The summer season for ferry service between Formia and Ponza enters its final phase in September, but the Laziomar route continues to provide service to the island even during the fall months. As tourist numbers gradually decline, the main changes are in the schedules and the number of departures.
For those planning a trip to Ponza between late September, October, and early November, it is therefore particularly important to check the Laziomar schedule in advance. September 27, 2026, is the last day of the summer schedule; a new schedule takes effect from September 28 through October 24, while a different schedule is in effect from October 25 through December 17.
Fares also vary by season: the price of a standard ferry ticket drops starting November 1, while the landing fee charged in Ponza is already reduced as of October 1. For those who prefer to visit the island away from the crowds of July and August, the fall season can therefore offer an attractive balance of ferry service, prices, and peace and quiet.
Laziomar Ferry Departures from Formia to Ponza: What’s Changing This Fall
The transition from summer to fall brings a gradual decrease in the number of departures. It is therefore important to pay attention to your travel date, because the available departure times in late September are not the same as those scheduled for November.
Through September 27: Summer hours still in effect
The Laziomar summer schedule is in effect through Sunday, September 27, 2026.
The following services are scheduled from Formia to Ponza:
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8:00 a.m., ferry, daily;
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11:00 a.m., high-speed boat, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday;
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2:30 p.m., ferry, daily;
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5:45 p.m., high-speed boat, daily;
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7:00 p.m., by boat, daily.
The summer schedule therefore offers up to five departure options on days when the 11:00 a.m. hydrofoil service is also operating.
However, there are some specific changes scheduled for September. Laziomar notes, for example, that on September 18 and 25, the 11:00 a.m. high-speed ferry service between Formia and Ponza will not operate. It is therefore always advisable to check the schedule for your chosen date before departure.
From September 28 to October 24: reduced service frequency
From Monday, September 28, through Saturday, October 24, 2026, the number of trips will be reduced.
Departures from Formia are as follows:
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8:00 a.m., ferry, daily;
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2:30 p.m., ferry, daily;
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5:00 PM, high-speed ferry, daily;
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6:15 p.m., ferry, daily.
Compared to the summer schedule, the 11:00 a.m. departure of the high-speed ferry is therefore canceled, and the 5:45 p.m. departure is moved up to 5:00 p.m.
This reduction in service reflects the normal transition from the peak season to the fall. For those who wish to spend a few days in Ponza in late September or October, however, the frequency of ferry service remains quite good.
October 25 through December 17: The new ferry schedule for Ponza takes effect
A further change to the ferry departures for Ponza is scheduled to take effect on October 25.
The new schedule is more detailed, and departure times vary depending on the day of the week. From Formia, the following departures are scheduled:
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8:30 a.m. on Mondays;
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9:00 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with variations in the assignment of vessels;
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one high-speed ferry departure at 2:30 p.m. from Monday through Thursday and on Sunday;
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3:30 p.m. on Fridays;
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3:00 p.m. on Saturdays;
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5:30 p.m. by boat on most days of the week.
During this period, it becomes even more important to check the specific schedule for the day you plan to travel, especially for short trips or for those who need to coordinate connections with trains and other modes of transportation.
Laziomar also notes that schedules are subject to change without notice. The high-speed vessel carries passengers only.
How much does the Laziomar ferry from Formia to Ponza cost?
For the Laziomar ferry route between Formia and Ponza, the standard fare for passengers 12 years of age and older is 18.40 euros one way from April 1 through October 31, 2026.
From November 1 through March 31, the price drops to 17.50 euros.
For children aged 4 years or older but under 12 years, the fare is 9.30 euros from April through October and 8.70 euros from November through March. Children under 4 years of age ride for free.
The price difference between October and November is therefore modest, but it nonetheless represents another factor that marks the transition to the off-season.
Those who choose the hydrofoil (high-speed vessel) pay 27.35 euros one way for passengers 12 years of age and older; this fare is valid year-round. For children aged 2 to 11, the fare is 13.70 euros, while infants under 2 years of age travel for free. Luggage is subject to a fee of 1.90 euros.
Landing Fee in Ponza: How Much You Pay in the Fall
Another important change for those traveling in the fall concerns the disembarkation fee.
In Ponza, the amount is:
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5 euros from June 1 to September 30;
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2.50 euros from October 1 through May 31.
Visitors arriving in Ponza in October therefore pay a landing fee equal to half the amount charged during the summer months.
This is a detail to keep in mind when calculating the total cost of the trip, especially for a family or a group of people.
Formia-Ponza: How Much Does It Cost to Load Cars and Motorcycles onto Laziomar Ferries?
The Laziomar ferry also allows vehicles to be transported, which is particularly important for those who want to travel to Ponza in their own vehicle.
The rates listed by the company, excluding the driver, are:
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Cars up to 4 meters: 40.70 euros each way;
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cars over 4 meters: 59.80 euros one way;
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motorcycles up to 250 cc: 20.70 euros each way;
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Motorcycles over 250 cc: 24.70 euros one way.
The vehicle fares are listed as valid year-round.
The high-speed ferry, however, carries only passengers. Anyone wishing to bring a car or motorcycle must therefore choose a departure by regular ferry.
Formia is the port of choice for those wishing to bring a vehicle on board.
For those traveling by car or motorcycle, the Formia-Ponza route is particularly important because it provides access to ferries equipped to transport vehicles.
The other routes to Ponza, on the other hand, are generally intended for passenger transport. Laziomar, for example, operates the Anzio-Ponza route by hydrofoil, so it is not possible to bring a car or motorcycle on board.
The option to bring a vehicle from Formia does not, however, mean that it is always possible to disembark and drive freely in Ponza. Before purchasing a ticket, you should check for any local ordinances regarding vehicle traffic, especially for trips taken during the summer season.
For those who choose late September or the fall, this issue may be less of a problem than during the busiest months, but the regulations should still be checked based on the actual travel date.
Laziomar Resident Discounts: Who Is Eligible?
Laziomar offers discounted fares for residents of the islands of Ponza and Ventotene.
When booking online, you can select the resident rate, but the discount cannot be used freely by anyone living in Lazio or the province of Latina: you must provide proof that you meet the required criteria.
The company specifies that any passenger who purchases a ticket at the “resident of the island of Ponza” or “resident of the island of Ventotene” fare and fails to present sufficient documentation at check-in to prove eligibility for the discount will have their ticket canceled without a refund.
For this reason, those eligible for the resident fare should pay special attention to the documents they need to bring with them while traveling.
How to Book the Formia-Ponza Ferry with Ferryfinder.com
You can book your ferry trip through the Ferryfinder.com booking system by simply selecting the route to Ponza, the date, the number of passengers, and, if applicable, the vehicle to be loaded onto the ferry.
For those traveling in the fall, it is advisable to choose a date before checking the schedules, because the schedule changes several times between late September and November.
Those traveling by car or motorcycle should also verify that their selected departure is on a ferry and not a high-speed vessel.
The Laziomar shipping company also notes that tickets purchased at the resident rate are subject to verification of eligibility at check-in.
Laziomar Formia–Ponza: Is the ferry or the hydrofoil better?
The choice between a ship and a hydrofoil (high-speed vessel) depends mainly on the needs of the trip.
The ferry is less expensive and allows you to bring cars and motorcycles. It is therefore the best option for those who want to travel to Ponza with their own vehicle or simply prefer to spend less on the trip.
The hydrofoil, on the other hand, has a higher fare, but it may be preferable when the goal is to reduce travel time and you are traveling exclusively as a passenger.
In the fall, the choice between the Laziomar ferry and hydrofoil between Formia and Ponza may also depend on the schedule: with fewer departures, it may be more convenient to choose the option that offers the best departure time for your needs rather than focusing solely on the price difference.
- See also: The Difference Between Ferries and Hydrofoils: Which to Choose and Why
Ponza in September and October: What’s Different from Summer
The change in Laziomar’s schedule coincides with a period when the island, too, is gradually beginning to see its summer tourists leave.
For those who aren’t necessarily looking for the crowded atmosphere of July and August, the second half of September and the month of October can offer an appealing alternative. The days are still ideal for outdoor activities and, on nice days, even for enjoying the beach, while tourist crowds are generally smaller.
The ferry schedule reflects this variation in demand: while there are five departure options available on certain days during the summer schedule, this is reduced to four daily trips from September 28 through October 24, and to an even more limited and reduced schedule starting in late October.
The total cost of the trip will also be slightly lower: starting October 1, the disembarkation fee will be cut in half, and starting November 1, the regular fare for the ship will also decrease.
Laziomar Formia-Ponza in Fall 2026: Dates to Remember
If you’re planning a trip in the coming months, the key dates on the Laziomar calendar are as follows:
- September 27: Last day of the summer schedule.
- September 28: The new schedule takes effect and remains in effect through October 24.
- October 1: The landing fee decreases from 5 to 2.50 euros.
- October 25: The next Laziomar schedule takes effect, valid through December 17.
- November 1: The standard ferry fare drops from 18.40 to 17.50 euros per trip.
The overview makes it clear how travel to Ponza changes rapidly over the course of just a few weeks. For those who still want to find a substantial number of ferry connections while avoiding the peak of summer, late September and October are likely the most attractive options. On the other hand, those who prioritize tranquility and slightly lower prices can wait until November, though they should keep in mind that the number of departures gradually decreases.
Before leaving, however, it is always a good idea to check the updated departure schedule for the day you’ve chosen: the company notes that schedules are subject to change without notice.
