How to Reach the Island of Elba

How to Reach the Island of Elba – The charming Island of Elba, part of the Tuscan Archipelago in Italy, is a sought-after vacation destination for Europeans in pursuit of beautiful beaches, culture, and delectable cuisine. There are several ways to reach the Island of Elba, whether by car, motorbike, camper, bus, train, or airplane. In this guide, we provide an extensive overview of how to get to the island and what to expect during your trip.

Getting to the Island of Elba

Essentially, there are two ways to get to the Island of Elba: by sea or air.

If you prefer to reach Elba by sea, public boats called ‘traghetti’ (transporting people and vehicles) or ‘aliscafi‘ (carrying people only) are available, which we’ll refer to as ferries for simplicity. But, nothing stops you from chartering a luxury yacht or sailboat to reach the island at your pace.

Ferry users can reach the port by car, train, or bus.

For those who prefer flying, there’s a small airport on the island where small planes can land. Below, we detail each of these options.

Traveling to the Island of Elba by Ferry

The main departure point for those wanting to travel to the Island of Elba is the Piombino Marittima port on the mainland. The primary disembarkation port on Elba is Portoferraio.

Check schedules and book your ferry to the Island of Elba here.

During winter, journeys are less frequent. But from Easter until mid-October, departures increase, providing a regular service during the summer. The ferry journey takes about an hour, covering the approximately 9-kilometer distance between Elba and the mainland.

The arrival ports on the island are Portoferraio (the main port on the north side), Rio Marina, and Cavo (on the east side).

There’s also the option of a faster boat service, known as an aliscafo, which only carries passengers and gets to Cavo and Portoferraio in just 30 minutes. In addition, there is a weekly ferry service from the port of Bastia, in Corsica, to Portoferraio during the summer, operated by Corsica Ferries.

It’s generally recommended to purchase ferry tickets online, especially if you plan to bring a vehicle to the island or travel during peak tourist season.

Reaching the Piombino Marittima Port

Car

The most comfortable way to reach the Piombino Marittima port is by car. Keep in mind, there’s an additional cost to take your car on the ferry, and parking on the Island of Elba is not always straightforward (prefer a hotel with private parking).

Check out best prices for renting a car in Italy here.

Train

If you are touring Tuscany by train, it’s advisable to plan your trip from Pisa (approx. 1 hour and 50 minutes journey).

If you’re leaving from Florence, you’ll need to make at least one train change, and the journey takes approximately 3 hours. It’s even more complicated from Siena: you’ll need to switch 2 or 3 trains and could take more than 4 hours.

From Rome (Termini) to Piombino Marittima station, you’ll have to make only 1 train change, and the journey starts from 3 hours and 16 minutes. You can purchase train tickets through the Trenitalia website or app.

Bus

Buses run from cities such as Milan, Florence, Siena, and Grosseto to Piombino Marittima port.

Bus From Florence to Piombino – Flixbus

Bus From Siena to Piombino – Flixbus

Bus From Milan to Piombino – Flixbus

The bus companies from Milan to Piombino Marittima are Autostradale and Arzillibus.

For departures from Florence, Siena, and Grosseto, visit the Tiemme S.p.A website.

Traveling to the Island of Elba by Plane

Elba Airport, located in Marina di Campo (IATA code: EBA), is opening exciting new possibilities for travelers in 2025.

UKS Touristik, MHS Aviation, and Elba Airport have announced the launch of direct flights between Marina di Campo and Friedrichshafen, operating from May 2 to October 10, 2025. This new connection offers Elba Island and the surrounding region a convenient gateway to the Lake Constance area, making travel smoother and faster for both locals and visitors.

The flights will be operated by MHS Aviation using 32-seat DORNIER TP 328 aircraft, ensuring a comfortable journey.

Departures from Friedrichshafen are scheduled every Friday at 7:55 AM, arriving in Elba at 8:30 AM.

The return flight from Elba departs at 9:25 AM, landing in Friedrichshafen at 10:50 AM.

Tickets for these new routes are available through the UKS Touristik website.

In addition, travelers can book online transfers to and from Elba Airport. Below are some of the most popular routes:

FROM Elba Airport	TO Elba Airport	Average Duration
Elba Airport → Marina di Campo	Marina di Campo → Elba Airport	20 minutes
Elba Airport → Procchio	Procchio → Elba Airport	20 minutes
Elba Airport → Biodola	Biodola → Elba Airport	30 minutes
Elba Airport → Marciana Marina	Marciana Marina → Elba Airport	30 minutes
Elba Airport → Lacona	Lacona → Elba Airport	30 minutes
Elba Airport → Portoferraio	Portoferraio → Elba Airport	35 minutes
Elba Airport → Capoliveri	Capoliveri → Elba Airport	40 minutes
Elba Airport → Porto Azzurro	Porto Azzurro → Elba Airport	40 minutes
Elba Airport → Marciana Alta	Marciana Alta → Elba Airport	45 minutes
Elba Airport → Rio nell’Elba	Rio nell’Elba → Elba Airport	50 minutes
Elba Airport → Rio Marina	Rio Marina → Elba Airport	55 minutes

Traveling to the Island of Elba by Private Boat

Lastly, it’s worth noting that Elba Island is surrounded by sea, providing mooring points for those who prefer to reach the island on their own boat, whether sail or motor-powered.

Now that you know all the available options to reach the Island of Elba, it’s time to start planning your trip to this captivating Italian destination. Regardless of how you choose to travel, Elba promises to be a place that will leave unforgettable memories.