Corsica sits about 60 miles off the Tuscan coast, close enough that on a clear day you can almost convince yourself you could swim there. You can't, obviously. But you can take a four-hour ferry from Livorno, which is the next best thing.

This guide covers the best ferry routes to Corsica, how to book tickets, what it costs and what to expect on board.

We came in from Livorno on a daytime crossing to Bastia and left on an overnight back to Genoa and the two experiences were genuinely quite different. The day crossing was fine, straightforward, easy to navigate. But, fuller than we expected and traveling with Rex made it a little more demanding. There's limited space on a daytime ferry when you're managing a dog and don't have a cabin to retreat to. It's perfectly doable, but you're on your feet for most of it, watching where everyone's sitting, figuring out where to take him when he gets restless. The sea was also choppier than we'd anticipated. In hindsight this probably shouldn't have surprised us, we'd been sleeping through the rougher stretches on overnight crossings for years.

The return to Genoa overnight was a different story. Cabin, dinner, sleep, wake up in Italy. That formula always works.

Bastia itself is one of the easier ports we've dealt with in the Mediterranean. Compact, well-organized and right in the center of the city, it's one of those arrivals where everything just flows. You dock, you drive out and you're already somewhere interesting.

This guide covers everything you need for the crossing.

If you are planning a full trip, start with our Corsica travel guide and our Italy travel guide to map out your route.

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Why Take the Ferry to Corsica?

Corsica is technically France but it feels like its own world: the food, the landscape, the language mix of French and Corsican, the interior mountain roads that look nothing like anything on the mainland. It rewards having a car, which makes the ferry an obvious choice over flying. You load up with everything you need, cross in a few hours and drive straight into the island without dealing with rental counters or baggage restrictions.

The Livorno to Bastia route is the most convenient option for anyone coming from Tuscany, and Livorno is easy to reach from Florence and Pisa. For American expats living in northern or central Italy, this crossing is probably the most efficient way to get to Corsica without a full day of driving to a southern port.

Corsica is also genuinely one of the most underrated destinations in the Mediterranean. The beaches compete with anything in Sardinia, the hiking is serious and the food is its own distinct tradition. It doesn't get the same attention as the French Riviera or the Amalfi coast but it probably should.

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Ferry Routes to Corsica

The main routes connecting Italy to Corsica are:

From Tuscany (the shortest crossings from mainland Italy):

• Livorno → Bastia – Our route and the one we'd recommend for most travelers. Around 4 to 5 hours, runs year-round. The most frequent connection from Italy to Corsica.
• Piombino → Bastia – A slightly further south departure point in Tuscany. Around 5 hours, runs mainly May to August.
• Portoferraio (Elba) → Bastia – A short 1.5 hour hop if you're already on Elba and want to continue to Corsica.

From Liguria (overnight options):

• Genoa → Bastia – Around 5.5 hours with Moby Lines. Mostly daytime crossings with a few weekly departures, primarily in the warmer months.
• Savona → Bastia – An alternative Ligurian departure, useful if you're coming from the west.

From Sardinia:

• Santa Teresa di Gallura → Bonifacio – At just 50 minutes, this is the shortest crossing to Corsica and perfect for island-hopping between Sardinia and Corsica.

From France:

• Nice or Toulon → Bastia/Ajaccio – The main routes from the French mainland, operated by Corsica Ferries and Corsica Linea. Worth knowing if you're approaching from the west.

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If you are combining islands, our Sardinia ferry guide breaks down the fastest crossings between Sardinia and Corsica.

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Ferry Operators

The two main companies on the Livorno to Bastia route are:

1. Corsica Ferries – Also known as Corsica Sardinia Ferries, recognizable by their bright yellow ships. Runs year-round on the Livorno to Bastia route and is the most frequent operator. Good onboard facilities and pet-friendly.
2. Moby Lines – The colorful Moby ships run on the Livorno to Bastia route from late March to early November. Also covers Genoa to Bastia. Good family-friendly option.

For the return route from Bastia to Genoa, Moby Lines is the main operator. It's worth noting that Corsica Linea also serves some Bastia routes if you're looking at departures from French mainland ports.

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Ticket Prices

Livorno to Bastia — rough price guide (one way):

• Foot passenger deck seat: from around €25–€45
• Foot passenger with numbered seat: from around €35–€55
• Car + driver: from around €65–€150 depending on season and car size
• Cabins: from around €50–€100 for an internal option, more for sea-view

Bastia to Genoa — rough price guide (one way):

• Foot passenger: from around €40–€80
• Car + driver: from around €100–€200
• Cabins: available on longer overnight crossings

Prices follow the standard seasonal pattern: cheaper in spring and autumn, noticeably higher in July and August. Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel especially if you're bringing a car. In our experience with Corsica, the summer price jumps are real.

Traveling with kids? Children under 4 travel free, children aged 4-12 get a 50% discount on most operators.

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Where to Buy Tickets

• Direct from the operators: Corsica Ferries and Moby Lines both have straightforward online booking. Corsica Ferries in particular often has good early booking rates.
• Comparison sites: Ferryhopper, Direct Ferries and Ferryscanner let you compare both operators side by side.
• At the port: Possible in low season but not recommended in summer, especially with a vehicle.

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Onboard: What to Expect

The Livorno to Bastia crossing is a daytime trip of roughly four to five hours. There are no overnight crossings on this specific route, everyone is just sitting it out on deck or in the lounges until you arrive. That's fine on a calm day with a good book. It's a different proposition if the sea is a bit rough, which can happen more than you'd expect in the Mediterranean. We'd always assumed the choppiness on overnight crossings was bad and we'd slept through the good parts. The daytime crossing corrected that assumption.

The ships on this route are comfortable enough without being spectacular. You'll find:

• Indoor lounges – Air-conditioned seating areas. In summer these fill up fast as people escape the heat on deck. Worth claiming a spot early after boarding.
• Outdoor decks – Great for the crossing if the weather cooperates. The views of the Tuscan coast and the approach to Corsica are genuinely beautiful.
• Cafeteria and bar – Decent enough for a coffee, sandwich or light meal. Bring your own snacks if you're particular about food.
• Children's play areas – Both Corsica Ferries and Moby have designated kids' areas on board.
• No cabins on the Livorno–Bastia daytime route – Cabins are available on longer overnight routes like Bastia to Genoa, but not on the daytime Livorno crossing since you simply don't need them.

Traveling with a dog? Corsica Ferries and Moby Lines both allow pets on the Livorno to Bastia route. Dogs need to be leashed with a muzzle available, and small dogs can travel in a carrier. You'll need health documentation.

One thing we'll flag honestly: the daytime crossing with a dog and no cabin is more work than the overnight equivalent. There's no quiet space to settle into. You're managing your dog in shared lounges and outdoor areas for four hours while other passengers are eating, kids are running around and the ship is moving. Rex coped fine but it wasn't exactly relaxing for us. If you're traveling with a dog, factor in a good walk before boarding and plan to spend most of the crossing on deck where there's more room.

Important note for the return leg: If you're returning on the Bastia to Genoa route with Moby Lines, check the current pet policy carefully before booking. At time of writing, pets are not permitted on this specific crossing with Moby Lines. If you're traveling with a dog, the Bastia to Livorno route is a better return option and allows pets with both Corsica Ferries and Moby.

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Schedules

Livorno to Bastia:

• Year-round with Corsica Ferries, April to November with Moby Lines
• Up to 2 daily crossings in high season, around 6 weekly in low season
• Departures typically in the morning and early afternoon
• Crossing time: 4 to 5 hours

Bastia to Genoa:

• Operated by Moby Lines, mostly daytime departures around 3:00 PM from Bastia
• Around 4 weekly crossings in summer, reduced in winter
• Crossing time: approximately 5 to 6 hours

Bastia to Livorno (return):

• Year-round with Corsica Ferries and Moby Lines
• Multiple weekly crossings, mostly morning and afternoon departures
• Crossing time: 4 to 5 hours

Check timetables directly with operators before booking as schedules shift by season.

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The Boarding Process: What to Expect

1. Arrive early. At least 1 hour before departure for foot passengers and 1.5 to 2 hours with a vehicle. Summer crossings fill up and check-in lines move slowly.
2. Documents. Corsica is part of France and the Schengen Area. Italy is also Schengen. This is an internal Schengen crossing, so there's no passport control or immigration. EU citizens and Schengen passport holders board without any border checks. Non-EU travelers should carry their passport.
3. Loading your car. The same as every Italian ferry: steep ramp, tight lanes, crew directing you at speed into spaces that look impossibly narrow. Trust them, follow the signals and commit. It always works.
4. Luggage. Corsica Ferries allows 1 piece of hand luggage up to fairly generous dimensions. Moby Lines is flexible with luggage. Check your specific operator's policy.
5. Boarding. Vehicles first, then foot passengers. Grab a spot on deck for the departure if you can — leaving Livorno with the Tuscan coast behind you is a good start to any trip.

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Arriving in Bastia

Bastia is one of the more pleasant ferry arrivals we've experienced. The port sits right in the heart of the city, which means you drive off the boat and you're immediately in the action: the Place Saint-Nicolas, the old port, cafés and markets all within walking distance.

A few things worth knowing:

• By car: The port exit drops you into central Bastia. Easy to navigate with GPS.
• By bus and taxi: Both are available from the port area.
• On foot: The ferry terminal is genuinely walkable to most of central Bastia. If you're a foot passenger heading to a central hotel, you probably won't need anything else.

Bastia doesn't always get the attention of Ajaccio or the southern beach towns, but it's worth at least half a day. The old port, the citadel above it and the 19th-century buildings around the main square are all excellent. And coffee here is properly good.

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Tips for a Smooth Crossing

Book early in summer. The Livorno to Bastia route is popular and vehicle spots sell fast in July and August.

On a daytime crossing, go up on deck. The indoor lounges are cramped in high season. The deck is where the space is, and the views are better anyway.

Daytime crossings feel rougher. It sounds obvious but if you've only done overnight ferry crossings before, the motion is more noticeable when you're awake for all of it. Not dangerous, just something to be prepared for if you're prone to seasickness.

If you're traveling with a dog, the overnight Bastia to Genoa may not work. Check the current pet policy before booking the return leg. The Bastia to Livorno is the safer choice for pet travelers.

Book a cabin on the overnight back. The Bastia to Genoa is a daytime crossing so no cabin needed, but if you're returning via a longer overnight route, don't skip the cabin.

Bastia port is easy. Don't stress the arrival or departure. It's compact, well-signposted and straightforward compared to larger Italian ports.

Livorno is worth a quick stop. If you're driving from Florence or Pisa, Livorno itself is an interesting city that gets overlooked. The canals, the old fish market and the seafood are all excellent. Worth building in an extra hour if your schedule allows.

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Hotels Near the Ferry Port in Bastia

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Get Ready for Your Trip to Corsica

Book Your Ferry

Compare operators and prices on Direct Ferries or book direct with Corsica Ferries or Moby Lines.

Book Your Accommodation

Booking.com has great options across Bastia, Ajaccio and the smaller towns along the coast.

Book Tours & Activities

GetYourGuide has solid options for Corsica including hiking tours, boat trips and Cap Corse excursions.

Get Travel Insurance

We travel with SafetyWing on every trip. Even on a four-hour crossing, it's always worth having.

Manage Your Money Abroad

Corsica uses euros. Wise is our card of choice for spending without conversion fees.

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FAQs About the Ferry to Corsica

How long is the ferry from Livorno to Bastia?
Around 4 to 5 hours depending on the operator. It's a daytime-only crossing with no cabin option needed.

Do you need a passport for the ferry to Corsica?
No passport control. Both Italy and France (including Corsica) are in the Schengen Area, so this is an internal crossing. EU citizens and Schengen passport holders board without checks. Non-EU travelers should carry their passport for identification.

Which operator is better: Corsica Ferries or Moby Lines?
Both are reliable on the Livorno to Bastia route. Corsica Ferries runs year-round and has slightly more frequent departures. Moby is a good option from April to November and has comfortable ships. We'd lean toward Corsica Ferries for year-round flexibility.

Can I bring my dog on the Livorno to Bastia ferry?
Yes. Both Corsica Ferries and Moby Lines allow pets on this route. You'll need health documentation and your dog must be leashed with a muzzle available. Small dogs can travel in a carrier.

Are dogs allowed on the Bastia to Genoa ferry?
This is worth double-checking before you book. At time of writing, Moby Lines does not permit pets on the Bastia to Genoa crossing. If you're traveling with a dog, the Bastia to Livorno return is the more reliable option.

Is there an overnight ferry to Corsica from Italy?
There's no overnight option on the Livorno to Bastia daytime route. However, the Bastia to Genoa crossing (and vice versa) can work as an overnight depending on departure times, and some Savona routes also offer longer crossings.

When is the best time to visit Corsica?
Late May, June and September are ideal. Peak summer (July-August) is busy and hot and ferry prices are at their highest. Spring and early autumn give you better weather for hiking and driving, fewer crowds and more affordable crossings.

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Final Thoughts on the Ferry to Corsica

The Livorno to Bastia crossing is one of the simplest ways to get to Corsica and, at four hours, one of the more manageable ferry trips in the Mediterranean. You're not sleeping through it like an overnight to Sardinia or Sicily. You're just crossing the Ligurian Sea in an afternoon.

The island on the other side is well worth the effort. Corsica is genuinely one of those places that surprises you, and Bastia is a better starting point than most guides give it credit for.

Book early in summer, get to Livorno with time to spare and don't underestimate the choppiness if it's your first daytime crossing. The coffee in Bastia when you arrive will make up for it.