Which port does Bastia use for ferries?

All car and passenger ferries use the Port de Bastia, close to the city centre on the north-east coast of Corsica. The old port (Vieux-Port) nearby is for pleasure craft only.

How long is the overnight ferry from Marseille to Bastia?

Conventional overnight ferries operated by Corsica Linea and La Méridionale typically take around 10 hours from Marseille to Bastia.

Can I take my car on the ferry to Bastia?

Yes — all the main ferry routes to Bastia (from Marseille, Nice, and Toulon) carry cars, motorcycles and campervans. Book car space well ahead in July and August.

Bastia Ferries

Everything you need to know about ferries to and from Bastia — Corsica's northern gateway, with connections to Marseille, Nice, Toulon, and mainland Italy.

The port: Bastia

Bastia's ferry terminal sits on the north-east tip of Corsica, just a short walk from the old town's Baroque churches and Place Saint-Nicolas. It is the island's busiest port for car ferries, handling overnight services from Marseille and Toulon as well as faster daytime crossings from Nice. Arriving by ferry, you step straight into Corsican life — the harbour side cafés and the Genoese towers are immediately in view.

Routes from Bastia

Bastia is the natural first stop if you are coming from mainland France or northern Italy. Marseille and Toulon on the French coast are served by overnight ro-pax ferries — ideal if you want to drive onto the ship in the evening, sleep in a cabin, and wake up in Corsica. Nice is served by faster daytime crossings from Corsica Ferries (roughly 5–5.5 hours). From Livorno and Genoa in Italy, summer crossings bring visitors from Tuscany and Liguria in about 4–4.5 hours.

Arriving in Bastia

The ferry terminal is well-signed and within walking distance of the centre. Buses connect to the town and to Ajaccio via the mountain road (about 3 hours), and car hire desks operate in and around the port. The Corsican railway (Chemins de Fer de la Corse) departs from a station a short walk from the terminal.

When to travel

Ferry services to Bastia peak between April and September, when frequencies increase and high-speed options are added by Corsica Ferries from Nice. Book well ahead for July and August — car places in particular sell out weeks in advance. Outside the summer season, services thin to a handful of weekly overnight crossings from Marseille and Toulon.

Ports & terminals

Bastia FerriesView on map →

Frequently asked questions

Which port does Bastia use for ferries?: All car and passenger ferries use the Port de Bastia, close to the city centre on the north-east coast of Corsica. The old port (Vieux-Port) nearby is for pleasure craft only.
How long is the overnight ferry from Marseille to Bastia?: Conventional overnight ferries operated by Corsica Linea and La Méridionale typically take around 10 hours from Marseille to Bastia.
Can I take my car on the ferry to Bastia?: Yes — all the main ferry routes to Bastia (from Marseille, Nice, and Toulon) carry cars, motorcycles and campervans. Book car space well ahead in July and August.