We are two couples staying at a farmhouse in Bibbona Livorno for 7 nights and have rented a car the week. We will pick it up in Rome and return it to Rome. Is Elba island worth a day visit? Should we take our rental car on the ferry? Should be reserve the ferry prior to visit. We are thinking of going to Elba on a weekday, the week of May 8. If we don't go to Elba we could use the day (spend one night) in Cinque Terre. Grazie!
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
I haven't been to Elba but have friends who go there every vacation and are praising it like the best place in the world.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16232 posts
You can do it, and I would say that a car is useful to have on the island. I've been there only with a car so I don't know about how frequent their buses are.
However consider the following then decide:
1- Some rental car companies may restrict your ability to take a car on a ferry, therefore you may want to notify them so that you are not incurring into breach of contract that might hold you liable in case of damage.
2- the crossing is about one hour each way and the loading and unloading takes some additional time too.
3-a car adds at least 60€ (fare+tax) each way to the cost of your tickets (passengers with no car pay only about €10+ pp each way).
Google TRAGHETTI ELBA for ferry options.
Yes it's a beautiful island.
No need for advance reservations on a weekday in May.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Let me reiterate what I think you said. The cost per person to go to Elba with a car is 60 Euros? Or is it 60 euros for the car to take on the ferry and then 10 euros per person for the ticket. We are four adults travelling.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16232 posts
Actually with taxes and booking fees it might be closer to 15euro per person each way. A car might be around 40 euro each way, depending on vehicle size.
So if you go without a car for 4 adults it would be almost 120 euro round trip.
If you also take a car with you, add about 80 euro r/t, therefore budget about 200 euro in total (car+4 people)
Prices vary depending on date and time of travel, type of ship (fast/slow), Elba port used, Ferry company (Mobylines, Toremar, Sardinia-Corsica Ferries). But the ball park figure is what I gave you.
Take a look and check prices with one of the companies above. Here is Moby:
http://www.mobylines.com/routes/ferry-elba.html
More info:
http://www.infoelba.com/arriving-getting-about/how-to-get-there/ferries/