Among the different ways of visit Corsica, the U Trinighellu train stands out as a unique and picturesque option.
This railway line crosses the island from North to South, from East to West, allowing you to discover the wonders of the island of beauty in a completely original way.
Indeed, what could be better than traveling around this island by train, with a bag on your back and good shoes on your feet?
In this article, you will find the train route to visit Corsica, a map of the train route, advice on the tourist sites of each stage and practical information for a successful trip.
The little Corsican train
The Corsican train is nicknamed the U Trinighellu which means “the trembling” or little train Corsica.
Construction of the U Trinighellu train began in 1888 but due to technical and financial problems it was not until 1934 that the complete line was inaugurated.
Its nickname “little train” refers to its modest size compared to traditional trains. This single-track train is an essential means of transportation for the island's residents.
And a true icon of Corsica, the U Trinighellu has also become an unmissable tourist attraction!
2 lines to visit Corsica by train
Corsica offers a network of picturesque trains which cross varied landscapes following 2 lines:
- The central line Bastia – Ajaccio passing through Corte (158 km);
- Line Ponte-Leccia – Calvi also called the Balagne line (74 km). With the most picturesque section of the “Beach Train” which connects Île Rousse to Calvi, stopping at all the beaches along the way.
Depending on your wishes and the length of your vacation, you can combine these 3 circuits or do just one:
- Ajaccio-Corte-Bastia
- Bastia-Ponte Leccia-Calvi with the beach train section
- Ajaccio-Calvi
In fact, only the extreme south of the island is not served by train, notably Bonifacio and the beautiful beaches in southern Corsica.
But if you want to visit the south of the island, here is a nice excursion to do from Ajaccio:
Itinerary to visit Corsica by train from north to south
Here are all the stages of the train route of the Bastia – Ajaccio line which will allow you to visit the Corsica from north to south :
- Bastia
- Furiani
- Biguglia
- Casamozza
- Barchetta
- Ponte Novu
- Ponte-Leccia
- Francardo
- Cutting
- deer
- Vivarium
- Vizzavona
- bocognano
- mizzen
- Ajaccio
Itinerary to visit Corsica by train from east to west
Here are the stages of the train route of the Ponte-Leccia line – Calvi which crosses the Northern Corsica from east to west and will allow you to visit the magnificent Balagne and legendary beaches:
- Ponte-Leccia
- Calvi
- Rousse Island
Corsica train route map
Here is the route map of the Corsica train network:
Price of the U Trinighellu little train
Now that you know the important stages of the routes, it is time to talk about the prices of the little Corsican train U Trinighellu.
If you are planning to do a tour of 7 days in Corsica by train, you can opt for the Liberta Pass which costs 50 euros and is valid for 7 consecutive days. Otherwise, you can also buy tickets for an individual journey at very attractive prices. See prices and times on the official website https://cf-corse.corsica/.
Where to buy tickets?
Tickets and the Liberta pass can be purchased at all stations on the Corsican train network.
But you can also book your tickets on the e-boutique of the Corsican Railways official website: https://cf-corse.corsica/ and for the 50 € pass here is the link: https://agence-t-smart-cfc.actoll.com/selection-ticket
Where to take the little train in Corsica?
Depending on your port of arrival or the airport where you land, you can take the little train in the following cities:
- In Bastia: Located on the northeast coast of Corsica, Bastia is the main city in the region. Known for its lively port, picturesque streets and historic citadel, Bastia is the ideal starting point for exploring the north of the island.
- In Ajaccio: Capital of Corsica, Ajaccio is a dynamic city located on the west coast of the island. Known as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, Ajaccio offers a unique combination of stunning beaches and historic sites.
- In Calvi: Located on the northwest coast of Corsica, Calvi is a charming seaside town surrounded by imposing mountains. With its fine sand beach and its medieval citadel, Calvi is a true paradise for beach lovers and culture lovers.