Get ready to cast off and set sail for a land of history, culture and splendid landscapes. Tunisia offers a rare array of ancient remains and fascinating monuments that bear witness to the unique and diverse history of this country, a truly cultural crossroads.
With numerous maritime gateways from Europe, Tunisia benefits from privileged itineraries by sea, especially from Italy! In this article, we share with you the practical information (prices, timetables, ferry companies) to reach the Tunisian coast from Italy and discover, at your own pace, an exciting country. Make yourself comfortable and enjoy your journey on the peaceful waters of the Mediterranean!
Article overview:
- Italy-Tunisia ferry routes
- Ferry companies for a trip from Italy to Tunisia?
- Can I take my car on the Italy-Tunisia ferry?
- Are pets allowed on board?
- Why go to Tunisia by ferry?
- Travel tips
- Italy-Tunisia ferry ticket booking
Italy-Tunisia ferry routes
Italy is one of the best-served countries to reach Tunisia by ferry, with different ports located at different strategic points depending on whether you’re coming from Western Europe the Balkans or other Italian regions.
Ferries are an excellent way of getting from one country to another, making it easy to cross the Tyrrhenian Sea, with or without a car. Your choice of the port of departure will undoubtedly be dictated by your region of origin, so we’ve compiled a short list of possible routes to Tunisia from Italy by ferry:
To Tunis:
- Ferry from Genoa to Tunis
- Ferry from Civitavecchia to Tunis
- Ferry from Salerno to Tunis
- Ferry from Palermo to Tunis
To Zarzis:
From Italy to Tunis
Tunisia’s capital is the most popular port of arrival for this crossing. It is served by all departure ports and allows you to disembark directly into the heart of Tunisian culture.
From here, you can also take the main land routes to other destinations, by car or by public transport. Here are the routes to Tunis, from Italy’s northernmost ports to its southernmost!
Genoa to Tunis
Situated near the French border, the port of Genoa is a great option if you’re driving from France to Tunis.
Information about this route:
- Operating ferry companies: Grand Navi Veloci, CTN Ferries
- Frequency: 2 to 3 times a week in low season, 4 to 6 times a week in high season
- Journey duration: approx. 23 hours, arrival the following day
- Price: between €86 and €600 per person, depending on the season, ticket class, on-board amenities and whether you are traveling with a car.
Civitavecchia to Tunis
The port of Civitavecchia, about an hour from Rome, is an excellent choice if you’re coming from other parts of Italy.
Information about this route:
- Operating ferry companies: Grand Navi Veloci, Grimaldi Lines
- Frequency: 2 times a week, on Wednesdays and Fridays, with an evening departure, all year round
- Journey duration: approx. 19 hours, arrival next day
- Price: between €65 and €500 per person, depending on the season, ticket class, on-board amenities and whether you are traveling with a car.
Salerno to Tunis
Located 50 minutes south of Naples, Salerno is a coastal town nestled between the sea and mountains. It boasts beautiful churches, stunning landscapes, and a port that serves multiple ferry routes, including one to Tunisia.
Information about this route:
- Operating ferry company: Grimaldi Lines
- Frequency: 2 times a week in low season, 4 times a week in high season
- Journey duration: approx. 24 hours
- Price: between €45 and €161 depending on the season, ticket class, on-board amenities and whether you are traveling with a car.
Palermo to Tunis
If you’ve made it all the way down to southern Italy and have already crossed the bridge between the mainland and Sicily, then you’ve come to the right place to set off for Tunisia from the beautiful city of Palermo.
Information about this route:
- Operating ferry companies: Grand Navi Veloci, Grimaldi Lines
- Frequency: between 2 and 4 times a week throughout the year
- Journey duration: approx. 12 hours
- Price: between €30 and €150 depending on the season, ticket class, on-board amenities and whether you are traveling with a car.
There are plenty of options for landing in Tunis from Italy! But perhaps you’re planning to arrive on the Tunisian coast further south? In this case, you can choose to take a ticket to Zarzis.
From Italy to Zarzis
Quieter than Tunis, Zarzis is known not only for its splendid Zibi Kbir Mosque, but also for its comfortable hotels, tasty coastal cuisine and heavenly beaches. It’s also the closest port to the Jebil National Park, a vast desert that you can explore with a guide or on a group excursion.
Genoa in Zarzis
If you’re coming from European countries further north, taking the ferry in Genoa is an excellent way to avoid driving all over Italy to board a ship in Palermo or Salerno. The crossing is comfortable, and will take you serenely to the coast of Zarzis.
Information about this route:
- Operating ferry company: CTN Ferries
- Frequency: This route is not often operated, but check out its availability on Ferryscanner to make sure of the crossing dates!
- Journey duration: approx. 36 hours
- Price: between €120 and €500 depending on the season, ticket class, on-board amenities and whether you are traveling with a car.
Ferry companies for a trip from Italy to Tunisia
The Tyrrhenian Sea crossing is offered by three major operators that we have already mentioned above. Here are a few more details about these companies to help you make the right choice when booking your ferry ticket on Ferryscanner.
Grimaldi Lines
Grimaldi Lines is a renowned Italian ferry company, specializing in the transport of passengers, freight and vehicles across the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. With a modern, eco-efficient fleet, it connects key destinations in Europe and Africa with comfort and reliability. Offering pleasant crossings and top-quality services, Grimaldi Lines is the ideal choice for worry-free sea travel.
CTN Ferries
CTN Ferries (Compagnie Tunisienne de Navigation) is the main maritime operator linking Tunisia to Europe, particularly France and Italy. Offering comfortable crossings and reliable service, it transports passengers, vehicles and goods in complete safety. With its modern fleet, CTN Ferries is the preferred choice for travel between Europe and North Africa.
Gran Navi Veloci
Gran Navi Veloci (GNV) is an Italian ferry company specializing in the transport of passengers, vehicles and goods in the Mediterranean. With a modern fleet and quality services, it provides comfortable crossings to Italy, France, Spain, Tunisia, Morocco and Albania. GNV combines reliability and hospitality for a pleasant travel experience at sea.
Can I take my car on the Italy-Tunisia ferry?
Of course you can! Conditions and prices depend on your vehicle and the ferry company you wish to travel with, but it is perfectly possible to embark with your car, as indicated above.
This makes it all the easier to take your personal belongings with you, especially as airlines have drastically reduced the amount of baggage included in their tickets!
It’s also important to note that the price of the car crossing does not depend on the number of people on the reservation! So whether you’re one person or the whole family, the price of your car crossing will generally be the same.
Are pets allowed on board?
Yes, in most cases, ferry companies allow your furry friends to travel with you. On the Italy-Tunisia ferry routes, the above-mentioned companies welcome them without a problem. Please note that some companies require you to indicate the presence of your pet at the time of booking.
Your companion may also have to travel in a pet area. Dogs are asked to wear a muzzle, and cats must not leave their carrier. Be sure to bring your pet’s documents with you, and check that all vaccinations are up to date.
Why go to Tunisia by ferry?
As we’ve just said, one of the advantages of traveling by ferry is that you can make the crossing with your car! But that’s not the only reason to choose a ferry over other means of transport. Here are a few more to whet your appetite:
- Extend your vacation: taking a ferry with family or friends can be an exciting experience to share! An exceptional moment that makes the journey an integral part of the trip.
- Convenience: ferry tickets are often cheaper for a group of people with a car, especially if booked in advance.
- Breathtaking views: during the crossing, you can enjoy a marine spectacle that only the ocean can offer.
- Flexibility: ferry lines offer a variety of schedules throughout the week.
- A greener journey: for a destination inaccessible by land, the ferry is the only alternative to the plane, and emits less carbon dioxide than its flying counterpart.
Travel tips
Booking a ferry from Italy to Tunisia is fun and convenient! However, we recommend that you follow a few tips to ensure that your trip goes smoothly.
- Try to book your tickets well in advance to guarantee the best seats on the Italy-Tunisia ferries, which are very popular during the summer.
- As this is an international crossing outside Europe, please arrive at the port at least one hour before your departure time, to ensure stress-free boarding procedures.
- You will need a passport to leave the European Union and to enter Tunisia! Don’t forget the whole family’s passports, or you’ll have to stay behind! If you have the Tunisian nationality, prepare to show your ID card at the border.
- During the crossing, always follow the crew’s instructions and pay attention to safety instructions. Remember to keep your personal belongings under control at all times, and if you’re traveling with vehicles, make sure they’re securely fastened in the ferry garage.
Book your Italy-Tunisia ferry tickets easily with Ferryscanner
Are you packed and ready to go? Have you chosen your preferred itinerary and thought about the wonders you’re going to discover? Then all you have to do is book your ticket!
Book your ferry tickets easily on the Ferryscanner app or website, with the option of sailing with several ferry companies in a single booking.