantly recognisable in any port — the route runs around the clock in summer with both overnight and daytime sailings. The 7-8 hour journey across the Tyrrhenian Sea is long enough to enjoy onboard dining and a cabin rest, yet short enough to arrive refreshed and ready for the Costa Smeralda. The ships carry thousands of cars each week, making this the definitive choice for travellers who want to explore Sardinia on their own terms.
Ferry Operator
Moby Lines
Primary Operator- Up to 2 daily sailings per direction in summer
- M/S Moby Tommy and M/S Moby Drea
- Iconic Looney Tunes hull artwork
- Cabins, poltrone (reclining seats) and suites
- Self-service restaurant, à la carte, and bar
Best for: Family holidays, road trips to Costa Smeralda, summer vehicle crossings
View Moby Lines ReviewTerminal Information
Livorno Porto Mediceo / Stazione Marittima (Italy)
Departure Port
Address & Location
Porto Mediceo, 57123 Livorno, Italy
Transport Connections
- Train: Livorno Centrale station, 15 min by taxi or bus
- Bus: ATL city buses connect the station to the port
- Car: A12 motorway, exit Livorno Sud — well signposted
- Long-stay parking available at and near the port
Check-in Requirements
- Vehicle passengers: 90 minutes before departure
- Foot passengers: 60 minutes before departure
- Arrive early in summer — queues at the vehicle ramp can be long
Terminal Facilities
- Check-in desks and ticket offices
- Waiting area with café
- ATM on site
- Free WiFi in terminal
Olbia Isola Bianca Terminal (Sardinia)
Arrival Port
Address & Location
Isola Bianca, 07026 Olbia, Sardinia
Transport Connections
- Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport: 10 min by car
- Olbia city centre: 5 min by taxi or bus
- ARST regional buses depart from nearby Olbia station
- Car hire desks at the terminal and airport
Onward Travel
- Porto Cervo / Costa Smeralda: 45 min by car
- San Teodoro: 30 min by car
- Nuoro: 1h 30m by car
- Cagliari: 3h by car
Port Facilities
- Tourist information desk
- Car rental desks
- Café and snack bar
- ATM
- Free WiFi
Booking Optimisation Tips
Best Booking Times
- • Summer cabins and car spaces: 6-10 weeks ahead
- • Shoulder season (May, September): 3-4 weeks ahead
- • Winter crossings: 1-2 weeks ahead is usually fine
- • Watch Moby's early-bird promotions in spring
Money-Saving Tips
- • Midweek sailings are 20-30% cheaper than weekends
- • Poltrona (reclining seat) costs a fraction of a cabin
- • Book vehicle space at the same time as passenger tickets
- • Inside cabins save significantly over outside or suites
Peak Season Tips
- • August is the busiest month — book as early as possible
- • Italian national holidays (Ferragosto, 15 Aug) drive huge demand
- • Return sailings in September free up quickly after August
- • Cabin suites sell out months ahead for midsummer
Practical Travel Information
Documentation Required
Identification
- • Valid passport or EU/EEA ID card
- • Children need their own travel document
- • Intra-Italy crossing — Schengen rules apply
Vehicle Travel
- • Valid driving licence
- • Vehicle registration documents
- • Green Card insurance recommended
- • Vehicles must be parked and secured on the car deck
Onboard Information
Crossing Comfort
- • Inside and outside cabins plus suites available
- • Poltrone (reclining seats) for budget travellers
- • Self-service restaurant and à la carte dining
- • Bar and snack area open throughout the crossing
Family Facilities
- • Children's play area onboard
- • Family cabins with multiple berths
- • Kids' menu in the restaurant
- • Pet cabins available — book in advance
Rent a Car in Olbia
Pick up a rental car at Olbia's Costa Smeralda Airport or near the Isola Bianca terminal and explore Sardinia at your own pace.
Europcar
10 min from portLargest European network with convenient pickup near Olbia port and airport
Sixt
15 min from portPremium fleet with modern vehicles available at Olbia airport
Hertz
10 min from portGlobal provider with a wide range of vehicles in Olbia
Budget
10 min from portBudget-friendly rentals with competitive Olbia rates