Ferries to Elba
Select departure from “Italy” to compare all the ferry routes to Elba
Ferries to Elba
The crossings to Elba are short and frequent. The fastest ferry reaches Cavo in about 15 minutes, while most sailings run between Piombino and Portoferraio, Elba’s capital, in roughly 30–60 minutes. You can also sail to Rio Marina, which can be handy for the island’s eastern side.In short: Ferries to Elba
- Main routes: Piombino ↔ Portoferraio (most frequent), Piombino ↔ Cavo, Piombino ↔ Rio Marina. Seasonal: Elba ↔ Corsica.
- Fastest crossing: Piombino ↔ Cavo in about 15 minutes (fast ferry).
- Typical duration: Piombino ↔ Portoferraio approx 30-60 minutes depending on vessel.
- Vehicles: Most ferries carry cars and campers; the fastest services are usually for foot passengers.
- Tip: Pick your arrival port (Cavo, Rio Marina, Portoferraio) to match your accommodation. Elba’s winding roads can make a short distance a long drive.
Map: ferries and routes to Elba
Use the interactive map below to explore all ferry connections to Elba. Zoom in to view the routes, ports, and operators and find the crossing that best matches your travel plans.
About the crossings to Elba
Main ferry routes to Elba
- Piombino ↔ Portoferraio: the workhorse route with the most daily departures; best all-round option for most travellers.
- Piombino ↔ Cavo: the shortest hop (about 15 minutes); ideal for foot passengers and for stays on Elba’s northeast coast.
- Piombino ↔ Rio Marina: great if your accommodation is on the eastern side of the island and you want to avoid crossing the central roads.
- Elba ↔ Corsica (seasonal): limited sailings in peak season; nice add-on if you’re island-hopping.
Which route is best for your trip?
- Staying in or near Portoferraio? Choose Piombino-Portoferraio for the widest schedule and easiest access.
- Travelling light on a day trip? Piombino-Cavo is the quickest in both directions.
- Base on Elba’s east coast? Piombino-Rio Marina keeps your road time short after landing.
- With a car or camper? Most standard ferries on all three routes carry vehicles. Compare times and prices; facilities onboard are similar on these short hops.
About crossing times & onboard choice
Because crossing times are short and you won’t be using many onboard facilities, a cheaper departure often makes the most sense. Especially in peak season when sailings are frequent.
Departure from Piombino: what to expect
At the port of Piombino, ferries come and go throughout the day. Signage is clear and there are staff in the harbour to direct you to the correct lane or parking bay. The access roads can be busy, particularly in summer, so allow extra time. Need to sort something last-minute? Head to the ticket desks at the port entrance for assistance or on-site ticketing.
Cavo, Rio Marina, or Portoferraio?
Elba looks compact, but the island’s winding roads mean travel times can surprise you. For instance, Cavo and Portoferraio appear close on the map, yet the drive can take ~45 minutes. Choose the arrival port closest to your stay to keep driving time low.
Search & compare ferry tickets
Enter your route and dates in the search box to compare prices, sailings, and operators. If you’re flexible, try shifting your date or time; on these short routes, it often unlocks a better fare.
Practical tips
- Peak season = book early: Summer departures fill quickly, especially weekends and first/last sailings of the day.
- Arrive early: Be at the port 30-60 minutes before departure (earlier with a vehicle).
- Vehicles & height/length: Check your vehicle dimensions when booking; fares may vary by size.
- Luggage: On fast boats, space can be tighter, pack light if you’re foot passengers.
- Weather: Elba crossings are short, but strong winds can affect schedules. Keep an eye on updates on your travel day.
Ferry between Corsica and Elba (seasonal)
It’s possible to combine Elba and Corsica on one trip. A limited seasonal service runs in peak months (typically a few times per week). If you plan an island-hopping itinerary, check dates early and book both legs together.
About Elba
Elba mixes beaches and bays with a surprisingly rugged interior. Hike or take the cable car up Monte Capanne for island-wide views, explore coastal trails by bike, and dip into lively harbour towns for food and evening strolls. It’s a perfect add-on to a Tuscany road trip, or a stand-alone island holiday.
Other popular Italian islands
Exploring more of Italy by sea? After visiting Elba, many travellers continue their island adventures to Sardinia, Capri, or Sicily. All easy to reach by ferry from mainland ports such as Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia, and Naples. You can sail to the Aeolian Islands north of Sicily or the Egadi Islands off the western coast for something smaller and more remote.
On board, route maps & visual impression of the trip
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- Toremar ticket office in Rio Marina
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- Offices from Moby, Blu Navy and Toremar in Piombino.
Tickets for ferries
How to use the ferry booking engine?
Simply enter your departure port, destination, and travel dates in the search box to compare ferry ticket prices to Elba. If your plans are flexible, try adjusting your travel dates – prices can vary depending on the season and day of the week.
You’ll instantly see the available crossings, operators, sailing times, and fares, helping you find the best route and price for your trip across the Adriatic.
Additional information
When choosing which port to arrive at on Elba, it mainly depends on where you’re staying. Portoferraio has the most sailings and is the best choice for most visitors. Cavo is the quickest option for day trips and those heading to the northeast of the island, while Rio Marina is convenient for the eastern coast.
Crossing times are short: the Piombino–Cavo ferry takes as little as 15 minutes, while sailings between Piombino and Portoferraio usually take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the vessel. The route to Rio Marina is similar in duration.
Most ferries can carry cars and campers, though the very fastest services are usually for foot passengers only, so it’s worth checking this when you compare sailings. During the busy summer months of July and August, it’s wise to book in advance to secure your preferred departure time. Especially if you’re travelling with a vehicle.
All ferries to Elba depart from the port of Piombino in Tuscany. The terminal is well signposted and easy to navigate, but traffic can be heavy during peak periods, so aim to arrive early to ensure a smooth start to your island journey.
Tips for ferry travellers
