ferry Corfu Grimaldi Lines
ferry Corfu
âš“ The Corfu is one of the big crossing ferries run by Grimaldi Lines, the Italian operator that specialises in routes between Italy and Greece. She mainly covers the Bari–Igoumenitsa–Corfu route, linking southern Italy with north-western Greece across the Adriatic Sea. With room for more than 2,000 passengers and hundreds of vehicles, the Corfu is one of the key ships on the Italy–Greece sea link, and is especially popular with travellers bringing a car, a motorhome or a heavy goods vehicle.
The ship belongs to the Grimaldi Lines fleet, part of the Grimaldi Group, one of the world's largest ro-ro and ferry operators, based in Naples. The Group runs one of the most extensive Ro-Pax route networks in the Mediterranean, connecting Italy with Greece, Spain, Tunisia, Morocco and Sardinia. The Corfu is one of the ships that define the day or overnight crossing between Italy and Greece, with a broad choice of accommodation ranging from deck seats to four-berth cabins with a private bathroom.
History and background of the ship
The Corfu (IMO 9349758) was built between 2005 and 2006 at the Cantiere Navale Visentini shipyard in Italy, originally named Euroferry Olimpia, for the Grimaldi group. She shares the dependable Visentini design of her fleetmate the Catania. During her early years she sailed under various brands within the group, working heavy freight routes between mainland Italy and Sicily.
In 2022, after a thorough technical refit, she was officially renamed Corfu and assigned permanently to the Ionian and Adriatic corridor. She now runs scheduled international services between the ports of Brindisi and Ancona (Italy) and Igoumenitsa and the island of Corfu (Greece).
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Ro-Pax ferry (passengers and ro-ro freight) |
| Length overall | 186 m |
| Beam | 26 m |
| Service speed | ~19 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 2,204 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~800 cars (or the freight equivalent) |
| Propulsion | Diesel engines |
| Passenger decks | Several (boat deck, main passenger deck, cabin deck) |
| Shipyard | On request |
| Flag | Italy |
| IMO number | 9198721 |
| Operating company | Grimaldi Lines (Grimaldi Group) |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Bari → Corfu (via Igoumenitsa) | ~9–11 h | ~22:00 |
| Ancona → Corfu (via Igoumenitsa) | ~16–18 h | ~19:00 |
| Corfu → Bari (via Igoumenitsa) | ~9–11 h | ~14:00 |
| Igoumenitsa → Bari | ~8–9 h | ~15:00 |
| Bari → Igoumenitsa | ~8–9 h | ~22:00 |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
The ports on the route: Bari, Igoumenitsa and Corfu
The Corfu's main route links three ports whose geography and logistics differ in ways worth knowing before you board:
Port of Bari (Italy): the main passenger port on southern Italy's Adriatic coast, with good links to the city centre. We recommend arriving at least 2 hours before departure if you are travelling with a vehicle, and 60–90 minutes if you are a foot passenger. The Grimaldi terminal is at the Stazione Marittima in Bari.
Port of Igoumenitsa (Greece): the first call on Greek soil. It is the gateway to north-western Greece and has excellent road links to Athens (via the Egnatia Odos motorway) and to the Epirus region. Many passengers disembark here if the Greek mainland is their destination.
Port of Corfu (Kerkyra): the island's capital and the final stop on the itinerary. The port sits within the historic centre of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the quay you can walk into the centre in a few minutes.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Prices on the Corfu vary a good deal with the accommodation you choose, the season and how far ahead you book. As a guide, a deck seat can be found from €39–50 per person each way in low season, while a four-berth cabin with a bathroom can go beyond €200 in July and August.
Booking tips:
- Book early: in high season (July–August) the cabins sell out weeks before departure. We recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks ahead.
- Vehicles: the passenger fare does not include your vehicle. The car space is added as a supplement and varies with the length of the vehicle. Motorhomes and vehicles over 5 m have their own fare.
- Children: under-4s travel free in most types of accommodation. Children aged 4 to 12 get a discount on seats and cabins.
- Grimaldi Club: the Grimaldi Lines loyalty scheme, which builds up points you can redeem for discounts on future bookings.
You can compare prices and real-time availability directly on I Love Ferry.
Which accommodation should you choose for your trip?
| If you are travelling... | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| Alone or as a couple, looking for the lowest price | Deck Seat (open-deck seat) |
| Alone or as a couple, wanting more comfort | Air-conditioned inside seat |
| As a couple, wanting a good night's sleep | Inside double cabin |
| As a family (up to 4 people) | Four-berth cabin with bathroom |
| Looking for maximum comfort and privacy | Outside cabin with window |
| With a pet | Cabin (pets are not allowed in the public areas) |
| With reduced mobility | Adapted accessible cabin (check availability) |
ferry Corfu · Accommodations
Deck Seat · Open-deck seat
The cheapest option on board. Reclining seats on the open deck or in a partly covered area. Perfect for daytime crossings in summer, when the weather plays along and you want to take in the Adriatic scenery.
✓ The lowest price available
✓ Sea views
✓ Access to all the ship's public areas
✓ Ideal for daytime crossings in summer
Inside seat · Air-conditioned
Reclining seats in an air-conditioned inside lounge. More comfortable than the open-deck seats and suitable for overnight sailings or windy conditions. A good middle option if you do not need a private cabin.
✓ Air-conditioned lounge
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to the café and restaurant
✓ Suitable for overnight crossings
Inside double cabin
A private cabin for two, with bunks or a double bed depending on availability. Private bathroom included. Ideal for couples or travelling companions who want a proper rest on the overnight crossing.
✓ Private cabin for 2 people
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Air conditioning
✓ Ideal for overnight crossings
Inside four-berth cabin
A private cabin sleeping up to four people in bunks. The most popular choice for families and groups of friends. Private bathroom included. A comfortable option that works out cheap per person when you travel as a group.
✓ Up to 4 people in a single cabin
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Air conditioning
✓ Very competitive price per person
✓ Ideal for families and groups
Outside cabin · With window
The most comfortable accommodation on board the Corfu. The same as the inside cabin but with a window or porthole and sea views. For anyone who wants to wake up to the Adriatic or the Greek coast at first light.
✓ Window or porthole with sea views
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Air conditioning
✓ Brighter, with a greater sense of space
ferry Corfu · On-board services
Café, bar and restaurant
The Corfu ferry has a café, a bar and a restaurant on board serving every meal during the crossing. The choice covers breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus snacks and drinks throughout the day. There is also an onboard shop selling basics, sweets and souvenirs.
Public areas and outside deck
The Corfu has generous public areas for passengers, including inside lounges, an outside deck looking over the Adriatic and open-air seating. It is particularly pleasant in summer, when the day or overnight crossing runs in fine weather.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Corfu ferry has facilities adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. These include adapted cabins with wheelchair access (subject to availability and advance booking) and easier access between decks. We recommend saying that you need assistance or adapted accommodation when you make your booking, so that the accessible cabin and the help you need at boarding and disembarkation can be guaranteed.
WiFi connectivity on board
Grimaldi Lines offers a paid WiFi service on board the Corfu. Satellite coverage can vary depending on where the ship is during the Adriatic crossing. We recommend downloading entertainment before you board if you plan to use a lot of data.
Frequently asked questions about the Corfu ferry
Which routes does the Corfu ferry operate for Grimaldi Lines?
She mainly operates the Bari–Igoumenitsa–Corfu and Ancona–Igoumenitsa–Corfu routes, linking Italy with north-western Greece across the Adriatic.
How long does the Corfu take from Bari to Corfu?
The Bari–Corfu crossing (calling at Igoumenitsa) takes roughly 9 to 11 hours. From Ancona it takes between 16 and 18 hours. Exact times depend on the season and the state of the sea.
Does the Corfu ferry carry cars and motorhomes?
Yes. The Corfu is a Ro-Pax ferry with room for roughly 800 vehicles, including cars, motorbikes, motorhomes and lorries. We recommend arriving at the port at least 2 hours before departure if you are travelling with a vehicle.
What accommodation does the Corfu ferry offer?
Five types: Deck Seat (an open-deck seat, the cheapest option), an air-conditioned inside seat, an inside double cabin with bathroom, an inside four-berth cabin with bathroom and an outside cabin with a sea-facing window.
Is there a restaurant on board the Corfu ferry?
Yes. The Corfu has a café, a bar and a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as an onboard shop with snacks and souvenirs.
Are pets allowed on the Corfu ferry?
Yes. Pets travel in their owner's vehicle or in the designated area. Pets are not allowed in the passenger public areas. You must carry a valid pet passport and an up-to-date rabies vaccination.
Is the Corfu accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has adapted accessible cabins with wheelchair access, subject to availability. We recommend saying that you need assistance when you book.
How much does it cost to travel on the Corfu ferry?
Prices are indicative. A deck seat can be found from €39–50 per person in low season. Cabins get dearer over the summer. The vehicle carries a supplement based on its length. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I arrive at the port?
With a vehicle: at least 2 hours before departure. As a foot passenger, 60–90 minutes is enough. In July and August we recommend allowing more time, given the heavier traffic at the ports.
Is the port of Corfu close to the city centre?
Yes. The port of Kerkyra (Corfu) is right in the historic centre of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the quay you can walk into the old town in a few minutes.
What is the difference between sailing from Bari and from Ancona?
The route from Bari is shorter (9–11 hours) and handy for anyone coming up from southern Italy or driving over from Spain. The route from Ancona takes 16–18 hours and is the better option if you are travelling from northern or central Italy or from central Europe. Both call at Igoumenitsa.
Is there WiFi on board the Corfu ferry?
Grimaldi Lines offers paid WiFi on board. Coverage can vary depending on where the ship is in the Adriatic. We recommend downloading entertainment before you board if you expect to use a lot of data during the crossing.
