Ferries from Spain to Italy
The ferry from Barcelona to Civitavecchia brings you close to Rome.
Ferries from Spain (Barcelona) to Italy
Several ferry routes connect Barcelona (Spain) with destinations in Italy, including the mainland and Sardinia. These services are operated by established ferry companies and offer direct crossings suitable for passengers and vehicles. The same routes also operate in the opposite direction from Italy to Spain.
But first, let's look at the ferry map to get a visual understanding of the various ferry routes.
Map: ferry crossings between Spain and Italy
The interactive map showcasing ferry routes provides a comprehensive view of the crossings available between Spain and Italy. You can access specific information about each route by clicking on the markers. To gain a more detailed overview, feel free to use the zoom feature on the map.
About the crossings between Italy and Spain
Ferries between Barcelona and Italy operate on three main routes, connecting the Spanish port city with Civitavecchia (near Rome), Genoa in Northern Italy, and Porto Torres in Sardinia. These routes are served by Grimaldi Lines and GNV, with travel times ranging from approximately 12.5 to 20 hours, depending on the destination.
Services run several times per week and offer options for both foot passengers and vehicles, with onboard amenities such as cabins and dining facilities. The same routes are available in reverse for travellers heading from Italy to Spain.
To get from Spain to Italy by ferry you'll first have to get to Spain, you can find the ferries from the UK to Spain here.
Available Ferry Routes
There are currently three ferry routes connecting Barcelona with Italy. These routes also operate in the reverse direction: from Italy to Barcelona.
| Route/crossing | Operator | Distance | Sailing time | Sailings | From? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona – Civitavecchia (Rome) | Grimaldi Lines | 496 miles | ≈20 hours | Up to 6 times per week | £60 |
| Barcelona – Genoa | GNV | 400 miles | ≈19–20 hours | Up to 2 times per week | £580 |
| Barcelona – Porto Torres (Sardinia) | Grimaldi Lines | 327 miles | ≈12.5 hours | Up to 4 times per week | £45 |
Route Details ferries from Spain to Italy
Barcelona – Civitavecchia (Rome)
This long-distance route connects Barcelona with Civitavecchia, the port serving Rome, located roughly 50 miles northwest of the city. It’s the most frequent option, suitable for travellers heading to central Italy. The port is well linked to Rome by train, bus, and road.
- Civitavecchia is located about 50 miles northwest of Rome.
- Sailing time is approximately 20 hours.
- Connections to Rome are available by regional trains, buses, or car.
- Overnight cabins and basic passenger amenities are available onboard.
Barcelona – Genoa
This crossing connects Barcelona with Genoa in northern Italy. Though less frequent and more expensive, it provides access to a key transport hub, with onward connections to Milan, Turin, and the Ligurian coast. The ferry includes overnight cabins and standard passenger facilities.
- Connects Barcelona with Northern Italy.
- Typical travel time is between 19 and 20 hours.
- Genoa is a transport hub with links to Milan, Turin, and the Ligurian coast.
- The route includes options for overnight cabins.
Barcelona – Porto Torres (Sardinia)
The shortest of the three routes, this ferry links Barcelona with Porto Torres on the north-west coast of Sardinia. It’s often the most affordable choice and offers comfortable overnight travel with cabin options. From Porto Torres, onward travel to other parts of Sardinia or to mainland Italy is possible. Or combine it with Corsica for example.
- Porto Torres is in northwest Sardinia.
- The crossing takes around 12.5 hours.
- Ferries offer a range of cabin options, restaurants, and lounges.
- Sardinia has onward ferry connections to mainland Italy and Corsica.
Reverse Routes: From Italy to Barcelona
Ferries from Italy to Spain depart from the same ports:
- Civitavecchia to Barcelona
- Genoa to Barcelona
- Porto Torres to Barcelona
Travel times and onboard services are similar in both directions. These services are helpful for both one-way and round-trip travel across the western Mediterranean.
Booking Information
- Tickets can be booked online via the FerryGoGo booking module.
- Early booking is recommended for better availability and pricing.
- Fares vary by season, cabin type, and vehicle inclusion.
Notes – important to know
- All listed durations are approximate and may vary due to weather or operational conditions.
- Port arrival times may include boarding and disembarkation periods.
- Operators may adjust frequencies seasonally.
On board, ferry maps and crossings
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- Ferry Arrival Mallorca, picture taken from the ferry
Prices and availability for this crossing.
What is the sailing schedule and the best alternative?
To check the sailing schedule and timetable for this crossing and to find the best alternative, simply fill in the booking module for ferries between Spain and Italy. This tool will provide up-to-date options, times, and routes to suit your travel needs.
First select Spain to find all the ferries to Italy.
Practical Travel Information Spain – Italy
Getting to the Ports:
- Barcelona Port: Accessible via Metro (Drassanes or Paral·lel), taxi, or bus. Located near the city centre.
- Civitavecchia (Rome): Reachable by regional train from Rome Termini (~1 hour). Shuttle services operate within the port.
- Genoa Port: Near the city centre and main train station (Genova Piazza Principe).
- Porto Torres: Small port city with local bus services. Nearest airport: Alghero (approx. 30 miles).
Travelling with Vehicles:
All listed routes allow for car and motorbike transport. Campervans and vans are generally accepted with booking. Prices vary by size and route.
Luggage Policies:
Most ferry operators allow at least one large suitcase per passenger. Additional luggage may incur a fee. Check with your operator for exact limits.
Seasonal Schedules:
Service frequency can decrease in winter (especially for the Genoa route). Peak travel months are June to September.
Booking Tips:
- Booking 1–2 months in advance usually provides the best prices.
- Cabins sell out quickly in summer, book early for overnight comfort.
Other Travel Options:
- Combine ferry routes with train travel through Italy or France.
- Consider a circular trip: Barcelona → Sardinia → Corsica → Southern France → return to Barcelona by land.
I have travelled from Barcelona to Italy by ferry before, I did a lot of research within your website before I went also. It offered me a wonderful opportunity to explore the Mediterranean and I experienced the captivating coastal beauty of Spain and Italy. I chose the route from Barcelona to Rome! Thankyou Ferry Go Go!
Thanks Julietta 🙂