Palau–La Maddalena Ferries: a comprehensive guide to operators, timetables, prices and booking
Read this if: Are you organising a holiday in Sardinia and you want to know how to get to the La Maddalena Archipelago. Spoiler: it’s not complicated. The ferry from Palau to La Maddalena is one of the shortest and most frequent sea crossings in the Mediterranean. In this article, I’ll explain everything: which companies operate the service, exactly where they depart from, how much a ticket costs, how to book (and whether you need to book in advance). And above all: what’s the difference between taking the ferry and going on a day trip to the archipelago. Spoiler number two: it’s not the same thing, and choosing the wrong one could ruin your day.
Where do the ferries to La Maddalena depart from? The port of Palau
The port of Palau is the only departure point for scheduled ferries to the island of La Maddalena. It is located right in the centre of the town, just a stone’s throw from the seafront and the main car park.
Practical information on boarding:
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Passengers on foot: arrive at least 15 minutes before departure
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Cars and motorbikes: arrive at least 30 minutes early (even earlier during the high season)
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Ticket offices: You’ll find the ferry companies’ terminals in the Stazione Marittima, right at the boarding pier
A tip from someone who knows the place: in summer, even though the ferry runs frequently, the queues at the gates can be long. This is particularly true early in the morning (from 6am to 8am) and in the late afternoon (from 5pm to 7pm).
Which ferry companies operate between Palau and La Maddalena?
There are two companies operating the Palau–La Maddalena route.
Delcomar
The long-established company, the one with the most sailings. Delcomar operates all year round, even in the low season, with frequencies that vary depending on the time of year. Their ships can carry cars, motorbikes, campervans and passengers.
Features:
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Frequent departures (every 30–60 minutes during the high season)
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Larger vessels, suitable for campervans and coaches as well
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Ticket office at the port of Palau
Magdalena Lines
The other company, smaller but just as reliable. Maddalena Lines operates mainly during the high season (April to October) with regular departures.
Features:
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Frequencies similar to Delcomar
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Modern ships, all with indoor and outdoor seating
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Often slightly cheaper for single journeys
Comparison table of airlines
| Company | Operational period | Ships suitable for motorhomes | Online ticket office | Summer attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delcomar | All year round | Yes | Yes | Every 30 minutes |
| Magdalena Lines | Apr – Oct | No (smaller vessels) | Yes | Every 60 minutes |
How much does the Palau–La Maddalena ferry cost? Guide price table
Prices vary depending on the season (high, mid, low) and the type of vehicle. Here is a table showing approximate return fares for passengers and vehicles.
Delcomar indicative price list (return)
| Type | Low season | Mid-season | High season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pedestrian | 5-7 € | 8-10 € | 10-12 € |
| Motorcycles / scooters | 10-15 € | 15-20 € | 20-25 € |
| Cars (up to 4 m) | 25-30 € | 30-35 € | 35-45 € |
| Cars (over 4 m) | 30-40 € | 40-50 € | 50-65 € |
| Motorhomes (up to 6 m) | 40-50 € | 50-65 € | 65-85 € |
| Bicycle | 3-5 € | 5-7 € | 7-10 € |
Maddalena Lines indicative price list (return)
| Type | Low season | Mid-season | High season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pedestrian | 5-6 € | 7-9 € | 9-11 € |
| Motorcycles / scooters | 10-12 € | 12-18 € | 18-22 € |
| Cars (up to 4 m) | 22-28 € | 28-35 € | 35-40 € |
| Cars (over 4 m) | 28-35 € | 35-45 € | 45-60 € |
When do the seasonal rates apply?
| Season | Period | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Low | November – March | Very few tourists, many reduced services |
| Media | April, May, October | Mild weather, the sea is still pleasant |
| High | June, July, August, September | High season, peak prices |
Please note: Children aged 4 and under travel free of charge (with very few exceptions). Children aged 4 to 12 pay around half the adult fare.
How do I book the Palau–La Maddalena ferry?
There are three ways to book, depending on how organised you are (and how much you want to avoid stress).
Online booking (recommended)
The best way, especially if you’re travelling during the high season or with a vehicle.
How to:
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Go to the company’s website (Delcomar or Maddalena Lines)
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Select the date and time of your outward and return journeys
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Select the type of passenger/vehicle
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Pay by credit card or PayPal
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Receive your ticket by email (to be shown digitally or in printed form)
Advantages:
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Guaranteed parking space (especially for cars and motorhomes)
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Avoid queuing at the ticket office
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You can change your booking (usually up to a few hours beforehand)
Disadvantages:
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You can’t change your mind at the last minute anymore
Booking at the ticket office at the port
If you haven’t booked online, you can buy your ticket directly at the port of Palau.
How to:
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Please arrive at the port at least 30–45 minutes early
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Look for Delcomar or Maddalena Lines ticket offices
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Buy a ticket (cash or card)
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Immediate boarding if there is space available
Advantages:
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Maximum flexibility
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No commitment required
Disadvantages:
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During the high season, you may find that places are fully booked, particularly for cars and motorhomes
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Long queues at the ticket offices (up to 30–40 minutes)
On-board ticket (for foot passengers only)
If you’re on foot and you’re lucky, you can buy your ticket on board. But that’s not always possible.
Practical tip: Book online. Especially if you're travelling to August or if you have a camper van. Parking spaces for large vehicles are limited and fill up quickly.
Palau–La Maddalena ferry timetables: what changes between the high and low seasons
Timetables vary considerably depending on the time of year. In winter there are few services, whereas in summer there are services almost non-stop.
Typical opening hours during the high season (June – September)
| Day | First departure from Palau | Last departure from Palau | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday – Sunday | 06:00 | 22:00 | Every 30 minutes |
Typical opening hours during the mid-season (April, May, October)
| Day | First departure from Palau | Last departure from Palau | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday – Sunday | 07:00 | 20:00 | Every 60–90 minutes |
Typical opening hours during the low season (November – March)
| Day | First departure from Palau | Last departure from Palau | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 08:00 | 18:00 | Every 2–3 hours |
| Saturday – Sunday | 09:00 | 17:00 | Every 3–4 hours |
Please note: During the low season, ferry services may be suspended due to bad weather. Always check the forecast before setting off.
How long does the crossing take? And what is it like to travel on board?
The crossing is very short: from 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the weather and the type of ship.
On board you’ll find:
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Indoor, air-conditioned seating
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Outdoor open-air decks (the best spot in good weather)
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Toilets
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Space for passengers with disabilities (on all main ships)
What’s not included: Don’t expect to find any bars or restaurants on board. You won’t need them for 15 minutes. Bring a bottle of water if you’re thirsty.
A tip: Head out onto the open-air deck, ideally on the side facing the archipelago. During the 15-minute crossing, you’ll see La Maddalena, Caprera and the other islands come into view. It’s a sight that’s well worth the price of the ticket.
Is booking compulsory? When is it necessary, and when isn’t it?
It is not compulsory, but in some situations it is strongly recommended.
Table: when to book (and when not to)
| Situation | Booking | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Walk-in passenger in June or September | Not required | There are always places |
| Pedestrian in August | Recommended | Shorter queues at the ticket office |
| Motorcycles or scooters in summer | Recommended | Limited places available |
| A car in June or September | Recommended | Better to be safe than sorry |
| A car in July or August | Essential | Parking spaces run out days in advance |
| Campervans in any summer month | Essential | Only 5–6 places available per crossing |
| Day trip (return journey on the same day) | Recommended | Book your seat for the return journey |
The golden rule: If you’re travelling by car between June and September, make sure you book well in advance. For August, even booking two months ahead isn’t an exaggeration.
Ferry vs day trip in the archipelago: the difference nobody tells you about
This is the point that confuses many travellers. Taking the ferry to La Maddalena isn’t the same as going on an excursion around the archipelago. They are two different experiences, with different objectives.
Ferry: travel to the island of La Maddalena (and only that one)
Take the ferry to’the island of La Maddalena (the part where people live, with the village, restaurants and shops). From there, you can:
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Visit the centre of La Maddalena
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Hire a scooter or a golf cart to get around the island
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Getting to the island’s beaches by car (e.g. Spalmatore, Bassa Trinita)
What you can’t do if you’re only taking the ferry: visit the other islands in the archipelago (Caprera, Spargi, Budelli, Santo Stefano, Razzoli). To get to those, you’ll need another means of transport (a hire dinghy or a guided tour).
Boat trip: a complete tour of the archipelago
On an organised excursion (or in a hire dinghy), you can tour all the islands and visit several coves in a day, do snorkelling in backdrops the most beautiful, to see the Pink Beach of Budelli (seen up close, even though you can’t go ashore).
Comparison table: ferry vs. excursion
| Feature | Ferry to La Maddalena | Excursion around the archipelago |
|---|---|---|
| What to visit | Just the island of La Maddalena | The entire archipelago (La Maddalena, Caprera, Spargi, Budelli, Santo Stefano) |
| Duration | A 15-minute crossing (then you’re on the island) | 6-8 hours |
| Cost | From €5 on foot to €40–80 by car | From €50 to €80 per person |
| Snorkelling | Yes (from the island’s beaches) | Yes (in coves accessible only by sea) |
| Pink Beach | No (it can't be seen) | Yes (you can see it from the boat) |
| Range | You can get around the island using your own transport | Are you with the group or in the dinghy that you’re steering? |
| Ideal for | Anyone wishing to visit the village of La Maddalena and its beaches | For those who want to see the BEST of the archipelago in a day |
So, what should I choose?
| If you like… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| Visit the village of La Maddalena and take a leisurely stroll around the main island | Ferry |
| See Spargi, Budelli, Caprera and the most beautiful coves in a single day | Hike |
| Save money (and you only have half a day) | Ferry only (on foot) |
| Snorkelling in idyllic waters | Boat trip (or dinghy hire) |
| The most convenient option when travelling with young children | Ferry + beach on the island |
| The most comprehensive and photographic experience | Hike |
Can they be combined?
Yes. The perfect solution:
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Day 1: Take the ferry (on foot) to La Maddalena, explore the village, hire a golf cart, and discover the main island
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Day 2: a boat trip departing from Palau (or from La Maddalena itself) to explore the entire archipelago
It’s the perfect combination to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Ferry for cars or on foot: which is better?
It depends on what you want to do once you’re on the island.
Travelling by car: pros and cons
| Pros | Against |
|---|---|
| Freedom to travel all over the island | Coast (from €30 to €65 return) |
| You can bring a tent, camping gear and groceries | Finding a parking space in La Maddalena during the high season is a nightmare |
| Useful if you’re staying at a farmhouse in the island’s interior | The roads on the island are narrow |
Walking: pros and cons
| Pros | Against |
|---|---|
| It costs next to nothing (€5–12 return) | You are limited to the town centre and the beaches that can be reached on foot or by bus |
| No parking stress | If you want to explore the inland areas or visit the more remote beaches, you’ll need to hire a vehicle on the island |
| Ideal for those going on a day trip by boat | Shorter battery life |
The best option: walk and hire a golf cart or scooter in La Maddalena
On the island, you can hire:
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Electric golf buggies: fun, easy to drive, perfect for couples or families
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Scooters: affordable, quick, easy parking
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Electric bikes: for those who enjoy staying active in a healthy way
Approximate costs (on the island):
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Golf cart: €40–60 per day
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Scooter: €25–40 per day
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Electric bike: €15–25 per day
In many cases, walking and hiring a car on the island works out cheaper than taking your own car (and you avoid the hassle of finding a parking space).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Palau–La Maddalena ferry
Are dogs allowed on board?
Yes, dogs are allowed on both ferries. They must be muzzled and kept on a lead. Transport is usually free or subject to a small surcharge (€2–5). They must remain on the open deck or in designated areas.
Are the tickets valid for a return journey on the same day?
It depends. If you buy a same-day return ticket, you must return on the same day. There are return tickets valid for 24 or 48 hours, but they cost a little more.
Can I change my return time?
If you have a flexible ticket (which costs a bit more), then yes. With cheaper tickets, no. Basically, if you don’t take the ferry you’ve booked, the ticket becomes invalid.
Does the ferry run in bad weather?
If there are strong winds (Mistral winds exceeding 40 knots) or rough seas, services may be suspended. This happens mainly in winter and spring. In summer, it is rare.
Is there a difference in price between going in the morning or the afternoon?
No, the price is the same. What changes is the season, not the time.
How much does it cost to take a bicycle on board?
Between €3 and €10 return, depending on the season.
Summary table: everything you need to know about the Palau–La Maddalena ferry
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Companies | Delcomar (all year round), Maddalena Lines (April–October) |
| Departure | Port of Palau (town centre) |
| Duration of the crossing | 15–20 minutes |
| Summer term | Every 30 minutes (from 6 am to 10 pm) |
| Fare for pedestrians | From €5 (low season) to €12 (high season) return |
| Car price | From €25 (low season) to €65 (high season) return |
| Booking recommended | For cars and motorhomes during the high season (compulsory in August) |
| Pets allowed | Yes (muzzle and lead) |
The key difference in a sentence
The ferry takes you to the island of La Maddalena (and that’s it). The’excursion It takes you to see the whole archipelago (Spargi, Budelli, Caprera, the coves, and snorkelling in the stunning waters). If you only have one day, go for the excursion. If you have two days, do the ferry trip plus the excursion. You can’t go wrong.
Book early for summer 2026. Parking spaces are going fast.