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Getting There Air Travel to Corsica

Getting There Air Travel to Corsica

Corsica, France

Major Airports & Airlines

Corsican Airports

Figari-Sud Corse Airport (FSC) stands closest to Bonifacio. Other options include Ajaccio and Bastia.

Airport Overview

  • Figari-Sud Corse Airport (FSC): Approx. 20 km (12 miles) north of Bonifacio, main gateway for Southern Corsica.
  • Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA): Corsica's largest, about 130 km (80 miles) northwest, with more year-round connections.
  • Bastia Poretta Airport (BIA): About 170 km (105 miles) north, serving the northern island.

Airlines and Routes

Domestic and seasonal European flights connect to Corsica. No direct transatlantic flights land in Corsica.

Flight Options

  • Air France/Air Corsica: Frequent domestic flights from major French cities (Paris Orly, Nice, Marseille).
  • Low-Cost Carriers (Seasonal): EasyJet, Volotea, Ryanair, Vueling offer seasonal direct European flights.
  • Connections: Travelers from outside Europe connect through major European hubs (Paris CDG, Nice, London). For deals, check Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Low Season Prices

Flight options become very limited from November-March. Prices stay lowest, but accessibility lessens.

Shoulder Season Value

April-June & September-October offer good flight availability and more reasonable prices than summer peak.

High Season Demand

June-September shows increased flight frequency and routes. Prices reach highest levels due to demand.

Airport Transfers from Figari FSC

Taxi

  • Taxis are available outside the Figari Airport terminal.
  • The ride to Bonifacio lasts approximately 20-30 minutes.
  • Fares typically range from €50-€70. Confirm price with driver.
  • Pre-booking for late arrivals is a good idea.

Car Rental

  • Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the region.
  • Desks for Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt at Figari Airport. For best rates, check DiscoverCars.com.
  • Book well in advance, especially for summer travel.
  • Limited public bus service from Figari to Porto-Vecchio, then transfer to Bonifacio.

Airport Facilities

Figari Airport FSC

A small, efficient airport with basic services: car rental desks, a cafe, a small gift shop, and a taxi stand.

Ajaccio Airport AJA

Larger facilities with more car rental options, restaurants, cafes, and various shops.

Bastia Airport BIA

Similar to Ajaccio, Bastia also provides more extensive services for travelers.

Land & Sea Transportation

Land Travel in Corsica

No land borders apply as Corsica is part of France.

Options & Notes

  • Train: Corsica has a scenic narrow-gauge railway. It does not serve Bonifacio directly. Closest stations are Ajaccio or Bastia.
  • Long-Distance Bus: Regular bus services link Bonifacio with Porto-Vecchio (regional hub). Schedules reduce outside high season.
  • Self-Driving: Highly recommended for flexibility. Roads are narrow and winding; drive carefully.

Sea Arrivals in Bonifacio

Bonifacio's natural harbor makes it a significant point of entry for sea travel, especially from Sardinia.

Ferry Services

  • Ferries to Bonifacio: Frequent services to/from Santa Teresa Gallura in Sardinia (approx. 50 minutes).
  • Major Corsican Ferry Ports: Porto-Vecchio (closest to Bonifacio), Ajaccio, Bastia for connections from mainland France and Italy.
  • Companies: Moby Lines, Corsica Ferries, La Méridionale. Book in advance, especially for vehicles.

Driving Requirements & Safety

Renting a car offers the most flexibility. Understand the requirements and road conditions.

Important Details

  • Valid driving license (plus IDP for non-EU citizens).
  • Credit card for deposit (in main driver's name).
  • Roads: Narrow, winding, steep. Drive carefully. Wildlife (pigs, goats) can appear on roads.

Ferry Immigration & Connections

Immigration procedures are standard. Connectivity to land transport is good.

Arrival Info

  • Schengen Procedures: Standard checks from other Schengen countries.
  • Bonifacio Ferry Terminal: Near taxi services and car rental agencies.
  • Porto-Vecchio Ferry Terminal: Good connections to taxis, buses, car rentals for travel to Bonifacio.

Important Departure Information

  • No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing Corsica/France.
  • Airport Departure: 2 hours before (domestic/Schengen), 3 hours before (non-Schengen from major hubs).
  • Online check-in for flights and ferries saves time.
  • Ferry Departure: 1 hour for foot passengers, 2 hours for vehicles.
  • Figari Airport: Basic facilities for departing travelers. Larger airports have more services.
  • Reconfirm flight/ferry departure times 24-48 hours before you leave.

Within Bonifacio & Local Travel

Public Transportation Overview

Public transportation options within Bonifacio town are limited. Regional buses connect it to other towns.

Transit Details

  • Bonifacio Town: Mostly pedestrianized, best explored on foot.
  • Tourist Shuttle: "Petit Train" connects marina/port to Old Town. Runs seasonally.
  • Regional Buses: Connect Bonifacio with Porto-Vecchio (hub for other Corsican towns). Less frequent outside peak season.

Route & Ticketing Info

Know where to go and how to pay for local transit.

Navigation Aids

  • Local Shuttle Route: Port/Marina area, Marine Cemetery, Citadel entrance.
  • Inter-city Bus Stop: Near the port/marina area of Bonifacio.
  • Tickets: Purchase local shuttle tickets on board; inter-city bus tickets from the driver.

Operating Hours

Local shuttle operates seasonally, more frequently in summer. Inter-city buses have reduced services outside peak tourism.

Accessibility

Old Town's steep, narrow, cobblestone streets make accessibility challenging. The port area is flatter and more navigable. Public buses may not be fully wheelchair-equipped.

Navigation Tips

Walking is the main way to explore Old Town. Use the tourist shuttle for steep climbs. A rental car helps for region-wide exploration. Always check bus schedules in advance.

Taxis & Rentals

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis offer convenient point-to-point transport, especially for airport transfers. Major ride-sharing apps are not widely available.

Taxi Information

  • Licensed taxis are white with a "Taxi" sign.
  • Find taxis at designated stands (airport, ferry port, marina).
  • Fares are metered, but fixed rates apply for airport transfers (€50-€70). Cash is preferred.

Car Rental

Renting a car offers the most flexibility for region exploration.

Requirements & Tips

  • Valid driving license (plus IDP for non-EU citizens).
  • Major credit card for security deposit (in main driver's name).
  • Minimum age for rental is typically 21 or 25; young driver surcharges may apply. Book in advance, especially for summer.

Other Rental Options

Motorcycle & Scooter

Available from local shops in Bonifacio/Porto-Vecchio. Need appropriate license. Helmets are mandatory. Only rent if you have experience with challenging roads.

Bicycle Rentals

Local shops offer road bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes. E-bikes assist tackling Bonifacio's hills. No formal bike sharing programs exist.

Specialty Vehicles

No common specialty vehicles like tuk-tuks or jeepneys are widely available for tourist rental. The main options are cars, motorcycles, or bicycles.

Parking Tip

Parking in Bonifacio Old Town is very limited and often restricted. Use paid parking lots outside the walls (e.g., Parking P5, Parking du Port). These fill quickly in summer. Arrive early to secure a spot. Always check for signs indicating restrictions or payment.
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