Ferries to Elba
Select Italy as departure to compare every ferry route to Elba
Ferries to Elba
The crossings to Elba are short and frequent. The fastest reaches Cavo in about 15 minutes; most sailings run between Piombino and Portoferraio, the island’s capital, in 30 to 60 minutes, and there are ferries to Rio Marina for the east coast. We have done the Tuscan island hop ourselves; our seven tips for Elba cover what we would do differently next time.
In short: ferries to Elba
- Main routes: Piombino to Portoferraio (most frequent), Piombino to Cavo, Piombino to Rio Marina. Seasonal: Elba to Corsica.
- Fastest: Piombino to Cavo in about 15 minutes on the fast ferry.
- Typical: Piombino to Portoferraio in 30 to 60 minutes depending on the ship.
- Vehicles: most ferries carry cars and campers; the fastest boats are usually foot passengers only.
- Tip: land at the port nearest your accommodation. Elba’s roads turn short distances into long drives.
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
- Piombino to Portoferraio: the workhorse, with the most departures; right for most people.
- Piombino to Cavo: the shortest hop, about 15 minutes; for foot passengers and the north-east coast.
- Piombino to Rio Marina: for the east of the island, avoiding the roads through the middle.
- Elba to Corsica (seasonal): a few sailings a week in peak season, for island-hopping.
Which route for your trip
- Staying in or near Portoferraio? Piombino to Portoferraio, for the widest timetable.
- Day trip, travelling light? Piombino to Cavo, the quickest both ways.
- Based on the east coast? Piombino to Rio Marina keeps the drive short.
- With a car or camper? The standard ferries on all three routes carry vehicles; facilities are much the same, so compare times and prices.
Cheapest is fine
The crossings are short and you will hardly use what is on board, so the cheapest sailing at a convenient time is the right one, especially in high season when departures are frequent.
Departure from Piombino
Ferries come and go all day at Piombino. The signs are clear and staff direct you to the right lane, but the approach roads clog in summer, so allow extra time. Ticket desks at the port entrance handle anything last minute.
Cavo, Rio Marina or Portoferraio?
Elba looks compact, but the roads wind: Cavo and Portoferraio are close on the map and about 45 minutes apart by car. Choose the arrival port nearest your stay.
Search and compare tickets
Enter your route and dates below to compare prices, sailings and operators. If you are flexible, shift the date or time; on these short routes it often finds a better fare.
Practical tips
- Book early in summer: weekends and the first and last sailings of the day fill first.
- Arrive early: 30 to 60 minutes before departure, more with a vehicle.
- Vehicle size: check height and length when booking; fares vary by size.
- Luggage: space is tight on the fast boats, so pack light on foot.
- Weather: strong winds can disrupt even these short crossings; check on the day.
Corsica and Elba
A limited seasonal service links Elba with Corsica a few times a week in peak months. For an island-hopping trip, check the dates early and book both legs together.
About Elba
Elba mixes beaches and bays with a surprisingly rugged interior. Take the cable car up Monte Capanne for the island view, ride the coastal trails, and spend the evenings in the harbour towns. It works as a few days on a Tuscany road trip or as a holiday in itself.
On board, route maps and the trip in pictures
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- Toremar ticket office in Rio Marina
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- Offices from Moby, Blu Navy and Toremar in Piombino.
Tickets
Enter your departure port, destination and dates below to compare fares, sailings and operators to Elba.
Good to know
Which port depends on where you are staying: Portoferraio has the most sailings and suits most visitors, Cavo is quickest for day trips and the north-east, Rio Marina serves the east coast. Crossings are short: 15 minutes to Cavo, 30 to 60 minutes to Portoferraio depending on the ship, and similar to Rio Marina. Most ferries carry cars and campers; the very fastest are foot passengers only, so check when you compare. In July and August book ahead, especially with a vehicle. All ferries leave from Piombino in Tuscany; the terminal is easy to find, but the traffic in peak season is not, so arrive early.
