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Palermo to Cagliari Ferry: Grimaldi Line with Few Sailings
With Grimaldi Lines
To get from Palermo to Cagliari by ferry there is a direct Grimaldi Lines route, a territorial continuity line: it links the island of Sicily with the south of Sardinia with few sailings a week, not daily.
As there are few ships, the day of departure shapes the whole trip. Check the timetable first, choose the day and book in good time, especially if you are travelling with a car.
If there is no ship on the day you want, the alternative is to combine via Naples: from Palermo to Naples and from Naples to Cagliari.
Palermo to Cagliari ferry timetable
The timetable shows the departures for the date you chose and which day of the week each one sails. It is not a daily route: Grimaldi operates it with few sailings a week in each direction, according to its current calendar. Its website speaks of a service all year, by day or by night, but the calendar changes by period.
First the day, then the rest
If your trip has a fixed date, start by checking whether there is a ship that day. For the opposite direction, see the Cagliari Palermo ferry.
Check the departures for your date in our search engine. Schedules and prices
Indicative schedules and subject to variation by the ferry company for operational reasons without prior notice.
Grimaldi Lines on the Palermo to Cagliari ferry
The Palermo–Cagliari route is operated by Grimaldi Lines. Tirrenia no longer has it on its website: it now appears only with Grimaldi. It is one of the territorial continuity lines of Sardinia, along with Naples–Cagliari, Civitavecchia–Cagliari and Civitavecchia–Arbatax.
Grimaldi has accommodation for pets, free bicycles, discounts for children, young people and over-sixties, and fares for residents of both islands.
Palermo to Cagliari ferry price
The price you see above is the lowest recent one for one adult without a vehicle. On this line, the following have an influence:
- The accommodation: deck, seat or cabin.
- The vehicle: car, motorbike or motorhome are paid for separately, depending on size.
- The day of departure: as there are few ships, those on long weekends and in summer sell out sooner.
Children and resident discounts on both islands
Children under three travel free and those from three to twelve get a reduced fare on the passage, excluding fixed taxes and services. There are discounts for young people and over-sixties.
Residents: Grimaldi has a fare for Sicilian residents and another for Sardinia residents that include this line. They cover the holder, their family and those travelling on the same ticket, but not taxes or on-board services (meals, wifi, pet in cabin), and in territorial continuity not port taxes either. They are ferry company fares and the ILF search tool may not show them: ask us if you are a resident.
Palermo to Cagliari ferry with a car
It is a line much used with vehicles, because there is no other way to take the car from one island to the other. Grimaldi accepts cars (up to 1.90 m high and, depending on category, up to 4 m or between 4 and 5 m long), motorhomes, motorbikes and bicycles. The dimensions include bike racks and roof boxes. Check-in: two hours before at the latest with a vehicle and one hour without one.
Only one vehicle per passenger is accepted, and vehicles loaded with goods for sale are not accepted.
Palermo to Cagliari ferry with a dog
You must add the pet to the ticket. With Grimaldi, dogs and cats have dedicated accommodation on board and can go in the cabin with the "pet in cabin" service, for up to three pets. On the outdoor decks, on a lead and muzzled; in shared areas, only in a carrier and subject to the purser. More in ferry with a dog.
Ports of Palermo and Cagliari
Port of Palermo
Port of Cagliari
How to get to the port of Palermo
The port of Palermo is next to the city centre. If you are driving, go to boarding with Grimaldi's check-in margin. If you are on foot, allow plenty of time for the journey: your boarding pass states the terminal Grimaldi uses.
Arriving in Cagliari
Cagliari is the port of the south of Sardinia and the island's capital, the natural entrance to its southern half. If your destination is the north (Olbia, Costa Smeralda), you have several hours of road ahead: consider another port on the island then.
Documents for the Palermo to Cagliari ferry
A route within Italy: original, valid ID document for all travellers, including children and babies. The names and registration number on the ticket must match the real ones.
I Love Ferry tips for the Palermo to Cagliari ferry
- Book in advance. With few weekly sailings, the ship that suits you can fill up.
- Plan B via Naples: the combination exists, but you need to line up two bookings.
- Residents: the fare has conditions; ask us before paying.
- Car: check the height and total length, including bike rack and roof box.
Alternatives to Palermo Cagliari
- Palermo Naples ferry and Naples Cagliari ferry: two legs that can fit if there is no direct ship on your day.
- Civitavecchia Cagliari ferry: another territorial continuity line, with few sailings.
- Cagliari Palermo ferry: the opposite journey.
Frequently asked questions about the Palermo to Cagliari ferry
Any questions about your ferry?
Here are the questions travellers ask us most. If yours is not here, our team of real people helps you before, during and after your trip.
See all the frequently asked questions >>Is there a direct ferry from Palermo to Cagliari?
Yes, it is operated by Grimaldi Lines as a territorial continuity line, with few sailings a week.
How many ships are there a week?
Few: it is not a daily route. The timetable shows you which days it sails; Grimaldi's calendar changes by period.
Which ferry company operates Palermo Cagliari?
Grimaldi Lines. Tirrenia no longer has this line on its website.
How long does the ferry from Palermo to Cagliari take?
It is a long crossing, sailing by day or by night depending on the period. The timetable shows the duration of each sailing.
Can I take a car?
Yes. Grimaldi accepts cars, motorbikes and motorhomes within maximum dimensions, and you must check in two hours before at the latest.
Is there a discount for island residents?
Yes, Grimaldi has a fare for Sicilian residents and for Sardinia residents, with conditions: it does not apply to taxes or on-board services.
Can I travel with a dog?
Yes, if you add it to the booking. With Grimaldi they have dedicated accommodation and can go in the cabin with the specific service.
What document do I need?
An original, valid ID document for everyone, including minors and babies.
What do I do if there is no direct ship on the day I want?
You can combine Palermo Naples and Naples Cagliari, lining up the two bookings, or change the date.
Ferry deals to Cagliari
Right now there are no offers on this route. When a ferry company launches one, you will see it here. View all offers >>
Reviews · Palermo – Cagliari
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