Corsica Ferries

Who they are

Corsica Ferries – Sardinia Ferries is the private ferry operator most associated with Corsica crossings from the French and Italian rivieras. The company is immediately recognisable by its fleet of bright yellow-hulled ships, which have become a fixture in the harbours of Nice, Toulon, Bastia and Livorno since the airline launched ferry services in the early 1980s.

Unlike the publicly subsidised Marseille operators, Corsica Ferries competes on commercial terms, running a largely daytime schedule that suits travellers who prefer to arrive in daylight and avoid an overnight cabin cost. The company also markets itself as Sardinia Ferries for its services from Italy to Sardinia, though the fleet and operation are the same.

Network and routes

Corsica Ferries' French mainland hub is Nice, from which fast ferries reach northern Corsica — Bastia and Calvi — as well as Ajaccio in the south. Nice–Calvi is one of the shortest ferry crossings to the island at roughly 3.5–4 hours, making it viable as a day trip connection. Toulon, further west on the Côte d'Azur, offers a second mainland option for travellers coming from Provence or driving down the autoroute, with overnight sailings adding flexibility.

From Italy, the company links the northern ports of Livorno, Genoa and Savona to Bastia. These routes integrate neatly with touring itineraries along the Ligurian and Tuscan coasts, and the Livorno–Bastia crossing at around 4 hours is among the most convenient ferry access points to Corsica from central Italy.

A shorter seasonal crossing connects Bonifacio at Corsica's southern tip to Santa Teresa Gallura in Sardinia — a roughly 50-minute hop that allows island-hopping between the two islands.

Fleet and on board

The Corsica Ferries fleet consists of mid-size ro-pax ferries — vessels designed to carry both passengers and vehicles — with passenger accommodation across open lounges, airline-style seating and, on longer overnight sailings, cabins. On daytime crossings, most passengers sit in the interior lounges or claim a spot on the open sun deck, which becomes the social hub of any warm-weather crossing.

Vehicle decks handle cars, camper vans and motorcycles. There is a bar and cafeteria on board, and on longer routes a sit-down restaurant. The overall experience is functional and relaxed — a short sea crossing rather than a cruise.

Booking and tips

Corsica Ferries opens summer sailings early in the year and popular July and August departures — particularly the Nice routes — can fill several weeks in advance. Booking as soon as dates are confirmed is the best strategy if you are travelling with a car. Vehicle spots run out faster than passenger seats.

Fares are dynamic, and mid-week or early-morning departures are typically cheaper than Friday sailings. If you are travelling foot-passenger only and have flexibility, last-minute availability often appears on quieter routes.

Connections from the Italian ports are worth considering if you are combining a Corsica visit with time in Tuscany or Liguria — the crossing from Livorno is a scenic and practical alternative to the French mainland routes.