Train travel in Corsica is an unforgettable experience. The railway in Corsica currently consists of two railway lines, interconnected at Ponte Leccia station, which is the main junction of the Corsican railway network. The third railway line was destroyed during World War II and was never rebuilt.
Last updated: 29.01.2024
Trains in Corsica are operated by Chemins de Fer de la Corse, separated from the SNCF structures in 2002 and handed over to local government authorities. As you can see, even the logo resembles French railways.
In the early 21st century, railway in Corsica was in a dilapidated state after years of neglect. The closure and dismantle of all tracks was once again considered. After handing over the network to the local authorities, they decided to purchase new trains and rehabilitate the railway lines.
Train travel in Corsic – timetable and prices
Chemins de Fer de la Corse – official website of the Corsican Railways. The website provides passenger train timetables and ticket prices.
The noteworthy offer is the Pass Liberta – a seven-day network ticket allows to travel across the entire railway network for seven consecutive days. This is a personal non-transferable ticket. At the time of writing the article, the ticket price was 50 euros.
Railways in Corsica – basic information
Currently, passenger trains run on the two routes:
Ajaccio – Bastia via Ponte-Leccia and Corte, 158 kilometers, journey time approximately 46 hours, depending on the train.
Calvi – Ponte Leccia via L’Île-Rousse – 74 kilometers – there are direct trains from Bastia – Calvi, if traveling from Ajaccio to Calvi you need to change at Ponte Leccia station
The total length of operate railway lines is 232 kilometers.
Additionally, suburban trains run on the following routes:
Bastia – Casamozza
Calvi – Île-Rousse
Ajaccio – Mezzana
Long-distance trains are operated by modern diesel multiple units with tinted windows, accessible for disabled people.
On suburban routes often old diesel multiple units of various types are deployed.
The lines are very picturesque, they often cross mountain passes and go right to the beach. They could easily be considered among the most beautiful railway lines in Europe.
The railway in Corsica, despite its small size, is a very good means of transport.
Curious facts for railfans
Information for railway enthusiasts
– in 1877, a decision was made to build a railway line with a gauge of 1000 mm.
– On August 1, 1888, the first line Bastia – Corte was opened, then Ajaccio – Bocognano.
– in 1959, it was proposed to closure the entire network.
– another initiative to closure the entire network appeared in 1972.
– the third railway line from Casamozza to Porto Vecchio (130 km) was destroyed during World War II. It connected towns and villages on the eastern coast of Corsica.
– there are 32 tunnels and 51 bridges and viaducts on the active railway network. The longest tunnel near Vizzaron is 3.9 km long.
– the railway viaduct in Vecchio is 140 meters long and 94 meters high. It was designed by Gustave Eiffel.
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