Choosing ferries to Sardinia wisely can make your trip comfortable and convenient. This selection not only determines the quality of the crossing, but can also have a significant impact on your overall vacation budget. Consequently, finding out about prices and receiving tips on how to best organize the transfer becomes essential.
Throughout this article you will have the opportunity to learn about the current rates, providing a complete picture of the available options to reach the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
From comparing different shipping companies to finding the best offers, we will try to offer a detailed analysis to help travelers in their choice. Additionally, we’ll share a number of helpful ferry booking tips, aimed at simplifying the process and ensuring a smooth crossing.
Prices of ferries to Sardinia
Ferry prices to Sardinia vary widely depending on the season, the type of accommodation and the shipping company chosen. During the high season, costs can be significantly higher than in the low season.
For example, a one-way ticket for an adult on deck or seat passage can cost from 30 to 60 euros in low season, while in high season the price can rise up to 100 euros or more.
The cabins, which offer greater comfort, start from around 60 euros in low season up to over 200 euros in high season.
Factors influencing costs
Several factors influence the cost of the ferry to Sardinia. Seasonality is one of the most determining aspects, with higher prices in the summer months due to increased demand.
A fundamental factor is the possible vehicle in tow: adding a car or motorbike to the booking significantly affects the final cost.
Other factors include distance and duration of travel, class and onboard amenities, how far in advance you book, and special promotions available at the time of booking.
Types of accompanying vehicles
The type of vehicle and its dimensions directly influence the ticket price. Larger vehicles such as campers or cars with trailers incur a higher cost than smaller vehicles such as motorbikes or standard cars (between 4 and 5 meters).
Traveling in a car less than 4 meters long can be very economical.
It is essential to provide the exact dimensions of the vehicle during booking to avoid additional costs when boarding.
Comparison between the main companies
The main companies operating ferries to Sardinia include Tirrenia, Moby Lines, Grimaldi Lines and Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV).
Each company offers different levels of service and types of accommodation, thus influencing the cost of tickets. It is essential to compare prices based on the type of accommodation on board (deck passage, seat, cabin, type of cabin) offered by each company to choose the most advantageous option.
If we look for example at the different offers on the cheapest ferry routes to Sardinia, i.e. the Livorno – Olbia, operating throughout the whole year, and the Piombino – Olbia, operating only in the very high season, comparing the prices of the different shipping companies, we can easily compare rates and find the most convenient ones.
Tips for booking your trip
The most convenient time to travel is during the low season, which runs from October to April. In these months, the various routes have advantageous fares and many special promotions are in force.
If, however, it is essential to travel during the summer and during holiday periods, it is advisable to start monitoring the offers for the high season as early as December, when bookings usually open, to take advantage of the best opportunities.
Tips on how to save
To save on the cost of tickets, it is essential to compare the rates offered by different ferry companies. Using an online comparator makes this easier by showing all the options available for the selected dates.
Furthermore, booking well in advance and for trips in less crowded periods, such as late May-June or September, can result in significant savings.
Avoiding traveling on weekends and during holidays can further lower the cost of the ticket.
Some companies also offer discounted fares for Sardinian residents and natives, as well as special promotions for certain categories of passengers, such as children and seniors.
Ticket types available
Maritime companies offer different types of tickets, from flexible ones, which allow changes to the date and/or time of departure and cancellations, to non-flexible ones, which are cheaper but less versatile. It is important to evaluate your travel needs to choose the most suitable type of ticket.
Conclusion
Knowledge of the prices of maritime connections, coupled with targeted strategies to obtain the best quality-price ratio, proves crucial in planning a holiday in Sardinia.
FAQs
- What is the cheapest ferry route to Sardinia? The cheapest route is the Livorno – Olbia route; The Piombino – Olbia route is also very convenient and it operates exclusively in high season.
- How can I get the best price? To ensure the most advantageous price, it is advisable to book tickets well in advance of the scheduled departure date, ideally at least two months before.
- When is the best time to book at an affordable price? Rates tend to decrease when cruise lines start selling tickets for the season after the end of the current year. This is the ideal period to book at an advantageous price.
- What are the shipping companies for traveling to Sardinia? Tirrenia, Grimaldi Lines, Moby Lines and Grandi Navi Veloci.