Illustration of a cruise ship sailing across the Mediterranean Sea with Barcelona’s skyline on the left, including Sagrada Familia, and Rome’s landmarks on the right, including the Colosseum and St. Peter’s Basilica. The title “Is There a Ferry from Barcelona to Rome? Mediterranean Cruise Options” is displayed at the top under a sunny sky.

When planning a scenic tour across the Mediterranean, one of the common questions in the mind of most tourists is: Does a ferry exist from Rome to Barcelona?

While it would be wonderful to travel directly between two of Europe’s most iconic cities, the reality is a bit more nuanced.

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Direct Ferry from Rome to Barcelona: Exists Or Not

There is no direct passenger ferry from Barcelona (Spain) to Rome (Italy). The two cities are opposite each other in the Mediterranean and while both are seaport cities, the seashore infrastructure does not support a direct ferry due to distance and demand.

But that does not prevent you from having a sea trip between the two. There are several Mediterranean cruise companies and other sea routes where you can travel so with a mix of sea journey and land transport.

Alternative Travel Options by Sea

1. Mediterranean Cruises

Many cruise operators such as MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, and Royal Caribbean offer multi-day Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona to Civitavecchia (port of Rome).

Route Example: Barcelona → Marseille → Genoa → Naples → Civitavecchia (Rome)
Duration: 5–7 days
Experience: All-inclusive with meals, entertainment, and onboard amenities

This is the most scenic and luxurious sea route for sea lovers who would like to have a leisurely journey with other destinations in Mediterranean cities.

2. Ferries to Italy + Train to Rome

You can get a ferry from Barcelona to an Italian port and then reach Rome by train or bus. The most popular routes are:

Barcelona to Civitavecchia (via Porto Torres, Sardinia)

Ferry 1: Barcelona → Porto Torres (Grimaldi Lines)
Ferry 2: Porto Torres → Civitavecchia
Time: 18–24 hours in total

Barcelona to Genoa (Italy)

Operator: Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV)
Time: ~20 hours
From Genoa, take a fast train to Rome (about 4–5 hours)

This option provides independence for economy-conscious tourists who want to travel through portions of Italy along the way.

Ferry or Flight: Which is Best?

Even though a ferry or cruise is enjoyable and scenic, flights are still the most convenient and fastest means to reach Barcelona from Rome.

Flight Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
Average Cost: €20–€80 (low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Vueling, or ITA Airways)
Travel Time (door-to-door): 4–5 hours including airport time

When time is not of concern, flying is the way to go. But if you want a bit of Mediterranean adventure, cruise or ferry travel offers a more experiential journey.

Best Option for You

Option	Duration	Cost	Experience
Cruise	5–7 days	€400–€1000+	Luxury, scenic, multi-city tour
Ferry + Train	24–30 hours	€100–€200	Adventurous, economical
Flight	1h 45min	€20–€80	Fastest and most direct

Conclusion

There is no direct Rome-to-Barcelona ferry, but you have numerous Mediterranean cruise options and ferry+train arrangements that make travel both exciting and rewarding. From lazing on a high-class cruise to exploring coastal cities, the sea travel between these two Mediterranean capitals holds unforgettable memories awaiting to be made.

So set sail, book your cruise itineraries, and let the waves dictate your next European adventure!

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shabir Ahmed / Ferry from Barcelona to Rome, Ferry travel, Travel Tips /

Ferry from Barcelona to Rome: Mediterranean Cruise Options