How to Get From Rome to Barcelona by Ferry (2024 Guide)

Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some links found in our posts are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Planning to take a ferry from Italy to Spain (or vice versa)? This guide includes everything you need to know from what type of ferry ticket to reserve and what to expect on board.

Quite possibly the best thing about travelling around Europe is the abundant route and journey possibilities. One morning can be spent drinking an espresso in Rome with the following evening sipping tinto de verano in Barcelona.

Transportation throughout the continent is famous for being efficient, easy to navigate and attainable. Although this is typically in reference to public transportation and flights, it’s just as easy with a car and by ferry. There isn’t always the need to drive!

Ferry travel is the best solution for long haul journeys when you want to save money on fuel or simply, not drive. The Rome to Barcelona ferry is the ultimate option for getting from Italy to Spain with a car.

We have personally taken the ferry from Rome to Barcelona and completed the drive from Barcelona to Rome.

From first-hand experience, we learned what the pros and downsides are of both options. Here is everything you need to know and our best tips about the Rome to Barcelona ferry!

The Essentials for Getting From Rome to Barcelona

✈️ If you are not travelling by car or with a pet, it’s typically cheaper and much quicker to fly from Rome to Barcelona than by taking a ferry.

🚍 Aside from flying or taking a ferry, the alternative way to get from Rome to Barcelona is by bus.

⛽️ Take the time to calculate the cost of fuel by using a gas calculator, if you are driving from Rome to Barcelona.

🚢 Ferry options from Rome to Barcelona change depending on season. Prices, availability and routes all differ based on date so check well in advance before making plans.

How to Get From Rome to Barcelona

If you are interested in the possibility of taking a ferry from Rome to Barcelona, it’s likely that you’re traveling by car. As a foot passenger, getting to Barcelona from Italy is quicker and cheaper by either flying or public transportation.

A one-way journey takes less than two hours and costs as little as €40 when flying from Rome to Barcelona. Without a car, flying from Rome to Barcelona is the best and most affordable method.

Bus transportation between major cities such as Rome and Barcelona is also popular. FlixBus operates a route from Rome to Barcelona with a stop either in Florence or Genoa. The journey ranges from 20 – 24 hours and can cost as little as €100 for a one-way ticket.

As someone who is travelling with a car, there are two options for getting to Spain from Italy. The first option is to drive the entire route and the second option is to take a car ferry from Civitavecchia to Barcelona’s port.

We completed this route using both methods (driving and car ferry) so we’re able to tell you what we learned from our experiences!

Driving to Barcelona from Rome

Whether you are departing from Rome or departing from Barcelona, the course is the same but just in different directions. When it comes to comparing driving to Barcelona vs. taking the ferry to Barcelona, the biggest differences are in cost.

How far is Barcelona from Rome? The two cities are nearly 1,400 km apart and divided by just over 14 hours of straight driving time.

Below are the most sizeable expenses to be mindful of when driving between Rome and Barcelona.

• Fuel – This will clearly depend on what type of vehicle and how efficient it is. Gas or diesel is definitely a substantial expense that should not be overlooked. Budget for anywhere from €150 – €300 on fuel per one-way.
• Tolls – The driving route will take you through France which is notorious for tolls. For a 2-axle vehicle, you should expect to pay over €100 in tolls. Use a toll calculator to scope out the latest fees.
• Accommodation – Unless you’re travelling with another person (or two) that can split the drive time with you, making one overnight stop is reasonable. Do not forget to take into the consideration the cost of a hotel along the route.

If you are not in a rush and perhaps even want to stop at sights along the way, driving from Barcelona to Rome or vice versa can be a delightful 2-3 day road trip.

It can also be the quickest possible way to get to either city by car if that’s your main priority and assuming you drive for 14-16 hours straight. This isn’t exactly recommended but doable if absolutely necessary.

Taking a Car Ferry to Barcelona

There are a few benefits to taking the car ferry to Barcelona opposed to driving the entire way. First one being, you don’t have to drive much!

If you’re someone that doesn’t particularly like driving long distances, the car ferry is an ideal solution. All you have to worry about is getting on the right boat (more on navigating the port below) in Civitavecchia and landing in the center of Barcelona, a day later.

Aside from saving yourself the hassle of driving 1,400 km, the next obvious benefit is not paying for fuel. Well, you are paying for the boat’s fuel but at least you don’t have to spend money on gas/diesel for your car.

We took the Barcelona ferry when gas prices were especially sky rocketing and it saved us a great deal when choosing not to drive.

Taking the ferry from Rome to Barcelona is efficient, can be affordable and undoubtedly the most effortless way to get from Italy to Spain by car. Below is our complete guide on how to take the Roma to Barcelona ferry.

The Italy to Barcelona Ferry FAQs

How Long Is the Ferry From Rome to Barcelona?

The ferry crossing which squeezes its way through the islands of Sardinia and Corsica takes about 21 hours. Although this sounds long, try to think of it as a much better plane ride.

One where you can actually walk about, enjoy the scenery and even be entertained. The crossing also goes by much quicker than you’d think because it’s an overnight trip.

If you also choose to sleep in a berth rather than a reclining seat, the long ferry ride turns into somewhat of a mini cruise for you.

What’s the Ferry Schedule Like From Civitavecchia to Barcelona?

The ferry from Civitavecchia to Barcelona runs on a regular and consistent timetable. Sailings take place about six times per week. For such a long trip, this is pretty frequent and makes taking the ferry that much more convenient.

There are typically two different times that the Rome ferry departs and they are both at night. One of the ferry routes will leave at 22:00 (10pm) and the other will leave at 23:59 (11:59pm). The time of departure will depend which day you book your ticket for.

There is an alternative ferry route to Barcelona from Italy which departs in Genoa instead. The Genoa to Barcelona ferry will usually leave Italy in the early afternoon and arrive in Spain by the next morning.

How Much Do Rome to Barcelona Ferry Tickets Cost?

Base Fare

Civitavecchia to Barcelona ferry ticket prices vary as most European ferries do. The most distinct difference in cost will be based on what type of passenger you are and your ferry accommodation.

The cheapest option for a one-way ticket to Barcelona by boat can cost as little as €45. This includes admission as an adult passenger and the ability to roam around the ship. For this basic ticket, you are not getting a reserved seat which technically means, you could sleep on the floor if all public seats are full.

From our many experiences with taking ferries throughout Europe, this is highly unlikely and paying for a reserved seat is unnecessary.

Extras and Add Ons

After the base ticket price, you’ll be able to choose extras or add ons which is where it can get expensive, but only if you prefer the additional amenities.

Aside from a reserved seat, there’s also the option to purchase a berth or cabin which is nice for a comfortable overnight journey. All of the cabins are relatively small but they are efficient for fitting as many people as possible with hideaway and bunk beds.

An exclusive cabin can cost anywhere from €100 – €250 extra, depending on the type of berth booked.

The next most popular add on is food. If you don’t want to bring your own food onboard, there are usually a couple of “self serve” areas with hot food. As part of your ticket, you can purchase what is essentially a meal pass which is valid for all of the day’s main meals.

If you know you will be eating onboard the ferry, it’s cheaper to purchase the meals included in your ticket upfront than paying for food once you’re actually en route.

Vehicle Prices

Tariff prices for the type of vehicle you bring onboard also varies. Expect to pay slightly more if your car is longer or taller than a standard vehicle.

If you have a roof rack, bike rack or are towing something, this will also come into consideration when calculating the cost of bringing your car onboard.

Different type of pricing for various vehicles apply to motorcycles, camper cars, motorhomes, vans and even bicycles. Smaller vehicles up to 1.90 meters in length are less expensive and can cost as low as €50 per one-way.

As peak travel season approaches, expect to pay up to 20% more on tariff prices.

Overall, it’s important to remember that ferry prices fluctuate and can vary drastically based on season or even day of the week. Similar to flights, it’s recommended you book well ahead of time as ferry companies offer “early bird” discounts when booking ferry tickets months in advance.

Lastly, it’s always best to book your return trip at the same time as you’ll save 10-15% on the ticket cost.

Are Pets Allowed on the Rome to Barcelona Ferry?

Maybe you’re traveling by car because you’re bringing along your dog, which is usually the case for us. You’ll be thrilled to know that the Barcelona ferry does allow pets onboard and even in the cabins.

There are specific berths on the boat which allow pets inside. If you do not opt for one of these, it means your dog will need to remain in the provided kennel area for dogs, even overnight.

Bringing your pet on the ferry from Italy to Spain will cost a fee of about €30 (which ultimately depends on the ferry company you book with).

It’s important to keep in mind that although pet may be allowed in designated cabins, they are not allowed in communal areas such as dining rooms, restaurants or lounge areas of the deck.

How Do You Book Ferry Tickets From Civitavecchia to Barcelona?

Often times, the more popular routes in Europe will be operated by multiple ferry companies. This is particularly true in a place like Greece given its abundant number of islands.

When taking the ferry from Civitavecchia to Barcelona, you’ll have to book your ferry with Grimaldi Lines. The Grimaldi ferry from Rome to Barcelona is the sole provider of this specific journey.

Of course, you can book the actual ticket(s) through a third party site but purchasing a ferry ticket directly from Grimaldi’s website is best. Not only does this ensure you’re seeing the most accurate timetable and route but you’re also getting the best price direct from the source.

Tips on Taking the Italy to Barcelona Ferry

How to Navigate the Civitavecchia Ferry Port

Traveling to Barcelona from Rome by boat is pretty straightforward but do not discredit the step of getting onto the ferry in the first place. The ferry ride itself is easy but navigating Civitavecchia can be a bit more complex.

Perhaps we were visiting on an off day, but getting onto the Barcelona ferry in Civitavecchia was much more difficult than expected. For starters, the port is simply massive with many different departure gates and docks.

It’s not always guaranteed that the same gates serve the same routes so if there are changes, it’s not well communicated or apparent. Since the port is so huge, getting from one side to the other also isn’t instant.

Below are some tips from our experience on how to handle the busy port of Civitavecchia.

1. Of course, following the signs at the port makes the most sense but do not expect a sign with the name of destinations to be at the dock. You’ll have to know the number of the gate/dock itself.
2. Ask the staff. Sometimes, it may take more than one try to get an answer that’s actually helpful.
3. Arrive with plenty of time to spare. There is a reason why ferry operators require cars to arrive at least 90 minutes before disembarking. The logistics of funnelling a lot of cars onto a boat takes time!
4. Watch out for the actual ferry boats at port. This tip works best at smaller ports but it’s still worth a shot. If you are unsure of where to load but definitely know the name of the ferry operator (or even vessel), take a look at the docks and which ships are there.

Parking on the Ferry

As cars get herded onto the ship, you’ll notice the staff directing everyone on where to go. Their number on goal is to keep things moving and to pack cars as tightly as possible.

This means, you will hear a lot of yelling and it will be hectic. Do not let this surprise you or alarm you, it’s just normal procedure!

When parking, the staff will wave you to park very closely to the car in front of you. You should listen to their gestures but do keep in mind that you need enough room to open your door (at least one!) and perhaps the boot/trunk of your car.

Since full access to your car isn’t always guaranteed, this is why we recommend preparing your luggage before onboarding the ferry.

Put together your overnight gear and make it easily accessible to grab as you park the car on the ferry and head into the cabin. The last thing you want to do is dig through your packed car in an incredibly tight space.

Reserving a Cabin or Berth

We were personally travelling with a 18-month old at the time so we paid the extra charge for a private berth. The cabin we chose was a Junior Suite which gave us a little extra room for our daughter, dog and us along with a small bathroom.

To reserve your own berth, you can do so while purchasing your ferry ticket online.

There are a few different options, ranging from the number of people it fits to if it’s an outside or inside cabin. An outside cabin means there is a window with a sea view and an inside cabin does not have a window.

If you are a solo traveller or travelling as a couple, an overnight ferry crossing without a reserved berth is doable and much more cost effective. This is assuming you have no preference on how you spend the 21 hour long journey.

Along with the free seats found throughout the common areas, there are also sections with reserved loungers. These also technically cost an additional fee. However, we escaped to these for a couple of hours while letting our daughter fall asleep in the cabin on her own and nobody checked our tickets.

The areas with reclining loungers are also dark and usually almost empty. We cannot imagine that they get packed so they’re a great solution to finding a place to sleep with a base fare ticket.

Things to Do Onboard

Surprisingly, there’s a number of things to do on the Rome to Barcelona ferry. The Grimaldi boat is well equipped with entertainment for both children and adults.

Most of your time on the ship will likely be spent sleeping but when you’re not, you’ll be pleased to easily find a place to get a drink, sunbathe during the day or a play area for kids.

You’ll even see an arcade, gift shop and TVs playing movies. The top deck of the ferry appropriately enough turns into something resembling a club after it gets dark. There is a bar, lights and music blasting.

Related Travel Posts:

• One Day in Barcelona Itinerary
• Free Things to Do in Barcelona
• Rome Self Guided Walking Tour
• How to Get From Rome to Sicily
• How to Take the Ferry From Italy to Albania

Rome to Barcelona Travel Resources

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator