Corsica and Alghero sit on opposite sides of the same sea, so it is tempting to imagine a ferry pulling straight into Alghero's harbor. In practice, no ferry service operates directly between Corsica and Alghero: the town's port is too small to handle large car ferries, so all scheduled crossings from Corsica arrive elsewhere on Sardinia. The closest practical departure point is Porto Torres, about 35 kilometers to the north, with the strait route via Santa Teresa Gallura as the main alternative.
Why There Is No Direct Ferry from Corsica to Alghero
Alghero's port facilities are primarily geared toward tourism and local traffic, not the large roll-on/roll-off ferries used on international routes. Even though Alghero has an airport and a marina, it has not had a scheduled ferry link to Corsica in recent years, and no operator currently advertises one. Travelers therefore must choose a port in northern Sardinia with deeper harbors and more frequent connections.
The Closest Option: Porto Torres to Corsica
Porto Torres, about 35 km north of Alghero, is the nearest Sardinian port with regular ferries to Corsica. Operators such as Corsica Ferries and Moby sail from Porto Torres to Ajaccio, and seasonal services connect Porto Torres with Propriano and Porto-Vecchio. Crossings to Ajaccio take roughly four hours, while routes to Propriano and Porto-Vecchio are slightly shorter but typically run only during part of the year, so you should verify current schedules with the ferry companies.
Alternative via the Strait of Bonifacio: Santa Teresa Gallura to Bonifacio
For travelers based closer to the northeast, the Santa Teresa Gallura–Bonifacio crossing is the shortest ferry route between Sardinia and Corsica, at around 50 minutes. This route is operated by Ichnusa Lines and Moby, with several departures daily even outside summer. While Santa Teresa Gallura is farther from Alghero than Porto Torres—about 170 km by road—it offers the quickest sea crossing and can work well for a day trip to Bonifacio if you have your own transport.
Comparing Routes: Travel Time, Cost and Convenience
When choosing between the Porto Torres and Santa Teresa routes, factor in the overland journey from Alghero. Porto Torres is about 35 minutes away by car, while Santa Teresa Gallura is roughly 2–3 hours depending on traffic. The Santa Teresa–Bonifacio crossing is faster and generally cheaper per ticket, but the longer drive can offset those benefits. The Porto Torres–Ajaccio route lands you on Corsica's west coast, closer to the island's main attractions, so weigh whether you prefer a longer sea journey or a more scenic land leg.
Getting from Porto Torres or Santa Teresa Gallura to Alghero
Buses connect Porto Torres to Alghero in about 40 minutes, and the train takes about 50 minutes with a change at Ozieri or Chilivani. From Santa Teresa Gallura, the most direct option is driving, as bus connections require a change and can take over 4 hours. If you're not renting a car, consider booking a direct bus through carriers like Turmo Travel or connecting via Olbia, then onward to Alghero.
Ferry Operators on the Sardinia–Corsica Routes
Three main operators run ferries between Sardinia and Corsica: Corsica Ferries Sardinia Ferries, Moby Lines, and Ichnusa Lines. Ichnusa Lines focuses on the Santa Teresa–Bonifacio route, while Moby and Corsica Ferries serve both that route and the longer Porto Torres crossings. The Santa Teresa–Bonifacio leg is often operated by both Ichnusa and Moby at different times of day, giving you flexibility in departure times.
Seasonality and Schedule Notes
The Santa Teresa–Bonifacio route operates year-round with reduced frequency in winter, while the Porto Torres–Ajaccio route also runs daily throughout the year. Seasonal routes, such as Porto Torres–Propriano and Porto Torres–Porto-Vecchio, generally operate from April to October but with limited weekly departures, sometimes only once or twice per week. Always check the operator's calendar for the exact months, as schedules can vary from year to year.
Booking Tips: When to Book and What to Know
Book well in advance for summer crossings, as routes fill quickly and prices rise closer to departure. Walking passengers have more flexibility, but car spaces on the Santa Teresa–Bonifacio route are limited and can sell out. If you plan to take a rental car, note that most Sardinian rental companies do not allow their vehicles on Corsica-bound ferries; check your rental agreement or ask the company before booking.
Planning a Day Trip or Longer Stay in Corsica from Alghero
A day trip from Alghero to Corsica is possible but requires an early start and a late return. If you leave Alghero by 7:00 am, you can reach Porto Torres in time for the morning ferry to Ajaccio, arriving by midday, and catch an evening sailing back. However, combining a full day in Corsica with the return ferry is exhausting; consider an overnight stay in Bonifacio or Ajaccio to make the journey worthwhile.
Practical Packing and Boarding Advice
Pack motion sickness remedies if you are prone to seasickness, as even the short strait crossing can be rough in windy conditions. Arrive at the port at least 60 minutes before departure for foot passengers and 90 minutes if you are driving. During peak summer, parking near the ferry terminals in Santa Teresa or Porto Torres can be scarce, so allow extra time to find a spot if you're leaving your car behind.
Plan Your Visit
Reaching Alghero from Corsica is a two-step journey: ferry to Porto Torres or Santa Teresa Gallura, then a bus, train, or drive to Alghero. Choose the Santa Teresa–Bonifacio crossing for speed or the Porto Torres–Ajaccio route for convenience, but always verify the current season's timetables directly with the operators or a ferry aggregator.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct ferry from Corsica to Alghero?
No, there is no direct ferry from Corsica to Alghero. Alghero's port is not equipped for large car ferries. Travelers must sail to Porto Torres or Santa Teresa Gallura in Sardinia, then take a bus, train, or car to Alghero.
How long does the ferry from Corsica to Sardinia take?
The shortest crossing is Santa Teresa Gallura–Bonifacio, which takes about 50 minutes. Longer routes from Porto Torres to Ajaccio take around four hours, while seasonal routes to Propriano or Porto-Vecchio take roughly 3.5 to 5 hours.
Which ferry company operates between Corsica and Sardinia?
Corsica Ferries Sardinia Ferries, Moby Lines, and Ichnusa Lines operate ferries between Corsica and Sardinia. Ichnusa Lines runs the Santa Teresa–Bonifacio route, while Moby and Corsica Ferries serve multiple routes from Porto Torres and Santa Teresa.
Can I take a rental car on the ferry to Corsica?
Most Sardinian rental companies do not permit their cars to be taken on ferries to Corsica. Check your rental agreement or contact the company before planning to take a vehicle. Some operators allow rental cars if arranged in advance with the rental agency.
