Arrival to Elba
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You can almost always reach Elba via Piombino : From there, ferries depart several times a day year-round to Portoferraio (approx. 1 hour), as well as to Rio Marina (approx. 45 minutes) and – for pedestrians only – to Cavo (20–30 minutes). You can travel to Piombino by car or campervan, by train, or by plane to Pisa or Florence . There are only a few direct flights to Marina di Campo on the island.
Ferry crossing to Elba – At a glance
- Ferry port: Piombino (Piombino Marittima) – the only port with car ferries to Elba. The strait is only about 10 km wide.
- Shipping companies 2026: Moby, Toremar and Blu Navy to Portoferraio; Toremar also to Rio Marina and Cavo. All lines operate year-round.
- Duration: Portoferraio approx. 1 hour, Rio Marina approx. 45 minutes, Cavo 20–30 minutes (speedboat, passengers only).
- Price: Car with one person each way from about €40 (off-season) to around €80 (August), pedestrian from about €10–15.
- By Car: Munich to Piombino is approximately 800 km away, with a pure driving time of about 9 hours.
With the ferry to Elba
Ferries are essential: All car ferries to Elba depart from Piombino . The main route leads to Portoferraio, the island's capital. Here, the most frequent service is available: Moby, Toremar, and Blu Navy operate together from approximately 5:30 a.m. to around 22:30 p.m., with frequent departures during peak season. There are no night ferries. Corsica Ferries does not currently offer service to Elba.
| shipping company | Route | Duration (approx.) | Season | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moby | Piombino – Portoferraio | 1–60km | year-round | Cars, motorhomes, motorcycles |
| Navy blue | Piombino – Portoferraio | 1–60km | year-round | Cars, motorhomes, motorcycles |
| Toremar | Piombino – Portoferraio | 40–60 min. | year-round | Ferry with vehicles; fast catamaran for passengers only |
| Toremar | Piombino – Rio Marina | 45 Min | year-round | Cars, motorhomes, motorcycles |
| Toremar | Piombino – Cavo | 20–30 min. | year-round | Speedboat, passengers only |
Which port on Elba best suits your destination?
- Portoferraio (North coast): most departures, convenient for the west and north of the island, Procchio, Biodola, Marciana and the Napoleon residences.
- Rio Marina (East coast): good if you are staying in Porto Azzurro, Capoliveri, Rio or Lacona; fewer departures than to Portoferraio.
- Cable (Northeast): fastest crossing, but only for pedestrians – practical for day visitors without a car.
How long does the crossing to Elba take?
The ferry to Portoferraio takes about an hour, with the fastest connections around 40 minutes. It's about 45 minutes to Rio Marina, and only 20–30 minutes by speedboat to Cavo. Add waiting time at the port to the actual travel time: Moby recommends arriving up to 90 minutes before departure with a vehicle and 30 minutes without, while Toremar recommends arriving at least 30 minutes beforehand.
How much does the ferry to Elba cost?
Prices vary considerably depending on the season, time of day, and vehicle length. According to the booking portal traghetti.com, a one-way trip for a car with one person costs from around €40–45 in the off-season, and up to around €80 in August; pedestrians pay from around €10–15 (as of 2026). Motorhomes and caravans are charged according to length and are more expensive. Compare prices directly with the ferry companies – early departures and off-season trips are often cheaper.
Tips for the crossing
- Book in advance for July and AugustEspecially on Saturdays and with a campervan. In the off-season, you can usually get a spot even without a reservation. Crossings are often cheaper during the week than on weekends.
- Switch flexibly: With the “Parti Prima” option from Moby and Toremar, you can also take an earlier ferry from either company on the same day, subject to availability – handy if you arrive in Piombino earlier than planned.
- Bring your ID: All passengers, including children, must have a valid identification document.
- To Elba without a car: Those staying for only a few days can park their car in Piombino and use buses, scooters or rental cars on Elba.
Arrival by car or campervan
Most holidaymakers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland travel by car. From Munich, it's about 800 km to Piombino; allow 9–10 hours including breaks. During peak season, the Brenner Pass and the route around Bologna and Florence are often bottlenecks.
Distances to Piombino
| Start | Distance (approx.) | pure travel time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Munich | 800 km | 9–60km |
| Stuttgart | 910 km | 10–60km |
| Frankfurt am Main | 1.050 km | 11,5–60km |
| Cologne | 1.210 km | 13–60km |
| Berlin | 1.410 km | 14,5–60km |
| Hamburg | 1.490 km | 15,5–60km |
| Vienna | 1.000 km | 11–60km |
| Zurich | 670 km | 7,5–60km |
The typical routes
- About Florence: Brenner Pass – Verona – Modena – Bologna – Florence, then via the expressway towards Livorno and on the SS1 Aurelia to Piombino.
- Across the coast: Brenner Pass – Verona – Parma – La Spezia, then via Pisa and Livorno on the Aurelia to Piombino. Often more relaxed if there are traffic jams around Bologna and Florence.
- From Switzerland: Gotthard – Milan – Parma – La Spezia – Livorno – Piombino.
In Italy, you pay tolls for motorways, depending on the distance; in Austria and Switzerland, you need a vignette, and at the Brenner Pass, there is an additional toll for the entire route. You can find all the 2026 prices on our page about tolls in Italy, Austria, and Switzerland.
Taking the motorhome onto the ferry
Motorhomes, caravans, and vans are transported by Moby, Toremar, and Blu Navy. The price depends on the vehicle length, so you should specify the exact dimensions when booking – including any bike racks or rear boxes that extend the vehicle's length. In July and August, spaces for large vehicles on the ferries fill up quickly; book as early as possible. You can find pitches on the island at Camping on Elba , and pitches on the mainland at Motorhome Pitches in Tuscany.
Parking in Piombino
Those crossing without a car will find several private, paid parking lots around the port of Piombino Marittima, within a short walk of the terminal; these can also be reserved online in advance. Reservations are recommended in summer, as the spaces near the port can fill up quickly. Free parking at the port is virtually impossible.
By train to Elba
You can reach the ferry port directly by train: Piombino Marittima, the final stop , is located at the port. Most people change trains in Campiglia Marittima, on the Rome–Pisa–Genoa coastal line, to the regional train to Piombino. There is also a bus connection (Elba Link) between Campiglia and the port. From Germany, you can travel, for example, via Munich and Verona or Milan to Pisa or Livorno and then on towards Campiglia. Allow some extra time for your journey to the ferry in case of delays.
To Elba by plane
Flight to Pisa or Florence
Most air travelers land in Pisa or Florence and then continue to Piombino by rental car or train. The ferry port is about 110 km from Pisa.
Directly to the island: Marina di Campo Airport
Elba has a small airport (code EBA) near Marina di Campo. It is served by small propeller planes: the airline SmallFly connects the island with Florence, Pisa, and Milan-Linate, and in summer 2026 also with Rome-Fiumicino (flight time to Florence or Pisa is approximately 30–35 minutes). Depending on the year, there are also seasonal flights from Switzerland and Germany in the summer; for example, in 2026, Air Mountain will fly to Sion (Sitten) (as of 2026). Providers and flight schedules change frequently – check the current offers well in advance of your trip.
Traveling on Elba
On the island, a car or scooter offers the greatest flexibility; buses connect the larger towns. For information on worthwhile destinations, see "Most Beautiful Places on Elba ," for excursions, see "Sights on Elba ," and for swimming coves, see "Most Beautiful Beaches of Elba ." Excursion boats to Pianosa and Montecristo also depart from Elba and Piombino . For an overview of the island, see our page "Elba – Holidays on the Island ."
Find accommodation on Elba
Frequently asked questions about the crossing to Elba
How do you get to Elba?
Take the ferry from Piombino. The main route goes to Portoferraio (approx. 1 hour), and Toremar also sails to Rio Marina, as does the speedboat (passengers only) to Cavo. You can reach Piombino by car, train, or via the airports of Pisa and Florence.
How long does the crossing to Elba take?
To Portoferraio about 1 hour (fastest connections about 40 minutes), to Rio Marina about 45 minutes, by speedboat to Cavo 20–30 minutes. Allow an additional 30–90 minutes waiting time at the port.
Which ferry companies sail to Elba?
Moby, Toremar, and Blu Navy all operate year-round services between Piombino and Portoferraio; Rio Marina and Cavo are served only by Toremar. Corsica Ferries currently does not have a service to Elba.
Do you have to book the ferry to Elba in advance?
Booking is recommended in July and August, on weekends, and for motorhomes. During the off-season, you can usually find a spot even at short notice.
How much does the ferry to Elba cost with a car?
According to traghetti.com (as of 2026), fares start at around €40–45 per trip for a car and one person in the off-season, rising to around €80 in August. Motorhomes cost more depending on their length.
How far is it from Munich to Elba by car?
The distance to the ferry port of Piombino is approximately 800 km, with a driving time of about 9 hours, usually via Brenner Pass, Verona, Bologna, and Florence. Including breaks and the ferry crossing, you should plan for a full day.
Is it possible to travel to Elba by train?
Yes, you can get to the ferry port: Piombino Marittima train station is located directly at the port. You will usually change trains in Campiglia Marittima.
