Ferries from Italy to France: Plan the Perfect Trip

Ferries from Italy to France: Plan the Perfect Trip

5 March 2025 • Valeria Olivato

Looking for the best way to travel between Italy and France? Ferries from Italy to France offer a stress-free, comfortable, and budget-friendly alternative to flights or long drives. With multiple routes, flexible schedules, and options for every traveler, ferries to France from Italy make your trip easy and enjoyable. Need a fast trip or an overnight journey with a cabin? There’s a ferry for you. Plus, you can bring your car, avoid baggage limits, and enjoy stunning views along the way. Ready to set sail? Let’s find the perfect ferry for your trip.

Why You Should Take a Ferry from Italy to France

The Biosfera, located at the Porto Antico (Old Port) of Genoa, Italy

Experience the charm of Genoa’s port before your next adventure on a ferry from Italy to France. Source: Pixabay

Taking a ferry from Italy to France isn’t just a way to travel—it’s a smarter choice. Unlike flights, ferries let you bring your car, motorcycle, or even a camper, making it easy to explore France at your own pace without rental costs. There are no baggage fees or weight restrictions, so you can pack everything you need. Plus, ferry cabins and onboard seating options offer a more comfortable journey than cramped airplane seats. With routes connecting major ports like Genoa, Livorno, and Savona to destinations like Corsica, Nice, and Toulon, you can avoid airport hassle and long security lines. Many ferries also operate overnight crossings, saving you the cost of a hotel while maximizing travel time.

Benefits of Taking a Ferry from Italy to France

  • Bring your car, motorcycle, or camper on the ferry
  • No baggage fees or restrictions
  • Spacious seating and private cabins
  • Multiple route options
  • No airport security or long check-ins
  • Save on hotel costs with comfortable overnight crossings
  • Scenic Mediterranean views

How Long is The Ferry Trip?

The duration of ferries from Italy to France varies depending on the route and ferry type. The fastest crossings, like Livorno to Bastia, take around 4-5 hours, while longer routes, such as Genoa to Bastia, take 6-7 hours. Overnight ferries, like Livorno to Corsica, can take 10-12 hours, depending on the operator and sea conditions. High-speed ferries provide quicker options, while standard ferries offer more comfort and amenities. Many overnight routes allow passengers to book private cabins for a more restful journey. Travel times may vary by season, so checking schedules in advance is recommended.

Italy to France Ferry Price

A picturesque view of Bastia, a coastal city on the French island of Corsica

Sail across the Mediterranean and discover Bastia, a top destination for ferries from Italy to France! Source: Pixabay

The cost of ferries from Italy to France depends on the route, season, and ticket type. Prices for a one-way passenger ticket start at around €30-€50 on shorter routes like Livorno to Bastia, while longer crossings, such as Genoa to Corsica, start at approximately €60-€100. Adding a vehicle can increase the cost by €50-€150, depending on the size and route. Private cabins, available on overnight ferries, range from €50 to €200, depending on comfort level. Prices fluctuate based on demand, with peak summer months being more expensive. Booking early and looking for promotions can help secure the best rates.

Main Ferry Routes Between Italy and France

Several ferry routes connect Italy and France, offering options for both quick crossings and longer, overnight journeys. Whether you’re traveling to Corsica or mainland France, ferries provide a convenient and flexible way to reach your destination. Below are the main routes available.

Ferries from Italy to Corsica

Corsica, the French island known for its stunning coastline and mountainous landscapes, is easily accessible by ferry from several Italian ports.

Livorno to Bastia

The Livorno to Bastia route is one of the busiest and most convenient ways to reach Corsica from mainland Italy. Operated by Corsica Sardinia Ferries and Moby Lines, the journey takes approximately 4 to 4.5 hours. With frequent daily departures, this is a popular choice for travelers looking for a quick crossing.

Genoa to Bastia

Another major route, Genoa to Bastia, is slightly longer, taking 5 to 6 hours. This route is operated by Moby Lines, offering several weekly crossings.

Savona to Bastia

An alternative option is Savona to Bastia, which takes about 5 to 6 hours and is served by Corsica Sardinia Ferries with multiple departures each week.

Genoa to Ajaccio

For those traveling to Corsica’s capital, Genoa to Ajaccio is a great option, with a travel time of approximately 9 hours. This route is operated by Moby Lines and offers a few weekly crossings.

Porto Torres to Ajaccio

Another convenient connection is Porto Torres to Ajaccio, linking Sardinia to Corsica in 3 to 4.5 hours. This route is served by Moby Lines and Corsica Sardinia Ferries, with multiple weekly sailings.

Santa Teresa di Gallura to Bonifacio

The Santa Teresa Gallura to Bonifacio route is the shortest ferry crossing between Italy and France, taking just 30 to 50 minutes. Operated by Moby Lines, this route has frequent daily departures, making it a quick and easy way to hop between Sardinia and Corsica.

Ferries from Italy (Sardinia) to Mainland France

For travelers heading from Sardinia directly to mainland France, several ferry routes provide overnight options.

Porto Torres to Nice

The Porto Torres to Nice route is a convenient link between Sardinia and the French Riviera. Operated by Corsica Sardinia Ferries, the crossing takes 8.5 to 10.5 hours and has up to four weekly sailings.

Porto Torres to Toulon

Another important connection is Porto Torres to Toulon, offering a direct route to southern France. This ferry, run by Corsica Sardinia Ferries, takes 9.5 to 11 hours, with up to eight weekly crossings.

Golfo Aranci to Toulon

The longest route, Golfo Aranci to Toulon, provides a connection between northeastern Sardinia and France. The journey takes approximately 19 to 21.5 hours and is also operated by Corsica Sardinia Ferries. This route typically runs once or twice per week, making it an option for travelers planning well in advance.

These ferry routes offer flexible travel options, allowing passengers to choose between fast crossings, overnight journeys, and routes that accommodate vehicles. Travel times and availability may vary by season, so checking with ferry operators for the latest schedules is recommended.

Best Ferry Companies Serving Routes from Italy to France

A Corsica Ferries – Sardinia Ferries vessel sailing on calm blue waters, with a coastal city and hills in the background.

A Corsica Ferries vessel sailing between Italy and France—travel in comfort across the Mediterranean! Source: Pixabay

Several ferry companies operate routes from Italy to France, offering different services, schedules, and amenities. Here’s a look at the main operators:

  • Corsica Sardinia Ferries – Operates routes from Livorno, Savona, Porto Torres, and Golfo Aranci to Bastia, Ajaccio, Nice, and Toulon. Offers both standard and high-speed ferries with cabins, onboard restaurants, and pet-friendly options.
  • Moby Lines – Runs ferries between Genoa, Livorno, Porto Torres, and Santa Teresa Gallura to Bastia, Ajaccio, and Bonifacio. Provides spacious cabins, restaurants, and entertainment areas. Known for family-friendly services and large vehicle capacity.
  • Ichnusa Lines – Specializes in the Santa Teresa Gallura to Bonifacio route, operating fast crossings of around 50 minutes. Offers frequent daily sailings with vehicle transport options, making it the most convenient ferry for quick trips between Sardinia and Corsica.

These companies provide multiple departure times, overnight crossings, and a range of amenities to suit different travel needs.

Can I Take My Car on a Ferry from Italy to France?

Yes, ferries from Italy to France allow passengers to bring their cars, motorcycles, campervans, and even bicycles. Corsica Sardinia Ferries, Moby Lines, and Ichnusa Lines all provide vehicle transport options, though availability may vary by route and ferry type. Most standard and overnight ferries have large vehicle decks, accommodating everything from small cars to campervans and trailers. When booking, passengers must input vehicle dimensions to ensure proper space allocation. Prices for vehicle transport depend on the route, vehicle size, and season, typically starting at €50-€150 for standard cars. Boarding procedures require arriving at least 60-90 minutes before departure, and some ferries offer priority boarding for an additional fee. If traveling with a camper or larger vehicle, it’s best to book early, as space fills up quickly, especially during peak season.

Book Your Ferry From Italy to France – Easy, Fast & Affordable

Skip the airport hassle and travel in comfort by ferry from Italy to France. Whether you’re bringing your car, looking for a budget-friendly crossing, or wanting a relaxing journey with stunning sea views, ferries offer the best way to go.

Don’t wait—find the best fares now! Book your ferry from Italy to France today using Ferryscanner and set sail stress-free!

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