Tunisia ferry
Palermo - Tunis
From Sicily to North Africa: the short ferry across the Mediterranean to Tunisia
- Shortest crossing from Italy to Tunisia, only approx. 10-12 hrs
- Year-round crossing from Sicily to the port of La Goulette near Tunis
- Cars, motorhomes, motorbikes and pets on board, cabins and reclining seats
Route guide
Palermo - Tunis ferry at a glance
Table of Contents
Everything about the ferry from Palermo to Tunis: getting to the port, check-in and border formalities for Tunisia, facilities on board, rules for vehicles and pets, and arrival in La Goulette and onward travel.
Getting there and the Palermo terminal
The port of Palermo lies on the edge of the Sicilian capital, only around two kilometres from Palermo Centrale station. GNV ferries leave from Calata Marinai d'Italia, and the ticket office is on Calata Puntone. By car, follow the signs for the Porto through the city; without a vehicle, you can reach the port on bus lines 101, 102, 107 and 230 or by taxi from the station.
Check-in and border formalities
Tunisia is outside the Schengen area, so you need more time than for a domestic ferry: plan to check in at least four hours before departure, and a little earlier with a vehicle, so that customs and security checks can run smoothly. Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure. To enter Tunisia you need a passport valid for at least another six months; a national ID card is not enough. Check the visa rules for your nationality: German citizens, for example, can stay up to 120 days as tourists without a visa.
On board
The crossing takes only around ten to twelve hours and usually leaves around midday, so you arrive in Tunis in the evening. Depending on the operator and ship, there are inside and outside cabins, suites, reclining seats and deck passage; if you want to lie down on the way, book a cabin. On board there is usually a restaurant and self-service with halal options, bars, a shop, free Wi-Fi, a children's area and a prayer room. You can pay in euros with all major cards.
Vehicle and pets
Cars, motorhomes, caravans and motorbikes travel on the car deck; give the dimensions when booking. On arrival, Tunisian customs issues a three-month temporary import permit for your vehicle, which is recorded in the owner's passport and cancelled when you leave; details for motorhomes are in our guide Tunisia by motorhome. Pets travel in pet cabins or kennels, depending on the operator and ship; GNV also has the "FIDO PARK" outdoor area on board. For Tunisia and the return to the EU, dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies and travel with an EU pet passport; more in our guide Tunisia with your dog.
Arrival in Tunis and onward travel
The ferry arrives at the port of La Goulette, around 11 kilometres north-east of the centre of Tunis. You can get into the city on the RN9 and P1 expressways or by the TGM suburban railway from "La Goulette Port" station; Tunis-Carthage Airport is a short taxi ride away. If you are travelling from Rome rather than Sicily, the ferry from Civitavecchia is an alternative.
Tickets and fares
The operators sell the crossing in several classes, from deck passage and reclining seats to cabins; changes and cancellations depend on the fare you choose. Booking early, travelling in low season and choosing a midweek sailing keep the price down. The booking form shows the current price for your date.
Palermo - Tunis
From Sicily to Tunisia in around 10 to 12 hours
At around 10 to 12 hours, Palermo - Tunis is one of the shortest ferry crossings from Italy to Tunisia. GNV and Grimaldi Lines run it all year round, with around 3 departures a week between them, usually leaving around midday so that you arrive in the evening at the port of La Goulette near Tunis. Ferries leave from Calata Marinai d'Italia in the port of Palermo, only around two kilometres from Palermo Centrale station.
Depending on the operator and ship, you can choose from inside and outside cabins, suites, reclining seats and deck passage. On board there is usually a restaurant and self-service with halal options, bars, a shop, Wi-Fi, a children's area and a prayer room. After arriving in La Goulette, you are only around 11 kilometres from the centre of Tunis.
- Crossing
- approx. 10-12 hrs
- Operators
- GNV, Grimaldi Lines
- Frequency
- approx. 3 a week
- Prices from
- €42
- Grimaldi Lines
- Grandi Navi Veloci
Next departures
Palermo - Tunis FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Palermo - Tunis ferry
How long is the ferry from Palermo to Tunis? +
The crossing takes only around 10 to 12 hours, making it one of the shortest ferry routes from Italy to Tunisia. You usually leave around midday and arrive in Tunis in the evening.
How often does the ferry from Palermo to Tunis sail? +
GNV and Grimaldi Lines sail all year round, with around 3 departures a week between them and more in high season. The exact sailing days and times for your date are in the timetable.
How early do I need to be at the port before departure? +
As Tunisia is outside the Schengen area, plan to check in at least four hours before departure, and a little earlier with a vehicle. Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure. Keep your passport to hand.
Which documents do I need for the crossing to Tunis? +
For Tunisia you need a passport valid for at least another six months; a national ID card is not enough. Check the visa rules for your nationality: German citizens, for example, can stay up to 120 days as tourists without a visa. Every passenger, including children, needs their own document.
Can I take my car or motorhome? +
Yes, cars, motorbikes, caravans and motorhomes travel on the car deck. On arrival, Tunisian customs issues a temporary import permit valid for three months, which is noted in your passport. More for motorhome travellers in our guide Tunisia by motorhome.
Can I take my pet on board? +
Yes, dogs and cats travel in pet cabins or kennels, depending on the operator and ship; GNV also has the "FIDO PARK" outdoor area on board. For the outward and return journey, a rabies vaccination and an EU pet passport are required. Everything you need to know is in our guide Tunisia with your dog.
Check the price for Palermo - Tunis
When you book, you choose the date, passengers, vehicle and accommodation and see the price for exactly that crossing.