Operator
Ichnusa Lines
The second operator across the Strait of Bonifacio, a profile of the ship, check-in, pets and fares
- Founded in 2021 by two long-established Genoa companies
- One route, one ship, Bonifacio - Santa Teresa di Gallura in around 50-60 minutes
- Check-in: 30 minutes on foot, 60 minutes with a vehicle before departure
About Ichnusa Lines
Table of Contents
About Ichnusa Lines
Ichnusa Lines was founded in 2021 by two long-established Genoa companies: logistics group Finsea and shipyard Cantieri Navali San Giorgio del Porto. The line is operated by their joint company, Genova Trasporti Marittimi. The name is the ancient name for Sardinia. The goal was a ship that could reliably cross the Strait of Bonifacio, known for its strong currents and rough seas, even in bad weather.
Fleet
The operator runs a single ship, the Ichnusa: built in 1985 by Fincantieri in Castellammare di Stabia, 64 metres long and 13 metres wide, with room for 325 passengers and around 50 cars across 200 metres of garage space. Two stabiliser fins keep the ship steady in the strait. There are no cabins, and the crossing takes around 50 minutes, longer in windy conditions.
Routes to Sardinia
Ichnusa Lines sails exclusively Bonifacio - Santa Teresa di Gallura, with several departures a day in season. In Bonifacio the ship berths at the Quai Noël Beretti, and in Santa Teresa di Gallura at the Banchina La Punzesa; buses run from the Santa Teresa port to Olbia, Sassari and Tempio Pausania. Moby Lines also sails this route, so check the timetable to see which operator is running on your day.
Check-in, vehicles and pets
Check-in takes place right at the pier: on foot, at the latest 30 minutes before departure, with a vehicle 60 minutes. The crossing runs from France to Italy, so EU citizens should show an ID card or passport, as boarding is refused without a valid document. From 15 minutes before departure, the operator may release unclaimed vehicle spaces to the waiting list, even for a paid ticket. Vehicles must be booked in the correct category; LPG vehicles must be declared at boarding and arrive with a half-empty tank. Pets are only allowed on the open decks, since the ship has no kennel; dogs wear a muzzle and lead, and cats and other small pets travel in a carrier you bring yourself. More in the guides Motorhomes on the ferry and Taking your dog on the ferry.
Tickets
Tickets are available online, at the port ticket offices and through travel agents. Residents of Sardinia and Corsica get a 25 percent discount on the passenger fare, online after registration and a residency check, or at the ticket office with ID. Date and time can be changed up to the check-in deadline for the price difference; cancellations are refunded on a sliding scale, with no refund at all in the last 24 hours before departure. Current prices appear in the booking window, with a comparison in the price overview.
FAQ Ichnusa Lines
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about Ichnusa Lines and the ferry between Sardinia and Corsica
Which route does Ichnusa Lines sail?+
Only one: Bonifacio - Santa Teresa di Gallura across the Strait of Bonifacio, daily with several departures in season, taking around 50-60 minutes.
How early do I need to be at the port for Ichnusa Lines?+
On foot, at the latest 30 minutes before departure, with a vehicle 60 minutes, checking in right at the pier. From 15 minutes before departure the operator may release unclaimed vehicle spaces to the waiting list, even if the ticket has been paid for.
Which ship does Ichnusa Lines operate?+
The Ichnusa: built in 1985 by Fincantieri in Castellammare di Stabia, 64 metres long, 13 metres wide, with room for 325 passengers and 50 cars, fitted with two stabiliser fins for the rough conditions in the strait.
Can I bring my car or motorhome?+
Yes, the ship has 200 metres of garage space for around 50 vehicles; your vehicle must be included in the booking, and the booked category must match. LPG vehicles must be declared and arrive with a half-empty tank. More on Motorhomes on the ferry.
Can my dog come with me?+
Yes, but only on the open decks, the ship has no kennel and is built for passengers and vehicles. Dogs wear a muzzle and lead or travel in a carrier, cats and other small pets in a carrier you bring yourself. Guide dogs travel free of charge and may go inside. Paperwork on Taking your dog on the ferry.
Are there discounts, and where do I find prices?+
Residents of Sardinia and Corsica pay 25 percent less on the passenger fare, though not on the vehicle. Current prices appear in the route's booking window, departures in the timetable, and a comparison in the price overview.