How to get to Elba

Elba is a picturesque island of the Tuscan Archipelago in Italy, attracting travellers with its green hills and azure bays. You can reach this popular resort in various ways, but most routes involve a transfer to a ferry or a direct flight. Regardless of the chosen transport, the trip to the island promises to be the start of an unforgettable holiday.

The fastest and most convenient way to get to the island is to fly to the local Marina di Campo Airport. This small but important aviation hub receives flights from various cities, allowing tourists to arrive at the resort without long sea crossings.

You can also use major airports nearby, for example, fly to the city of Pisa (about 106 km away) or to French Bastia. From these transport hubs, the journey will continue by land transport and ferry to the port of Portoferraio.

Since Elba is an island, railway tracks do not lead directly to the resort. Tourists travelling by train need to reach the mainland station of Piombino Marittima. This is the terminus of the railway line, located right by the ferry pier.

You can get to Piombino with a transfer, for example, coming from the city of Pisa. After arriving at the station, you just need to transfer to a ship that will take you to Portoferraio or another port on the island.

Bus routes connect the island with the mainland; however, travel time can be significant due to ferry transfers. A trip from the city of Pisa (distance about 179 km) can take around 12.6 hours, which is worth considering when planning. Even longer will be the complex route from Bastia (272 km), which can stretch to almost 18 hours.

On the island itself, buses are a popular mode of transport. Moving between the port of Portoferraio and other settlements (a route of about 36 km) takes approximately 2 hours, allowing you to view the local beauty.

Travelling by car gives freedom in choosing a route but requires using the ferry crossing from the port of Piombino. If you are driving from the city of Pisa, the journey of about 163 km will take approximately 3.5 hours, including the crossing. The road via Bastia (about 106 km) will require about 4.5 hours of time.

Upon arrival on the island at the port of Portoferraio, you can quickly reach your hotel: a drive around the surroundings (about 24 km) usually takes 40–45 minutes. It is recommended to book a space for your car on the ferry in advance, especially during the summer season.

To ensure your holiday on the island of Elba is carefree, we have prepared a list of useful recommendations to help plan your trip.

1. Clothing and footwear. The climate here is mild, so bring light clothing made from natural fabrics. For walks in the mountainous terrain, comfortable shoes are a must, and a windbreaker will be useful for evening sea trips.
2. Transport. To fully explore hidden bays and beaches, it is best to rent a scooter or car, as public transport may not cover all interesting corners.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but cash is useful for paying for parking and purchases in small kiosks.
4. Health. Pharmacies are marked with a green cross. The sun here is very active, so sunscreen and a head covering are mandatory even in cloudy weather.
5. Communication. The main language is Italian. In tourist places, English is spoken, but a few phrases in Italian will always help to build rapport with the locals.
6. Local etiquette. Italians are welcoming and value politeness. When entering a shop or cafe, it is customary to greet people ("Buongiorno" or "Buonasera").
7. What to avoid. It is strictly forbidden to remove sand, pebbles, or shells from the beaches — this is considered a violation of the law and is punishable by significant fines.
8. Ferry booking. If you are travelling by car in summer, buy ferry tickets online in advance to avoid multi-hour queues at the port of Piombino.

Following these simple rules will help you enjoy the atmosphere of the Tuscan Archipelago and avoid minor inconveniences.