How to Get to Ajaccio. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airports & Airlines

Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA) is the main airport, just outside the city center, for convenient transfers.

Carriers & Routes

Air Corsica: Year-round flights to major French cities (Paris Orly, Marseille, Nice). Seasonal flights to other European destinations.
Air France: Year-round service to Paris Orly and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG).
Low-cost Carriers (seasonal): EasyJet, Volotea, Transavia, Ryanair offer flights from various European cities (June-August).

Direct Flights & Seasonality

No direct flights from major global hubs outside Europe to Ajaccio. Travelers typically connect through a major European city.

Seasonal Flight Availability & Pricing

Flight frequency and routes increase significantly during high season (June-August).
Prices are highest during high season and French school holidays. Book several months in advance.
Low season (November-April) means limited options, but prices are generally lower.

Airport Facilities

Modern, medium-sized airport. Features car rental desks, taxi stands, bus service, cafes, shops, duty-free, Wi-Fi.

Bus Transfers

Line 8 of the Ajaccio public bus network (TCA) connects the airport directly to Place Charles de Gaulle. ~20 mins, ~€5. Most economical.

Taxi & Car Rentals

Taxis are outside the terminal. ~15-20 mins to city, €20-€30. Major car rental companies have desks at the airport.

Flight Booking Tip

Pre-booking Benefits

If traveling in summer, book your flights and car rental months ahead.
Prices rise significantly closer to departure.
Availability narrows for both flights and car rentals.
Early booking often leads to better rates.

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Travel Insurance & Connectivity

Travel Insurance

Find suitable travel insurance for adventurous travelers at World Nomads. Digital nomads can explore SafetyWing. Compare options on Insubuy for US visitors.

VPN Services

Secure your connection with a VPN. Explore options like NordVPN for general use or ExpressVPN specifically for travelers.

Tech & Safety Shopping

For camera gear and electronics, visit B&H Photo. Water filtration products at LifeStraw. Anti-theft bags from Pacsafe. First aid supplies from Adventure Medical Kits. Flight compensation AirHelp.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

No train connections exist between mainland France and Corsica.

Island Rail Network

Within Corsica, the island operates its own narrow-gauge railway network, Chemins de Fer de la Corse (CFC).
Main line connects Ajaccio to Bastia, passing through Corte. A branch line connects Ponte Leccia to Calvi.
Trains offer scenic journeys through the Corsican interior, with mountain, forest, and village views.

Long-Distance Buses

Long-distance bus services on Corsica are limited compared to mainland France. Most inter-city travel without a car happens by regional train or private bus.

Bus Routes & Schedules

Private bus companies operate some routes between major towns (e.g., Ajaccio to Porto-Vecchio, or Ajaccio to Sartène).
Schedules can be infrequent, especially outside the peak tourist season.
Check with the Ajaccio Tourist Office or local transport information for current schedules.

Driving in Corsica

To rent and drive a car, you need a valid driver's license. For non-EU citizens, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is French law and must be carried with your national license.

Requirements & Considerations

Minimum age for rental is usually 21 (sometimes 25 for certain car classes).
Corsica's roads are often narrow, winding, and mountainous. Do not expect quick long-distance travel.
Parking has a challenge in Ajaccio city center, especially during peak season.

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads are generally well-maintained, but their winding nature and elevation changes make driving challenging.

Driving Safely

Drive defensively and be aware of local drivers, who may drive quickly.
Be aware of potential wildlife on rural roads (wild pigs, goats, cows).
Some remote roads may be single-lane or gravel. Plan routes carefully.

Important Driving Laws

Drive on the right side of the road.
Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban, 80 km/h rural (unless marked), higher on dual carriageways.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.

Drunk driving laws are strict, with a low blood alcohol limit.
Use headlights in tunnels.
Public parking garages are available but can be expensive.

Sea Arrivals

Ferries and Cruise Ports

Ferries provide a popular and scenic way to reach Ajaccio, especially if you plan to bring a vehicle or prefer sea travel. Ajaccio is also a frequent stop for cruise ships.

Ferry & Cruise Details

Ajaccio is a major ferry port. Regular services connect to mainland France and Sardinia, Italy.
Ferry terminal is conveniently close to the city center.
Ferry companies: Corsica Ferries (Toulon, Nice, Porto Torres), La Méridionale (Marseille).

Seaport Procedures & Connections

Ajaccio is a popular port of call for cruise ships. The cruise terminal is very close to the city center for easy access to attractions on foot.

Immigration & Transport

Immigration from mainland France is minimal. Standard Schengen checks for non-Schengen arrivals.
Ferry terminal is within walking distance of the city center.
Taxi ranks are available outside the terminal. Local buses also serve the port area.

Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes collected separately from your air or ferry ticket prices when departing from Ajaccio. Any applicable taxes are included in your ticket price.

Airport Departure

For flights, arrive at least 2 hours (domestic/Schengen) or 2.5-3 hours (international) before departure. Allow more time during peak season.

Ferry Departure

Foot passenger: 1 hour before. With vehicle: 1.5-2 hours before. Follow ferry company instructions for check-in and vehicle staging.

Departure Facilities

Ajaccio Airport AJA

The airport offers basic facilities for departing travelers.

Amenities

Duty-free shops and small boutiques for last-minute purchases.
Cafes for snacks and beverages.
Clearly marked car rental drop-off points.

Ferry Terminal & Train Station

These hubs have facilities to ease your departure process.

Passenger Services

The ferry terminal has waiting areas and limited services, like small kiosks or cafes.
Larger facilities are available within walking distance in the city center.
The train station also has basic waiting facilities.

Departure Checklist

Flight/Ferry Status

Always confirm your flight or ferry status 24-48 hours before departure. This keeps you informed of any changes or delays.

Check-in Requirements

Verify check-in requirements with your airline or ferry company. Online check-in often streamlines the process.

Luggage Prep

Ensure your luggage meets size and weight restrictions to avoid unexpected fees. Tag all bags with contact information.

Driving Tip

When driving in Corsica, allow extra time for journeys. Distances on a map can deceive due to winding mountain roads.

How to Get to Ajaccio