Sardinia To Corsica Ferry: Routes, Times And Tips

In recent years, more and more readers have asked me how to travel from Sardinia to Corsica, as many want to visit both islands in one trip. Fortunately, there are regular Sardinia to Corsica ferries connecting northern Sardinia with ports in southern Corsica.

I have visited southern Corsica several times, and I regularly travel between Sardinia and Corsica and keep this guide updated.

As a Sardinia local and travel expert, I can help you plan this journey smoothly. One of the most common questions is whether you can take a rental car on the ferry and, if not, where you should drop it off. In this guide, I explain everything you need to know to plan the crossing.

If you are wondering whether Corsica is worth visiting, the answer is yes. This French island is the fourth largest in the Mediterranean, just 11 km (about 6.8 miles) from Sardinia at the closest point, across the Strait of Bonifacio (Bocche di Bonifacio). Like Sardinia, it is mountainous and known for its pristine beaches, charming towns, and excellent outdoor activities.

If you want to travel from Sardinia to Corsica during your trip, this guide explains exactly how to do it.

If you just want to visit the wonderful beaches of southern Corsica, you may also enjoy a boat tour to places such as Lavezzi Island or île Piana.

Looking to do the trip the other way around? My post How To Get From Corsica To Sardinia has all the details you need.

If you are still planning your trip, make sure to read my guide on how to get to Sardinia, which explains flights, ferries, and the best entry points to the island.

Sardinia To Corsica Ferry: Quick Answer

The only way to travel from Sardinia to Corsica is by ferry. Currently, there are two ferry routes between the islands:

• Santa Teresa Gallura → Bonifacio (the main and fastest route, about 50 minutes)
• Porto Torres → Ajaccio (longer crossing, about 3–4.5 hours)

For most travelers, the Santa Teresa Gallura to Bonifacio ferry is the easiest option, as it is short, frequent, and works well even for a day trip.

One important thing to know is that most rental car companies in Sardinia do not allow cars to be taken to Corsica, so you may need to return your car before boarding the ferry.

The main Sardinia to Corsica ferry routes connect northern Sardinia with southern Corsica, with Santa Teresa Gallura to Bonifacio being the fastest and most popular crossing, and it’s easy to organize even without a car.

Good to know: At the time of writing, the only ferry routes operating between Sardinia and Corsica are Santa Teresa Gallura to Bonifacio and Porto Torres to Ajaccio.

Sardinia to Corsica ferry routes at a glance

To compare schedules and ticket prices for the Sardinia to Corsica ferry, you can check Direct Ferries, which lists all available crossings between the two islands.

Sardinia To Corsica Ferry: How To Travel Between The Islands

There are no flight connections from Sardinia to Corsica, and the only way to travel to Corsica from Sardinia is by ferry. Currently, there are only two routes for the Sardinia to Corsica ferry. They connect northern Sardinia to Southern Corsica:

• Santa Teresa di Gallura – Bonifacio: it takes about 50 minutes, and it’s the shortest crossing.
• Porto Torres – Ajaccio: it takes around 3–4.5 hours, depending on the ferry: it’s longer but connects northwest Sardinia with Corsica’s west coast.

Good to know: Other sources point out more routes; however, I have checked, and currently, there is no ferry from Golfo Aranci to Bastia, or from Golfo Aranci to Porto Vecchio.

Sardinia to Corsica ferries run regularly throughout the year, albeit there are significantly fewer crossings during the off-season. This means that regardless of the time you wish to visit the two islands, you can count on a few daily ferries from one island to the other.

Much like the ferry from Corsica to Sardinia, the Sardinia to Corsica ferry changes schedule on a regular basis, and the only way to know the exact departure time for the date you wish to travel is to look at sites like Direct Ferries that report all the useful information.

While you can take your own car on the ferry, most car rental companies won’t allow you to take the car on the ferry and across the border. Depending on where you are in Sardinia, you are likely also wondering how to get to the ferry port.

How Far Is Sardinia From Corsica?

At their closest point, Sardinia and Corsica are separated by the Strait of Bonifacio, which is about 16 km (10 miles) wide between Santa Teresa Gallura and Bonifacio. This short distance from Sardinia to Corsica is why the ferry crossing takes less than an hour.

Main Sardinia To Corsica Ferry Routes

Currently, there are two ferry routes connecting Sardinia and Corsica, both departing from northern Sardinia but serving different areas of the island, and connecting Sardinia with different areas of Corsica.

The best port for the Sardinia to Corsica ferry depends largely on where you are staying on the island.

Santa Teresa Gallura to Bonifacio ferry

The Santa Teresa di Gallura to Bonifacio ferry is the shortest ferry route between the two islands. Santa Teresa Gallura is located at the northern tip of Sardinia, in the Gallura region, facing the Strait of Bonifacio.

It is about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Olbia, 1 hour from Porto Cervo in the Emerald Coast, and around 3.5 hours from Cagliari by car.

This is usually the best Sardinia to Corsica ferry route if:

• you are staying in Olbia, Palau, Santa Teresa di Gallura, the Emerald Coast, San Teodoro, or La Maddalena area.
• you want the shortest crossing.
• you want the easiest route for a day trip.
• you are traveling as a foot passenger.

Key details of the Santa Teresa Gallura to Bonifacio ferry

• Crossing time: about 50 minutes in normal sea conditions.
• Distance: about 16 km – around 8–9 nautical miles.

When the Mistral wind is strong, the journey may take longer or occasionally be delayed, as this stretch of sea can be quite rough.

This route connects Santa Teresa Gallura to Bonifacio, a dramatic cliff-top town in southern Corsica, known for its historic citadel and marina.

Frequency of ferries

• Peak season (roughly May to September):
  • Up to 7 daily crossings.
  • Operated by Moby Lines and Ichnusa Lines.
• Off-season:
  • Fewer departures overall.
  • Moby Lines typically maintains the route with up to four crossings per day, ensuring regular connections between the two islands year-round.

Because the crossing is short and departures are frequent in summer, this is usually the preferred ferry to Corsica from Sardinia, whether you are visiting for a day trip or continuing a longer trip across both islands.

I recommend using Direct Ferries – my favorite site to book ferries around Europe – to check the exact departure dates and times of the ferry from Santa Teresa Gallura to Bonifacio.

Where is the ferry port in Santa Teresa Gallura?

Santa Teresa Gallura’s ferry terminal is located in the main harbor at the base of the town, about a 5–10 minute walk from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the central square.

The port faces the Strait of Bonifacio, directly toward Corsica. On clear days, you can actually see the cliffs of Bonifacio from the harbor.

The ferry docks in the commercial section of the marina, separate from the small-boat harbor, which is used by private vessels.

The port is small and centrally located, so check-in and boarding are usually straightforward, especially compared with larger ferry terminals elsewhere in Sardinia.

Porto Torres to Ajaccio ferry

The ferry from Porto Torres to Ajaccio is operated by Moby Lines. This route is longer than the Santa Teresa Gallura–Bonifacio crossing, but it is still a relatively short journey across the Mediterranean. This ferry route and is generally used by travelers staying in northwest Sardinia.

Indeed, Porto Torres is located on the northwest coast of Sardinia, close to Sassari (the second largest city in Sardinia), about 40 minutes from Alghero Airport, and about 2 hours and 45 minutes drive from Cagliari.

The port is one of the island’s main ferry hubs, with routes not only to Corsica but also to mainland Italy and Spain.

This route may be more convenient if:

• you are staying in Alghero, Sassari, or Stintino (home of La Pelosa Beach).
• you want to arrive in Ajaccio (Corsica’s west coast).
• you are building a longer Corsica itinerary, and are happy with a more limited schedule.
• you are traveling from Cagliari (Porto Torres is closer than Santa Teresa Gallura).

Key details of the Porto Torres to Ajaccio ferry

• Crossing time: about 3 hours on the fastest sailings, though some crossings may take around 4–4.5 hours depending on the vessel and sea conditions.
• Distance: roughly 120 km (about 67 nautical miles) between the two ports.

Frequency of ferries

• Departures are not daily and vary by month.
• In the summer, crossings usually run two to four times per week.
• Sailings often leave Porto Torres in the evening (around 20:00) and arrive in Ajaccio around 23:00, though exact times change depending on the season and timetable.

Outside peak months, the service is reduced or temporarily suspended. Because departures are limited, you should plan ahead and verify the timetable for your travel dates before building an itinerary around this route.

To compare schedules and ticket prices for the Sardinia to Corsica ferry, you can check Direct Ferries, which lists the available crossings between the two islands.

Where is the ferry port in Porto Torres?

The ferry terminal in Porto Torres is located on the northeast side of the town, just outside the historic center, in the commercial harbor area, separate from the small marina used by private boats.

It is about 5 minutes by car from the center of Porto Torres and roughly 30 minutes from Sassari, and around 35–40 minutes from Alghero Airport. It’s also a more convenient harbor if you are traveling from Cagliari, as you can get there in about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Ferries depart from the Stazione Marittima, the main ferry terminal building. This is where you’ll find ticket offices, waiting areas, and other basic services.

Good to know: The Port of Porto Torres is one of Sardinia’s main ferry hubs, with routes not only to Corsica but also to mainland Italy, including Genoa and Civitavecchia.

Where Do Ferries From Sardinia To Corsica Arrive?

Sardinia to Corsica ferries currently arrive at two ports in Corsica: Bonifacio and Ajaccio. Each connects to a different part of the island and offers a different setting for travelers.

Bonifacio

Ferries departing from Santa Teresa Gallura arrive in Bonifacio, the closest port between Sardinia and Corsica. The crossing across the Strait of Bonifacio is short, which is why this is the most popular route.

Bonifacio is one of the most distinctive towns in Corsica. The historic center is located on white limestone cliffs, while the ferry docks in the long natural harbor below the citadel.

The marina area is lively, with restaurants, cafés, and boat tours departing throughout the day. From here, you can easily continue toward Porto Vecchio, the beaches of southern Corsica, or inland mountain villages.

Ajaccio

Ferries departing from Porto Torres arrive in Ajaccio, on Corsica’s west coast. The port is located in a large bay, very close to the city center.

Ajaccio is Corsica’s largest city and administrative capital, best known as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. The old town has narrow streets, colorful buildings, local markets, and several museums connected to Napoleon’s life. It’s a good base to explore the west coast of Corsica.

Can You Visit Corsica On A Day Trip From Sardinia?

Yes, technically you can visit Corsica on a day trip from Sardinia, especially if you take the ferry from Santa Teresa Gallura to Bonifacio. The crossing only takes about 50 minutes, and in the peak season, there are several ferries per day.

That said, I personally don’t recommend doing Corsica as a day trip, because there is simply too much to see to appreciate it properly in just a few hours. However, if you only want to get a small taste of Corsica, it can still be a fun experience.

The ferry arrives in the harbor below Bonifacio’s citadel, and from there it’s a short walk up to the historic old town.

Another option is to join a boat tour from Palau that explores the southern coast of Corsica, including places such as Lavezzi Island and Île Piana.

How Much Is The Ferry To Corsica From Sardinia?

The price of the Sardinia to Corsica ferry varies depending on the route, season, and how early you book. Prices are usually lower in spring or autumn and increase in July and August, especially if you book close to the departure date.

Here are some typical price ranges to give you a general idea.

Santa Teresa Gallura – Bonifacio (most common route)

• Foot passenger: roughly €35 one way when booked in advance, and depending on demand.
• With a car, prices often start around €80 or more, depending on the car and season.

Porto Torres – Ajaccio (longer crossing)

• Foot passenger: usually €25 to €70 depending on the sailing and season.
• With a car, expect roughly €95 or more for two passengers with a vehicle.

What affects the price

• Season: July and August are the most expensive months.
• Advance booking: tickets booked weeks ahead are usually cheaper.
• Crossing with a car: bringing a car significantly increases the price.
• Departure time: popular sailings sell out quickly and may cost more.

In general, if you book early and travel outside peak summer, the Sardinia to Corsica ferry can be surprisingly inexpensive, especially for foot passengers.

You can check the ticket prices on Direct Ferries, my favorite booking site for ferries across Europe.

How Long Is The Ferry To Corsica From Sardinia?

The ferry to Corsica from Sardinia is relatively short, but the exact travel time depends on which route you take and on the sea conditions. Currently, there are two ferry connections between the islands, and their crossing times are quite different.

Santa Teresa Gallura – Bonifacio

This is the fastest and most popular route.

• Crossing time: about 50 minutes to 1 hour
• Distance: roughly 16 km (10 miles) across the Strait of Bonifacio
• Ferries run several times per day in summer

Ferries depart from Santa Teresa Gallura and arrive in Bonifacio. Because the two towns face each other across the strait, the crossing is very short. However, the trip can take slightly longer on windy days, as the Strait of Bonifacio is known for strong winds.

Porto Torres – Ajaccio

This is the longer route between the islands.

• Crossing time: typically 3 to 4.5 hours
• Operates mainly during the summer season

Ferries depart from Porto Torres and arrive in Ajaccio, on Corsica’s west coast.

You can check the exact Sardinia to Corsica ferry crossing duration on Direct Ferries, my favorite booking site for ferries across Europe.

Can I Take My Car On The Sardinia To Corsica Ferry?

This is a tricky question I get all the time from people looking to drive around Sardinia and then visit Corsica, too.

You can take your own car on the ferry, but in fact, very few rental car companies in Sardinia allow you to take a rental car on the Sardinia to Corsica ferry.

I have conducted a thorough search on third-party booking sites such as Discover Cars (the one I always recommend for car rental), as well as others – these sites group together many national and international car rental companies.

The companies I found that have an option for cross-border driving are Locauto, Alamo, Maggiore, and Car Alliance via Discover Cars. They also allow you to take the car on the ferry.

To double-check this on Discover Cars you will have to input your car pick-up and drop-off place and dates, then select the car you need. A new page will open. Once there, you can scroll down until you find the “Planning to travel to another country?” window. Click on that to open, and you will see whether cross-border driving is allowed.

I also need to clarify that you can’t rent a car in Sardinia and return it to Corsica. However, you can take the car on the ferry, use it in Corsica, and then return it to Sardinia.

Otherwise, you can drop off your rental car at the nearest drop-off point before you get on the ferry. Once you get to the other island, you will need to get another rental car if that’s how you wish to move around.

Why can’t I drop off my rental car in Santa Teresa di Gallura or Porto Torres?

Another question I get regularly.

Most people traveling to Sardinia pick up their rental car in either Cagliari, Olbia, or Alghero airport, as those are the most convenient locations. Chances are that when you are looking for a rental car online on engines like Discover Cars you won’t find any drop-off offices in Santa Teresa Gallura or Porto Torres.

Both of them are fairly small towns, and only have very small and local car-rental companies that aren’t on larger booking engines, and that don’t partner with other companies (which would allow you to drop off your car there if you wished).

This means you will need to drop off your car in the nearest possible location and make your way to the harbor of Santa Teresa Gallura or Porto Torres by either public transportation, taxi or private transfer.

If you are taking the ferry from Santa Teresa di Gallura, the best drop-off location is Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport. That’s the drop-off location you need to select on Discover Cars when booking your rental car.

If you are traveling from Porto Torres, the nearest drop-off location would be Sassari Predda Niedda. Make sure to select that as your drop-off location when booking your car via Discover Cars.

Now, let’s see how to get to Santa Teresa di Gallura or Porto Torres without a car.

How do I get to Santa Teresa Gallura without a car?

As I have said before, if you are taking the ferry from Santa Teresa di Gallura to Bonifacio, the best drop-off location for your rental car is Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport. You can then travel to Santa Teresa Gallura either by public bus, by taxi, or by private transfer.

Here’s how to do it:

• From Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, you can get a taxi (there’s also a bus, but a taxi is easier and faster) to Viale Aldo Moro n. 348 to the bus stop where the bus to Santa Teresa Gallura leaves from.
  • There’s no fixed rate for the taxi from Olbia Airport, as they run by the meter. You are looking into a 12-minute ride to the bus stop, more or less.
• Get on bus 602 to Santa Teresa Gallura from Viale Aldo Moro in Olbia: it takes 1 hour and 40 minutes and drops you off at Piazza Modesto.
  • You can buy your bus tickets online here. When looking for buses from Santa Teresa, beware that it’s written “S. Teresa” in the system.
  • You will need to buy a “Corsa Semplice” and it costs €4.30 – click on “acquista” to complete your purchase.
• From there it’s a 10-minute walk to the ferry terminal.

There are three daily bus rides, the latest one is shortly after 12:00 pm. You need to get on a bus that allows you to get to Santa Teresa in time for your ferry, but there are plenty of ferries, so it’s easy to coordinate everything.

If you want to be on the super safe side, you could also drop off your car at Olbia Airport the night before your ferry ride and get the earliest bus to Santa Teresa.

Good to know: You can also get a private transfer from Olbia Airport to Santa Teresa di Gallura. I recommend Welcome Pickups to book yours. There are no transfers to the ferry terminal, but you can select Cristal Blu in Santa Teresa as your drop-off location, since it’s only a 6-minute walk to the ferry port.

How do I get to Porto Torres without a car?

If you are hopping on the Porto Torres to Ajaccio ferry, the nearest drop-off location for your rental car is Predda Niedda in Sassari. From there, you will have to make your way to the ferry terminal in Via Antonietta Bassu in Porto Torres.

Here’s how to do it:

• Take the bus from Sassari Predda Niedda-dd (that’s how the bus stop is marked on Google Maps) to Porto Torres Centro Intermodale (that’s the last viable bus stop for your trip).
• The bus takes roughly 40 minutes (it’s quicker if you travel by taxi or private transfer).
• From Porto Torres Centro Intermodale it’s a 2-minute walk to the ferry terminal.

There are several bus departures throughout the day. Since there’s only one ferry from Porto Torres to Ajaccio, which departs in the evening, you have the entire day to comfortably make your way to Porto Torres to catch your ferry.

Good to know: You can also get a private transfer from Predda Niedda in Sassari (there are various pick-up locations) to the ferry terminal in Porto Torres. I recommend Welcome Pickups to book yours. If you’d rather go by taxi, the app Taxi Sassari will allow you to book your taxi. There’s no fixed price for the ride – taxis in Sassari work by the meter.

Sardinia To Corsica Ferry Operators

There are currently three ferry companies operating the ferry from Sardinia to Corsica.

Moby Lines

Moby Lines is one of the main ferry companies connecting the two islands.

• Operates the Santa Teresa Gallura – Bonifacio route.
• Crossing time: about 50 minutes, one of the fastest ferry trips in the Mediterranean. However, the crossing time depends on the sea conditions.
• In high season, the company runs multiple daily sailings.
• Ferries can carry both foot passengers and vehicles.

Ichnusa Lines

Ichnusa Lines is a smaller operator focused specifically on the connection between northern Sardinia and southern Corsica.

• Also runs ferries on the Santa Teresa Gallura – Bonifacio route.
• Crossing time: about 1 hour, depending on sea conditions.
• The service runs several times per day, particularly in the summer months.

Corsica Ferries

Corsica Ferries operates a longer connection between the two islands.

• Runs ferries between Porto Torres and Ajaccio.
• The crossing takes around 3 to 4.5 hours depending on the vessel, schedule and sea conditions.
• This route typically runs mainly in the summer season.

To compare the prices of the Sardinia to Corsica ferry and check the departure schedule, visit Direct Ferries, my recommended booking site for ferries across Europe.

FAQs on The Sardinia To Corsica Ferry

You can check the ticket prices on Direct Ferries, my favorite booking site for ferries across Europe.

Final Remarks

Because the two islands are so close, traveling from Sardinia to Corsica is surprisingly simple. Many visitors combine the two during the same trip, especially when exploring northern Sardinia. As someone who lives in Sardinia and regularly travels around the island, I often suggest adding Corsica if your itinerary allows it.

As I have explained in this post, traveling from Sardinia to Corsica is straightforward thanks to the short distance between the two islands and the regular ferry connections.

The fastest and most popular route is the ferry from Santa Teresa Gallura to Bonifacio, which takes less than an hour and runs daily, and several times per day in the summer months. The longer Porto Torres to Ajaccio crossing is another option, especially if you are staying in northwest Sardinia or planning to explore Corsica beyond the south.

The most important thing to plan is transportation to the ferry port, particularly if you are traveling with a rental car. Most rental companies won’t allow you to take your rental car abroad, so you may need to return the car before boarding and rent another one in Corsica.

With a little planning, you can visit both Sardinia and Corsica during the same trip, and can add another fascinating island to your itinerary.

Further Readings

These other posts may be useful when planning how to get to Sardinia:

• The Best London To Sardinia Flights
• The Best Amsterdam To Sardinia Flights
• The Best Rome To Sardinia Flights
• The Best Naples To Sardinia Flights
• The Best Paris To Sardinia Flights
• The Best Ferries To Sardinia
• How To Get From Barcelona To Sardinia
• How To Get From Florence To Sardinia