All ferry options to Tunisia
All regular ferries to Tunisia sail from France or Italy and arrive at La Goulette, the port of Tunis. The crossings are long, from about 12 hours from Sicily to a full day or more from Genoa and Marseille, so most travellers book a cabin, and many take their car for a road trip or a family visit.
Fares vary a lot with the season. Foot passengers on a seat can travel fairly cheaply, but with a car and a cabin a return trip for two quickly runs to several hundred euros, especially in July and August, when demand from families visiting Tunisia peaks. Compare the crossings in our booking module, and see the map below for the departure ports.
You may also like:
Map: ferries to Tunisia
From France the ferries leave from Marseille; in Italy you can choose between Genoa, Civitavecchia, Salerno and Palermo. Palermo in Sicily is the closest port to Tunisia, about 310 km away. In past summers CTN has also sailed to Zarzis in the south, but at the moment all regular ferries arrive in Tunis.
Check availability and compare prices
An easy way to find a good price is by filling in the fields below:
Travel tip: Book in time for the months of June, July and August.
Summer sailings can fill quickly, especially for cars and cabins. Book ahead for June, July and August.
Also on this page
Italy to Tunisia
Ferry from France to Tunisia
From Marseille, Corsica Linea and the Tunisian national company CTN sail to Tunis. Corsica Linea sails about once a week in autumn and winter, and the crossing takes about 23 to 26 hours. CTN adds extra sailings in the summer season. Marseille is roughly 10 hours’ drive from Calais.
Arriving in Tunis
The ferries dock at La Goulette, about 10 km from the centre of Tunis, on the causeway across the Lac de Tunis. Allow time for customs and vehicle checks on arrival, which can take a while on busy summer sailings.
Ferry from Italy to Tunisia
Italy gives you the most choice. Palermo to Tunis is the shortest crossing, about 12 hours and usually overnight, with GNV and Grimaldi Lines. Genoa to Tunis with GNV takes about 24 hours and is the most practical choice if you drive down through France, Switzerland or northern Italy; CTN also sails from Genoa.
From Civitavecchia (near Rome), GNV sails via Palermo in about 28 hours, with a direct sailing in high summer; Grimaldi Lines also sails from Civitavecchia and from Salerno (near Naples). See also our guide to ferries to Sicily.
All routes to Tunisia at a glance
| Route | Operators | Crossing | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palermo to Tunis | GNV, Grimaldi Lines | about 12 hours | Shortest crossing; overnight |
| Genoa to Tunis | GNV, CTN | about 24 hours | Year-round; fewer sailings in winter |
| Marseille to Tunis | Corsica Linea, CTN | about 23 to 26 hours | Year-round; the route from France |
| Civitavecchia to Tunis | GNV (via Palermo, about 28 hours; direct in high summer), Grimaldi Lines | depends on operator and routing | Check whether your sailing calls at Palermo |
| Salerno to Tunis | Grimaldi Lines | check the operator | For southern Italy |
Sources: GNV Tunisia, Grimaldi Lines, Corsica Linea and CTN, checked 20 October 2026. Frequencies change a lot between winter and the summer peak.
FAQ: ferry to Tunisia
It depends on the route and season. A seat for a foot passenger is the cheapest option; a return trip for two with a car and a cabin can cost several hundred euros, especially in July and August.
Palermo to Tunis, about 310 km and roughly 12 hours, usually overnight, with GNV or Grimaldi Lines.
About 12 hours from Palermo, about 24 hours from Genoa, 23 to 26 hours from Marseille and about 28 hours from Civitavecchia via Palermo.
There is no regular ferry between Spain and Tunisia. From Spain, drive to Marseille or Genoa, or sail to Italy first.
British citizens with a full British passport can visit Tunisia without a visa for up to 90 days. Always check the latest UK government travel advice before you go.
