Ferry to Sicily
Tunis - Palermo
The overnight ferry across the Strait of Sicily: from La Goulette near Tunis to Palermo, with a vehicle deck, cabins and border control at the port
- Two operators, together several times a week, Grimaldi Lines more often than GNV
- Overnight in 12 to 13 hours with Grimaldi, around 14.5 hours with GNV
- Check-in in La Goulette four hours before departure with both operators, with and without a vehicle
What you should know about the crossing
Table of Contents
Getting there & terminal
The ferries to Palermo don't depart from Tunis itself but from the outer harbour of La Goulette (Halq al-Wadi), around ten kilometres east of the city centre. By car, cross the causeway through the Lake of Tunis, the extension of Avenue Habib Bourguiba, and follow the signs for Gare Maritime in La Goulette. Without a car, the TGM light rail takes you to the La Goulette Port stop, a few steps from the terminal.
Both operators handle check-in at the Gare Maritime: Grimaldi Lines via Grimaldi Tunisie in the Zone portuaire, GNV at the counter on Avenue Habib Bourguiba. In Palermo, Grimaldi docks at Molo Puntone or Molo Quattro Venti, GNV at Calata Marinai d'Italia with the counter at Calata Puntone.
Check-in & departure
Longer deadlines apply on this route than on the ferries from the Italian mainland, because customs and border police check before boarding.
- Grimaldi Lines: check-in at the counter in the Gare Maritime, at least four hours before departure, with and without a vehicle. After that, the right to travel lapses.
- GNV: also four hours before departure; in La Goulette check-in opens eight hours before departure and closes three hours before. For the return from Palermo, GNV wants you there five hours ahead with a vehicle, four without, and check-in there closes two hours before departure.
Every person needs a valid passport. Anyone travelling with a vehicle registers it before departure on the Tunisian Smart Traveller platform and shows the QR code on arrival in La Goulette.
On board
Grimaldi deploys the Catania, GNV the GNV Auriga. Both offer deck passage, reclining seats, and inside and outside cabins with a bathroom; over twelve to 15 hours overnight, a cabin is the sensible choice. A restaurant, self-service, bar and shop are on board, with satellite Wi-Fi available for a fee. The vehicle deck is closed during the crossing; take anything you'll need before morning with you.
Vehicle, bike & pets
Both operators carry cars, motorhomes, motorbikes and trailers; the price depends on length and height, measured including roof box and rack. With Grimaldi, vans travelling to Tunisia may not carry anything on the roof. Report LPG vehicles to both operators when boarding; with GNV the gas valve stays closed during the crossing. Dimensions and gas cylinders: Motorhome on the ferry.
Dogs and cats travel in the kennels on board or, for a fee, in a cabin (Grimaldi: Pet in Cabin; GNV: Pet-Friendly Cabin). On the Tunisia routes, the Tunisian port authority excludes Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Tosa, Mastiff and Boerboel; animals arriving from Tunisia need an antibody titre in addition to rabies vaccination. Documents: Taking your dog on the ferry.
Arrival & onward travel
Keep your passport handy for disembarkation in Palermo too, and allow time for checks. The port borders the centre, with Palermo Centrale station around two kilometres away. By car, the A19 reaches Catania in a good two hours, the A29 reaches Trapani in an hour.
Tickets & fares
Booking is done through the booking window above; the from-price comes live from the operator's data and differs between operators, so compare both for your travel day. Grimaldi has offers for children, seniors and campers, GNV has fares for commuters between the two countries.
Cancellation under Grimaldi's standard fare is tiered: up to 30 days before departure the operator keeps ten per cent, everything from the day before departure and for no-shows. With GNV there's no refund for a missed check-in, not even a partial one.
Tunis - Palermo
Overnight from Tunisia to Sicily
Two operators sail between Tunis and Palermo: Grimaldi Lines with the most departures, and GNV as a second option, together on several days a week. Both sail overnight, Grimaldi in twelve to 13 hours, GNV in around 14.5 hours.
The difference from routes from the Italian mainland: this is an EU external border. Both operators want you at check-in four hours before departure, with and without a vehicle, and you need a passport rather than an ID card.
- Crossing
- approx. 12-15 hrs
- Operators
- Grimaldi Lines, GNV
- Frequency
- several times a week
- From-price
- €26
- Grimaldi Lines
- Grandi Navi Veloci
Next departures
FAQ Tunis - Palermo
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Tunis-Palermo ferry route
How long does the ferry from Tunis to Palermo take?+
That depends on the operator: Grimaldi Lines takes twelve to 13 hours, GNV around 14.5 hours. Both sail overnight. The times for your travel day are in the timetable.
When do I need to be at the port in La Goulette?+
Four hours before departure with both operators, with and without a vehicle, because customs and border police check before boarding. Check-in takes place at the counter in the Gare Maritime, not at the berth; with GNV it opens eight hours before departure and closes three hours before. Arrive late and you lose your right to travel.
What documents do I need?+
A valid passport for every person, including children. Anyone driving to Tunisia must register beforehand on the Smart Traveller platform and show the QR code on arrival in La Goulette. Check with the Foreign Office and Tunisian customs before travelling to find out which entry and customs rules apply to you.
How much does the Tunis - Palermo ferry cost?+
The price depends on the operator, season, accommodation and vehicle; the displayed from-price comes live from the operator's data. The price overview gives an idea. Compare both operators for your travel day, as prices are rarely equal.
Can I bring a car or motorhome?+
Yes, with both operators. With Grimaldi, vans travelling to Tunisia may not carry luggage on the roof; GNV parks LPG vehicles in a separate area with the gas valve closed. There's also mandatory Smart Traveller registration. Dimensions and gas cylinders: Motorhome on the ferry.
Can my dog come on the ferry to Tunisia?+
In principle yes, with registration at booking and in a carrier or, for a fee, in a cabin. On the Tunisia routes, the Tunisian port authority bans certain breeds, with Grimaldi explicitly excluding Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Tosa, Mastiff and Boerboel. Animals arriving from Tunisia also need a rabies titre test. Documents and rules: Taking your dog on the ferry.