Ferries from Croatia to Italy: Routes, Prices & Travel Tips

Ferries from Croatia to Italy: Routes, Prices & Travel Tips

26 February 2025 • Lyubomira Doncheva

Sailing from Croatia to Italy is one of the most enjoyable ways to cross the Adriatic. Whether you’re heading for a city break in Venice, or continuing your journey through southern Italy, ferries provide a stress-free and scenic alternative to flying.

Several routes connect Croatia’s coastline to Italy, offering both high-speed catamarans and overnight crossings.

Below, you’ll find all the key ferry routes from Croatia to Italy, including ticket prices and useful travel tips. These routes can easily be booked through Ferryscanner for a smooth and hassle-free trip.

In this article you’ll find:

Ferry Routes from Croatia to Italy

Traveling from Croatia to Italy by ferry is a comfortable and convenient way to extend your holiday. High-speed ferries provide a fast connection from Istria to Venice, while overnight ferries from Split and Zadar to Ancona allow you to wake up refreshed in Italy.

Departing from Croatia, you’ll enjoy stunning sea views and coastal landscapes, making this journey part of the adventure. If you’re traveling with a car or motorbike, some ferries also allow you to bring your vehicle, offering maximum flexibility once you arrive in Italy.

Let’s explore the best ferry routes between Croatia and Italy:

Ferry from Split to Ancona

If you’re traveling from central Dalmatia, the Split to Ancona ferry is one of the most popular and direct routes. Operated by SNAV, this ferry runs year-round, with up to 22 weekly departures in summer and 12 per week in winter. The journey takes around 11 hours and 30 minutes, making it ideal for an overnight crossing.

Departing in the evening, you’ll relax onboard in a cabin or lounge, arriving in Ancona the next morning. From there, you’ll have easy access to Florence, Rome, and other stunning destinations.

Fares start from €60, making this a cost-effective and comfortable way to reach Italy.

Aerial view of Ancona, Italy, featuring its bustling harbor, ferries, and a scenic hillside backdrop at sunset.

The vibrant port city of Ancona, Italy, showcasing its busy harbor, historic architecture, and stunning sunset over the Adriatic Sea. Source: iStock

Ferry from Pula to Venice

For those looking for a shorter ferry trip, the Pula to Venice route is an excellent choice. Operated by Adriatic Lines, this seasonal ferry runs during the summer months, with a journey time of 3.5 to 4 hours.

Pula, with its ancient Roman amphitheater and picturesque coastline, is a fantastic departure point. Arriving in Venice, you’ll step straight into one of Italy’s most iconic cities, ready to explore its canals, historic palaces, and famous piazzas.

Tickets start from €89, but note that this ferry does not carry vehicles and does not offer cabins.

Ferry from Poreč to Venice

The Poreč to Venice ferry is another quick and scenic option for travelers heading to Italy. This high-season route takes approximately 3.5 hours, offering a fast way to reach Venice from the Istrian coast.

Poreč, known for its UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica and charming waterfront, is a fantastic starting point for a trip to Italy.

Tickets start at around €80, and like other high-speed catamarans, this ferry does not accommodate vehicles or offer cabins.

Ferry from Umag to Venice

Departing from Umag, a small but lively town on Croatia’s northern coast, the Umag to Venice ferry provides a direct connection to Italy. This route is seasonal, with one crossing per week, and takes around 3 hours.

Umag is known for its charming old town, seafront promenades, and fantastic local wines, making it a great place to start your journey.

Tickets start at €84, and it’s important to note that this ferry does not transport vehicles or offer cabin accommodation.

Ferry from Rovinj to Venice

For travelers looking for a beautiful and relaxing ferry trip, the Rovinj to Venice ferry is an ideal choice. Running several times per week in summer, this journey takes 2.5 to 3 hours.

Rovinj, often considered one of Croatia’s most picturesque coastal towns, offers a blend of Venetian history, colorful houses, and seaside charm. The ferry provides a seamless connection to Venice, where you can continue exploring Italy’s cultural treasures.

Fares start from €89, and this route, like other high-speed catamarans, does not accommodate vehicles or provide cabins.

A scenic view of the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, with historic buildings, boats, and the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.

The iconic Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, featuring elegant historic buildings, passing boats, and the stunning Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. Source: iStock

Alternative Routes from Croatia to Italy

These ferry routes are alternative options that we currently do not offer on Ferryscanner, but we are working hard to include them in the future. In the meantime, we wanted to provide you with this information in case one of these routes better suits your travel plans.

Ferry from Zadar to Ancona

This seasonal ferry, operated by Jadrolinija, typically runs from late June to early September, with up to 2 weekly sailings. The journey takes 8 to 9 hours, providing a comfortable overnight crossing.

Ferry from Rovinj to Cesenatico

A shorter route, the Rovinj to Cesenatico ferry is perfect for travelers heading to Italy from Istria. Operated by Gomo Viaggi, this ferry offers 2 weekly crossings in summer, with a journey time of around 3.5 hours.

Ferry from Dubrovnik to Bari

The Dubrovnik to Bari ferry, operated by Jadrolinija, connects southern Croatia to Italy. Running from April to October, this overnight ferry offers 4 crossings per week, taking between 7 and 9 hours.

Scenic view of Bari, Italy, with a charming harbor, small boats, historic buildings, and a sunset-lit waterfront.

The picturesque harbor of Bari, Italy, featuring colorful fishing boats, elegant street lamps, and a stunning sunset over the Adriatic coast. Source: iStock

Why Travel from Croatia to Italy by Ferry?

Taking a ferry from Croatia to Italy is more than just a way to get from one country to another – it’s part of the adventure. Whether you’re heading to Venice for a weekend getaway or embarking on a longer Italian road trip, ferries offer a comfortable and stress-free alternative to flying.

  • A relaxed and scenic journey – Instead of dealing with airports and security checks, enjoy a smooth and scenic ride across the Adriatic, taking in the coastal beauty of both Croatia and Italy.
  • Convenient connections – Arrive directly in some of Italy’s most iconic destinations, including Venice and Ancona, with easy onward travel to cities like Florence, Rome, and Milan.
  • Sustainable travel – Ferries have a lower carbon footprint than flights, making them a greener and more eco-friendly way to travel between Croatia and Italy.

Can I Travel from Croatia to Italy with a Vehicle?

Yes, but only on select routes. If you plan to bring a car, motorbike, or campervan, you must depart from Split, Zadar, or Dubrovnik, as only these routes have car decks:

  • Split to Ancona 
  • Zadar to Ancona 
  • Dubrovnik to Bari

If you’re traveling with a bicycle, you can bring it on any ferry between Croatia and Italy, including high-speed catamarans.

How to Book Your Ferry from Croatia to Italy

Booking your ferry is quick and easy. Here’s how to secure your tickets:

  • Reserve early – Ferries can fill up quickly in summer, so book in advance for the best fares.
  • Check schedules – Some routes only operate seasonally, so confirm availability before planning your trip.
  • Arrive on time – Get to the port at least one hour before departure to ensure smooth boarding.
  • Pack essentials – Bring travel documents, snacks, and entertainment for the journey.

Plan Your Croatia to Italy Ferry Trip Today

Now that you have all the details about Croatia-Italy ferry routes, it’s time to plan your trip. Whether you’re heading to Venice for a short getaway or Ancona for a road trip through Italy, Ferryscanner makes it easy to compare schedules, fares, and ferry operators.

Book your ferry today and set sail for an unforgettable journey across the Adriatic!

How to go to Corsica with your own car : routes, ferries and tips

How to go to Corsica with your own car : routes, ferries and tips

22 May 2025

In this article, we tell you how to get to Corsica from mainland France in your own car: what are the best boat routes, how long does the crossing take and how much does it cost?

New Ferry Line: Sail from Zadar to Premuda, Silba and Olib

New Ferry Line: Sail from Zadar to Premuda, Silba and Olib

22 May 2025

A new ferry line from Zadar takes you to small islands, ideal for a summer vacation. TP Line catamaran sails from Zadar to Premuda, Silba and Olib.