ferry GNV Auriga GNV
ferry GNV Auriga
âš“ The GNV Auriga is one of the largest ferries in the GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) fleet, working mainly the routes that link the western Mediterranean between the Iberian Peninsula, Italy and Sicily. At 211 metres long and able to carry up to 2,100 passengers and 600 vehicles, the Auriga is a long-haul ship built for long day and night crossings, pairing cabin comfort with competitive fares on the Barcelona–Palermo route.
The GNV Auriga was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona (Italy) and handed over to the operator in 2001. She belongs to the series of large passenger and freight ferries GNV took on in the late 1990s and early 2000s to strengthen its Italian domestic services and its links with Spain and North Africa. Over her working life she has been switched between routes according to the season, with the Barcelona–Palermo service among her most regular high-season assignments.
GNV is an Italian company founded in 1992, based in Genoa and part of the Moby group. It runs one of the most important long-haul ferry fleets in the Mediterranean, with links between Italy, Spain, Tunisia, Morocco and Sicily.
History and background of the ship
The GNV Auriga (IMO 9305269) was built between 2004 and 2005 at the Fincantieri yard in Castellammare di Stabia (Naples), launched in September 2004 and delivered in March 2005 as the Sharden for the Italian state operator Tirrenia di Navigazione. For nearly two decades she worked the Italian motorways of the sea without interruption, linking Genoa and Livorno with Olbia and Porto Torres (Sardinia). In her final years with the Moby Group her hull carried an eye-catching full-length wrap featuring characters from the Batman comics, which made her a great favourite with families.
In March 2024, as part of a major restructuring by the MSC group (GNV's parent company), she was transferred to Grandi Navi Veloci, repainted in the corporate livery, completely refitted and renamed the GNV Auriga. Since then she has worked GNV's high-volume Italian routes: chiefly Genoa–Porto Torres (Sardinia), alternating seasonally with the Civitavecchia–Naples–Palermo corridor to soak up freight and holiday demand.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Passenger and rolling freight ferry (RoPax) |
| Length overall | 211 m |
| Beam | 30.4 m |
| Draught | 6.8 m |
| Service speed | ~22 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 2,100 people |
| Vehicle capacity | 600 cars (approx.) |
| Freight capacity (lane metres) | 2,100 lane m |
| Propulsion | Diesel engines · 4 × MAN B&W |
| Passenger decks | 6 |
| Cabins | Yes (several types) |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri · Ancona (Italy) |
| Year built | 2001 |
| Flag | Italy |
| IMO number | 9208628 |
| Call sign | IBQP |
| Gross tonnage (GT) | 37,000 GT (approx.) |
| Operating company | GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Palermo | ~20 h | ~18:00 |
| Palermo → Barcelona | ~20 h | ~18:00 |
| Genoa → Palermo | ~20 h | ~20:00 |
| Palermo → Genoa | ~20 h | ~19:00 |
| Genoa → Tunis | ~24 h | Seasonal |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact time in our search engine.
The port of Palermo: getting there and what to bear in mind
The GNV Auriga works mainly out of the Port of Palermo, in north-western Sicily. It is one of the busiest ports in southern Italy and the main gateway to the island for travellers arriving from Barcelona or Genoa. The ferry terminal is on the Molo Vittorio Veneto, barely 10 minutes' walk from Palermo's historic centre, which makes getting into the city very easy indeed.
If your final destination is Catania, Agrigento or south-eastern Sicily, bear in mind that you will need an onward journey by car or public transport from the port of Palermo. We recommend arriving at the port at least 2 hours beforehand if you are travelling with a vehicle, and 1 hour as a foot passenger.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A ticket in a standard or aisle seat on the GNV Auriga starts at roughly €40–60 per person in low season, and can exceed €120–180 for an outside cabin in July and August. Long-haul routes such as Barcelona–Palermo tend to be booked well ahead, especially over the summer.
Discounts and special fares available:
- Sardinian/Sicilian resident fare: residents of Italian regions covered by territorial continuity agreements can qualify for subsidised fares. Check availability when you book.
- Children: under-4s generally travel free (without an allocated seat). Children aged 4 to 12 pay a reduced fare.
- Family fare: on certain dates GNV offers discounts for families with children.
- Early booking: the cheapest fares go to those who book 1–3 months ahead.
- Return fare: on some routes and at some times of year there are discounts for a combined return ticket.
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 best price | Standard seat / aisle seat |
| Alone or as a couple, wanting a comfortable night's sleep | Double inside cabin |
| As a family or a small group | Four-berth inside cabin |
| Wanting sea views and more comfort | Double outside cabin |
| With a pet | Pet-friendly cabin (if available) or the designated area |
| With a vehicle, keeping costs down | Seat + vehicle space |
ferry GNV Auriga · Accommodations
Seat · Standard
The cheapest option on the ship. Reclining seats in a shared area with access to every part of the ship. Perfect if price comes first and you do not need privacy on the overnight crossing.
✓ Reclining seat
✓ Access to every area of the ship
✓ Air-conditioned shared lounge
✓ The lowest price per crossing
Inside cabin · Double
A private cabin without an outside window, ideal if a good night's sleep matters more than anything but the budget is tight. Available as a double (2 bunks or single beds). The most popular choice on long overnight crossings.
✓ Private cabin with a lock
✓ 2 bunks or single beds
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Ideal for overnight crossings
Outside cabin · Double with window
A private cabin with a window or porthole onto the sea. Brighter than an inside cabin, it lets you enjoy the views over the Mediterranean and suits anyone who wants a proper rest with a little more comfort.
✓ Window or porthole with sea views
✓ Private cabin with a lock
✓ 2 beds or bunks
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
Cabin · 4 people
A private cabin with 4 berths, available as an inside cabin. The cheapest way for families or small groups to get privacy on board without paying for two cabins.
✓ 4 berths in a private cabin
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Air conditioning
✓ Ideal for families and groups
ferry GNV Auriga · On-board services
Restaurant and café on board
The GNV Auriga has a self-service restaurant serving full meals — breakfast, lunch and dinner — and a café-bar open throughout the crossing. The menu covers hot dishes, salads, sandwiches and both hot and cold drinks. Given how long the trip lasts (~20 hours), having a proper restaurant on board is one of the ship's real strengths.
Open deck and promenade areas
The GNV Auriga has an open promenade deck where travellers can get some fresh air and take in the views over the Mediterranean during the crossing. On fine days, and particularly as the ship leaves and enters port — in Barcelona as much as in Palermo — the deck is one of the spaces passengers appreciate most.
Travelling with pets
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The GNV Auriga has lifts between decks and adapted areas for passengers with reduced mobility. We recommend telling GNV when you book about any special requirements, so that the best possible assistance can be arranged on board and at the ports of departure and arrival.
Connectivity: WiFi on board
The GNV Auriga offers WiFi on board. Coverage and speed can vary with the ship's position out at sea, so it is worth downloading some entertainment before you board and not relying solely on the onboard connection for a crossing of ~20 hours.
Entertainment and leisure areas
For a long-haul crossing such as Barcelona–Palermo (~20 hours), the GNV Auriga has a range of leisure and entertainment spaces:
- Lounges with television screens
- Play area and entertainment for children
- Onboard shop selling souvenirs, snacks and travel goods
- Night bar open during the busiest hours
- Open deck for a stroll and a look at the Mediterranean
Frequently asked questions about the GNV Auriga
Which routes does the GNV Auriga operate?
The GNV Auriga works mainly the Barcelona–Palermo and Genoa–Palermo routes. Depending on the season she may work other GNV services, such as the links to Tunisia or to other western Mediterranean ports.
How long does the GNV Auriga take from Barcelona to Palermo?
The Barcelona–Palermo crossing takes roughly 20 hours. It is a long-haul overnight crossing, so a cabin is strongly recommended if you want to sleep properly.
Does the GNV Auriga carry cars?
Yes. She has a RoPax hold for roughly 600 vehicles and 2,100 lane metres of rolling freight. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 2 hours beforehand.
What accommodation does the GNV Auriga offer?
The Auriga offers standard seats (the cheapest option), double inside cabins, double outside cabins with a window onto the sea, and cabins for 4 people. On a crossing of ~20 hours, a cabin is well worth booking.
Is there a restaurant on board?
Yes. The GNV Auriga has a self-service restaurant serving full meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), a café-bar and an onboard shop. On a crossing of ~20 hours, having the full range of catering on board is one of the ship's real strengths.
Are pets allowed on the GNV Auriga?
Yes. GNV allows you to travel with pets, which must stay in the designated area or in your vehicle in the hold. You must book a pet place when you buy your ticket and carry valid veterinary documentation (vaccination record, microchip, EU pet passport).
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has lifts and adapted access between decks. We recommend telling GNV about any special requirements when you book so that the best assistance can be arranged.
How much does it cost to travel on the GNV Auriga?
Indicative prices start at €40–60 for a seat in low season. Double inside cabins start at around €80–120, and outside cabins a little more. Prices rise considerably in July and August. Compare real-time prices here.
Is there WiFi on board the GNV Auriga?
Yes, the Auriga offers WiFi on board, though quality can vary out at sea. It is worth downloading some entertainment before you board for a long crossing of ~20 hours.
How early should I get to the port?
With a vehicle: at least 2 hours beforehand. As a foot passenger: at least 1 hour. In high season (July and August) it is worth allowing extra time.
When and where was the GNV Auriga built?
The GNV Auriga was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona (Italy) and handed over to GNV in 2001. Her IMO number is 9208628 and she sails under the Italian flag.
Is it worth booking a cabin on the GNV Auriga?
On a crossing of roughly 20 hours such as Barcelona–Palermo, we strongly recommend booking at least a double inside cabin. The difference in price over a seat is amply repaid by a night's sleep in a real bed with a private bathroom. An outside cabin with a window adds the chance to watch the sun rise or set over the Mediterranean.
