Marseille–Zarzis ferry
For families from Djerba, Medenine, Zarzis or Tataouine, this route saves driving the length of the country. But it only runs in summer, the crossing is long and sailings are few: here's what you need to know.
Updated October 2026 · sources at the bottom of the page
Key facts at a glance
- One way with a car
- from ≈ €526Car and driver; ≈ €887 on average in July
- Crossing time
- ≈ 38 hTwo nights on board
- Operator
- CTNThe only operator on this route
- Season
- June to SeptemberNo sailings the rest of the year
- Sailings in summer 2026
- 9Crossings scheduled by CTN
- Arrival
- ZarzisAbout an hour's drive from Djerba
Who is this route for?
Landing in Tunis and then driving down to Djerba means more than 500 km on the road after a night at sea. With the Marseille–Zarzis ferry, you arrive straight in the south with your car.
The trade-off is a much longer crossing: about two nights on board instead of one. A good choice if your family lives in the south; much less so if you're in a hurry.
When, and how much?
The route only runs from June to September. For summer 2026, CTN scheduled 9 crossings to Zarzis, on top of its Marseille and Genoa routes to Tunis, so dates are very limited.
One way with a car and its driver starts at around €526 and can top €1,100 in peak season. On 2026 bookings, the average is about €543 in June, €887 in July, €634 in August and €492 in September.
With two nights on board, a cabin weighs heavily on the budget, but with children it's almost essential. Compare the total with Marseille–Tunis, adding the drive south, fuel and perhaps a hotel night.
Zarzis, Tunis or flying to Djerba: which option is cheapest for you?
Run the numbersBefore you book
- One operator and only a few sailings each summer: your travel dates depend on the ship. Book very early.
- Bring food and things to do for two days at sea.
- Customs rules are the same as in Tunis: a yearly 5,000-dinar allowance for personal effects, and currency must be declared above 20,000 dinars. Full details in our Marseille–Tunis guide.
Other crossings
- Marseille–Tunis ferryCTN or Corsica Linea, prices with a car, departure day and customs allowances.
- Genoa–Tunis ferryOften the cheapest route, ideal from eastern France, Switzerland, Germany and Milan.
- Italy–Tunisia ferriesCivitavecchia, Salerno and Palermo: very cheap off-season, prices month by month.