Plan your Tirrenia journey with EUFerry by reviewing routes and passenger information first, then
compare current sailings and ticket choices for your dates.
Tirrenia passenger and vehicle ferry serving Sardinia
About the operator
A long-established mainland–Sardinia ferry brand
Tirrenia remains one of the most recognisable names in Italian island ferry travel. Its current 2026
passenger offer is especially clear on two year-round Sardinia routes: Civitavecchia–Olbia and
Genoa–Porto Torres.
The Civitavecchia–Olbia corridor combines daytime and overnight departures, while Genoa–Porto Torres
is an overnight route linking northern Italy with north-west Sardinia throughout the year. Both
carry passengers and vehicles and offer cabins, armchairs and onboard services suited to a long
Mediterranean crossing.
Tirrenia's website also sells Tunisia travel. That needs a distinction: Tirrenia acts as the Italian general agent for CTN – Compagnie Tunisienne de Navigation on Tunisia services. For a Genoa–Tunis booking, therefore, verify the actual operating carrier and ship rather than treating it as an ordinary Tirrenia-operated Sardinia service.
EUFerry travel note: for Sardinia, compare the island arrival point as carefully as the mainland departure. Olbia and Porto Torres serve very different parts of the island.
Two direct Tirrenia Sardinia routes plus a CTN booking connection
Tirrenia routes
The first two cards are Tirrenia's principal current passenger routes. The third is deliberately
labelled as a CTN-operated Tunisia service sold through Tirrenia's Italian agency role.
7–8 hoursYear-round
Lazio
Civitavecchia
Sardinia
Olbia
Civitavecchia–Olbia operates throughout the year. Tirrenia currently publishes around 7 to 7 hours
30 minutes by day and about 7 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours overnight.
Useful for Rome and central Italy
Olbia is ideal for north-east Sardinia and Costa Smeralda
Summer frequency can include both daytime and overnight options
Tirrenia sells Genoa–Tunis through its role as the Italian general agent for CTN. This international
route should therefore be booked and travelled using the operating-carrier details shown on the live
confirmation.
International vehicle and passenger route
Passport, border and customs requirements apply
Check CTN as the operating carrier on the final itinerary
Sardinia routes from Rome-region and northern Italy gateways
The original EUFerry Tirrenia route map is retained as an illustrative planning aid. The key current
Tirrenia-operated Sardinia corridors are Civitavecchia–Olbia and Genoa–Porto Torres.
Any Tunisia connection shown in the wider Tirrenia booking environment should be read with the CTN
agency distinction in mind.
After choosing the most practical route, compare the live Tirrenia 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 confirm the operating carrier shown on the ticket. Moby and Tirrenia also share parts of the
Sardinia sales environment, so the ship assigned to a familiar route can vary.
Illustrative Tirrenia route map — verify the current operating carrier and live timetable for your dates.
Mainland and island gateways
Civitavecchia, Olbia and Genoa
These three ports explain the geography of Tirrenia's current Sardinia passenger operation and all
use established EUFerry destination images.
Central Italy gateway
Civitavecchia
Civitavecchia is Rome's principal ferry port and gives central-Italy travellers a direct year-round
route to Olbia in north-east Sardinia.
Genoa serves the overnight Porto Torres route and is especially convenient for travellers
approaching from northern Italy, Switzerland and south-eastern France.
Choose Olbia for north-east Sardinia and Porto Torres for the north-west. The correct island arrival
port can save more driving than a small difference in ferry price.
Day crossing or overnight sleep
Cabins and passenger accommodation
Tirrenia offers several levels of accommodation on the long Sardinia routes, allowing passengers to
choose between simple passage, reserved seats and private cabins.
Private multi-berth cabins make overnight Sardinia travel substantially more comfortable. Outside cabins add natural light while retaining private en-suite accommodation.
Deck passage
The basic passage fare allows passengers to use public areas without reserving a specific seat or cabin.
Best considered forBudget travel and suitable daytime sailings
Reserved armchairs
Armchair seating provides a defined place to rest at a lower price than a private cabin.
Best considered forSolo passengers and moderate-length journeys
Inside cabins
Inside cabins are available in several berth configurations and provide privacy, beds and en-suite facilities.
Best considered forOvernight travel at a lower cabin price
Outside cabins
Outside cabins add a porthole or window while retaining the same key private-cabin benefits.
Best considered forCouples and families wanting natural light
Pet-access cabins
Special Tirrenia cabins with easy-clean flooring allow up to three pets to stay with their owners,
subject to availability.
Best considered forPassengers who want private accommodation with pets
Accessible accommodation
Accessible passenger facilities and assistance are available on suitable ships; request the required
arrangement when booking.
Best considered forPassengers needing adapted travel support
Overnight tip
On Genoa–Porto Torres, the cabin can effectively replace a hotel night. Compare the total cost
against travelling in an armchair and arriving less rested.
A long crossing with time to use onboard facilities
Food, lounges, shopping and family facilities
Tirrenia's Sardinia ferries provide the usual long-distance Mediterranean mix of dining, bars,
passenger lounges, shopping and family-oriented spaces.
Restaurant and self-service choices let passengers combine the sea crossing with a meal. Passenger lounges provide indoor space outside cabins and armchair halls. Selected ships include onboard shopping for gifts, travel products and leisure purchases. Family areas and entertainment can help children enjoy a long Mediterranean crossing.
Restaurants and self-service
Long-distance Tirrenia ships offer dining choices ranging from casual self-service to fuller restaurant meals.
Bars and cafés
Bars and cafés provide drinks, snacks and lighter food options throughout the journey.
Passenger lounges
Public lounges give passengers additional places to relax outside cabins and reserved seating.
Onboard shopping
Selected Tirrenia ships include shops for travel items, gifts and convenience purchases.
Family facilities
Children's areas and entertainment are available on suitable ferries and can make the crossing
easier for families.
Open decks
Outdoor decks give passengers sea air and Mediterranean views when weather and operating conditions permit.
Images in this section are from EUFerry's general ferry-travel library and illustrate facility
types. The operator-specific hero and overview images use Tirrenia imagery.
Bring the car, camper or pet
Vehicles, pets and accessibility
Tirrenia's Sardinia routes are well suited to self-drive travel, particularly for longer island
stays where having your own vehicle can simplify beach, village and inland exploration.
Motorhomes, caravans and trailers can be booked on the Sardinia routes. Vehicle passengers should follow check-in staff and crew instructions during loading. Pets can use designated cabins or permitted outdoor areas under Tirrenia's current rules.
Cars and motorcycles
Cars and motorcycles are accepted on the Sardinia routes subject to the booked category and
available vehicle-deck capacity.
Book the correct registration and dimensions
Follow check-in staff at the ship-side area
Take voyage essentials out of the vehicle after parking
Motorhomes, caravans and trailers
Tirrenia promotes dedicated fares for campers, caravans, trailers, vans and minibuses, making the
routes suitable for longer touring holidays.
Enter the full vehicle combination
Include racks and towing equipment in dimensions
Declare LPG vehicles during booking and follow fuel-safety instructions
Travelling with pets
Pets need their own ticket and current health documentation. Special cabins with animal access allow
up to three pets.
Bring lead and muzzle for dogs
Use only permitted external or designated pet spaces
Book pet-access cabins early because numbers are limited
Reduced mobility and assistance
Tirrenia provides support for passengers with reduced mobility and their companions, with ship and
terminal assistance arranged according to the selected service.
Declare assistance needs when booking
Allow additional time at the port
Confirm the assigned ship if a specific adapted facility is essential
Season and port change the check-in time
Check-in, documents and boarding
Tirrenia performs check-in in the area directly in front of the ferry. Arrival requirements vary by
port, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle.
Keep your paper or digital ticket and each passenger's valid identity document ready. Vehicle passengers need substantially more time than foot passengers at Tirrenia's mainland ports.
Current Sardinia check-in pattern
Genoa summer
1 hour without a vehicle; 2 hours with a vehicle
From 1 June to 30 September, these are Tirrenia's current minimum presentation times at Genoa.
Genoa winter
30 minutes without a vehicle; 2 hours with a vehicle
From 1 October to 31 May, foot passengers have a shorter minimum but vehicles still require two hours.
Olbia & Civitavecchia summer
1 hour without a vehicle; 90 minutes with a vehicle
These current minimums apply from 1 June to 30 September.
Olbia & Civitavecchia winter
30 minutes without a vehicle; 90 minutes with a vehicle
From 1 October to 31 May, vehicle passengers retain the 90-minute requirement.
At boarding
Follow the ship's loading order
The captain and boarding staff determine the order in which vehicles are loaded regardless of
arrival sequence.
Choose the Sardinia route around the island itinerary
When Tirrenia can be a practical choice
Civitavecchia–Olbia is particularly useful from Rome and central Italy and puts travellers close to
north-east Sardinia's major holiday areas. Day sailings can suit travellers who prefer not to sleep
onboard, while the night crossing can combine transport with accommodation.
Genoa–Porto Torres makes more sense from northern Italy, Switzerland and south-eastern France. The
longer overnight crossing avoids a substantial drive south through Italy and arrives close to
Sassari, Alghero and Sardinia's north-west coast.
If a Tunisia itinerary appears in the Tirrenia booking environment, treat it separately from the
Sardinia routes: Tirrenia is the Italian general agent for CTN, so the final operating-carrier
information is essential.
Common planning questions
Tirrenia FAQs
Which routes does Tirrenia operate in 2026?
Tirrenia's current 2026 passenger network prominently includes the year-round Civitavecchia–Olbia
and Genoa–Porto Torres routes to Sardinia. Tirrenia also sells Genoa–Tunis as the Italian general
agent for CTN, Compagnie Tunisienne de Navigation.
How long is the Civitavecchia to Olbia ferry?
Tirrenia currently publishes about 7 to 7 hours 30 minutes for daytime Civitavecchia–Olbia crossings
and about 7 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours for night sailings.
How long is the Genoa to Porto Torres ferry?
The Genoa–Porto Torres route operates overnight throughout the year, with Tirrenia currently
publishing a journey time of about 10 to 13 hours.
Is Genoa to Tunis operated directly by Tirrenia?
Tirrenia sells the Genoa–Tunis route as the Italian general agent for CTN, Compagnie Tunisienne de
Navigation. Check the live booking and operating carrier details for the exact sailing.
How early should I arrive for Tirrenia?
For Genoa between June and September, foot passengers should arrive at least one hour before
departure and vehicle passengers two hours before. From October to May the foot-passenger minimum is
30 minutes, while vehicle passengers should still arrive two hours before. At Olbia and
Civitavecchia, current guidance is at least one hour in summer or 30 minutes in winter without a
vehicle, and 90 minutes with a vehicle.
Can I take a car, motorcycle or motorhome on Tirrenia?
Yes. Tirrenia accepts cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, caravans, trailers and other suitable vehicles
on its Sardinia services, subject to the correct category, dimensions and available deck space.
Can I travel with a pet?
Yes. Pets need their own ticket and the required health documents. Tirrenia offers special cabins
with animal access, and up to three pets can stay in one of those designated cabins.
Are cabins available?
Yes. Tirrenia offers inside and outside cabins in several berth configurations, as well as armchair
seating and deck passage depending on the ship and sailing.
What identification do I need?
Every passenger, including minors, must present a valid identity document together with the ticket
at boarding. International Tunisia travel requires the documents appropriate to the traveller's
nationality and destination.
Does Tirrenia provide accessibility assistance?
Yes. Tirrenia provides assistance and facilities for passengers with reduced mobility. Travellers
who need specific help should state their requirements when booking and allow additional time at the
port.
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.
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.