Taxi Bastia — Corte
From Bastia's port to the mountainous heart of historic Corsica
A taxi between Bastia and Corte costs between €135 and €165 when booked in advance at a fixed price, over a road distance of about 70 kilometres and a journey time of from 70 to 90 minutes depending on traffic. The usual route takes N193 via the Lancone gorge, with no tolls. A van for up to seven passengers starts at €215. That price includes luggage, tolls and the driver's approach, and it does not move if traffic builds up: that is the difference with a metered ride, where every minute of waiting is charged and the applicable rate depends on the hour. On an unbooked ride, the amount follows the scale of the prefectoral order applying where the passenger is picked up, higher from seven in the evening to ten in the morning as well as on Sundays and public holidays. The driver tracks the flight or train number given at booking and shifts the pick-up at no extra cost if it is delayed, and cancelling remains free up to six hours before departure.
Distance
70 km
Duration
1h10
Estimated price
€135–€165
Availability
24/7
Corte holds a unique place in Corsican history and geography. Perched at 450 metres altitude at the confluence of three valleys — the Tavignano, Restonica and Orta — this small fortified town was the capital of independent Corsica under Pascal Paoli from 1755 to 1769, a founding period of the island's identity. Its spectacular citadel, the only inland one on the island, stands on a vertiginous rocky spur overlooking the slate rooftops of the old town and the wild gorges surrounding it. The 70-kilometre taxi journey from Bastia crosses the most grandiose landscapes of Upper Corsica. Corte is home to the only university on the island, founded by Paoli in 1765 and reopened in 1981, bringing rare youthful cultural energy to this mountain town. The Restonica gorges leading to lakes Melo and Capitello, the Tavignano gorges and the laricio pine forests form the heart of the Corsican Regional Natural Park. It is also a strategic point on the GR20, considered Europe's most demanding long-distance hiking trail.
Route
Route Bastia → Corte
Leaving Bastia, the N193 briefly follows the Biguglia lagoon, Corsica's largest wetland, before climbing rapidly into the mountains. The road first crosses the Marana plain then enters the Lancone defile, a narrow and impressive gorge carved by the Golo, Corsica's longest river. Red and grey schist walls close in above the road, creating a dramatic passage of historic military significance. Beyond the defile, the N193 continues through hills wooded with chestnuts and holm oaks, passing Ponte Leccia, the island's central road and rail hub. From there, the road plunges south following the Tavignano valley. The final kilometres offer a striking view of Corte with its citadel perched on a rocky pinnacle framed by the snow-capped peaks of the central range.
Main route: N193 via the Lancone gorge — no tolls
Points of interest along the way
Practical tips
Our tips for Bastia → Corte
Tips & best practices
Specific tips for the Bastia → Corte route
This 1h10 journey is the shortest in the Corsican hub yet offers a concentrated taste of spectacular mountain scenery. The N193 is well maintained but has numerous bends through the Lancone defile. As a university town, Corte sees heavier traffic during term time (September-June). In summer, the town is a popular base for GR20 hikers and canyoning enthusiasts in the Restonica gorges. If you wish to explore the Restonica, note that car access is limited in summer with mandatory shuttle buses beyond a certain point — the taxi drops you at the nearest parking or your accommodation.
Tolls: no tolls
Pricing
Taxi fare Bastia → Corte
All our rides are fixed-price. The fare is set at booking, no surprises.
Day rate
Monday — Saturday, 7am — 7pm
€135–€165
Night rate
7pm — 7am, 15% surcharge
€155–€190
Sunday & holidays
All day, 10% surcharge
€149–€182
* Indicative prices incl. tax. Exact fare provided at booking. No luggage surcharge.
Transport comparison
How to get from Bastia to Corte?
Taxi vs alternatives
Detailed comparison of transport options
The Corsican train links Bastia to Corte in about 1.5 hours for €12 with infrequent departures. The bus takes about 1.5 hours for €10. By taxi, you reach Corte in 1h10 with door-to-door service, no connection waits and room for bulky luggage.
Sedan (1-4 passengers)
€135–€165
Guaranteed fixed price, no surprises
Van (5-7 passengers)
€215
Ideal for families and groups
See also
Similar routes
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about taxis in Bastia → Corte
How much does a taxi from Bastia to Corte cost?
The fare ranges from €135 to €120 for a comfortable sedan. A van for 5–7 passengers is available at €150. The price is fixed at booking, all-inclusive. The Bastia — Corte route covers about 70 km by road. Allow 70 minutes in light traffic and up to 90 minutes at peak hours.
How long does the Bastia–Corte taxi ride take?
The journey takes approximately 1h10 in normal conditions via the N193. During peak hours or bad weather, allow 1h20 to 1h30 maximum. Allow 70 minutes in light traffic and up to 90 minutes at peak hours. The price booked in advance ranges from €135 to €165, luggage included.
On the Bastia — Corte route, can the taxi take me to the Restonica gorges?
Yes, the driver can take you directly to the Restonica gorges entrance (Grotelle car park in season) or to the Melo lake trailhead. Specify this when booking. The price booked in advance ranges from €135 to €165, luggage included. A van for up to seven passengers starts at €215.
On the Bastia — Corte route, can the taxi pick me up at Bastia port when the ferry arrives?
Yes, the driver meets you at Bastia's commercial port upon disembarkation. Provide the ferry company, ship number and expected arrival time when booking. A van for up to seven passengers starts at €215. The usual route takes N193 via the Lancone gorge. Expect no tolls on this route.
Is Corte a good starting point for the GR20?
Yes, Corte is one of the most practical GR20 access points, especially to reach the Vizzavona stage. The driver can drop you at the trailhead best suited to your hiking itinerary. The usual route takes N193 via the Lancone gorge. Expect no tolls on this route.
Contact
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