Ferry trip to Corsica
Crossing to Beauty: your ferry trip to Corsica
Get ready to sail to the Isle of Beauty with a ferry trip to Corsica. Whether you choose a day or night crossing, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine of Corsica. From Marseille to Ajaccio or Bastia, there are several options to choose from. Don't forget to book early for the best fares. So, are you ready for an unforgettable crossing to Corsica?
Preparing your ferry trip to Corsica
To prepare for a ferry trip to Corsica, it's essential to consider a number of factors.
Start by deciding on your port of departure. Departures are made from several cities in France and Italy, depending on the ferry company, and it's also crucial to choose your port of arrival in Corsica. Options include Ajaccio, Bastia, Propriano, Porto-Vecchio or Ile-Rousse. Don't forget to take into account the duration of the crossing, which can vary from 5 to 12 hours, depending on the point of departure and arrival.
Make sure you book your tickets in advance, especially during the summer season, when the frequency of crossings increases. We're here to listen to your needs all year round, and you should also considertaking your own car, which can save you rental costs once you're in Corsica.
Choosing your ferry company
Corsica Ferries: a popular option
Corsica Ferries is widely recognized as one of the leading operators of ferries to Corsica. The company offers departures from numerous cities in France and Italy, with arrivals in several Corsican ports. You can choose to depart from Toulon, Nice or various Italian ports to reach Bastia, Ajaccio, Ile Rousse or Porto-Vecchio. User reviews often emphasize the quality of onboard services. Indeed, the ships are fully equipped to offer travelers optimal comfort: dining areas, cabins for resting, and even options for traveling with your pet. However, it is essential to be aware that delays can sometimes occur, although the company generally warns its passengers in advance.
In conclusion, Corsica Ferries is a popular option for its flexibility, service and accessibility.
Corsica Linea: another alternative
Corsica Linea is a French shipping company that offers another option for ferry travel to Corsica. Headquartered in Ajaccio, the company offers daily connections between Marseille and various Corsican ports, including Ajaccio, Bastia, Porto-Vecchio and Île Rousse. Onboard services are designed to ensure a comfortable and pleasant journey, and staff are often praised for their warm welcome and professionalism. The company stands out for the quality of its onboard services and facilities.
Corsica Linea's advantages include the possibility of traveling to Algeria and Tunisia in addition to Corsica. Corsica Linea offers an interesting alternative for those seeking a different travel experience.
Compare the services offered by the different companies
To choose the best ferry company for your trip to Corsica, it's essential to compare the services offered, and we'll do this for you according to your needs. Corsica Ferries offers services such as dining areas, cabins for resting and options for traveling with your pet. Corsica Linea offers daily connections between Marseille and several Corsican ports, but only accepts pets in the kennels or in your vehicle. Other companies such as Moby Lines and La Méridionale also offer crossings to Corsica. Moby Lines stands out for its frequent connections, while La Méridionale is appreciated for its on-board comfort.
You can also take into account departure and arrival times, as well as the duration of crossings.
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Book your ferry ticket
When should you book your ferry ticket for a low fare?
To get the best price on your ferry ticket to Corsica, it's best to book well in advance. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to benefit from attractive fares. In particular, if you're planning to travel during the summer or school vacations, it's advisable to book your tickets at least 6 to 9 months in advance.
We advise you to :
Avoid Saturday departures : Fares are often higher at weekends. If possible, opt for a weekday departure.
Be flexible with your dates: If you have the opportunity to change your travel dates, this may enable you to find more advantageous offers.
We keep an eye on promotions: Ferry companies regularly offer promotions that we will systematically apply to you.
Remember, there are no hard and fast rules, and fares can vary according to demand, season and ferry company.
How do I book my ticket?
Once you've selected your crossing, we'll ask you to provide some personal information, such as your full name and date of birth. Make sure you have your identity document to hand.
Your boarding pass can be found in your travel log. It's a good idea to save it on your cell phone to make boarding easier.
The different types of ticket available
There are several types of ferry ticket available to Corsica, each with its own characteristics and prices.
Standard ticket: This is the basic ticket, generally including the journey and a seat. It can be modified or refunded under certain conditions.
Cabin ticket: More expensive, this ticket offers a private space for resting during the crossing. Cabins can accommodate from 1 to 4 people.
Vehicle ticket : This ticket allows you to board with your own vehicle. Fares vary according to vehicle size.
Ticket for Passengers with Reduced Mobility : Special facilities are available for people with reduced mobility.
Family ticket: Some ferries offer reduced fares for families.
Organize your ferry trip
Marseille to Corsica: a frequent route
The ferry route from Marseille to Corsica is one of the most frequent to the island, offering several destination options. Bastia and Ajaccio are served daily, while Île Rousse and Propriano are accessible three times a week. In summer, the frequency of crossings can increase, with up to 27 departures per week.
Crossing times vary according to destination and ferry company. On average, it takes around 12 hours to reach Corsica from Marseille. The fastest crossing time is 9 hours and 30 minutes to Ajaccio.
The main operators on this route are Corsica Linea and La Méridionale. Ticket prices can vary, but offers can be found from €60 per person.
From Italy to Corsica: another option
Sailing from Italy to Corsica offers a different perspective. Several Italian ports, including Livorno and Savona, offer crossings to the island. Journey times vary according to the port of departure and arrival. For example, the crossing from Livorno to Ile Rousse takes around 4 hours.
Ferry companies such as Corsica Ferries, Moby Lines and La Méridionale provide these connections. Another factor to consider is the frequency of departures. Livorno offers up to 3 departures a day to Bastia, while Savona offers up to 2 departures a day in high season.
Tips for a pleasant ferry journey
For a pleasant ferry journey, a few tips may be useful.
Prevent seasickness : If you are prone to seasickness, remember to take appropriate medication before departure. Anti-nausea bracelets are also available.
Travel at night: If the journey is long, it may be worthwhile to opt for an overnight crossing. You can book a cabin for added comfort.
Stay hydrated and nourished: Crossings can be long, and it's important to stay well hydrated and eat regularly. Most ferries have cafeterias or restaurants.
Keep yourself entertained : Take along something to keep you occupied during the crossing: books, games, music... Some ferries even offer entertainment.
Enjoy the outdoors : Weather permitting, take advantage of the ferry's outdoor areas to admire the view and breathe in the sea air.
Travel light: Avoid carrying too much hand luggage for greater comfort during the journey.
Finally, if you're traveling with children, plan activities to keep them occupied during the crossing.
All these tips will help make your ferry crossing to Corsica a more pleasant and stress-free experience.
Taking your car on the ferry
Rules and advice for taking your car on board
Taking your car on board a ferry requires a certain amount of organization. Respect the boarding rules: report to the ship at least one hour before departure. Make sure you have all the necessary documents for your vehicle, such as vehicle registration and insurance.
Make sure your vehicle is secure: put it in gear and set the handbrake.
Don't forget anything inside your car, as access to vehicle bridges is forbidden during the crossing.
Take note of your vehicle's location so that you can find it easily on arrival. Beware of special vehicles: if you are traveling with a camper van or caravan, please inform the ferry company when booking.
Additional cost for taking your car on board
Taking your car on board a ferry entails an additional cost, which varies according to the company you choose and the type of vehicle. Generally speaking, the cost of adding a vehicle varies between €250 and €900, and must be paid when booking the ferry ticket. Please note that this rate may fluctuate according to season and demand.
Certain criteria can influence the cost of boarding your vehicle:
- The size of your vehicle: the longer your vehicle, the higher the cost.
- The height of your vehicle must not exceed 2.40 m, unless you pay a supplement.
- The category of your vehicle: luxury cars or camper vans may entail higher boarding costs.
- The season: during the high season, fares are generally higher.
So it's important to find out about the characteristics of your vehicle.
Our local experts tell you all about our trips to Corsica!
Do I need a passport to go to Corsica?
When traveling by ferry to Corsica, no customs formalities are required, as Corsica is a French region. However, when boarding the ferry, all passengers, including babies, must present a valid form of identification. This can be a national identity card or a passport. Please note that driver's licenses and photo ID cards are not accepted as proof of identity for boarding. Identity documents must be original; photocopies are not accepted.
When is the best time to book a boat to Corsica?
If you decide to sail to Corsica from June to September, we recommend that you ask us for a quote as early as November, when the shipping companies open their bookings. The more a boat fills up, the higher the fares. We'll offer you the best rates we've negotiated with these partners.