FerryConnect

Italy → Tunisia

Palermo → Tunis

The shortest ferry crossing from Italy to Tunisia, from Palermo to Tunis La Goulette in about 11–12 hours. GNV sails mostly in the evening and Grimaldi adds two sailings a week.

⏱ 10h 30m – 12h🚢 2 operators📅 Regular sailings all year from GNV (more in high season); Grimaldi sails twice a week🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly

Palermo to Tunis ferry at a glance

The ferry from Palermo to Tunis takes 10h 30m – 12h across the Strait of Sicily, operated by GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) and Grimaldi Lines. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: regular sailings all year from GNV (more in high season); Grimaldi sails twice a week.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.

Sources: gnv.it · grimaldi-lines.com · How we verify

Return crossing: Tunis to Palermo

GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) and Grimaldi Lines also sail Tunis to Palermo, taking 10h 30m – 12h.

Palermo to Tunis ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Grimaldi: Tuesdays at 02:30 (arrives 14:00) and Saturdays at 12:30 (arrives 23:00) in the 1 June – 25 October 2026 period. GNV departures are mainly in the evening.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) timetable →

Source: Grimaldi Lines Palermo–Tunis route page and GNV route page. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Palermo and Tunis

📐 166 Nautical Miles
Palermo⇄Tunis
⏱ 10h 30m – 12h · 📐 166 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci)11h – 12hCruise ferry
Grimaldi Lines10h 30m – 12hRo-pax ferry

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

166 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Palermo’s ferry port is next to the city centre
  • La Goulette port is on the coast just east of central Tunis

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from PalermoNaples → Palermo (Sicily)10h – 11h (overnight) · Tirrenia, GNVAlso sails from PalermoGenoa → Palermo (Sicily)19h – 21h · GNVAlso sails from PalermoCivitavecchia → Palermo13h 30m – 13h 45m · GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci)Also sails from PalermoLivorno → Palermo19h 30m – 20h 30m · Grimaldi LinesAlso sails from PalermoSalerno → Palermo9h 15m – 11h · Grimaldi LinesAlso sails from PalermoPalermo → Ustica2h 40m – 2h 45m · Siremar (Caronte & Tourist Isole Minori)
⚓ Port of Palermo guide⚓ Port of La Goulette (Tunis) guide⛴ All ferries from Palermo⛴ All ferries from Tunis🗺 All ferries in Italy🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Palermo to Tunis?
The crossing typically takes 10h 30m – 12h. By operator: GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) about 11h – 12h; Grimaldi Lines about 10h 30m – 12h. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Palermo to Tunis ferry sail?
Grimaldi: Tuesdays at 02:30 (arrives 14:00) and Saturdays at 12:30 (arrives 23:00) in the 1 June – 25 October 2026 period. GNV departures are mainly in the evening. This is the pattern published in the Grimaldi Lines Palermo–Tunis route page and GNV route page (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Palermo to Tunis?
GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci), Grimaldi Lines operate this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Palermo to Tunis ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Palermo to Tunis ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Palermo to Tunis ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is Palermo from Tunis by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 166 nautical miles (roughly 307 km).