Ferry Palermo - Tunis

Tickets, Prices, Schedules & Times

You can travel from Palermo to Tunis all year round, usually with 2-3 weekly crossings. The journey takes 11-13.5 hr and ferry ticket prices start at €40.

Grimaldi Lines and GNV serve the route between Sicily and Tunis with conventional ferries. Find up-to-date info, compare timetables, companies and prices, and book your ferry Palermo - Tunis tickets on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.

On-board services and amenities

The ferry Palermo - Tunis route is served by conventional vessels, such as the MV Catania and GNV Spirit, which are equipped with modern amenities and services. Onboard, you will usually find:

  • Comfy seats in air-conditioned lounges and seating on outer decks to enjoy the sea view
  • Cafes, bars and restaurants (à la carte and self service), where you can enjoy hot and cold drinks, snacks and full meals (including halal, vegetarian, gluten-free and child-friendly options)
  • Shops, kiosks and stores offering the essentials, gifts and last-minute purchases
  • Playrooms with games and movies to keep children entertained
  • Wi-Fi hotspot with a range of data bundles available to suit your needs

Some ferries operated by Grimaldi Lines also have a swimming pool, which is normally accessible in the summer, from mid-June to mid-September.

Cabins and accommodation

The ferries operating on the route between Palermo and Tunis have various types of cabins, ensuring a comfortable ferry trip across the Mediterranean Sea. You can book 1-, 2-, 3- or 4- bed cabins, a bed in shared cabin, internal cabins or cabins with a sea view, suites, and more.

Alternatively, you can book airplane-type numbered seats.

Luggage

Each ferry operator has its own baggage policy:

  • On Grimaldi Lines ferries, each passenger can carry 1 piece of luggage (included in the ticket price) with a maximum size of 56x45x25 cm. You can also bring along 1 small piece of luggage (bag or backpack). For any additional luggage, you will need to pay an extra fee.
  • On GNV ferries, there is no specific luggage weight limit. Each passenger can carry up to 2 pieces of luggage. On the ship, you will also find luggage storage areas, accessible throughout the journey.

Travelling with pets

You can travel with your pet on the ferry Palermo - Tunis as long as you include it in the booking and pay the respective fee. Bear in mind that you can book a pet cabin on most ferries.

Make sure to carry along the necessary certificates, tickets and any pet supplies/equipment you may need for your ferry trip, such as a muzzle and a leash for dogs.

Useful tips for your ferry trip to Tunis from Palermo

Here are some travel tips for your ferry Palermo - Tunis trip: 

  • We recommend that you arrive at the port of Palermo at least 1.5 hr before your ferry trip, especially if you are traveling with your vehicle. 
  • To travel by ferry from Sicily to Tunis, you should carry with you a valid passport.
  • Apart from Palermo, you can reach Tunisia by ferry from more ports in Italy. Check out the Civitavecchia (Rome) - Tunis, Genoa - Tunis and Salerno - Tunis ferry routes. Find out more about the Italy - Tunis ferries on Ferryhopper.
  • From the ports of Palermo, you can explore many more destinations by ferry. Take a look at our Map of ferries to discover more ferry connections, and plan your trip step by step.

Where to take the ferry from Palermo to Tunis

There are regular ferries departing for Tunis from Molo Piave, located at the Sicilian port of Palermo. The port of Palermo is located 3 km from the Palermo train station and can be easily reached on foot.

Where does the ferry arrive in Tunis?

Ferries from Palermo arrive at the port of Tunis, commonly known as La Goulette, which is Tunisia’s capital and main ferry port for international passenger routes. The port is about 12 km from central Tunis, between Lake Tunis and the Mediterranean Sea. It usually takes 20-30 min by car or taxi to reach the center of Tunis, depending on traffic.

The port area has taxi ranks, car-rental agencies and basic services, while more shops, cafés and hotels are available once you reach Tunis itself. Public transport connections, including local buses and the suburban rail line, link the port with Tunis and nearby coastal areas.

About Palermo

The stunning and historical city of Palermo is found in Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean! As it’s the most important port city on the island, check out our Palermo travel guide and make the most of your time there!

About Tunis

The port city of Tunis is the breathtaking capital of Tunisia. Full of modern amenities and exciting sightseeing options, like the Lake of Tunis, there are plenty of things to do and see there, whether you’re vacationing in Tunis or simply waiting for your ferry.

Discounts

On Ferryhopper, you can book lower-cost ferry tickets from Sicily to Tunisia. The ferry companies offer discounts to the following passenger categories:

  • Children from 3/4 to 11 years old
  • Seniors (up to 60 years old)
  • Permanent residents of Sicily

Important: infants and toddlers up to 1 years travel for free, while those up to 11 years are entitled to a 30% or 50% discount. However, keep in mind that available discounts may vary depending on the ferry operator.

How long is the ferry ride from Palermo to Tunis?

The Palermo - Tunis ferry trip duration ranges from around 11 hr to 13 hr 30 min, depending on the crossing and the ferry operator.

Palermo - Tunis ferry companies

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FAQs

The best time to book the ferry Palermo - Tunis is as early as possible, ideally at least 2-4 weeks in advance for regular travel periods. For peak seasons, it’s best to book several months ahead, especially if you’re traveling from June to September, during major holidays and Christmas and New Year periods. During these times, demand is significantly higher, cabins sell out quickly, and prices tend to increase closer to departure.

Yes, the ferries Palermo - Tunis are conventional vessels with car decks that allow the transportation of vehicles. This means that you can easily bring along your car, motorcycle, van, or motorhome by paying a fee. Prices start from €27 to transport a car, €18 for a motorbike and €98 for a camper van.

Make sure to book your tickets well in advance, especially if you're traveling in high season, as car spaces usually sell out quickly.

Find more information about vehicle transportation on board Italy - Tunisia ferries on our dedicated blog.

The distance between the port of Palermo in Sicily and Tunis is 231 nautical miles (around 428 km).

All Palermo - Tunis ferries are conventional. The fastest crossing lasts around 11 hr.

With Grimaldi Lines, you can book your ferry Palermo - Tunis tickets online on Ferryhopper and pick them up in paper form from the company’s collection points at the port before the trip.

When booking with GNV on Ferryhopper, you can easily check in online, get your ferry Sicily - Tunis tickets on your phone, and board the ferry directly with your e-ticket without collecting any paper tickets at the port.

Find detailed answers to all your questions about ferry ticket changes, cancellations and refunds.

Remember that you can also use Ferryhopper's online booking modification service, available with certain ferry companies.

Book your ferry tickets