Choosing which airport to fly into in Corsica isn’t as straightforward as it might seem- the best option depends on your departure place, where you’re staying and what you want to see and do on the island.
Corsica has four airports- Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte (AJA), Bastia Poretta (BIA), Calvi Sainte-Catherine (CLY) and Figari South Corsica (FSC), each serving a different part of the island with varying flight connections.
Bastia works best for the northeast, including Cap Corse, Saint Florent and Corte, while Calvi is the obvious choice for the Balagne region and the Gulf of Porto. Ajaccio is particularly convenient for western destinations such as the capital, Porticcio and Propriano. The southern Figari, on the other hand, will suit those planning to visit Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio.
Choosing the right airport can make a bigger difference than you might expect. Corsica’s mountainous terrain means that distances that look short on a map can take much longer to drive. Local roads, particularly those in the hilly interior, are often narrow and winding, requiring conservative speeds and heightened concentration. Flying into the right part of the island can therefore shave hours off your journey and leave you more time to enjoy your stay.
> You may also like my guide to getting to Corsica, with a complete list of airlines, destinations and flight schedules
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CORSICA AIRPORTS AT A GLANCE
| AIRPORT | CODE | BEST FOR | MAIN AREAS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajaccio | AJA | West/Centre | Ajaccio, Porticcio, Propriano, Cargèse |
| Bastia | BIA | North/East/Cantre | Bastia, Cap Corse, Saint Florent, Corte |
| Calvi | CLY | North/Northwest | Calvi, Ile Rousse, Balagne, Gulf of Porto |
| Figari | FSC | South Corsica | Porto Vecchio, Bonifacio, Sartène, Alta Rocca |
PLANNING A TRIP TO CORSICA? CHECK OUT THESE RESOURCES!
HOW MANY AIRPORTS ARE THERE IN CORSICA?
Corsica has 4 commercial airports:
- Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA) in the west
- Bastia Poretta Airport (BIA) in the north
- Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport (CLY) in the northwest
- Figari South Corsica Airport (FSC) in the far south
WHAT IS THE MAIN AIRPORT IN CORSICA?
Corsica does not have one single main airport that serves the whole island. Within its territory are four commercial airports- Ajaccio (AJA), Bastia (BIA), Calvi (CLY) and Figari (FSC), and each is particularly convenient for a different part of Corsica. Although Bastia and Ajaccio are the largest hubs in terms of connection options, for most visitors the best airport is usually the one closest to their chosen accommodation or the most convenient for their itinerary.
Fly to Bastia (BIA) if you are staying around:
- Bastia
- Cap Corse
- Saint Florent
- Corte
- Aleria
- Ghisonaccia
- North, northeast and central Corsica
Fly to Calvi (CLY) if you are staying around:
- Calvi
- Ile Rousse
- Villages in the Balagne region
- Gulf of Porto
- North/northwest Corsica
Fly to Figari (FSC) if you are staying around:
- Porto Vecchio
- Bonifacio
- Figari
- Solenzara
- Sartène
- Pianottoli-Caldarello
- Alta Rocca
- South Corsica
PRACTICAL TIP – Note that the geographically closest airport does not always have to be the best choice, especially if another is located at a comparable distance but has better flight options. Before booking tickets, check flight availability, fares, and rental-car prices. Choose the option that best fits your trip.
CAN YOU FLY INTO ONE CORSICA AIRPORT AND LEAVE FROM ANOTHER?
Yes. If flight schedules and car rental arrangements work for your preferred itinerary, you can fly into one Corsica airport and depart from another. This can be a particularly convenient option if you’re planning a road trip or want to stay in several different parts of the island without having to retrace your route back to your arrival airport.
Just make sure to check that suitable flights are available for both airports and whether your car rental company allows a different drop-off location. Note that one-way rental fees may apply when you return the vehicle to a different airport.
EXAMPLE CORSICA ROAD TRIP- FLY INTO BASTIA AND DEPART FROM FIGARI
Flying into one airport and departing from another is a practical option for anyone who is planning a comprehensive Corsica road trip that takes you from north to south (or the other way round). For example, you could fly into Bastia in the northeast, then make your way around the island, visiting Cap Corse, Saint Florent, Calvi, Porto, Ajaccio, Bavella, Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio, before departing from Figari in the far south.
This approach lets you see Corsica’s key highlights without having to drive all the way back to your arrival airport at the end of the trip. You’ll avoid unnecessary backtracking and wasting precious vacation time behind the wheel.
PLANNING TO DRIVE? Corsica’s mountainous terrain, winding roads, and seasonal traffic mean that driving times can be considerably longer than distances on the map suggest. Check my guide to driving in Corsica with the best scenic route ideas.
FIND ACCOMMODATION IN CORSICA
CORSICAN AIRPORTS – DETAILED GUIDE
AJACCIO AIRPORT (AJA)
After Bastia, Ajaccio has the second-largest destination network of Corsica’s four airports and the broadest domestic network serving approximately 20 French cities. Options include regional centres such as Brest, Brive, Clermont-Ferrand, Dole, Pau and Rodez, as well as major cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice and Toulouse.
Its international network is slightly more limited than Bastia’s, but Ajaccio still offers direct connections to Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway and Switzerland. Five destinations- Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Paris Orly and Toulouse- are served year-round, providing reliable connections to mainland France outside the summer season.
> See the full list of destinations and flight schedules from Ajaccio Airport
BEST FOR :
Ajaccio, Porticcio, Gulf of Ajaccio, Propriano, Corte, central/western Corsica
WHERE IS AJACCIO AIRPORT?
Ajaccio Airport (AJA) is in western Corsica, about 7 km east of central Ajaccio.
HOW FAR IS AJACCIO AIRPORT FROM POPULAR DESTINATIONS?
HOW TO GET FROM AJACCIO AIRPORT (AJA) TO AJACCIO?
CAR RENTAL
Renting a car at Ajaccio Airport is the easiest way to start exploring Corsica at your own pace. Rental companies’ desks are both inside the terminal and immediately outside, in a dedicated area within the car park. You can pick from the popular providers, including Drivalia, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Rent a Car and Sixt. When returning your vehicle, allow plenty of extra time, as traffic around Ajaccio can be heavy during the morning and afternoon rush hours, not just in summer. If you need to refuel the car, the nearest place is the Total petrol station on the T21 motorway near the airport.
> Check my Corsica car rental guide for advice on choosing the right vehicle for the island’s roads and your itinerary.
TAXI
If you’re not planning to rent a car, a taxi is a convenient way to get from Ajaccio Airport to the city centre. Try Allo Taxi Ajaccio https://www.allo-taxis-ajaccio.com/, Ajaccio Happy Taxi 0769802981, or Ajaccio Radio Taxis https://www.taxis-ajaccio.fr/.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
To get from Ajaccio Airport to the city centre, take bus no. 8 to Ajaccio train station (Gare CFC), with services running hourly, or bus no. 12 to the P+R Campo dell’Oro stop. Consult https://mobilite.muvitarra.fr/plans-lignes/ for information on itineraries, tariffs, and timetables.
WHO SHOULD NOT CHOOSE AJACCIO (AJA)?
If you are visiting northern Corsica- Cap Corse, Desert des Agriates or the region of Balagne a more sensible choice is the Bastia (BIA) or Calvi (CLY) airport.
BASTIA AIRPORT (BIA)
Bastia Airport has the largest network of connections of Corsica’s four airports, serving the most destinations and the greatest number of countries. It also offers excellent year-round connectivity with Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Paris Orly and Toulouse.
The airport has a strong selection of direct international flights, Germany being its best-served foreign market, with connections to seven German cities. There are also direct links to destinations across northern and central Europe, including the UK, Scandinavia, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
> See the full list of destinations and flight schedules from Bastia Airport
BEST FOR :
Bastia, Cap Corse, Saint Florent, Aleria, Ghisonaccia, Corte, north, northeast and central Corsica
WHERE IS BASTIA AIRPORT?
Bastia Airport (BIA) is in northeastern Corsica, around 20 km south of Bastia.
HOW FAR IS BASTIA AIRPORT FROM POPULAR DESTINATIONS?
| DESTINATION | DISTANCE | DRIVING TIME |
| Bastia | 20km | 30min |
| Saint Florent | 30km | 40min |
| Corte | 52km | 50min |
| Macinaggio | 55km | 1h20min |
| Aleria | 55km | 55min |
HOW TO GET FROM BASTIA AIRPORT (BIA) TO BASTIA?
CAR RENTAL
To explore Bastia and beyond, rent a car from one of the providers available at the airport. Well-priced compact cars tend to sell out quickly, so I recommend booking your vehicle well in advance. Car-rental desks are located both inside the terminal and outside, just across the road. Popular providers include Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar and Drivalia. If you need to refuel before returning your car, you will find a petrol station near the Carrefour supermarket at the Borgo roundabout on the D507/T205.
>See my Corsica car rental guide for more details on choosing the best vehicle for Corsica’s roads.
TAXI
For comfort and flexibility in getting to Bastia, you may hire a taxi. Fares in Corsica are high (about €50 for a 20 km journey), so it’s worth confirming the tariff upon booking. The airport taxi service is situated at the Arrivals terminal exit.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
You can also reach Bastia on the shuttle bus going to the roundabout located opposite Bastia’s train station. The trip takes around 35 minutes, and a single fare costs €10.
WHO SHOULD NOT CHOOSE BASTIA (BIA)?
For visitors travelling to south and southwest Corsica, the Figari (FSC) and Ajaccio (AJA) airports are a more convenient option than Bastia (BIA).
CALVI AIRPORT (CLY)
Calvi Sainte-Catherine is the smallest of Corsica’s airports in terms of its overall destination network, with routes focused primarily on France, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg. Its domestic offer is versatile, with direct connections to Bordeaux, Caen, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Nice, Paris, Strasbourg and Toulouse. Internationally, Switzerland stands out, with flights to Geneva, Sion and Zurich. Calvi has three year-round destinations- Marseille, Nice and Paris Orly. Outside the summer season, the choice of flights is more limited than in Bastia or Ajaccio.
> See the full list of destinations and flight schedules from Calvi Airport
BEST FOR :
Calvi, Ile Rousse, villages of Balagne, Gulf of Porto, north/northwest Corsica
WHERE IS CALVI AIRPORT?
Calvi Airport (CLY) is located in northwestern Corsica (the region of Balagne), about 7 km southeast of Calvi, near the village of Calenzana.
HOW FAR IS CALVI AIRPORT FROM POPULAR DESTINATIONS?
| DESTINATION | DISTANCE | DRIVING TIME |
| Calvi | 7km | 15min |
| Ile Rousse | 23km | 30min |
| Porto | 65km | 1h30min |
| Corte | 84km | 1h30min |
| Saint Florent | 68km | 1h35min |
HOW TO GET FROM CALVI AIRPORT (CLY) TO CALVI?
CAR RENTAL
Calvi is a walkable compact town, but renting a car is a great option if you want to explore the charming villages of Balagne and the Gulf of Porto. Calvi Airport provides access to popular car rental companies such as Sixt, Europcar, and Hertz, with rental desks available both inside the terminal and at outdoor booths opposite the entrance. From the airport, it’s a quick and straightforward drive into Calvi town centre. Petrol stations are located along the main T30/Avenue Christophe Colomb, which runs parallel to the beach.
> For more information on what to consider when renting a car in Corsica, including how to choose the right vehicle, check the Corsica car rental guide.
TAXI
For taxis, check the website https://radio-taxis-calvais.fr or phone +33 (0)4 95 65 30 36, although the cabs are available outside the terminal. Travel time between the airport and the town centre is around 10 minutes, the fare oscillates around €20- €25.
PRIVATE TRANSFER
There is no public shuttle service connecting Calvi Airport with Calvi town centre. The available options are taxis or private transfer services. Les Beaux Voyages https://lesbeauxvoyages.corsica/transferts and Autocars Mariani https://www.autocarsmariani.com/ provide private transfers for both individuals and groups.
WHO SHOULD NOT CHOOSE CALVI (CLY)?
If your trip is focused solely on southern Corsica, it makes more sense to fly into Ajaccio (AJA) or Figari (FSC) rather than Calvi (CLY), saving you from a long drive across the island.
FIGARI AIRPORT (FSC)
Figari is a smaller but highly strategic airport, particularly important for international tourism and access to southern Corsica. Despite its size, it has a solid cross-border offer with direct connections to Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Switzerland and the UK. It is the only Corsican airport serving both London Gatwick and London Heathrow, while Geneva, Sion and Zurich provide three connections to Switzerland.
Outside the seasonal routes, Figari maintains year-round connections with Marseille, Nice and Paris Orly. Interestingly, the airport is also a major hub for luxury travel, handling the highest volume of private jet traffic in Corsica.
> See the full list of destinations and flight schedules from Figari Airport
BEST FOR :
Porto Vecchio, Bonifacio, Figari, Sartène, Alta Rocca, Solenzara, Pianottoli-Caldarello, south Corsica
WHERE IS FIGARI AIRPORT?
Located in south Corsica, Figari (FSC) is the closest airport to both Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio.
HOW FAR IS FIGARI AIRPORT FROM POPULAR DESTINATIONS?
| DESTINATION | DISTANCE | DRIVING TIME |
| Porto Vecchio | 22km | 30min |
| Bonifacio | 22km | 30min |
| Sartène | 45km | 50min |
| Solenzara | 60km | 1h10min |
| Zonza | 50km | 1h20min |
HOW TO GET FROM FIGARI AIRPORT (FSC) TO PORTO VECCHIO?
CAR RENTAL
To easily get to Porto Vecchio and explore Corsica’s south, hire a car at the Figari airport. The car hire desks are located both inside and around the Figari Airport terminal. You can choose from a range of providers, including Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Budget, Drivalia, and Sixt. I highly recommend comparing car rental prices on the Discover Cars platform to find the best option for your trip. The nearest petrol stations are located in Sotta, on the way to Porto Vecchio, and in Pianottoli-Caldarello.
TAXI
Taxis are available outside the airport terminal for arriving passengers. For a wider choice of local taxi services, the Figari Airport website provides a comprehensive list of operators and their contact numbers https://figari-aeroport.cci.corsica/en/taxis/
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Two transport lines operate between Porto Vecchio and the Figari airport. Aeroport Figari Sud shuttle https://cc-sudcorse.fr/navettes-aeorport-figari-sud-corse/ and A Berlina B bus https://cc-sudcorse.fr/a-berlina-transports-sud-corse/ with a stop at Gare de Routière near the Porto Vecchio port. Tickets cost €10 (free for children under 10), and the trip takes around 30 minutes.
HOW TO GET FROM FIGARI AIRPORT (FSC) TO BONIFACIO?
TAXI
You can use one of the taxis parked outside the airport, visit the Bonifacio Taxi website https://bonifaciotaxi.com/en/ or phone +33 6 07 80 68 15.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
There is no direct public transport connection between Figari Airport and Bonifacio. However, you can travel via Porto Vecchio, taking the A Berlina bus service https://cc-sudcorse.fr/a-berlina-transports-sud-corse/, first from Figari Airport to Porto Vecchio, then onward to Bonifacio on routes B and A. During the tourist season, buses operate approximately 4-5 times per day.
WHO SHOULD NOT CHOOSE FIGARI (FSC)?
For itineraries centred on northern Corsica, Bastia (BIA) or Calvi (CLY) will put you much closer to the places you want to visit, making them a more practical choice than the Figari (FSC) airport.
CORSICA WITHOUT A CAR? It is possible! You just need to choose your base carefully and plan your transport in advance. Check my guide to visiting Corsica without four wheels, where I cover the best places to stay and how to get around the island without a vehicle.
WHICH CORSICA AIRPORT IS BEST FOR YOUR DESTINATION?
Check the table below to find the most convenient Corsica airport for some of the island’s most popular destinations. Driving times are approximate and can vary depending on traffic, road conditions and your exact accommodation location. An alternative airport is listed only where it may be a realistic or comparable option.
| DESTINATION | BEST AIRPORT | DISTANCE / DRIVING TIME | ALT. AIRPORT |
| Ajaccio | Ajaccio (AJA) | 7km / 20min | — |
| Bastia | Bastia (BIA) | 20km / 30min | — |
| Saint Florent | Bastia (BIA) | 30km / 40min | Calvi (CLY) |
| Aleria | Bastia (BIA) | 55km / 55min | Figari (FSC) |
| Solenzara | Figari (FSC) | 60km / 1h10min | Bastia (BIA) |
| Calvi | Calvi (CLY) | 7km / 15min | Bastia (BIA) |
| Ile Rousse | Calvi (CLY) | 23km / 30min | Bastia (BIA) |
| Porto | Calvi CLY) | 65km / 1h30min | Ajaccio (AJA) |
| Cargèse | Ajaccio (AJA) | 52km / 1h15min | Calvi (CLY) |
| Porto Vecchio | Figari (FSC) | 22km / 30min | Ajaccio (AJA) |
| Bonifacio | Figari (FSC) | 22km / 30min | Ajaccio (AJA) |
| Propriano | Ajaccio (AJA) | 60km /1h15min | Figari (FSC) |
| Sartène | Figari (FSC) | 45km / 50 min | Ajaccio (AJA) |
| Corte | Bastia (BIA) | 52km / 50 min | Ajaccio (AJA) |
| Zonza | Figari (FSC) | 50km / 1h20min | Ajaccio (AJA) |
FLIGHTS TO CORSICA
Corsica’s flight options vary considerably with the seasons. In summer, all four airports offer a broad range of direct connections, with numerous international and domestic routes.
During the shoulder seasons, options gradually contract, and in winter many seasonal international flights disappear, leaving Bastia and Ajaccio as the best-connected gateways thanks to their consistent year-round services. Schedules change from one year to the next, and routes that may have been available the previous season might no longer operate in the next one.
For tourists, the best choice is therefore not simply the airport with the most routes, but the one offering a convenient direct flight closest to their final destination or one that works well with their itinerary. In my guide to getting to Corsica, I present the full list of destinations and airlines serving Corsica along with schedules, updated at the beginning of the year when the most current information becomes available.
HOW EARLY SHOULD YOU ARRIVE AT A CORSICAN AIRPORT?
Corsican airports are small and generally very well organised. The experience for arriving and departing passengers is quite different from that at large, busy hubs in major cities- here things tend to be quieter, smoother and less stressful.
During the summer, however, queues are obviously longer, so I recommend arriving around two hours before your flight. This should give you enough time to drop off your luggage, check in and get through security without having to rush. Additionally, allow extra time for returning the rental car if you have hired one.
I must admit that outside the busy season, I often arrive an hour or so before departure and have never had a problem making it to the gate on time. But I definitely wouldn’t recommend following my example! It’s always better to give yourself plenty of extra time, especially if you’re travelling in July or August, when the airports get much busier.
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PLANNING A TRIP TO CORSICA? CHECK OUT THESE RESOURCES!
