Compare Grimaldi Lines services with EUFerry, from route planning and onboard considerations to
current departure availability and fares for your chosen journey.
Italy & islands International crossings Cabins & vehicles
A wide Mediterranean network built around long-distance ferry travel
Grimaldi Lines is one of the major passenger-ferry brands of the Naples-based Grimaldi Group. Its
passenger network is not limited to one island chain or one national market: it links mainland Italy
with Sardinia and Sicily, reaches Barcelona in Spain, crosses the Adriatic to Greece and serves
Tunis in North Africa.
That breadth makes the operator particularly useful for travellers planning a road trip. Cars,
motorcycles, motorhomes and other correctly booked vehicles can cross with their occupants, removing
the need to hire another vehicle on arrival. On longer routes, private cabins, reserved armchairs,
restaurants and public lounges turn the ferry into part of the journey rather than simply a
port-to-port transfer.
Route patterns differ considerably. A domestic Italian sailing may use fast check-in at the vehicle
marshalling area, while Spain and Greece are international Schengen journeys with longer reporting
times. Tunisia is a non-Schengen crossing and has a substantially earlier check-in requirement.
Always plan around the rules for the specific route rather than applying one generic ferry routine
to the whole network.
Network note: Grimaldi Group also owns or works alongside other ferry brands. This page is focused on passenger journeys sold as Grimaldi Lines services rather than treating every Grimaldi Group shipping activity as a passenger route.
Mediterranean and Adriatic connections
Grimaldi Lines routes
Grimaldi Lines operates a broad route network rather than one simple corridor. The six examples
below show the main journey types; the live booking system and route map should be used to check
every current departure and seasonal variation.
Italy–SpainLong international crossing
Lazio
Civitavecchia
Catalonia
Barcelona
One of Grimaldi Lines’ flagship international connections links the Rome region with Barcelona. It
is a substantial Mediterranean crossing where a cabin can be especially useful.
Schengen international check-in rules apply
Cars and touring vehicles can be booked subject to space
Useful for combining Italy and Spain without an airport transfer
Livorno–Olbia is a major mainland-to-Sardinia route and one of the services where Grimaldi Lines
publishes fast check-in procedures for smoother vehicle boarding.
Strong option for northern and eastern Sardinia
Day and night patterns may appear by date
Vehicle travellers should keep crossing essentials out of the garage
Brindisi–Igoumenitsa is a practical Adriatic route for travellers driving between Italy and mainland
Greece, with onward road access towards western and northern Greece.
This schematic summarises the three representative current route groups described above. It is not a
complete network map or timetable; the live operator booking result is definitive.
For planning with Grimaldi Lines, use the map to compare the representative route groups above,
including Civitavecchia–Barcelona, Livorno–Olbia, Brindisi–Igoumenitsa. It is most useful for
judging which departure or arrival point best fits the rest of the journey rather than as a
substitute for the live timetable.
After choosing the most practical route, compare the live Grimaldi Lines sailing for departure time,
calling pattern, passenger requirements and the facilities or accommodation shown for that service.
The complete itinerary and arrival location can matter more than a small difference in the headline
fare.
Always check the live sailing for your date before committing to a hotel, flight or long road
connection. Port, departure time and ship assignment can change with the operating programme.
Illustrative Grimaldi Lines route map. Routes and operating patterns can change; check the live timetable for your date.
Ports worth planning around
Gateways for road trips, islands and city breaks
The departure and arrival port can shape the entire journey. These three gateways illustrate
Grimaldi Lines’ mix of mainland, island and international travel.
Rome’s ferry gateway
Civitavecchia
Civitavecchia is a strategic departure point for Barcelona and several Sardinian routes. Allow
generous transfer time from Rome and confirm the precise terminal before setting out.
The Barcelona route opens the door to Catalonia and onward driving through Spain or France. Vehicle
travellers should also check Barcelona’s current low-emission-zone requirements before arrival.
Olbia is one of the most useful vehicle-ferry gateways for Costa Smeralda, the north-east coast and
road trips across Sardinia. Livorno offers one of the principal mainland connections.
On a multi-country road trip, compare the ferry with the road distance at both ends. A slightly
longer sea crossing can still save substantial driving, fuel, tolls and an overnight hotel.
Sleep, sit or keep the fare simple
Cabins, armchairs and passenger accommodation
Grimaldi Lines serves everything from domestic island crossings to long international overnight
journeys, so accommodation choice should be matched to the length and timing of the sailing.
Family cabins provide private sleeping space and can make a long overnight crossing far easier. Outside and higher-category cabins are worth comparing on the longest Mediterranean journeys.
Economy or deck passage
The lowest-cost option gives access to public areas without a private cabin. It can work well on
shorter daytime travel, but comfort expectations should reflect the length of the route.
Best considered forBudget-conscious daytime travel
Reserved armchairs
A numbered reclining armchair gives you an assigned place and more certainty than relying on general
public seating, while remaining below the cost of a cabin.
Best considered forSolo travellers and medium-length crossings
Inside cabins
Inside cabins provide beds and private space without an external window. They are often the value
choice when the real priority is sleep on an overnight sailing.
Best considered forOvernight rest at a lower cabin price
Outside and higher-category cabins
Outside cabins add natural light or a sea view, while selected ships also offer upgraded cabin
categories. Exact inventory depends on vessel and route.
Best considered forCouples, families and long international crossings
Pet in Cabin
The Pet in Cabin service allows a booked pet to stay with its owner in an eligible cabin. The
service includes specific preparation and end-of-trip cleaning and must be added to the booking.
Best considered forPassengers who want permitted cabin travel with a pet
Accessible cabins
Accessible cabins and adapted facilities are available on passenger vessels, but the exact number
and arrangement vary. Reserve the appropriate accommodation and assistance well before travel.
Best considered forPassengers requiring an adapted room or mobility support
Cabin booking tip
On Spain, Greece and Tunisia journeys, compare a cabin early rather than assuming one will remain
available close to departure. Vehicle space and cabin space can sell at different rates.
During the crossing
Restaurants, lounges, decks and onboard services
Facilities vary by ship, but Grimaldi Lines positions its longer passenger services as full travel
experiences with several ways to eat, relax and spend time during the crossing.
À la carte and self-service dining are available on many passenger ships. Lounges and café/bar areas provide alternatives to remaining in a cabin or armchair. Family facilities can help children break up a long Mediterranean crossing. Open decks and outdoor areas add sea views when weather and ship operations allow.
Restaurants and self-service
Grimaldi Lines publishes à la carte restaurants, self-service restaurants, snack bars and cafés
across its passenger service. The exact mix and opening times depend on the assigned ship.
Bars and lounges
Indoor lounges, bars and café areas provide places to sit, read or meet. On some ships there are
also outdoor bars and seasonal pool-deck areas.
Paid satellite Wi-Fi
Seafy Wi-Fi packages are available on many ships and can work in common areas, corridors and cabins.
Service availability and speed vary, and some vessels do not offer it.
Onboard shopping
Passenger ships can include boutiques selling toiletries, gifts, clothing, snacks and travel
essentials. Stock and opening hours vary by sailing.
Families and leisure
Selected ships provide children’s areas, entertainment spaces, pools or other leisure facilities.
Check the assigned vessel if a particular facility matters to your party.
Route-specific facilities
The Spain cruise ferries and other large vessels can have a broader facility mix than shorter
domestic services. Always treat ship assignment as relevant when comparing sailings.
Images in this section are from EUFerry’s general ferry-travel library and illustrate facility
types; they are not presented as photographs of a particular Grimaldi Lines vessel. Confirm the
facilities on the ship assigned to your sailing.
Take the road trip across the sea
Vehicles, pets and accessibility
One of the strongest reasons to use Grimaldi Lines is the ability to keep your own vehicle with you
across the Mediterranean. Correct booking data, fuel type, pet arrangements and assistance
requirements should all be settled before travel.
Motorhomes, caravans and trailers need the correct overall dimensions and category in the reservation. Electric, hybrid, LPG and other alternative-fuel vehicles should be declared and follow the operator’s safety instructions. Pets must be included in the booking and travel in accommodation permitted for the selected ship and route.
Cars, motorcycles and touring vehicles
Cars, motorcycles, vans, motorhomes, caravans and trailers can be carried subject to route and
garage availability. Book the actual dimensions including racks, boxes or trailers.
Follow crew instructions when loading and parking
Take medicines and essentials because garage access is restricted during the crossing
Keep the vehicle registration and travel documents readily available
Alternative-fuel vehicles
Tell the operator about LPG, gas, electric or other alternative-fuel vehicles as required. LPG
vehicles are parked in designated areas, and any safety instruction issued at the port takes
priority.
Declare the fuel type accurately when booking or checking in
Report alarms, damage or abnormal battery/fuel-system conditions
Never assume onboard vehicle charging is available unless explicitly offered
Travelling with pets
Pets can use onboard kennels where available or stay in an eligible cabin when the Pet in Cabin
service has been purchased. The animal must appear on the booking and the owner must carry the
required documentation.
Pet in Cabin can accommodate up to three pets in the cabin
Rules are stricter on some international routes, including Tunisia
Assistance dogs travel under separate accessibility provisions
Reduced mobility and assistance
Accessible cabins, lifts, adapted toilets, tactile guides and reserved wheelchair spaces are
available across the passenger fleet, although the exact features vary by ship.
State the required assistance and cabin needs before travel
Allow extra time at the port for organised boarding support
Confirm route-specific arrangements directly with Grimaldi Lines
Before you reach the ramp
Check-in, documents and boarding
Grimaldi Lines has different minimum reporting times for domestic Italian, Schengen international
and non-Schengen routes. Use the category that applies to your specific sailing, not a generic ferry
check-in rule.
Check the route-specific reporting time before leaving for the port; international services require more time. Vehicle boarding is controlled by the crew. Keep tickets, identity documents and everything needed during the crossing outside the car.
Recommended travel sequence
When booking
Match every passenger, document and vehicle detail
Passenger names, identification and vehicle information should match what will be presented at the
port. Add accommodation, pets and special requirements before travel.
Domestic Italy
Foot passenger: no later than 1 hour before
For journeys within Italy, the published minimum is one hour before departure for foot passengers. A
passenger travelling with a vehicle must report no later than two hours before departure.
Schengen international
No later than 2 hours before
For routes such as Italy–Spain or Italy–Greece, passengers with or without a vehicle should report
for check-in no later than two hours before departure.
Tunisia
No later than 4 hours before
For non-Schengen travel to or from Tunisia, passengers with or without a vehicle must report no
later than four hours before departure to allow for the additional controls.
During loading
Follow the crew and empty the car of essentials
The driver follows the assigned loading instructions. Once parked, take medicines, documents,
valuables and overnight items because access to the garage is restricted.
Is this the right crossing?
When Grimaldi Lines can be a practical choice
Grimaldi Lines is particularly attractive when the journey is part of a wider road trip. Taking your
own car or motorhome can remove airport baggage limits and car-hire logistics, while the overnight
crossing can replace a long drive or a hotel night.
The best option depends on the entire door-to-door itinerary. Civitavecchia can work well for Rome
and central Italy, Livorno for Tuscany and northern Italy, Naples for Campania, and Brindisi for an
Adriatic journey towards Greece. On the island side, Olbia, Porto Torres, Cagliari and Palermo each
lead naturally to different road networks.
For the longest journeys, compare the cabin price as part of the transport cost rather than an
optional luxury. A good night’s sleep before a day of driving can be more valuable than choosing the
lowest deck-passage fare.
Common planning questions
Grimaldi Lines FAQs
Where does Grimaldi Lines sail?
Grimaldi Lines operates a broad Mediterranean passenger network linking mainland Italy with
Sardinia, Sicily, Spain, Greece and Tunisia. Individual routes and seasonal programmes can change,
so the live booking result should be treated as definitive.
Can I take a car on Grimaldi Lines?
Yes. Cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, caravans and other correctly booked vehicles can travel on
relevant Grimaldi Lines ferries. Enter the correct vehicle category and dimensions and follow the
crew’s loading instructions.
How early should I arrive for Grimaldi Lines check-in?
For travel within Italy, foot passengers should normally check in no later than one hour before
departure and vehicle passengers no later than two hours. For Schengen international routes,
passengers should check in no later than two hours before departure. Tunisia services require
arrival no later than four hours before departure.
Are cabins available on Grimaldi Lines ferries?
Yes. Depending on the route and assigned ship, accommodation can include deck passage, reserved
armchairs, inside cabins, outside cabins and higher-category cabins. Long or overnight crossings are
the journeys where a private cabin can make the greatest difference.
Can pets travel with Grimaldi Lines?
Yes. Pets can travel in the accommodation permitted for the selected sailing, including onboard
kennels where available or a cabin when the Pet in Cabin service has been purchased. The pet must be
included in the reservation and the required health documents must be carried.
Is Wi-Fi available on Grimaldi Lines?
Paid Seafy satellite Wi-Fi packages are available on many Grimaldi Lines ships, although
availability varies by vessel and route. The service can be slower than land-based internet and is
not available on every ship.
Does Grimaldi Lines carry passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. Grimaldi Lines provides accessible cabins and assistance arrangements on its passenger ships,
with facilities that can include lifts, adapted toilets, tactile guides and reserved wheelchair
spaces. Requirements should be communicated to the operator before travel.
Can I travel from Italy to Spain with Grimaldi Lines?
Yes. Civitavecchia–Barcelona is one of Grimaldi Lines’ principal Italy–Spain passenger routes, and
Porto Torres–Barcelona provides an additional Sardinia–Spain connection.
Does Grimaldi Lines sail to Greece?
Yes. Grimaldi Lines serves Greece from Italy, including the Brindisi–Igoumenitsa route, with Corfu
appearing on relevant seasonal itineraries. Check the live timetable for the exact route pattern on
your dates.
Does Grimaldi Lines sail to Tunisia?
Yes. Grimaldi Lines connects Tunis with Italian ports including Palermo, Salerno and Civitavecchia.
Tunisia is a non-Schengen journey, so document checks and longer check-in times apply.
Facility photographs are examples; the vessels shown are identified below. Facilities vary by ship.
250120 1029 MV Glen Sannox loading, Port of Troon ferry terminal.jpg — Dave souza; CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:250120_1029_MV_Glen_Sannox_loading,_Port_of_Troon_ferry_terminal.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0. Resized for display.
Cabin on MV Hrossey - geograph.org.uk - 7254252.jpg — Oliver Dixon; CC BY-SA 2.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cabin_on_MV_Hrossey_-_geograph.org.uk_-_7254252.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0. Resized for display.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (49687542022).jpg — Chris Hunkeler from Carlsbad, California, USA; CC BY-SA 2.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cavalier_King_Charles_Spaniel_(49687542022).jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0. Resized for display.
Check-in, Holyhead Ferry Terminal - geograph.org.uk - 7757104.jpg — JThomas; CC BY-SA 2.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Check-in,_Holyhead_Ferry_Terminal_-_geograph.org.uk_-_7757104.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0. Resized for display.
Deckchair on ferry.jpg — User:Amada44; CC BY 3.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Deckchair_on_ferry.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0. Resized for display.
Vehicle deck on the Victoria of Wight (Wightlink ferry).jpg — ITookSomePhotos; CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vehicle_deck_on_the_Victoria_of_Wight_(Wightlink_ferry).jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0. Resized for display.