ferry Europalink Grimaldi Lines
ferry Europalink
âš“ The Europalink is one of the big ro-pax ferries in the fleet of Grimaldi Lines, the Italian company specialising in passenger and roll-on/roll-off freight shipping across the Mediterranean. At 214 metres long and with room for more than 3,300 lane metres of freight, she combines cargo work with comfortable passenger accommodation on medium- and long-distance routes. She mainly runs the Barcelona–Porto Torres–Civitavecchia (Rome) service, one of the most important sea links between the Iberian Peninsula and Italy.
The Europalink was built at the Fincantieri shipyards in Italy and entered service in 2003. She sails under the Italian flag and her IMO number is 9238337. She belongs to the class of high-capacity ro-pax vessels that define the Grimaldi Lines fleet, designed for long overnight crossings with hotel-style comforts on board.
History and background of the ship
The Europalink (IMO 9319454) was built between 2006 and 2007 at the Fincantieri yard in Ancona (yard number 6135) as part of the Star class, designed for Scandinavian markets with heavy logistics traffic. She was delivered to the Finnlines group subsidiary, where for 16 years she was an indispensable pillar of northern European trade, working the icy Baltic route between Travemünde (Germany), Helsinki (Finland) and Malmö (Sweden). In 2022 she spent a brief spell in the Adriatic with Grimaldi, but returned north.
In late 2023 Grimaldi Lines took her back for good to strengthen its Mediterranean network. Repainted in the company livery and adapted to the Mediterranean climate, she entered service in January 2024 on the Brindisi (Italy)–Igoumenitsa (Greece) route, where she is a crucial ship for moving industrial trailers between the two countries. Her 4,215 lane metres make her one of the highest-capacity freight carriers in the whole group, and her cabins still have the saunas inherited from her Nordic design.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Ro-pax ferry |
| Length overall | 214 m |
| Beam | 26 m |
| Service speed | ~22 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~200 people |
| Freight capacity | ~3,300 lane metres |
| Vehicle decks | Several ro-ro decks |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri (Italy) |
| Year built | 2003 |
| Flag | Italy |
| IMO number | 9238337 |
| Ferry operator | Grimaldi Lines |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Approx. duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Civitavecchia (Rome) | ~19–20 h | ~18:00 |
| Civitavecchia (Rome) → Barcelona | ~19–20 h | ~19:00 |
| Barcelona → Porto Torres (Sardinia) | ~11–12 h | ~18:00 |
| Porto Torres (Sardinia) → Barcelona | ~11–12 h | Check |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
The port of Civitavecchia: Rome's gateway by sea
The Europalink calls at the Port of Civitavecchia, known as the port of Rome, some 80 km from the Italian capital (about an hour by train or bus). It is one of the busiest passenger ports in the Mediterranean. Civitavecchia station has direct, frequent train services to Roma Termini, which makes it a very convenient way to reach central Rome without a car.
If you are travelling from Barcelona with a vehicle, boarding is well organised and straightforward. We recommend arriving at the port at least 2 hours beforehand if you have a vehicle, and 1 hour if you are travelling as a foot passenger. The crossings are overnight or long-haul, so booking a cabin is well worth it if you want to arrive rested.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Prices on the Europalink vary with the season, the type of accommodation and whether you are taking a vehicle. A standard seat in mid season can start from €59 one way, while a cabin for two typically falls between €120 and €250 depending on the grade. Carrying a vehicle costs extra.
Discounts and special fares available:
- Early Booking fare: booking far enough ahead can bring the price down considerably, especially in high season.
- Resident Sardinia fare: for residents of Sardinia, with discounts on the routes to Porto Torres.
- Groups: Grimaldi Lines offers special fares for groups of 10 or more. Ask the operator directly.
- Lorry drivers: dedicated fares for professional hauliers on the ro-pax routes.
You can compare prices and real-time availability directly on I Love Ferry.
Which accommodation should you choose for your trip?
| If you are travelling... | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| Alone or as a couple, looking for the best price | Reclining seat |
| Alone or as a couple, looking for a proper rest | Double inside cabin |
| As a family with children | Family cabin (4 berths) |
| Looking for more comfort and sea views | Outside cabin with window or porthole |
| A professional long-distance driver | Single cabin (for lorry drivers) |
| With a pet | Pet-friendly cabin |
ferry Europalink · Accommodations
Reclining seat · Standard
The cheapest option on board. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, fine for overnight crossings if you do not need the privacy of a cabin. Access to all the ship's public areas.
✓ Reclining seat
✓ Access to all public areas
✓ The lowest fare
✓ Ideal for travellers on a tight budget
Inside Cabin
A windowless cabin on the inner decks, available with either 2 or 4 berths. Private bathroom included. The best balance of price and rest for long overnight crossings.
✓ Private bathroom
✓ 2 or 4 berths depending on layout
✓ Individual climate control
✓ Access to all public areas
Outside Cabin · With porthole or window
A cabin with a porthole or window looking out to sea. It feels noticeably roomier and brighter than the inside cabin, and comes in a double layout. Ideal if you want comfort and would rather not miss the Mediterranean views.
✓ Porthole or window with sea views
✓ Private bathroom
✓ Individual climate control
✓ Brighter than the inside cabin
Family Cabin · 4 berths
A cabin with four berths for families or groups of up to 4 people. It lets you all travel together at a very competitive price per person. Private bathroom and climate control included.
✓ Room for 4 people
✓ Private bathroom
✓ Individual climate control
✓ Very competitive price per person
ferry Europalink · On-board services
Restaurant and café
The Europalink has a restaurant and café on board serving breakfast, lunch and dinner according to the timing of the crossing. The choice includes set menus, à la carte dishes and buffet options. On crossings of nearly 20 hours such as Barcelona–Civitavecchia, having a full catering service on board makes a real difference.
Open deck
The Europalink has an open deck where passengers can get some fresh air and enjoy the Mediterranean views during the crossing. It is especially pleasant on departure from and arrival into port, and as the ship passes the Sardinian coast.
Entertainment area and lounges
On board the Europalink you will find lounges with televisions and seating areas that make the long crossings more comfortable. The ship also has an onboard shop selling newspapers, snacks and travel essentials.
Travelling with a dog on board
Grimaldi Lines accepts pets on the Europalink. Animals must stay in the dedicated pet area on board or remain in the vehicle on the car deck. In some cases, depending on the type of cabin booked, pets may stay with their owners. You must declare your pet and book its place when you buy your ticket.
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Europalink has lifts and adapted access to help passengers with reduced mobility move between the ship's decks. We recommend telling Grimaldi Lines about any specific accessibility needs when you book, so that the right assistance can be arranged for boarding, the crossing and disembarkation.
Frequently asked questions about the Europalink
Which routes does the Europalink ferry operate?
She mainly works the Barcelona–Porto Torres–Civitavecchia (Rome) route for Grimaldi Lines, linking the Iberian Peninsula with Sardinia and central Italy.
How long does the Europalink take from Barcelona to Civitavecchia?
The full Barcelona–Civitavecchia crossing takes roughly 19 to 20 hours. If the sailing calls at Porto Torres, the duration can change. Check the exact itinerary for your sailing when you book.
Does the Europalink carry cars and other vehicles?
Yes. She is a ro-pax vessel built to carry passengers and roll-on/roll-off freight. She has several decks with room for more than 3,300 lane metres of vehicles. Arrive at the port at least 2 hours beforehand if you are travelling by car.
What accommodation does the Europalink offer?
Four options: reclining seat (standard, no cabin), inside cabin (no window, 2 or 4 berths, private bathroom), outside cabin (with porthole or window) and family cabin (4 berths). A cabin is recommended for the crossing to Rome.
Is there Wi-Fi on board the Europalink?
Grimaldi Lines provides Wi-Fi on board its ships. The quality of the connection can vary at sea. Check the current conditions with the operator when you book or when you board.
Are pets allowed on the Europalink?
Yes. Pets stay in the dedicated animal area or in the vehicle on the car deck. You must declare your pet and book its place when you buy your ticket.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has lifts and adapted access between decks. We recommend telling Grimaldi Lines about your accessibility needs when you book.
How much does it cost to travel on the Europalink?
As a guide, fares start at €59 one way for a seat in mid season. A double cabin typically falls between €120 and €250 depending on grade and season, not including a vehicle. Compare real-time prices here.
How do you get from Civitavecchia to central Rome?
Civitavecchia is about 80 km from Rome. The quickest and cheapest option is the regional train from Civitavecchia station to Roma Termini, which takes 60–80 minutes and runs frequently. There are also buses and taxis.
Does the Europalink call at Sardinia?
On some sailings the Europalink calls at Porto Torres (Sardinia) between Barcelona and Civitavecchia. This can affect the total journey time. Check the exact itinerary for your sailing when you book.
How early should I get to the port?
With a vehicle: at least 2 hours beforehand. As a foot passenger: 1 hour. In July and August it is worth allowing more time than that.
Is there a restaurant on board the Europalink?
Yes. The Europalink has a restaurant and café serving breakfast, lunch and dinner according to the timing of the crossing. On routes of nearly 20 hours such as Barcelona–Civitavecchia, full catering is a big plus.
Are there any discounts available on the Europalink?
Grimaldi Lines offers Early Booking fares for advance reservations, discounts for residents of Sardinia, group fares and special prices for professional long-distance drivers.
