Ferry Palermo – Tunis
Last updated:
Compare crossings and book your Palermo – Tunis ferry with GNV.
Book your Palermo – Tunis crossing
Timetables and online booking
Palermo – Tunis with GNV
Palermo – Tunis is the shortest crossing between Italy and Tunisia: about nine to twelve hours depending on the rotation. GNV runs it several times a week, with a frequency that varies with the season.
The crossing alternates meals, rest and walks on deck. Bring warm clothes: the deck is cool even in summer.
It suits travellers who tour Sicily before Tunisia, or Corsicans and Italians who pass through Palermo. Check the dates open in the engine and book early for summer.
Palermo – Tunis at a glance
- Company GNV
- Crossing time about 9 to 12 hours
- Sailings several sailings a week depending on the season
- Check-in report to the terminal at the time shown on your ticket
- On board lounges, bar or catering, outdoor decks
Indicative information collected in November 2026. Timetables, ships and check-in instructions may change: check them in the search engine and on your ticket before you travel.
Palermo
Palermo, capital of Sicily, was Arab and then Norman, and this heritage is part of the Arab-Norman itineraries listed by UNESCO. The Palatine Chapel, covered in golden mosaics, the cathedral and the Teatro Massimo are a few streets from the port. The Ballarò and Capo markets are famous for street food: arancine, panelle and spleen sandwiches.
Tunis
The ferry docks at the port of La Goulette, about ten kilometres from the centre of Tunis (the exact terminal is shown on your ticket). Police and customs checks take place on site, then the road or the TGM leads to Tunis, Carthage and the northern suburbs. Allow time for the formalities and for leaving the port, especially in summer, when many travellers arrive at once.
Ferry Palermo – Tunis: your questions
How long is the ferry crossing from Palermo to Tunis?
About 9 to 12 hours at sea. The exact time depends on the ship, the weather and the timetable chosen: it is shown in the search engine on this page.
How many sailings are there between Palermo and Tunis?
GNV generally offers several sailings a week depending on the season. The programme changes with the seasons: check the dates open in the search engine.
Which company sails from Palermo to Tunis?
This page covers the crossing run by GNV. Grimaldi Lines also serves this route: each company has its own page.
Can I travel with my vehicle between Palermo and Tunis?
Yes, you can take your car. Say so in the engine: it then shows only the crossings that accept it, with the spaces available.
How do I book a ferry from Palermo to Tunis?
Enter the departure port, the destination and the date in the search engine, then choose the crossing that suits you. Booking and payment are done online, and your ticket is sent to you by e-mail.

















