Elba ferries
Elba ferry prices
What moves the fare - and what you need at hand for a quote that holds
- Route, date and vessel type set the base fare
- Vehicles are charged by length and height, fittings included
- The binding price only exists on a specific sailing
What the fare is made of
There is no single market price for the ferry to Elba. What you pay comes out of five variables: the route, the date, the vessel type, the vehicle dimensions and the party size. You set all five yourself in the booking - which is why this page carries an explanation of the levers rather than a table of amounts.
Route and vessel type
Several operators sail to Portoferraio in parallel, some with fast craft and some with conventional ferries. It is the only Elba route with a genuine choice of supplier. Cavo and Rio Marina are served by Toremar alone; there you are choosing between sailings, not between companies.
Date and season
Demand is strongly seasonal. From July to early September vehicle spaces on popular sailings go first, while in winter the island runs on a thinner service. Corsica Ferries is only part of the Piombino to Portoferraio offer during the summer season, according to the operator from May to September.
Vehicle
Vehicles are priced by length and height and charged separately from passenger tickets. Roof boxes, bike racks and trailers count towards the measurements. Leave them out and you book the wrong category - and correct it at the terminal instead of at your desk.
Passengers and reductions
Child reductions follow age bands that differ from operator to operator. Enter every traveller's age in the booking rather than guessing. Reserved places can carry an additional booking fee with Toremar.
How to compare sensibly
Compare sailing against sailing, not operator against operator: the same route can run on the same day with a different vessel, a different crossing time and a different price. Price the outbound and return legs separately, then decide on the combination - and factor in the drive on Elba before you land at Cavo or Rio Marina for the sake of a cheaper ticket. Current departures are in the timetable, and the detail on the main route is on the Piombino to Portoferraio page.
The three routes
Portoferraio, Cavo and Rio Marina compared
Crossing time, operators and island region for the three feeder routes from Piombino. The binding price for your date and vehicle appears in the booking for each route.
| Operators | Crossing | Suits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piombino - Portoferraio | Toremar, Moby, Blu Navy, Corsica Ferries in summer | approx. 40-60 min. | Centre and west, densest service |
| Piombino - Cavo | Toremar | shortest crossing | North-eastern tip of the island |
| Piombino - Rio Marina | Toremar | approx. 45 min. | East coast around Rio nell'Elba and Porto Azzurro |
Before you search
What a reliable quote needs from you
Leave one of these out and the search prices the wrong category. Have them ready before you compare.
Travel date and return
Vehicle length and height
Passengers and ages
Vessel type
FAQ prices
Frequently asked questions
Questions about Elba ferry fares.
Is the displayed amount the final price?+
Not necessarily. Reserved places can carry a booking fee, and vehicles are charged separately from passenger tickets. What counts is the total in the final step, before you pay.
Can I change my ticket?+
It depends on the fare. Blu Navy accepts date and time changes up to the check-in limit and subject to availability, with the first two changes free; nothing is refunded if you fail to show up or cancel later than twelve hours before departure. Toremar and Moby apply their own fare conditions - check them before you buy.
What if my vehicle dimensions change?+
Change the booking before you reach the port. The fare follows length and height; an under-declared vehicle can be turned away at boarding or recharged. More in the car ferry guide.
Is a shorter route cheaper?+
Not automatically. Cavo and Rio Marina have thinner service and leave you a longer drive on the island. Compare the whole journey to your accommodation, not just the ticket.
Is it worth booking early?+
In summer and with a vehicle, yes. The routes run all year, but popular sailings fill up early in high season. Check live availability for your date instead of relying on driving up.