How to get to Bastia

Transportation in Corsica - Corsica train from Bastia

Most people come to Bastia by ferry from France (Marseille, Toulon, Nice) or Italy (Genoa, Savona, Livorno). Ferries vary greatly in quality, even within the same company. They are very crowded in summer, so book your tickets in advance, even if you are just a pedestrian without a car or a cabin (tickets are typically in range 65 – 85 € per person one direction). There are many car rental offices on the streets facing the turnstile exit. They are open from Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 20:00, on Sundays no one works.

If you arrive on the island by plane, it is worth renting a car, since public transport in Corsica is frankly not very good. You can use train or bus from Bastia to some other cities in the north part of Corsica (Ajaccio, Corte, Calvi, Ille-Rousse), but small villages and towns in South Corsica will be practically not reachable.

 

Around Bastia

The city itself is quite convenient to get around on foot. Many attractions within the city center may be within walking distance.

Bastia Place St Nicolas

 

Airport Shuttle to Bastia

There is a public transport service (shuttle bus or Navette) offered by the Communauté d’Agglomération de Bastia that connects Bastia-Poretta airport to the town of Bastia (Bastia train station). The airport is located about 30 minutes drive from the city center.

Bus from airport - shuttle from airport to the city

  • Buses run on an hourly basis.
  • During summer and peak flight times, buses run more frequently.
  • The shuttle is scheduled to depart shortly after each landing.
  • The journey takes approximately 35 minutes.
  • Tickets:
    • A single fare is €9 or €10 (sources differ slightly on the exact price).
    • A return ticket costs €20.
    • These prices apply to both adults and children.
    • Can be bought on the bus
  • Website

 

Additional Information
  • The bus departs from Bastia Prefecture (Square du Maréchal Leclerc), which is the roundabout near the railway station.
  • If you miss the shuttle, a taxi to the city center costs about €40 during the day and €55 at night or on Sundays/holidays.

 

 

By Train

The narrow-gauge train connects Bastia with Ajaccio, Corte, Calvi, L’Ile-Rousse. The train takes passengers through beautiful valleys and picturesque passes. However, the fare to Ajaccio is quite high – 23 euros one way, and the level of comfort of the trip resembles a horse-drawn carriage on a dirt road. It is not for nothing that locals call it “the trembling one” (U Trinighellu).

  • Bastia train station: Gare Ferroviaire CFC – Chemins de Fer Corse, Place de la gare
  • Trains in Corsica

Note: while trains generally depart on time, delays during the journey are common due to various factors like fallen branches, animals on tracks, forest fires, etc.

Trains from Bastia to other cities in Corsica

 

Train Routes to Bastia

Bastia is connected by train to several major destinations in Corsica:

 

Frequencies
  • Main lines: From Bastia, up to 5 trains per day to Ajaccio/Corte in low season (6 days a week), 2 trains on Sundays/holidays. In July-August, 4 trains daily.
  • Bastia – Casamozza suburban service: Multiple daily trains.

 

Timetable

Timetables for trains to Bastia are generally modified every 2-3 months, so it’s recommended to check the official Chemins de Fer de la Corse website for the most up-to-date schedules.

 

Tickets
Prices for trains from Bastia (One-way fares)
  • Bastia – Corte: €10.10
  • Bastia – Ajaccio: €21.60
  • Bastia – Ile Rousse: €13.50
  • Bastia – Calvi: €16.40

 

Other Fare Options
  • 7-day unlimited travel pass (Libertà Pass): €50
  • Group discounts available for 10+ people
  • 50% discount for children ages 4-12, seniors over 60, and disabled passengers

 

 

By Bus

Buses are Corsica’s principal form of public transport, connecting Bastia to various towns and villages. However, the frequency of services can be limited, especially outside peak season. There are bus services to and from Calvi, L’Ile-Rousse, Saint-Florent in the northwest of the island, Solenzara, Porto-Vecchio in the southeast, periodic services to Cap Corse in the north.

  • Bus station: Gare Routière de Bastia, 1 rue du Nouveau Port

Bus Corsica transportation

Travel times by bus in Corsica can be longer than expected due to the island’s mountainous terrain and winding roads. On average, you may not exceed speeds of 40 km per hour on many routes. Tickets can generally be purchased on the bus, but it’s recommended to confirm this with the specific bus company.

 

Key Routes and Destinations from Bastia

 

Timetables and Frequency
  • Timetables change seasonally and are not always readily available online
  • Even in summer, routes between larger towns often have only 1-2 departures per day
  • Services are less frequent in remote areas and during off-peak seasons
  • The might be no departures on Sundays! In high season (July – August) there might be some services on Sundays, but double check timetable.
  • For accurate and up-to-date information on bus routes, schedules, and travel times, it’s recommended to check with local bus companies or visit the website https://www.corsicabus.org/.

 

Fares

Approximate one-way ticket prices for bus trips from Bastia to various destinations in Corsica (as of 2024):

  1. Bastia to Porto-Vecchio: €13.50
  2. Bastia to Calvi: €16.40
  3. Bastia to Ajaccio: €21.60

Fares are subject to change and may vary depending on factors such as the season, demand, and any promotions that might be running.

 

Bus companies

There are several bus companies operating in Corsica, depending on the area.

  1. Autocars Corse-Méditerranée (ACM)
  2. Muvistrada (Transports en commun d’Ajaccio)
  3. Eurocorse Voyages

 

Important Information
  • Sunday services are limited or non-existent on many routes.
  • Tickets can usually be purchased on the bus, but it’s best to check in advance.
  • School holidays and high tourist season (July-August) may affect schedules.
  • Low season (roughly October to April) typically has reduced services.

 

Bus vs. Train
  • Trains offer a more scenic and potentially more reliable option for some routes, especially Bastia–Ajaccio via Corte.
  • The train network is limited compared to buses but can be a good option where available.

 

Bastia to Bonifacio

While there is a bus route connecting Bastia to Bonifacio (via Porto Vecchio), it’s a long journey. Given the distance and limited frequency, it may not be ideal for a day trip.

 

Recommendations
  1. Check current timetables at local tourist offices or bus stations in Bastia.
  2. For the most up-to-date information, consult https://www.corsicabus.org/.
  3. Consider combining bus and train travel for more flexibility.
  4. For day trips, renting a car might offer more freedom, especially for reaching remote areas or making multiple stops.

Remember that public transport in Corsica can be limited, especially outside major routes and peak tourist seasons.

 

 

By ferry

Bastia is one of the main port to come to Corsica from the continent, either France (toulon, Nice, Marseille) or Italy (Livorno, Savona, Genoa, Piombino).

How to get to Bastia by public transport (by ferry, plane, by train and by bus) - timetable, prices, routes

 

Ferry Companies to Bastia:
  1. Corsica Ferries (www.corsica-ferries.co.uk)
  2. Moby Lines (www.mobylines.com)
  3. Corsica Linea (www.corsicalinea.com)

 

Frequency and Journey Times:
  • Frequencies vary by route and season, ranging from daily to several times per week.
  • For example, Bastia to Livorno has about 7 sailings per week.
  • Journey times vary:
    • Bastia – Livorno: 4 hours
    • Bastia – Genoa: 5-6 hours
    • Bastia – Toulon: 11-12 hours

 

Approximate Prices:

Prices vary significantly based on route, season, and company. Here are some indicative one-way fares:

For pedestrians:

  • Bastia – Livorno: €15 – €35
  • Bastia – Nice: €15.50 – €28
  • Bastia – Savona: €14 – €40

For a small car (including driver):

  • Prices are generally 2-3 times higher than pedestrian fares.
  • For example, Bastia to Livorno might range from €35 to €100+

It’s important to note that prices can fluctuate greatly depending on factors like time of booking, promotions, and peak travel periods. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s best to check the ferry companies’ websites directly.

 

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