How to get to Corsica from Nice by ferry?

Did you plan to visit Corsica on your next holiday? Discover our guide to Corsica from Nice by ferry!

Nicknamed the island of Beauty — rightly — Corsica is renowned for its mountainous landscapes decorated with steep trails, its crystal clear water, fine sandy beaches, marine reserves and maquis with multiple floral species. Nearly half of the island is classified as a natural park. Visiting Corsica is discovering one of the most beautiful regions of France .

Rattached to France in 1768, and often drowned under the clichés, this little piece of land had a hard time making known its riches and its singularity. For several years now, this enchanting island has been hosting nearly two million tourists and has seen thousands of hikers marching along the paths of the GR20 — which cross the North Island to the South — and thousands of tourists who come to taste the heavenly beaches and the richness of the seabed.

Corsica, land of contrasts, houses two major cities: Bastia north, Ajaccio west. They are the entrance gates of this island jewel for all travellers inclined to discover this little piece of paradise. Corsica is accessible by air, but also by sea, especially thanks to a unique ferry company that connects Bastia, Ajaccio, Porto-Vecchio and Rousse Island from Nice.

The ferry companies linking Corsica to Nice

Since January 2019, there is only one ferry shipping company that can reach Corsica from Nice: Corsica Ferries . From Nice you have the choice among the Corsica Shuttle or the Mega Express, the fastest ferries to get to the island of Beauty. There are up to 5 ferry departures per day to Ajaccio, Bastia, Ile-Rousse, and Porto-Vecchio.

The shipping company provides daily rotations with relatively flexible hours. Departures are made from the port of Nice, located at the Port of Commerce, Terminal 1. It is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before the departure of the boat. By choosing to travel by ferry you will have all the opportunity to board with your personal car and thus the freedom to browse the winding and steep roads of the Corsican mountains. It is one of the best ways to discover this charming and mysterious island.

Know that there are also shipping lines from Toulon - in the Var department, at 1h40 in Nice - and which allow you to land at the same Corsican ports as those proposed for the Nice-Corse line with fairly frequent rotations. Crossings from the city of Marseille exist too. So many possibilities are available to you to discover this pearl of the Mediterranean.

Plan a ferry ride in Corsica with Direct Ferries

The best way to plan its crossing to Corsica from Nice is to use the site Direct Ferries . This is a ferry crossing comparison that allows you to check out and book your ticket effectively from over 1000 crossings in Europe and North Africa.

Once you’re on the website, you’ll need to fill in your departure port, destination, travel dates, desired departure times, number of passengers as well as their ages, number of animals and means of transport (velo, car, motorcycle, motorhome, van/vannah or no vehicle). Direct Ferries will compare the prices and schedules of the crossings and will indicate the best rates available according to the information entered in advance.

For information purposes, a reservation in June 2019 for a Nice-Bastia round-trip from 20 to 27 July including a car and 2 passengers over the age of 18 costs 282 euros. The crossing lasts 5 hours.

How to book your ferry trip to Corsica from Nice?

Marine transport operates in the same way as air and rail transport: the more you buy your ticket in advance the more you are lucky to get tickets at appropriate rates. Prices tend to fluctuate according to booking dates and dates of stay. If you have the option, don’t hesitate to book your crossing several weeks in advance, it will leave you more choice at the time and rate level.

Visit the Direct Ferries website and :

• Select the link from Nice to Corsica among the four proposed marine routes: Bastia, Ajaccio, Porto-Vecchio and L’Île-Rousse.

• Enter your preferences in terms of departure dates and schedules, the number of passengers, the possible number of animals and the type, mark and model of your vehicle.

• Choose your ticket type

Opt for the purchase of a Standard ticket , that is, non-refundable but editable, or the purchase of a higher type ticket - called flex - which is editable and repayable. With respect to the latter, please read all the conditions submitted to the ticket because fees may still apply when you wish a refund.

• Choose the desired options for your crossing

Whether it's a designated seat, the type of cabin if you make a night trip, a meal or a priority boarding. All these options are optional and will increase the price of the crossing.

• Undertake, if you wish, a cancellation insurance

Insurance prices vary according to shipping routes as well as travel dates. It should be noted that the ticket change fee can be up to 35 euros.

• Then compare the different prices offered by the search engine and make your choice.

All you have to do is enjoy your holidays!