Which port does Ajaccio use for ferries?

The Port d'Ajaccio, also called the Gare Maritime, is on the waterfront of the city centre, right on the Golfe d'Ajaccio. It handles both car ferries and cruise ships.

How long is the overnight ferry from Marseille to Ajaccio?

Overnight crossings from Marseille to Ajaccio operated by Corsica Linea and La Méridionale typically take around 11 hours — a full night at sea.

Can I take my car to Ajaccio by ferry?

Yes. Overnight car ferries from Marseille and daytime services from Nice all carry vehicles. Car space is limited in peak summer — book as early as possible for July and August.

Ajaccio Ferries

Everything you need to know about ferries to and from Ajaccio — Corsica's capital, served by overnight crossings from Marseille and daytime sailings from Nice.

The port: Ajaccio

Ajaccio's ferry terminal occupies the waterfront just below the old town, with the Golfe d'Ajaccio stretching south into the mountains behind the city. As Corsica's capital and the birthplace of Napoléon Bonaparte, Ajaccio combines grand civic architecture with a distinctly Corsican character. Arriving by ferry, the citadel and the coloured façades of the harbour front are the first things you see.

Routes from Ajaccio

Marseille is the main link to mainland France, with overnight car ferries operated by Corsica Linea and La Méridionale typically crossing in around 11 hours. This is the classic way to bring a car to Corsica — drive on in the evening, sleep in a cabin or a reclining seat, and wake up in Ajaccio. Nice is covered by Corsica Ferries with faster daytime crossings of about 6 hours in the summer season.

Arriving in Ajaccio

The gare maritime is steps from the city centre and within easy reach of car hire agencies, the bus station (for routes across the island) and the Corsican railway, which runs north towards Bastia via Corte. The Saturday market along the waterfront is one of the best in Corsica — well worth timing your arrival for.

Seasonality and booking

Peak season runs from late June through August, when frequencies on the Nice route increase and cabin allocations sell out quickly. La Méridionale tends to operate year-round on the Marseille run under the public service contract, giving more off-season options than some routes. Book car places as early as you can for summer travel.

Ports & terminals

Ajaccio FerriesView on map →

Frequently asked questions

Which port does Ajaccio use for ferries?: The Port d'Ajaccio, also called the Gare Maritime, is on the waterfront of the city centre, right on the Golfe d'Ajaccio. It handles both car ferries and cruise ships.
How long is the overnight ferry from Marseille to Ajaccio?: Overnight crossings from Marseille to Ajaccio operated by Corsica Linea and La Méridionale typically take around 11 hours — a full night at sea.
Can I take my car to Ajaccio by ferry?: Yes. Overnight car ferries from Marseille and daytime services from Nice all carry vehicles. Car space is limited in peak summer — book as early as possible for July and August.