How to Travel from Trieste to Mali Lošinj by Ferry
Looking to cross the Adriatic from Italy to Croatia? The Trieste to Mali Lošinj ferry is your perfect solution! This seasonal route runs from June to September, with sailings twice a week, and takes you on a scenic journey through the Gulf of Trieste and Kvarner Gulf straight to the charming island of Lošinj. Operated by Liberty Lines, it’s a foot-passenger ferry, meaning no cars — but plenty of room for luggage, bikes, and even pets. The crossing lasts just over 4 hours, making it a relaxing way to travel while enjoying stunning Adriatic views.
Fast Passenger Ferry
There’s only one fast ferry on this route, so it’s worth planning ahead. The ferry leaves Trieste at 8:30 am on Mondays and Fridays, giving you plenty of time to explore Mali Lošinj once you arrive. Since it’s a foot-passenger ferry, it’s ideal if you’re hopping islands, carrying bikes, or travelling light. Cars aren’t allowed, but this is part of the fun — you can sit back, enjoy the ride, and take in the views without worrying about traffic.
Booking Your Tickets
Booking is super easy and usually opens online in March. You’ll get an email ticket with a barcode, which gets scanned when you board. Booking ahead is highly recommended, especially during July and August, to make sure you don’t miss out. If you’re feeling spontaneous, you can also buy tickets at the Trieste Molo 4 terminal about 1.5 hours before departure, if seats are still available.
Since this is an international crossing, make sure to have your passport or ID ready. You’ll go through customs and passport control before hopping on board. Larger luggage goes on the racks near the entrance (the crew will help if needed), and hand luggage stays with you in the lounge.
Onboard Comfort & Snacks
The ferries are high-speed hydrofoils or catamarans, fully air-conditioned and comfy for the journey. There’s a snack bar serving coffee, drinks, crisps, and sandwiches, and toilets are available. Keep in mind there’s no Wi-Fi, no USB ports, and no charging sockets, so make sure your phone or tablet is charged beforehand. All ferries are non-smoking, which keeps the cabins fresh.
No Car? No Problem
If you’re driving, there’s no car ferry on this route. But you can still get there by car: drive to Brestova in Istria, take a car ferry to Porozina on Cres Island, and then drive to Mali Lošinj. It’s about 190 km and takes around 3.5 hours, crossing Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia along the way.
Ferry Terminals
- Trieste: Depart from Molo 4 Passenger Terminal, right near the city center and train/bus stations — super easy to reach.
- Mali Lošinj: Arrive in the heart of the bay, just a short walk from the bus station. Address: Ulica Lošinjskih brodograditelja, 51550 Mali Lošinj, GPS: 44.53801, 14.46422.
Tips for Travellers
- Return tickets are usually cheaper than buying two one-way fares.
- If your ferry is cancelled due to weather, you’ll be offered an alternative departure.
- Bring snacks or drinks if you want more than what’s available onboard.
Whether you’re a holidaymaker, cyclist, or just looking for a stress-free Adriatic crossing, the Trieste–Mali Lošinj ferry is a fantastic way to get to Lošinj. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful northern Adriatic scenery as you glide toward one of Croatia’s most picturesque islands.
Schedules and timetables
| Ferry Route | Time* | Frequency |
| Departs Trieste | 2 times per week | morning |
| – Arrives in Mali Losinj | 4 hours later | midday |
How long is the ferry ride from Trieste to Mali Losinj? The journey usually lasts 4 hours (depending on the route). The current timetable includes just one daily morning departure up to 2 times per week.
Boarding a passenger ferry
Make sure you arrive at the Molo 4 ferry terminal in Trieste at least 60 minutes prior to departure. As this ferry is crossing the border between Italy and Croatia, have your travel documents ready for identification, customs, and passport control at the boarding point. At the boarding point, you may get a boarding card (or just show your emailed ticket) and, after that, proceed to passport control. Once on board, leave your larger luggage in the provided racks and take your seat in the lounge.
Latest ferry from Trieste to Mali Losinj
The latest ferry to reach Mali Losinj from Trieste is at 8:30 am on Monday & Friday.
Notes (Important to know)
- How to get from Trieste to Mali Losinj? You can get there by passenger fast ferry or alternatively, by bus to Rijeka and fast ferry to Mali Losinj.
- There are no car ferries serving this route.
- Bicycles do not travel for free, but it is very cheap to carry bikes on this route
- No Pets surcharges
- Return tickets are cheaper than two one-way options (check above)
- It is advisable to book your ticket in advance for July & August departures
- In case of bad weather and cancellation: If your ferry is cancelled due to bad weather, you will be offered an alternative departure date.
- See what to wear on the ferry
Journey Map
Here is a map that shows the ferry crossing:
Video
Here is a video of the fast ferry by Liberty Lines:
Further travels by ferry
Once you arrive in Mali Losinj, you can get on the ferry to the local islands using the Pula to Zadar ferry that also stops in Losinj to get further south by other ferries to Split, Hvar, or to Dubrovnik.
FAQ
This ferry route is currently operated by Liberty Lines
The travel time of this ferry route is around 4 hours. Add extra time for check-in and boarding/border crossing procedures. How long in advance you need to be present is written on your ticket or on the ferry operator’s website.
You can usually take this ferry twice a week, once per day, depending on the season.
The distance between Trieste & Mali Losinj is approximately 118 miles or 190 km.