Discover the charm of Corsica, a gem in the heart of the Mediterranean, revered for its rich tapestry of landscapes and enduring cultural imprint. As you set sights on this island, prioritizing transportation logistics is crucial to unlock a seamless Corsican sojourn.

Getting to Corsica

For ferry travel, key mainland departure points in France include Marseille, Nice, and Toulon, while in Italy, you may embark from Genoa, Livorno, Piombino, or Savona.

In the realm of air travel, myriad cities across Europe and North Africa host flights to Corsica.

By Ferry

Primary ferry ports on the island include Bastia, Ajaccio, Calvi, L’Île-Rousse, Propriano, and Porto Vecchio. The journey by ferry from mainland France ranges from 6 to 12 hours, contingent on the chosen route.

By Air

Corsica houses four primary airports: Bastia-Poretta (BIA), Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte (AJA), Calvi – Sainte-Catherine (CLY), and Figari Sud-Corse (FSC).
Direct flights connect Corsica to major hubs in Europe and North Africa. For instance, a flight from Paris will have you basking in the Corsican sun in approximately 2 hours.

Corsica Ferry & Air Services

Commencing your adventure to the alluring Corsican island starts with selecting a transportation method that suits your travel inclinations.

Ferry Travel

Corsica is serviced by several reputable ferry companies including Corsica Ferries,Corsica Linea, La Meridionale, and Moby Lines. These companies operate regular routes from mainland Europe, offering a classic and scenic voyage across the calm Mediterranean waters.

Departure Ports:

France: Marseille, Nice, and Toulon are the principal ports of departure.
Italy: Genoa, Livorno, Piombino, Savona provide direct ferry routes to Corsica.

Arrival Ports in Corsica:

Bastia, Ajaccio, and Ile Rousse are the key ports welcoming travelers to Corsica’s picturesque landscapes.

Duration
Ferry crossings range from a swift 4-hour passage from Livorno to Bastia, to a leisurely 7-hour voyage from Marseille to Ajaccio, allowing for a versatile scheduling.

Corsica Transport Tips-From Air to Sea - 第4張圖 — Toulon port

Air Travel

For those favoring a quicker journey, air travel is a viable choice. Corsica hosts four international airports: Bastia-Poretta (BIA), Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte (AJA), Calvi – Sainte-Catherine (CLY), and Figari Sud-Corse (FSC).

Airlines
Air Corsica, Air France, and easyJet are among the airlines offering regular flights to the island. Seasonal flights are provided by several European carriers, expanding the connectivity during the warmer months.

Aerial view of Ajaccio Airport with planes on the tarmac — Ajaccio Airport

Corsican Travel: Ferry or Flight?

Both modes of transport offer unique advantages and drawbacks, catering to different preferences and circumstances.

Ferry Travel to Corsica

Advantages

Cost-Effectiveness: Traveling by ferry is a budget-friendly option, especially for groups. The cost per person significantly reduces when traveling with family or friends.
Vehicle Transportation: The convenience of bringing your own car allows for a personalized exploration of Corsica’s scenic drives at your own pace.
Luggage Generosity: Unlike airlines, ferries offer a generous luggage allowance, alleviating the worry of packing restrictions.
Scenic Journey: The ferry journey unveils a slow reveal of Corsica’s breathtaking shoreline, providing a picturesque start and end to your Corsican adventure.

Disadvantages

Longer Travel Duration: The ferry journey, albeit scenic, is time-consuming, especially when compared to the swift nature of air travel.
Accessibility: To board a ferry, travelers need to reach ferry terminals located in southern France or Italy, which could add to your travel time and costs.

Corsica Transport Tips-From Air to Sea - 第7張圖 — Vehicle transportation

Air Travel to Corsica

Advantages

Speed: Air travel is the quickest way to Corsica, particularly beneficial for those traveling from Northern Europe.
Convenience: With a flight duration of approximately 2 hours from Paris, air travel provides a swift transition to your Corsican retreat.

Disadvantages

Cost: Airfare can be on the higher side, especially for larger groups. The financial advantage of ferry travel becomes more apparent when traveling with multiple companions.
Luggage Limitations: Airlines impose a strict luggage allowance, which may require careful planning and potentially incurring extra charges for additional baggage.

Assessing the size of your group, budget, and the importance of convenience versus scenic enjoyment will guide you to the ideal choice for your voyage to this Mediterranean gem.

Corsica Transport Tips-From Air to Sea - 第8張圖 — fly to Corsica

Traveling with Family & Pets

If you’re planning a family getaway or bringing your pet along, here is some information you may need

Family travel to Corsica

Most ferries offer a variety of family-friendly amenities, such as children’s play areas, onboard cinemas, and restaurants with kids’ menus.
Some ferries offer cabins with multiple beds, making them a good option for families with young children.

Pet travel to Corsica

Pets are generally allowed on ferries to Corsica, but they must be kept in designated areas.
Some airlines may charge additional fees for pet transport.

Corsica Transport Tips-From Air to Sea - 第9張圖 — Pet on ferry

Booking Your Journey

Reaching the enthralling shores of Corsica can be done either by air or sea. Here are essential tips and platforms for a smooth booking process:

Flights

Platforms: Skyscanner and Kayak offer a robust comparison of flight deals. For direct bookings, Air Corsica and Air France are reliable options.
Booking Tips: Compare prices across different platforms, and prioritize direct flights to Corsica’s main airports: Ajaccio, Bastia, or Calvi to save time.

Ferries

Platforms: Direct Ferries and Omio are your go-to platforms for ferry bookings from France or Italy.
Booking Tips: Compare schedules and prices on these platforms to find a sailing that suits your itinerary and budget.

Corsica Transport Tips-From Air to Sea - 第10張圖 — Calanques de Piana

Early Booking Advantages

Cost-Efficiency – Lower prices are often a perk of early bookings, providing cost-savings especially in the high-demand summer season.
Availability – Early booking affords a broader choice in terms of sailing or flight schedules and seat selections, ensuring a smoother journey to Corsica.

Choose between a ferry or flight to smoothen your Corsica journey. If you require a car rental on the island, explore our Corsica car rental guide here. Your Mediterranean adventure awaits, driven by your choices.

Corsica Transport Tips-From Air to Sea - 第11張圖 — Corsica

FAQ

Q1: When is the best time to visit Corsica?
A1: The ideal time to visit Corsica is between April to May and September to October. These shoulder seasons provide temperate weather and a serene ambiance. Although the summer months are perfect for water-based activities, it’s worth noting that accommodation prices might be higher due to the peak demand.

Q2: Is it necessary to have a car in Corsica?
A2: Yes, it’s advisable to have a car in Corsica to ensure optimal access to attractions and to explore the island at your leisure. Although there are bus and train services available on the island, they operate on limited schedules.

Q3: What are the must-see attractions in Corsica?
A3: Corsica boasts several must-see attractions, including Ajaccio, Bonifacio, Calvi, Corte, the GR20 hiking trail, and the Scandola Nature Reserve.

Q4: What are the highlights of Corsican cuisine?
A4: Corsican cuisine is a treat for the taste buds, with specialties like Brocciu cheese, figatellu sausage, polenta, wild boar stew, and the delightful chestnut cake.

Q5: What languages are spoken in Corsica?
A5: In Corsica, the dominant languages are French and Corsican. However, given the island’s allure to a broad spectrum of international tourists, English is frequently spoken and can be a convenient mode of communication.

Q6: What is the currency used in Corsica?
A6: The currency used in Corsica is the Euro (€).

Q7: What is the time zone in Corsica?
A7: Corsica follows the Central European Time (CET) zone.

Q8: Do I need a visa to visit Corsica?
A8: EU citizens do not need a visa to visit Corsica due to the Schengen Agreement. Non-EU citizens should check specific visa requirements based on their nationality before traveling.

Q9: What is the emergency number in Corsica?
A9: The emergency number in Corsica is 112.

Q10: What’s the best way to stay connected in Corsica?
A10: To stay connected in Corsica, you can either use roaming services from your home country or opt for a local SIM card.

Q11: How does the cost of living in Corsica compare to mainland France?
A11: The cost of living in Corsica is generally higher than that of mainland France.

Q12: Is Corsica a safe travel destination?
A12: Yes, Corsica is generally considered a safe travel destination.

Q13: What are some Corsican cultural customs to be aware of?
A13: Corsicans take pride in their independence, so it’s important to respect local customs and traditions during your visit.

Q14: What should I pack for a trip to Corsica?
A14: For a trip to Corsica, it’s recommended to pack essentials such as sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, a swimsuit, and a camera to capture the island’s scenic beauty. Should you forget any of these items, there’s no need to worry; shopping on the island is very convenient and offers a wide range of products.