Bonifacio occupies the southern tip of Corsica, perched on limestone cliffs that fall directly into the sea. The island’s unique geographical features include gorges, turquoise coves, a protected natural harbor and an unspoilt Genoese citadel.
Here we share all the practical options for getting to Bonifacio.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Summary: How to get to Bonifacio
If you don’t want to read the whole article:
- At the southernmost tip of Corsica
- Driving time from Ajaccio = 2h30 (130km)
- Driving time from Bastia = 3h15 (175km)
- No airport at Bonifacio: the nearest airport is Figari-Sud Corse (FIG), 22km away, about a 30-minute drive.
- If you’re spending your entire vacation in Bonifacio, a car is essential once you’re here: Bonifacio has no regular bus service to the interior of the island.
HOW TO GET TO Corsica
Option 1: by ferry
Departure from France and Italy
- See all ferry options in our article
- Compare schedules, prices and availability directly
Advantage: you can take your car!
Option 2: by plane
Airports in Bastia, to visit the North, Figari to visit the South, or Ajaccio convenient for all Corsica.
Compare flights!
Where is Bonifacio and Map
Bonifacio is located at the southernmost tip of Corsica, in the department of Corse-du-Sud. The town faces Sardinia, from which it is separated by the strait of the same name. This strait, prone to strong winds, explains in part why the town was built high up, sheltered on its cliffs. Here is a map to help you find your way:
Driving time:
- Driving time from Ajaccio = 2h30 (130km)
- Driving time from Bastia = 3h15 (175km)
- Driving time from Porto-Vecchio = 40min (30km)
- Driving time from Propriano = 1h15 (65km)
- Driving time from Calvi = 4h (230km)
- Driving time from Corte = 2h31 (150km)
Good to know: In July and August, allow an extra 20 to 40 minutes on the busiest roads.
To complete the picture, see our article on how to get to Corsica.
Day trips from other Corsican towns
From Porto-Vecchio
Bonifacio lends itself well to an excursion from Porto-Vecchio.
Porto-Vecchio is the closest town to Bonifacio: 45km, or around 40min via the RN198. The route is direct and well signposted. With a rental car, it’s the ideal base for a day out in Bonifacio. We recommend leaving early in the morning to enjoy the citadel before the influx of summer visitors.
Parking in Bonifacio is complicated in summer. a shuttle bus runs to the communes of southern Corsica during the summer season.
From Ajaccio or Bastia
From Ajaccio or Bastia, a round-trip day trip is feasible but time-consuming. . We recommend planning one or two nights in Bonifacio to fully enjoy the site.
From Ajaccio, you can also admire the cliffs of Bonifacio from a boat – see options
By rental car from any town in Corsica
The car remains the most flexible means of getting around Bonifacio. Rental agencies are present at all Corsican airports. We advise you to book in advance, especially during the summer season when availability is rapidly depleted.
Compare car rental offers in Corsica.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Nearest airport: Figari-Sud Corse (FIG)
Flying to Bonifacio via Figari
Figari-Sud Corse airport is the closest airport to Bonifacio: 22km, or about 25min drive. Located between Figari and Pianottoli-Caldarello, this airport mainly handles seasonal flights, from April to October. Outside these months, the offer is very limited and you’ll have to go via Ajaccio or Bastia.
We like this airport for its direct proximity to Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio. In high season, there are regular connections from several French and European cities.
Main air routes to FIG
- From France: seasonal flights from Paris (Orly), Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nantes, Strasbourg, Lille (Air France, Corsair, Volotea, easyJet)
- From Switzerland: Geneva and Zurich (easyJet, Edelweiss)
- From Belgium: Brussels-Charleroi (Ryanair), Brussels-Zaventem (TUI fly)
- From Germany: Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich (Condor, Eurowings)
- From the UK: London-Gatwick (easyJet), Manchester (Jet2)
Tip: out of season (November to March), Figari is practically closed. In that case, choose Ajaccio Airport, which offers year-round flights from Paris and Marseille.
Options to reach Bonifacio from Figari Airport (FIG)
The airport is 22km from Bonifacio. Several solutions are available to cover this route.
By rental car
A rental car is by far the best solution for Bonifacio and the surrounding area. Counters of the main agencies (Hertz, Europcar, Avis, as well as local rental companies) are available at the terminal exit. We strongly recommend booking several weeks in advance in July and August: available vehicles are scarce, and rates rise sharply.
The journey to the center of Bonifacio takes around 25min on the D859 and then the D858.
By cab
Cabs are available in front of the arrivals terminal. The rate is based on the meter; remember to check that it is switched on at the start. Evenings and Sundays are subject to a surcharge.
Duration: ~30min
Organized transport (private transfer)
A private transfer booked in advance will take you directly to your accommodation in Bonifacio, without you having to find a cab on arrival. This solution is particularly suitable for families or groups, as the price is calculated per vehicle.
WHERE TO STAY IN Bonifacio
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Option 1: a historic stay in the citadel
Hotel Spa Genovese – prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: around the marina
Hotel Solemare and its swimming pool with view! – see prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: in the surrounding scrubland
Hotel Cala di Greco overlooking the citadel! – see prices, pictures and availability
See our list of the 10 best hotels in Bonifacio, with our reviews
Other Corsican airports: Ajaccio and Bastia
Ajaccio Airport – Napoléon Bonaparte (AJA)
Ajaccio Airport is Corsica’s largest and offers the most connections, particularly year-round from Paris and Marseille. It’s 170km from Bonifacio, a 2-hour drive on the RN196 and RN198, along the west and east coasts.
We mention this airport because it can be advantageous to transit there out of season, when Figari is no longer in operation. You can also combine your arrival in Ajaccio with a first night in the Corsican capital before heading south.
Main routes from AJA: Paris-Orly and Paris-CDG (Air France, Corsair, easyJet – several daily flights year-round), Marseille, Lyon, Nice, Bordeaux (extended seasonal). Geneva and Brussels in high season.
From Ajaccio airport, the options for getting to Bonifacio are rental car or private transfer. There is no direct bus service between Ajaccio and Bonifacio.
Bastia-Poretta Airport (BIA)
Bastia-Poretta airport is located at the northern tip of Corsica, around 195km from Bonifacio (2h30 drive). This option is less convenient for reaching the south of the island directly. It’s also useful if you start your trip at Cap Corse or Balagne before heading down to Bonifacio.
Connections are comparable to those from Ajaccio: Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice all year round, with an extended offer in high season.
By rental car from Ajaccio or Bastia
In both cases, picking up a car at the airport is the most efficient solution. The route to Bonifacio is well signposted and the roads, though narrow in places, present no major technical difficulties. We enjoy the road from Ajaccio via Sartène: it passes through the maquis and mountain landscapes characteristic of the south of the island.
Compare car rental offers in Corsica.
By ferry from the mainland or from Sardinia
The ferry is a serious option for getting to Corsica, especially if you want to take your vehicle with you. Two types of connection are relevant for Bonifacio: ferries from the French mainland, and the express crossing from Sardinia.
Several companies operate regular services from mainland France and Italy to Corsican ports. The nearest ports to Bonifacio are
- Porto-Vecchio (45min drive)
- Propriano (1h20).
- From these ports, the route to Bonifacio is simple and well signposted.
The main companies are La Méridionale, Corsica Ferries and Corsica Linea. Crossings last between 7 and 12 hours, depending on the route and company. Overnight ferries allow you to save a night’s hotel accommodation: you embark in the evening and arrive early in the morning. Cabin comfort is decent, but if you’re in a wheelchair or on deck, you’ll need to bring your own covering.
Ferries are often fully booked in high season. We recommend booking several weeks in advance, especially if you’re taking a vehicle.
Find out more about ferries to Corsica.
From Sardinia: Santa Teresa Gallura – an express crossing
If you’re in Sardinia, the connection between Santa Teresa Gallura and Bonifacio is particularly convenient. The crossing takes about 1 hour.
Boats run several times a day in high season. In low season, frequencies are reduced and some crossings are suspended.
See ferry schedules and availability.
Good to know: the Strait of Bonifacio is renowned for its strong winds, notably the Libecciu and Mistral. In rough weather, some crossings may be cancelled or delayed. In summer, sea traffic is intense and advance booking is strongly recommended.
From ports to Bonifacio
Whether you arrive in Porto-Vecchio or Propriano, the options for getting to Bonifacio are identical: rental car or private transfer. There is no regular bus service between these ports and Bonifacio.
And once in Bonifacio…
Bonifacio deserves our time. The Genoese Upper Town, accessible by a staircase carved into the rock or by the main climb, offers direct views of the Strait and the Sardinian coastline. The marina below is the starting point for boat excursions to the Grottes Marines and the Lavezzi Islands – a protected archipelago of clear waters.
- The Citadel and the Genoese ramparts
- The King of Aragon’s Staircase, carved into the cliff face
- The sea caves by boat from the port
- The Lavezzi Islands and their seabed
- La Catena beach and the coves of the peninsula
See our article on Bonifacio’s top attractions.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
Inspiration destinations
Best of
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- The most beautiful destinations in Corsica
- The museums of Corsica
- Hidden gems in Corsica
- The most beautiful natural pools
- What to do in North Corsica
- Best things to do in South Corsica
- Canyoning in Corsica
Where to stay
