Ferry to Tunisia
Civitavecchia - Tunis
Ferry from Italy to North Africa - with GNV and Grimaldi Lines across the Mediterranean to Tunisia
- Operated by GNV and Grimaldi Lines - around 3 sailings a week combined from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Tunis
- Crossing of around 28 hours across the Mediterranean to the port of La Goulette near Tunis
- Cars, motorhomes, motorbikes and pets on board - cabins for the overnight crossing
Civitavecchia - Tunis
With GNV and Grimaldi Lines from Rome across the Mediterranean to Tunisia
The Civitavecchia - Tunis route links Rome's ferry port with the port of La Goulette near Tunis. GNV and Grimaldi Lines operate the route, around 3 sailings a week combined; depending on the operator and ship, the crossing takes around 28 hours, sometimes with a stop in Palermo. Departures are from the Stazione Marittima at Calata Laurenti in Civitavecchia, around 80 kilometres north-west of Rome.
As you spend a night on board, a cabin is worth booking - depending on operator and ship, you'll find inside, outside and deluxe cabins, plus reclining seats and deck spaces. On board you'll find a restaurant and self-service area with halal options, bars, WiFi, an onboard shop and pet-friendly cabins. After arriving in La Goulette, you're only around 11 kilometres from the centre of Tunis.
- Crossing time
- approx. 28 hrs
- Operators
- GNV, Grimaldi Lines
- Frequency
- approx. 3 a week
- Price from
- €43
- Grimaldi Lines
- Grandi Navi Veloci
Next departures
Route guide
Ferry Civitavecchia - Tunis at a glance
Everything about the ferry connection from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Tunis: getting to the Stazione Marittima, check-in and border formalities for Tunisia, facilities on board, vehicle and pet rules, plus arrival in La Goulette and onward travel.
Getting to the terminal in Civitavecchia
Civitavecchia is Rome's ferry port, around 80 kilometres north-west of the capital and well connected via the A12 motorway. Ferries depart from the Stazione Marittima at Calata Laurenti. Without a car, you can reach the terminal area on foot or by port shuttle bus from Civitavecchia station; regular regional trains run from Roma Termini to Civitavecchia.
Check-in and border formalities
As Tunisia lies outside the Schengen area, longer lead times apply than on domestic Italian routes: depending on the operator, check-in is at least four hours before departure, for travellers with and without a vehicle. Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure; anyone arriving later won't be allowed to board. To enter Tunisia you need a passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry - an ID card is not accepted. No visa is required for tourist stays for many nationalities; how long you can stay visa-free depends on your passport, so check the rules for your own.
On board
Depending on operator and ship, you'll find inside, outside and deluxe cabins, plus reclining (Pullman) seats and budget deck spaces. A cabin is worth booking for the long crossing with a night on board. On board there's a restaurant and self-service area with halal options, bars, an onboard shop, free WiFi and a children's area. Payment on board is with the usual cards in euros; you won't need Tunisian dinars on board.
Vehicle and pets
Cars, motorhomes, caravans and motorbikes travel on the vehicle deck; give the correct dimensions when booking. On entry, Tunisian customs issue a three-month temporary import permit for your vehicle, noted in the holder's passport and cancelled again on departure. Details for motorhome travellers are in the guide Motorhome. Depending on the operator, pets travel in pet-friendly cabins; there's a designated outdoor area on board. To enter Tunisia and return to the EU, dogs and cats need a valid rabies vaccination and an EU pet passport - everything you need is in the guide Dog & pet travel.
Arrival in Tunis and onward travel
The ferry arrives at the port of La Goulette, around 11 kilometres north-east of central Tunis. From the terminal you can reach the city centre via the RN9 and P1 expressways or the TGM light rail from the "La Goulette" station; Tunis-Carthage Airport is only a short taxi ride away. As the crossing passes via Sicily anyway, you could also check the shorter ferry from Palermo if that's your starting point.
Tickets and fares
The operators sell the crossing in several categories, from budget deck space through reclining seats to cabins; rebooking and cancellation flexibility varies by fare. Booking early and choosing the low season and weekday sailings generally gets you a better price. The current prices for your travel date are shown in the booking window.
FAQ Civitavecchia - Tunis
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Civitavecchia - Tunis ferry
How long does the crossing from Civitavecchia to Tunis take?+
Depending on operator and ship, the crossing takes around 28 hours outbound and about 31.5 hours on the return; GNV's sailing includes a stop in Palermo. The route is served by GNV and Grimaldi Lines.
How often does the ferry from Civitavecchia to Tunis run?+
GNV and Grimaldi Lines operate the route together with around 3 sailings a week (roughly two from GNV, one from Grimaldi Lines), with both day and night departures. You'll find the exact dates for your travel day in the timetable.
How early do I need to be at the port before departure?+
As Tunisia lies outside the Schengen area, you'll need to allow more time for check-in: depending on the operator, at least four hours before departure, for travellers with and without a vehicle. Check-in usually closes 30 minutes before departure. Keep your passport ready.
What documents do I need to enter Tunisia?+
To enter Tunisia you need a passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry; an ID card is not accepted. No visa is required for tourist stays for many nationalities; how long you can stay visa-free depends on your passport, so check your own. Every passenger, including children, needs their own travel document.
Can I bring my car or motorhome?+
Yes, cars, motorbikes, caravans and motorhomes travel on the vehicle deck. On entry, Tunisian customs issue a three-month temporary import permit for your vehicle, noted in the holder's passport. Everything about travelling with a motorhome is in the guide Taking a motorhome to Tunisia.
Can I bring my pet on the ferry?+
Yes, depending on the operator, dogs and cats can travel in pet-friendly cabins, and there's an outdoor area on board. To enter Tunisia and return to the EU, a valid rabies vaccination and an EU pet passport are compulsory. Details in the guide Taking a pet to Tunisia.