Embarking on a ferry journey to Corsica not only offers convenience and comfort but also transforms maritime travel into an enchanting Mediterranean experience. Approached from the sea, this beautiful island gradually reveals its sublime jagged coastline dominated by spectacular, 2000-meter-high mountains, promising an unforgettable getaway.
Connecting mainland France and Italy with picturesque Corsican destinations, Corsica Ferries, a leading ferry service operator, offers travellers daily crossings on their modern boats equipped with diverse onboard amenities.
In this comprehensive guide, I explore all aspects of ferry travel to Corsica to help you plan a smooth sailing experience. You will find essential information about crossing routes, dates, departure ports, onboard facilities, and booking procedures. Passengers with reduced mobility, dog owners, and families travelling with children will also learn how to make practical accommodations for their specific needs. In the post’s second part, I list useful tips for a worry-free, efficient embarkation.
I hope that this article will aid you in navigating your trip’s logistics, changing a potentially challenging task into a thrilling adventure.
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ADVANTAGES OF TRAVELLING TO CORSICA BY FERRY
- You can travel with your own vehicle, whether it’s a car, a bike, or a caravan.
- For a larger group of people (e.g. a family of four), it’s often a more economical option than the plane.
- With your own means of transport, you don’t have to worry about renting a car.
- There are no baggage limits.
- Ferry journeys offer beautiful views of Corsica and its jagged silhouette.
- Onboard facilities such as restaurants, bars, and relaxation areas ensure a comfortable crossing.
- Travelling at night can help you save money on your accommodation costs.
- You can choose from multiple departure ports and travel times.
CORSICA FERRIES
Corsica Ferries (Corsica Ferries—Sardinia Ferries) is a popular Franco-Italian ferry company that operates crossings between Corsica, Sardinia, the Balearics, and mainland French and Italian ports. Founded in the late 1960s, it has expanded its impressive fleet of comfortable vessels and serviced routes over the years, becoming a leader of maritime transportation in the Western Mediterranean.
Today, Corsica Ferries’ trademark yellow-painted ships provide year-round and seasonal crossings to Corsica, with departures available both during the day and overnight, catering to diverse schedules. Service frequency is increased in summer to meet high tourist demand. Vessels are equipped with garages for vehicles, cabins, and various onboard amenities to ensure a comfortable journey for all passengers.
Arrive at least 1 hour before your journey if you are boarding with a vehicle and at least 30 minutes if you are a foot passenger.
PORTS IN CORSICA SERVICED BY CORSICA FERRIES
DEPARTURE PORTS ON THE MAINLAND
FRANCE
- Nice
- Toulon
- Sète
ITALY
- Livorno
- Piombino
- Savona
ROUTES AND DATES OF FERRY CROSSINGS
FROM FRANCE
- Nice – Bastia (year-round)
- Nice – Ile Rousse (12/04/25 – 06/09/25)
- Nice – Ajaccio (02/08/25 – 23/08/25)
- Nice – Porto-Vecchio (01/06/25 – 27/08/25)
- Toulon – Bastia (year-round)
- Toulon – Ajaccio (year-round)
- Toulon – Ile Rousse (30/04/25 – 27/09/25)
- Toulon – Porto-Vecchio (year-round)
- Sète – Ile Rousse (12/04/25 – 22/07/25)
FROM ITALY
- Livorno – Bastia (year-round)
- Piombino – Bastia (01/05/25 – 23/08/25)
- Savona – Ile Rousse (04/05/25 – 28/08/25)
- Savona – Bastia (15/02/25 – 31/10/25)
CROSSING DURATION
Crossing duration varies from 3 to 16 hours, depending on the route, the time of sailing, and the vessel. Overnight ferries generally take longer, allowing you to enjoy an evening meal, relax, and spend a restful night aboard the ship before you arrive in your destination port. On the Corsica Ferries official website, you may research your options and pick the one which best suits your needs. Journey duration may take longer than expected in challenging weather conditions.
- The shortest day routes are: Piombino – Bastia (3h) and Livorno – Bastia (4h).
- Examples of medium-length day options are: Nice – Ile Rousse (4h15min – 5h45min), Toulon – Ile Rousse (6h45min), Toulon – Ajaccio (7h15min), Toulon – Bastia (10h), Savona – Bastia (6h15min).
- The longest routes include the following overnight crossings: Toulon – Porto Vecchio (16h), Nice – Porto Vecchio (15h30min), Toulon – Ajaccio (11h30min), Toulon – Bastia (12h30min).
- The shortest overnight crossings are: Toulon – Ile Rousse (7h45min), Nice – Bastia (7h30min), and Savona – Bastia (8h15min).
SERVICES ON BOARD
FOOD AND DRINK
Corsica Ferries offers a wide range of dining venues on board where you can enjoy your breakfast, lunch, or dinner with views of the Mediterranean’s most captivating locations. Available catering facilities depend on the sailing period and the vessel. The youngest passengers may pick from children’s menus. According to your preferences, choose from the following options:
- A reasonably-priced self-service restaurant with a wide selection of starters, main courses and desserts. The classic chicken Milanese is always a great choice. Vegetarian, fish, and seafood dishes are also available for hungry travellers.
- Dolce Vita Brasserie, where you may try specialities of Italian cuisine from an a la carte or a set menu.
- Gusto restaurant with a selection of freshly prepared pizzas and pasta dishes.
- Veranda all-you-can-eat-buffet for a set price.
- Several bars and cafés offering light snacks, sweets, cocktails, and hot or cold drinks.
SPECIAL OFFER MEAL FORMULAS
When booking your ferry tickets, you may pick one of the available special gastronomic options, such as Formula Yellow’s Self ( a three-course meal for a reduced price), a Food Pass worth €25 to spend on board, a Navy Bag offer (a kid’s meal), or a Continental Breakfast. Even if you don’t pre-reserve the formulas, you can freely use all catering services available on the boat.
PUBLIC RELAXATION AREAS
Ferries are equipped with multiple relaxation and public lounge areas available for passengers during the crossing. Onboard facilities include various seating areas, some equipped with chairs, others with comfortable canapes, several bars and cafés, and a sun deck where you may relax in warm weather. For longer journeys, you may reserve reclining seats for a small fee which varies depending on the route and the specific ferry.
As you will not have access to your car during the crossing, take onboard all the belongings you may need (clothing, food and water, chargers, toiletries etc.). Remember that all of the vessel’s spaces are air-conditioned.
SHOPPING
During your trip, you may visit the Corsica Ferries boutique featuring a range of Corsican products, popular perfumes and cosmetics, clothing, jewellery, and children’s games. On the return journey, it’s a great place to purchase last-minute gifts for your family and friends.
SERVICES FOR CHILDREN
Some of the fleet’s vessels have adapted play areas for children where little guests can engage in entertaining activities. There is also a video games room for older children. In summer, kids (under adult supervision) have access to a small outside swimming pool. Nursery areas equipped with a microwave are also at your disposal.
COTS
Passengers travelling with infants can request a cot during their ferry journey (subject to availability). You will be charged a small fee for the rental. Upon boarding, check with the reception staff if your cabin size and configuration allow for the crib.
TRAVELLING WITH PETS
Corsica Ferries is known for their welcoming approach to passengers travelling with dogs and other pets. To board the ferry with your four-legged friend, you must first declare your pet when making your reservation. Depending on the crossing, you will be charged a fee starting from €19. At embarkation, prepare your pet’s European passport with up-to-date vaccinations.
Once aboard, keep your dog on the lead at all times. You will find that many holidaymakers travel with pets, which may create situations requiring you to employ assertive measures. For the most part, dogs get along better than expected, distracted by unfamiliar environments.
On each of the fleet’s ships, you will find areas specifically designed for your pet’s needs. Enquire at reception where to find the nearest spot. Most importantly, remember that it is strictly forbidden to leave animals in the car for the duration of your crossing. Very high temperatures in the garage would expose them to mortal danger.
SERVICES FOR PASSENGERS WITH RESTRICTED MOBILITY
Passengers with restricted mobility may expect tailored assistance and optimal travel arrangements on the ferry. Firstly, you will have to communicate your need for special support by ticking the box ‘Assistance required’ when booking your ticket.
At boarding, let the port staff know that you require aid. You will be given a parking space near the lift and offered guidance from the personnel. Onboard facilities also include cabins adapted for people with reduced mobility allowing for easy wheelchair access and functional bathrooms.
Arrive 1 hour before your crossing if you require assistance due to reduced mobility.
MOBILE COVERAGE ABOARD
Corsica Ferries offers roaming on all vessels, enabling phone usage during the crossing. However, this incurs additional charges not covered by standard EU contracts. Upon connecting to the maritime network TIM@sea, users will receive a text message detailing applicable roaming rates. When booking your ticket, you can buy a Wifi pack for a reduced fee. Travellers who wish to decline this service should either disable roaming or activate the airplane mode on their devices.
CABINS
If you would like private space for the crossing, Corsica Ferries offers various types of cabins. When you reserve your ticket, you will be presented with a choice of options- an exclusive cabin with or without a porthole, an exclusive cabin with or without a porthole adapted to passengers with reduced mobility, or an exclusive luxury cabin (with a double bed).
All cabins are equipped with a shower, a toilet, towels, bed linen, and air-conditioning but TVs are only available in the luxury cabins on Mega Express and Mega Smeralda.
To find your cabin, check the deck and cabin number on your ticket and proceed accordingly. A steward will guide you to the right place. Should you need help, enquire at the centrally-located reception.
If you hadn’t reserved a cabin at the time of booking your tickets and you change your mind after boarding, check at the reception if cabins are still available. In the low season, the chances are you will be successful, however, at the height of summer, I strongly advise you to book your ferry accommodation in advance.
HOW TO BOOK FERRY TICKETS?
You can make your reservation on the provider’s official website using the Corsica Ferries booking system. In the top right corner, you will find an option to change the website’s language according to your preferences.
In the search engine, select your route (mainland→Corsica), dates, number of passengers, vehicle, and cabin. Click search. You will be presented with a list of available crossings and various dates. At this point, you can also apply filters to narrow your search.
Once you pick your preferred crossing, type in the required information- passenger and vehicle details, accommodation, catering, or wifi options, as well as the presence of pets. Remember to provide full measurements of your vehicle if you have a roof rack or a trailer.
CHOOSE YOUR TARIFF
You can also choose your desired tariff- Standard (modifiable for a fee, non-refundable in case of cancellation), or Flex (modifiable and can be refunded in case of cancellation). A Jackpot offer can neither be modified nor refunded. If you tick the Time to Think box (€5), you will have 48 hours to change your mind and cancel your booking for a full reimbursement. You can find detailed information regarding the tariffs by clicking the circular i symbol.
Before you make your reservation, double-check if all the information you provided is correct. Once you pay, you will receive a confirmation email with a reservation number and a travel summary.
ONLINE CHECK-IN
Seven days before your departure, you will be able to check in online (top bar on the official website) and receive your boarding pass. Print it or keep it available on your phone for embarkation. If you can’t check in online, you will be checked in automatically and you will receive an email instructing you on how to download your boarding card.
BENEFITS OF THE ONLINE CHECK-IN
- You can choose your cabin
- You may upgrade your accommodation
- According to availability, you can add the Late Check-in option to stay in your cabin until the last moment
- You may book breakfast in the cabin
CANCELLATIONS
To cancel your ticket, go to My Reservations in the top bar on the official website and enter your reservation number and name in the Call Back My Reservation box.
Special offer tickets (Jackpot tariff) or standard fares (Standard tariff) are not refunded in case of a full or partial cancellation. Flex Tariff tickets can be modified and are reimbursable:
- 90 % of the ticket price reimbursed up to one month before departure
- 80 % of the ticket price reimbursed from 1 month until 7 days before departure
- 50 % of the ticket price reimbursed from 7 days until 48 hours before departure
- No refund for cancellations made within 48 hours before or after departure
CROSSING DELAYS
Sometimes, due to bad weather conditions, ferry departure needs to be delayed or modified. In case of any changes, you will be informed via an email or a text message. Make sure you consult your inbox regularly on days before your planned journey, also checking the spam folder. In addition, you may verify the crossing status online (on the provider’s website) by typing in your reservation number and name.
In my experience, such an emergency happened only once. My ferry was due to depart from Livorno to Bastia. I was instructed by a text message to arrive a few hours later in Piombino (a little further south) for embarkation. Although I received the SMS on the day of my journey, I was given enough time to arrive on schedule.
Strong winds can also prevent ferries from entering the port due to security concerns, with wind speed, direction, and navigation challenges determining the vessel’s ability to dock safely. However, it rarely happens during summer when the weather is more stable.
PRICES
As a rule of thumb, transport to Corsica is pricey, with costs fluctuating based on season, day of the week, sailing time, and additional services like cabins or vehicle transport. The island’s seasonality makes the prices soar in the summer, often doubling its counterpart from the shoulder period.
A return ferry trip for two passengers with a car between Livorno and Bastia can cost as little as €180 in May, exceeding €700 for a Toulon-Bastia overnight return crossing with a cabin in August. Consult the money guide for more details on prices in Corsica.
TIPS FOR TRAVELLING ON A BUDGET
To find the best deals, book your tickets well in advance when there is still a good selection of crossings. If possible, pick your journey for days of the week, avoiding Saturday. Shorter routes, such as Livorno-Bastia or Piombino-Bastia, are the cheapest. July and August are the most expensive months, receiving the largest influx of holidaymakers. If you plan your vacation for summer, start looking into your transport options as early as the beginning of the year.
HOW TO EMBARK?
To ensure a worry-less, smooth embarkation free of unpleasant surprises, check the following tips before your trip:
- Arrive at least 1 hour before your journey if you are boarding with a vehicle and at least 30 minutes if you are a foot passenger.
- Arrive 1 hour before your crossing if you require assistance due to reduced mobility.
- Prepare your documents- an ID card or a passport (or a valid driver’s license for the Toulon/Nice-Corsica route), your ticket or a boarding pass. Also, get your pet’s health passport ready if you travel with a dog.
- Upon arrival, all passengers will be asked to present their documents to a port staff member. You may also expect a security check.
- You will be guided to the correct line, and later to your parking space in the ferry’s garage. Carefully follow the instructions as cars are parked very tightly.
IN THE GARAGE
- Having parked, put the hand-break on, put the car in gear, do not activate your audible alarm, make sure the lights are off, and lock your car doors before leaving your vehicle.
- As you will not have access to your car during the crossing, take onboard all the belongings you may need ((clothing, food and water, chargers, toiletries etc.). Remember that all of the vessel’s spaces are air-conditioned.
- The temperature in the garage, on the other hand, gets high, it is therefore forbidden to leave pets inside.
- Foot passengers may deposit their belongings in the left-luggage office aboard, but there is no access to the storage during the crossing.
- Before you go upstairs, take notice of your parking spot and the garage zone indicated by a coloured number or a sign (starfish, seahorse) on the wall. Taking a photo will save you trouble remembering the exact place where you have parked your vehicle and allow you to easily find it when disembarking.
- Via a staircase, make your way to the ferry’s upper levels, where you will find bars, restaurants, lounges, a reception, cabins, and other facilities.
EXPRESS BOARDING OFFER
During the peak tourist season, embarkation can be a lengthy process, often involving extended waiting times in queues in hot, sunny weather. Getting an Express Boarding Offer may be useful in such a situation, especially if you are travelling with family. While the driver is boarding the vehicle, the other passengers can embark by the gangway and settle themselves on board straightaway.
TOP POSITION OFFER
To avoid disembarkation delays you can also pick a Top Position Offer. For a fee, your vehicle will be parked strategically near the ferry’s entrance, in a priority spot. Upon reaching the arrival port, you will be able to immediately exit the ship and start your holiday adventure without unnecessary holdups.
To find other ferry and plane travel options check my post Visiting Corsica – how to get there
READ MORE
- Where to stay in Corsica – best places and areas for your visit
- Best places to stay in Corsica for couples
- Corsica – where to go and what to do
- Visiting Corsica – how to get there
- Is Corsica an expensive travel destination – money guide for visitors
- Getting around Corsica – do you need a car?
- Top 3 destinations for a car-free holiday in Corsica
- Best time to visit Corsica
- Is Corsica a safe place to visit – travel advice and tips
- What to avoid in Corsica – 11 common mistakes
- Driving in Corsica – tips and scenic routs ideas
- Visiting Corsica in winter – the ultimate travel guide
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