Ferry to Tunisia
Genoa - Tunis
With GNV and CTN Ferries from the port of Genoa to Tunis - travel comfortably with your own vehicle across the Mediterranean to Tunisia
- All year round with GNV and CTN Ferries across the western Mediterranean, around 4 sailings a week combined
- Direct connection from northern Italy to North Africa in around 24 hours to La Goulette
- Cars, motorhomes and motorbikes on board - cabins for the overnight crossing
Genoa - Tunis
Around 24 hours across the Mediterranean to Tunisia
The Genoa - Tunis route links the port of Genoa in Liguria with the Tunisian capital in under 24 hours across the western Mediterranean. It runs all year round with GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) and CTN Ferries, around 4 sailings a week combined, so you can plan your outbound and return crossing freely. The ferry departs from the Terminal Traghetti in Genoa and arrives at the port of La Goulette, just outside Tunis.
On board you'll find inside and outside cabins for the overnight crossing, reclining seats, a restaurant and self-service area, bars, an onboard shop and a prayer room; cars, motorhomes and motorbikes travel too. As Tunisia is not part of the EU, allow more time for passport control and border formalities than on routes within Europe.
- Crossing time
- approx. 24 hrs
- Operators
- GNV, CTN
- Frequency
- approx. 4 a week
- Price from
- €79
- Grandi Navi Veloci
- CTN Ferries
Next departures
Route guide
Ferry Genoa - Tunis at a glance
Everything about the Genoa - Tunis ferry route: getting to the terminal in Genoa, check-in and border formalities for Tunisia, facilities on board, entering with a vehicle including customs formalities and pets, and onward travel from La Goulette.
Getting to the terminal in Genoa
The port of Genoa lies right in the heart of the Ligurian capital. GNV handles the Tunisia ferries at Ponte Caracciolo; you'll find the ferry terminal (Terminal Traghetti) at Piazzale dei Traghetti Iqbal Masih 5. By car, you can reach the port via the A7 (Genova Ovest exit), A10 (Genova Aeroporto), A12 (Genova Est) and A26 motorways, with signs to the ferry terminal throughout. Travelling without a car, Genova Piazza Principe station is close to the port; from there, city bus route 20 and taxis will take you to the terminal. Cristoforo Colombo Airport is around 5 kilometres away.
Check-in and border formalities
GNV check-in and passport control take place at Ponte Caracciolo, on the first floor of the building of the same name. With a vehicle, check-in opens 5 hours before departure; on foot it's 4 hours before departure; both close 60 minutes before departure. As Tunisia is not part of the EU, allow more time than on routes within Europe, since passport and customs checks take time. Carry a passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry for every traveller; many nationalities, including EU citizens, don't need a visa for tourist stays - how long you can stay visa-free depends on your passport, so check your own nationality's requirements.
On board
On the roughly 24-hour crossing (about 23 hours 45 minutes on the direct sailing), a cabin is worth booking. GNV offers inside cabins, outside cabins with sea views, and suites, plus reclining seats and budget deck passage. On board there's an à la carte restaurant and a self-service restaurant, bars, an onboard shop, a children's area with a mini-club, and a prayer room; halal dishes are on the menu. The vehicle deck is closed during the crossing, so take documents, medication and anything else you need to your cabin.
Vehicle, motorhome and pets
GNV carries cars, motorhomes and motorbikes; give the exact dimensions when booking, including any roof box or other add-ons, as they determine the fare. To enter with your own vehicle you'll need the registration document, driving licence and vehicle insurance valid for Tunisia (green card). Tunisian customs issue a three-month temporary import permit and enter the vehicle details in the holder's passport: the vehicle must be exported again within that period, and selling it in the country without paying customs duty is not permitted. Details for motorhome travellers are in the guide Motorhome. With GNV, pets travel in their own pet cabins, and there are also designated areas on the outdoor decks. What applies for dogs and cats on entry and return is summarised in the guide Dog & pet travel, including the rabies antibody test required for returning to the EU.
Arrival in La Goulette and onward travel
The ferry docks at the port of La Goulette on Avenue Habib Bourguiba, the historic harbour district near Tunis, sometimes nicknamed "Little Sicily". After docking you go through customs and passport control. Without your own car, the city centre is easy to reach by the TGM railway: the "La Goulette Port" station is just a few steps from the terminal and links the port to Tunis. Buses and taxis are also available. With a vehicle, a well-maintained road takes you straight on towards Tunis or the coast.
Tickets and fares
GNV offers the crossing from budget deck passage through reclining seats to outside cabins and suites; the price varies with season, accommodation and vehicle. As a foot passenger you pay considerably less than with a car, and summer costs more than spring and autumn. Booking early pays off, as prices rise with demand. The exact prices for your travel date are shown in the booking window.
FAQ Genoa - Tunis
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Genoa - Tunis ferry
How long does the ferry from Genoa to Tunis take?+
The crossing takes around 24 hours, with the direct sailing taking about 23 hours 45 minutes. GNV and CTN Ferries operate the route all year round, around 4 sailings a week combined. You'll find the exact times for your travel date in the timetable.
When do I need to be at the port in Genoa for check-in?+
With a vehicle, GNV check-in opens 5 hours before departure; as a foot passenger it's 4 hours before departure. Both close 60 minutes before departure. Check-in and passport control take place at Ponte Caracciolo. As Tunisia is not part of the EU, allow enough time for passport and customs checks.
What documents do I need to enter Tunisia?+
You need a valid passport, valid for at least six months from your date of entry - for every traveller, including children. Many nationalities, including EU citizens, don't need a visa for tourist stays; how long you can stay visa-free depends on your passport, so check the rules for your own nationality. If you're travelling with a vehicle, you'll also need the vehicle's registration document, your driving licence and insurance valid for Tunisia.
Can I bring my car or motorhome on the ferry?+
Yes, cars, motorhomes and motorbikes are all carried. Give the exact dimensions when booking, including roof boxes or other add-ons. Tunisian customs issue a three-month temporary import permit and enter the vehicle details in your passport; the vehicle must be exported again within that period. Details for motorhome travellers are in the guide Taking a motorhome to Tunisia.
Can I bring my pet on the ferry?+
With GNV, pets travel in their own pet cabins; there are also designated areas on the outdoor decks. To enter Tunisia you need an EU pet passport with a valid rabies vaccination. Important for the return journey to the EU: a rabies antibody test is required from Tunisia, and the blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before re-entry - so it's best to plan well in advance. Full details in the guide Taking a dog to Tunisia.
How much does the ferry from Genoa to Tunis cost?+
The price depends on season, accommodation (deck passage, reclining seat or cabin) and vehicle. As a foot passenger you pay considerably less than with a car, and summer costs more than spring and autumn. Booking early pays off, as prices rise with demand. You'll find entry-level prices for all routes compared on the prices page, and the current price for your travel date in the booking window.