Ferry to Tunisia
Palermo - Tunis
From Sicily to North Africa - the short ferry crossing to Tunisia
- The shortest connection from Italy to Tunisia, in only around 11-12 hours
- Year-round crossing from Sicily to the port of La Goulette near Tunis
- Cars, motorhomes, motorbikes and pets on board - cabins and reclining seats
Palermo - Tunis
From Sicily to Tunisia in around 11 hours
At around 11 to 12 hours, the Palermo - Tunis route is one of the shortest ferry connections from Italy to Tunisia. GNV and Grimaldi Lines operate it all year round, around 3 sailings a week combined, usually departing in the evening, so you sail overnight from Sicily to the port of La Goulette near Tunis. Departures are from Calata Marinai d'Italia in the port of Palermo, just around two kilometres from Palermo Centrale station.
Depending on operator and ship, the overnight crossing offers inside and outside cabins, suites, reclining seats and deck spaces. On board you'll usually find a restaurant and self-service area with halal options, bars, an onboard shop, WiFi, a children's area and a prayer room. After arriving in La Goulette, you're only around 11 kilometres from the centre of Tunis.
- Crossing time
- approx. 11-12 hrs
- Operators
- GNV, Grimaldi Lines
- Frequency
- approx. 3 a week
- Price from
- €34
- Grimaldi Lines
- Grandi Navi Veloci
Next departures
Route guide
Ferry Palermo - Tunis at a glance
Everything about the ferry connection from Palermo to Tunis: getting to the port, 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 Palermo
The port of Palermo sits on the edge of the Sicilian capital, only around two kilometres from Palermo Centrale station. GNV departs from Calata Marinai d'Italia, with the ticket office at Calata Puntone. By car, follow signs to the Porto in the city; without a vehicle, buses 101, 102, 107 and 230, or a taxi from the station, will get you to the port.
Check-in and border formalities
Tunisia lies outside the Schengen area, so more time is needed than for ferries within Italy: allow at least four hours for check-in before departure, a little earlier with a vehicle, so customs and security checks can run smoothly. Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure. To enter Tunisia you need a passport with at least six months remaining validity; an ID card is not sufficient. Tourist stays are visa-free for many nationalities; how long you can stay visa-free depends on your passport, so check the requirements for your own before you travel.
On board
The crossing takes only around eleven to twelve hours and usually departs in the evening, so you sail overnight. Depending on operator and ship, there are inside and outside cabins, suites, reclining seats and deck spaces; a cabin is worth having for the night crossing. On board you'll usually find a restaurant and self-service area with halal options, bars, an onboard shop, free WiFi, a children's area and a prayer room. Payment on board is with the usual cards in euros.
Vehicle and pets
Cars, motorhomes, caravans and motorbikes travel on the vehicle deck - give the correct dimensions when booking. On arrival, Tunisian customs issue a three-month temporary import permit for your vehicle, entered in the holder's passport and cancelled again on departure; details for motorhome travellers are in the guide Motorhome. Depending on operator and ship, pets travel in pet-friendly cabins or kennels; GNV also has an on-board outdoor area called "FIDO PARK". For Tunisia and the return journey to the EU, dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies and carry an EU pet passport - more 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. You can reach the city centre via the RN9 and P1 expressways or the TGM light rail from the "La Goulette Port" station; Tunis-Carthage Airport is a quick taxi ride away. If you're travelling from Rome rather than Sicily, the ferry from Civitavecchia is an alternative.
Tickets and fares
The operators offer the crossing in several categories, from deck space through reclining seats to cabins; rebooking and cancellation terms depend on the fare chosen. Booking early, plus choosing the low season and weekday sailings, keeps the price down. The current price for your travel date is shown in the booking window.
FAQ Palermo - Tunis
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Palermo - Tunis ferry
How long does the ferry from Palermo to Tunis take?+
The crossing takes only around 11 to 12 hours, making it one of the shortest ferry connections from Italy to Tunisia. Departure is usually in the evening, so you sail overnight.
How often does the ferry from Palermo to Tunis run?+
GNV and Grimaldi Lines sail all year round, around 3 sailings a week combined, more often in the high season. You'll find the exact departure days and times for your travel date in the timetable.
How early do I need to be at the port before departure?+
As Tunisia lies outside the Schengen area, allow at least four hours for check-in before departure, a little earlier with a vehicle. Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure. Keep your passport ready.
What documents do I need for the crossing to Tunis?+
For Tunisia you need a passport with at least six months remaining validity; an ID card is not sufficient. Tourist stays are visa-free for many nationalities; how long you can stay visa-free depends on your passport, so check the requirements for your own before you travel. Every passenger, including children, needs their own 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, noted in your passport. More for motorhome travellers is in the guide Taking a motorhome to Tunisia.
Can I bring my pet on board?+
Yes, dogs and cats can travel, depending on operator and ship, in pet-friendly cabins or kennels; GNV also has an on-board outdoor area called "FIDO PARK". Rabies vaccination and an EU pet passport are needed for entry and return. Everything is covered in the guide Taking a pet to Tunisia.