Tunisia ferry
Genoa - Tunis
With GNV and CTN Ferries from the port of Genoa to Tunis, an easy way to take your own vehicle across the Mediterranean to Tunisia
- All year round with GNV and CTN Ferries across the western Mediterranean, around 4 departures a week between them
- Direct link from northern Italy to North Africa in around 24 hours to La Goulette
- Cars, motorhomes and motorbikes on board, cabins for the overnight crossing
Route guide
Genoa - Tunis ferry at a glance
Table of Contents
Everything about the Genoa - Tunis ferry route: getting to the terminal in Genoa, check-in and border formalities for Tunisia, facilities on board, entering the country with a vehicle (including customs) or a pet, and onward travel from La Goulette.
Getting there and the Genoa terminal
The port of Genoa lies right in the heart of the Ligurian capital. GNV handles its Tunisia ferries at Ponte Caracciolo; the ferry terminal (Terminal Traghetti) is at Piazzale dei Traghetti Iqbal Masih 5. By car you reach the port via the A7 (exit Genova Ovest), A10 (Genova Aeroporto), A12 (Genova Est) and A26 motorways, with signs to the ferry terminal all the way. If you are travelling without a car, Genova Piazza Principe station is close to the port; from there, city bus line 20 and taxis 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 4 hours before; in both cases it closes 60 minutes before departure. Because Tunisia is not part of the EU, allow more time than on routes within Europe, as passport and customs checks take a while. Everyone in your party needs a passport that is still valid for at least six months on arrival. Check whether your nationality needs a visa: German citizens, for example, need no visa for tourist stays of up to 120 days.
On board
On a crossing of around 24 hours, a cabin is well worth it. GNV offers inside cabins, outside cabins with sea views and suites, plus reclining seats and low-cost deck passage. On board there is an à la carte restaurant and a self-service restaurant, bars, a shop, a children's area with a mini club and a prayer room; halal dishes are on the menu. The car deck is closed during the crossing, so take your documents, medication and anything else important up to your cabin.
Vehicle, motorhome and pets
GNV carries cars, motorhomes and motorbikes; give the exact dimensions when booking, including any roof box or add-ons, as they determine the fare. To enter Tunisia with your own vehicle you need the vehicle registration document, your driving licence and motor insurance that covers Tunisia (Green Card). Tunisian customs issues a three-month temporary import permit and records the vehicle details in the owner's passport: the vehicle must leave the country again within that period, and selling it in Tunisia without paying customs duty is not allowed. Details for motorhomes are collected in our guide Tunisia by motorhome. Pets travel with GNV in dedicated pet cabins, and there are designated areas on the open decks. What applies to dogs and cats on the way in and on the way back is summarised in our guide Tunisia with your dog, in particular the rabies antibody test needed for the return to the EU.
Arrival in La Goulette and onward travel
The ferry docks in the port of La Goulette on Avenue Habib Bourguiba, the historic harbour district outside Tunis that is also known as "Little Sicily". After docking you go through customs and passport control. Without a car of your own, the TGM railway is an easy way into the city centre: "La Goulette Port" station is just a few steps from the terminal and links the port with Tunis. Buses and taxis are also available. With a vehicle, a good road takes you straight on towards Tunis or to the coast.
Tickets and fares
GNV sells the crossing in every class from low-cost deck passage and reclining seats to outside cabins and suites; the price varies with the season, your accommodation and your vehicle. Foot passengers pay considerably less than travellers with a car, and summer is more expensive than spring and autumn. Booking early pays off, as prices rise as the ship fills up. The booking form shows the actual prices for your travel date.
Genoa - Tunis
Across the Mediterranean to Tunisia in around 24 hours
The Genoa - Tunis route links the port of Genoa in Liguria with the Tunisian capital in around 24 hours across the western Mediterranean. It is served all year round by GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) and CTN Ferries, with around 4 departures a week between them, so you can plan your outward and return journeys freely. The ferry leaves from the Terminal Traghetti in Genoa and arrives at the port of La Goulette on the outskirts of Tunis.
On board you will find inside and outside cabins for the overnight crossing, reclining seats, a restaurant and self-service, bars, a shop and a prayer room; cars, motorhomes and motorbikes can come too. Because Tunisia is not part of the EU, allow more time for passport control and border formalities than on routes within Europe.
- Crossing
- approx. 24 hrs
- Operators
- GNV, CTN
- Frequency
- approx. 4 a week
- Prices from
- €109
- Grandi Navi Veloci
- CTN Ferries
Next departures
Genoa - Tunis FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Genoa - Tunis ferry
How long is the ferry from Genoa to Tunis? +
The crossing takes around 24 hours, roughly 21 to 26 hours depending on the sailing. GNV and CTN Ferries run the route all year round, with around 4 departures a week between them. The timetable shows the exact times for your travel date.
When do I need to be at the port of Genoa for check-in? +
With a vehicle, GNV check-in opens 5 hours before departure; as a foot passenger, 4 hours before. In both cases it closes 60 minutes before departure. Check-in and passport control take place at Ponte Caracciolo. As Tunisia is not part of the EU, leave enough time for passport and customs checks.
Which documents do I need to enter Tunisia? +
You need a valid passport that is still valid for at least six months on arrival, for everyone in your party, including children. Check whether your nationality needs a visa: German citizens, for example, need no visa for tourist stays of up to 120 days. If you travel with a vehicle, you also need the vehicle registration document, your driving licence and motor insurance that covers Tunisia.
Can I take my car or motorhome on the ferry? +
Yes, cars, motorhomes and motorbikes are carried. Give the exact dimensions when booking; roof boxes and add-ons count too. Tunisian customs issues a three-month temporary import permit and records the vehicle details in your passport; the vehicle must leave the country again within that period. Details for motorhomes are in our guide Tunisia by motorhome.
Can I take my pet on the ferry? +
Pets travel with GNV in dedicated pet cabins, and there are designated areas on the open decks. To enter Tunisia you need an EU pet passport with a valid rabies vaccination. Important for the return to the EU: coming from Tunisia, a rabies antibody test is required, with the blood sample taken no earlier than 30 days after the vaccination and at least 3 months before re-entry, so plan this well in advance. Everything you need to know is in our guide Tunisia with your dog.
How much is the ferry from Genoa to Tunis? +
The price depends on the season, your accommodation (deck passage, reclining seat or cabin) and your vehicle. Foot passengers pay considerably less than travellers with a car, and summer is more expensive than spring and autumn. Booking early pays off, as prices rise as the ship fills up. The booking form shows the current price for your travel date.
Check the price for Genoa - Tunis
When you book, you choose the date, passengers, vehicle and accommodation and see the price for exactly that crossing.