Port of Toulon
Ferries and Ferry Companies Operating
(Toulon, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France)
There are three companies operating ferry services from Toulon: Corsica Ferries, SNCM Ferries, and GLD Lines.
These companies run a total of four routes to Ajaccio, Bastia, Civitavecchia, and Ile Rousse.
Corsica Ferries
Corsica Ferries is a branch of Corsica Sardinia Ferries which offers Mediterranean crossings between the Corsican islands and several mainland ports.
Routes from Toulon include: Ajaccio (5 hours, 45 minutes), Bastia (9 hours, 30 minutes), and Ile Rousse (5 hours, 45 minutes). Frequency of these services range from once a week to daily.
Daily crossings from Toulon to Bastia are completed in 9 hours, 30 minutes. Ferries connect to Corsican Ajaccio in 5 hours, 45 minutes with departures occurring five times per week, and ships depart for Ile Rousse once a week, completing the journey in 5 hours, 45 minutes.
The crossings to Ajaccio and Ile Rouse are made on board the Mega Express Ferries, which can hold 1756 passengers and 550 vehicles. Meanwhile, service to Bastia is handled by one of the fleet's cruise vessels. The latter ship is equipped with a cinema, swimming pool and conference rooms in addition to standard facilities.
All ships are equipped with bars, lounges, and shops selling a variety of merchandise including jewellery, perfume, sunglasses, and travel bags. Generally, dining options comprise a self-service restaurant as well as a la carte offerings. Toys are available to entertain children on board.
SNCM Ferry Company
SNCM Ferry Company runs an all-season service between the islands of Sardinia and Corsica to the mainland ports of Italy and France.
Destinations from Toulon include Ajaccio, Bastia, and Ile Rousse. Although these routes are in service all year long, the greatest frequency of service is during the summer months.
Crossings to Ajaccio take 5 hours, 45 minutes and services depart approximately five times per week. During the winter months, services may be limited to thrice weekly, while the stronger peak seasons may see as many as six departures in a given week.
Services to Bastia take 9 hours, 30 minutes and a daily crossing is offered all year round.
Less frequent services to Ile Rousse take 5 hours, 45 minutes. There is only one crossing a week.
SNCM's fleet is diverse, with 11 ships, including two high-speed ferries, five cruise ships, and four mixed vessels.
The high-speed ferries travel between Nice and Corsica with travel times of less than three hours. These ships are equipped with airline-style seats, as well as plenty of bars, fast-food and shopping options.
The Danielle Casanova and the Napoléon Bonaparte are actual cruise vessels. These high-capacity ships are equipped to carry passengers and vehicles over the Mediterranean. The long list of services includes a Jacuzzi, swimming pools, piano bars, nightclubs, game rooms, shops, and fine dining. The result is essentially a miniature cruise between ports.
Finally, the mixed vessels are equipped to carry both freight and passengers between ports. They travel during the day and night, connecting ports on Corsica with Marseille. Onboard facilities include comfortable seats, restaurants and bars, as well as plenty of shopping.
GLD Lines Company
Grimaldi and Louis Dreyfus Lines operates passenger and freight services between the port of Toulon and Rome, via Civitavecchia port. The company is the result of a merger between two large European ship owners.
This company operates the route with a single ship that departs for Civitavecchia three times a week and completes the journey in 3 hours. From the port of Civitavecchia, return service to Toulon is also offered thrice weekly.
The vessel, the Eurostar Valencia, is modern and comfortable, with a maximum capacity of 820 passengers. This ship can hold 160 cars and is equipped with 92 cabins. Inside passengers will find a self-service restaurant, a cinema room, two bars, a shop, and a video gaming area. Two of the ships cabins are adapted for disabled passengers.
