26/04/2018
Embarking on the legendary GR20 hiking trail in Corsica is an ambition for many outdoor enthusiasts. While the rugged terrain and stunning landscapes are often the focus, a crucial first step for any hiker is understanding how to reach the trailheads. Contrary to popular belief, Corsica's bus network offers an extensive and surprisingly convenient way to traverse the 'Isle of Beauty', making it entirely possible to reach both the northern start at Calenzana and the southern end at Conca using public transport. This detailed guide will walk you through the various bus routes, schedules, and essential tips to ensure your GR20 journey begins as smoothly as possible.
Over recent years, the GR20 has seen a significant increase in popularity, prompting transport companies like Corsicar – Les beaux voyages to adapt their services specifically for hikers. However, successful bus travel in Corsica requires careful planning, especially regarding seasonal variations and school holiday impacts. Always be vigilant about checking the latest schedules provided by transport operators, as these can change without much notice, leaving unprepared hikers in a bind.
Getting to the GR20 North: Calenzana
The northern starting point of the GR20 is Calenzana, a picturesque village near the coast. While you might arrive in Corsica at various points, Calvi serves as the primary hub for onward bus connections to Calenzana. Planning your connections from your airport or ferry terminal to Calvi is therefore paramount.
From Calvi to Calenzana
The most straightforward route to Calenzana is directly from Calvi. Corsicar operates a dedicated shuttle service during peak season, making this leg of your journey relatively simple.
High Season Schedules (Late June to Early September, Weekdays Only)
- Calvi to Calenzana: Departures at 14:30 and 19:30.
- Calenzana to Calvi: Departures at 15:00 and 20:00.
Low Season Schedules (Rest of the Year, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays Only)
- Calvi to Calenzana: One daily departure at 15:30. (Note: Only this direction is typically serviced during low season on these specific days).
Journey Details
- Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.
- Fare: High Season: €10; Low Season: €8.
To confirm your shuttle and secure your spot, it is highly recommended to contact Corsicar directly via their website.
From Bastia to Calenzana (via Calvi)
If your arrival point in Corsica is Bastia, you'll need to make a connection in Calvi to reach Calenzana. This journey involves two distinct bus legs.
Leg 1: Bastia to Calvi (Corsicar)
This leg connects the east coast to the west, bringing you to the Calenzana hub.
High Season Schedules (July and August, Daily including Weekends)
- Bastia to Calvi: Departures at 10:30 and 17:00.
- Calvi to Bastia: Departures at 07:00 and 13:30.
Low Season Schedules (Rest of the Year, Mondays to Fridays Only)
- Bastia to Calvi: One daily departure at 16:30.
- Calvi to Bastia: One daily departure at 07:00.
Leg 2: Calvi to Calenzana
Once in Calvi, you'll take the same shuttle service as described above. Ensure your connection times allow for a smooth transfer, especially during low season when services are less frequent.
Journey Details
- Total Duration: Approximately 4 hours (3 hours 30 minutes for Bastia to Calvi, plus 30 minutes for Calvi to Calenzana).
- Total Fare: Approximately €26 (€16 for Bastia to Calvi, plus €10 for Calvi to Calenzana).
For additional information or to book, you can contact Corsicar customer service on +33(0)495651135.
From Ajaccio to Calenzana (via Porto and Calvi)
Reaching Calenzana from Ajaccio, the capital of Southern Corsica, is a more complex journey, typically involving two bus changes and operating only during the summer season (July and August).
Leg 1: Ajaccio to Porto (Line M2)
This initial leg takes you from Ajaccio to the town of Porto. Remember to alight at Porto, which is one stop before the terminus at Ota.
High Season Schedules (July and August, Daily)
- Ajaccio to Porto: Departures at 10:15 and 15:45.
- Porto to Ajaccio: Departures at 08:05 and 13:35.
Low Season Schedules (Rest of the Year, Mondays to Fridays Only)
- Ajaccio to Porto: One daily departure at 15:45.
- Porto to Ajaccio: One daily departure at 08:05.
Leg 2: Porto to Calvi
This bus connects Porto to Calvi, but it's crucial to note that this line is active only during the high season, with a single daily departure.
High Season Schedules (July and August Only)
- Porto to Calvi: One daily departure at 08:00.
- Calvi to Porto: One daily departure at 11:00.
For this specific line, you can contact the bus company directly on +33(0)495224199.
Leg 3: Calvi to Calenzana
Upon arrival in Calvi, you will connect to the Calenzana shuttle, as detailed in the 'From Calvi to Calenzana' section.
Journey Details
- Total Duration: Approximately 5 hours 5 minutes (2 hours 5 minutes for Ajaccio to Porto, plus 2 hours 30 minutes for Porto to Calvi, and 30 minutes for Calvi to Calenzana).
- Total Fare: Approximately €27.60 (€9.60 for Ajaccio to Porto – or €8 online, plus €8 for Porto to Calvi, and €10 for Calvi to Calenzana).
Summary: Bus Routes to GR20 North (Calenzana)
| Starting Point | Bus Company / Route | Seasonality | Frequency | Approx. Duration | Approx. Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calvi | Corsicar (Direct) | High (Late Jun-Early Sep), Low (Rest of year) | 2x/day (High), 1x/day (Low, Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri) | 30 min | €10 (High), €8 (Low) |
| Bastia | Corsicar (via Calvi) | High (Jul-Aug), Low (Rest of year) | Daily (High), Mon-Fri (Low) + Calvi shuttle | 4 hours | €26 |
| Ajaccio | Line M2, then Porto-Calvi, then Corsicar (via Porto & Calvi) | High (Jul-Aug) only | Limited, multiple transfers | 5 hours 5 min | €27.60 |
Getting to the GR20 South: Conca
The southern starting (or ending) point of the GR20 is Conca, a small hamlet that requires a specific shuttle service to access. It's vital to remember that Porto-Vecchio is the sole hub for the Conca shuttle. No other city offers direct bus links to Conca, so all routes to the southern trailhead will funnel through Porto-Vecchio.
From Porto-Vecchio to Conca
This is the most direct way to reach the GR20 from Porto-Vecchio. A dedicated shuttle, operated by Corsicabus in partnership with the Gîte de la Tonnelle in Conca, is designed specifically for hikers.
Service Period & Schedules
This shuttle operates from 1st April to 30th September. While there are two fixed daily services from Conca that align with bus connections to Bastia and Ajaccio (departing Conca at 08:00 and 13:30), departures from and to Porto-Vecchio are often immediate if the shuttle is full (8 passengers).
Journey Details
- Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.
- Fare: The price is tiered based on the number of passengers:
- For 2 people: €15 per passenger.
- For 3 people: €10 per passenger.
- For 4 or more people: €8 per passenger.
Booking is essential. To arrange your transfer or obtain further details, contact the Gîte de la Tonnelle directly on +33(0)495714655 or via email at [email protected].
From Figari to Conca (via Porto-Vecchio)
Figari, home to a major airport in Southern Corsica, is only 20 kilometres from Porto-Vecchio. The journey to Conca involves two stages.
Leg 1: Figari Airport to Porto-Vecchio (Jean-Baptiste Rossi, Line M10)
This service transports travellers directly from Figari airport to Porto-Vecchio bus station, with schedules adapted to flight arrivals and departures.
High Season Schedules (July and August)
- Four return trips daily, operating every day of the week (including public holidays).
Low Season Schedules (Rest of the Year)
- Two return trips daily, operating Monday to Saturday only.
For more information, you can contact Jean-Baptiste Rossi on +33(0)495710011.
Leg 2: Porto-Vecchio to Conca (La Tonnelle Shuttle)
Once you arrive at Porto-Vecchio bus station, you will take the La Tonnelle shuttle. It's highly advisable to contact them in advance to arrange a rendezvous. Consider grouping with other hikers to facilitate quicker departures and reduce costs.
Journey Details
- Total Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (1 hour for Figari to Porto-Vecchio, plus 30 minutes for Porto-Vecchio to Conca).
- Total Fare: Approximately €19 (€4 for Figari to Porto-Vecchio, plus €15 for the Porto-Vecchio to Conca shuttle, assuming 2 passengers).
From Propriano to Conca (via Porto-Vecchio)
If you're starting your journey from Propriano, you'll first need to travel to Porto-Vecchio.
Leg 1: Propriano to Porto-Vecchio (EuroCorse Voyages, Line M1)
This bus service, part of the wider Ajaccio-Porto-Vecchio route, runs year-round.
High Season Schedules (July and August)
- Propriano to Porto-Vecchio: (Connecting from Ajaccio departures at 10:15, 14:45, and 18:15).
- Porto-Vecchio to Propriano: Departures at 07:00, 10:00, and 16:30.
Low Season Schedules (Rest of the Year)
- Propriano to Porto-Vecchio: (Connecting from Ajaccio departures at 10:05 and 17:35).
- Porto-Vecchio to Propriano: Departures at 07:00 and 15:00.
For further details, contact EuroCorse Voyages on +33(0)495317376 or +33(0)495210630.
Leg 2: Porto-Vecchio to Conca (La Tonnelle Shuttle)
Once at Porto-Vecchio bus station, you will take the Corsicabus shuttle. Remember to book your transfer in advance through the Gîte de la Tonnelle.
Journey Details
- Total Duration: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (2 hours for Propriano to Porto-Vecchio, plus 30 minutes for Porto-Vecchio to Conca).
- Total Fare: Approximately €23 (€8 for Propriano to Porto-Vecchio, plus €15 for the Porto-Vecchio to Conca shuttle, assuming 2 passengers).
From Ajaccio to Conca (via Porto-Vecchio)
The journey from Ajaccio to Conca is one of the longer bus routes, but its schedules are often well-suited for connecting with flights or ferries from Ajaccio, and also for those finishing the GR20.
Leg 1: Ajaccio to Porto-Vecchio (EuroCorse Voyages, Line M1)
This is the same EuroCorse Voyages Line M1 as mentioned for Propriano, connecting Ajaccio to Porto-Vecchio.
High Season Schedules (July and August)
- Ajaccio to Porto-Vecchio: Departures at 08:30, 13:30, and 16:30.
- Porto-Vecchio to Ajaccio: Departures at 07:00, 10:00, and 16:30.
Low Season Schedules (Rest of the Year)
- Ajaccio to Porto-Vecchio: Departures at 08:30 and 16:00.
- Porto-Vecchio to Ajaccio: Departures at 07:00 and 15:00.
For more details, contact EuroCorse Voyages on +33(0)495712464.
Leg 2: Porto-Vecchio to Conca (La Tonnelle Shuttle)
Upon arrival in Porto-Vecchio, contact the Gîte de la Tonnelle shuttle service. Booking your arrival into Conca is absolutely crucial to avoid being stranded without transport to the GR20 starting line.
Journey Details
- Total Duration: Approximately 4 hours (3 hours 30 minutes for Ajaccio to Porto-Vecchio, plus 30 minutes for Porto-Vecchio to Conca).
- Total Fare: Approximately €35 (€20 for Ajaccio to Porto-Vecchio, plus €15 for the Porto-Vecchio to Conca shuttle, assuming 2 passengers).
Summary: Bus Routes to GR20 South (Conca)
| Starting Point | Bus Company / Route | Seasonality | Frequency | Approx. Duration | Approx. Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porto-Vecchio | Corsicabus / La Tonnelle Shuttle (Direct) | Apr 1 - Sep 30 | 2 fixed times from Conca, flexible from PV | 30 min | €8-€15 (per person, tiered) |
| Figari Airport | Jean-Baptiste Rossi (to PV), then La Tonnelle Shuttle | High (Jul-Aug), Low (Rest of year) | 4x/day (High), 2x/day (Low) + Shuttle | 1 hour 30 min | €19 |
| Propriano | EuroCorse Voyages (Line M1 to PV), then La Tonnelle Shuttle | Year-round | 3x/day (High), 2x/day (Low) + Shuttle | 2 hours 30 min | €23 |
| Ajaccio | EuroCorse Voyages (Line M1 to PV), then La Tonnelle Shuttle | Year-round | 3x/day (High), 2x/day (Low) + Shuttle | 4 hours | €35 |
Important Considerations for GR20 Bus Travel
Successfully navigating Corsica's bus network for your GR20 adventure requires more than just knowing the routes. Keep these crucial points in mind:
- Seasonality is Key: As seen from the schedules, many routes, especially those requiring multiple connections or serving more remote areas like Conca, are highly seasonal. High season (typically July and August) offers the most frequent and comprehensive services. Outside of these months, services can be drastically reduced or even suspended. Always confirm operating dates.
- School Holidays Impact: Be aware that French school holidays can significantly influence bus schedules. Services might be altered, reduced, or even cancelled during these periods, often to the detriment of hikers. Double-check schedules well in advance, especially if travelling outside peak tourist season.
- Advance Booking: While some local bus services might allow on-the-spot ticket purchases, for critical connections, especially the Conca shuttle, advance booking is not just recommended, it's often essential. Contacting the companies directly ensures you have a seat and helps them plan their services.
- Check Connections: When your journey involves multiple legs, meticulously plan your connections. Allow ample time between buses, as delays can occur. Missing a connection in a less-frequented area could leave you stranded.
- Group Travel for Conca: For the Conca shuttle, the tiered pricing structure means travelling in a group of four or more significantly reduces the per-person cost. If you're travelling solo or as a pair, consider asking at bus stations or online forums if other hikers are heading to Conca around the same time to share a shuttle.
- Tourist Offices: Local tourist offices, such as the one in Calvi, are invaluable resources for the most up-to-date local transport information. Don't hesitate to reach out to them for clarification or assistance.
- Flexibility: While planning is vital, maintaining a degree of flexibility in your itinerary can be helpful. Unexpected delays or schedule changes are always a possibility when travelling by public transport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions hikers have about using buses to reach the GR20:
Q: Can I reach the GR20 by bus all year round?
A: While some main routes operate year-round, services specifically tailored for GR20 access, particularly to Conca, are highly seasonal. The most comprehensive services run during the summer (July and August), with some extended into late June and early September. Outside of these periods, options are very limited.
Q: Do bus schedules change during school holidays?
A: Yes, bus schedules in Corsica can be heavily influenced by French school holidays. It's crucial to check directly with the bus companies or local tourist offices for the most current schedules, as services may be reduced or altered.
Q: How do I book bus tickets for the GR20?
A: For the shuttle to Conca, you must book directly with the Gîte de la Tonnelle. For other routes, you can often purchase tickets on board, but for peace of mind, especially during high season, it's advisable to check if online booking is available through the respective bus company's website or contact them by phone.
Q: Is it cheaper to book tickets online?
A: Sometimes. For example, the Ajaccio to Porto leg shows an online fare of €8 compared to €9.60 on board. It's always worth checking the company's website for potential savings.
Q: What if the shuttle to Conca isn't full? Will it still depart?
A: The Gîte de la Tonnelle shuttle to Conca has fixed departure times from Conca that align with other bus services. For departures from Porto-Vecchio, the text indicates that they are 'immediate if the shuttle is full (8 passengers)'. This implies that if it's not full, you might have to wait or pay a higher fare for fewer passengers. Booking in advance and coordinating with others is highly recommended.
Q: Are there direct buses to Calenzana or Conca from all major Corsican cities?
A: No. Calvi is the primary hub for Calenzana, and Porto-Vecchio is the sole hub for the Conca shuttle. You will almost certainly need to make at least one connection, and potentially more, depending on your initial arrival point in Corsica.
Q: What if I arrive late or my flight/ferry is delayed?
A: Delays are a reality of travel. Always build in buffer time, especially if you have tight connections. If you anticipate a significant delay, try to contact the bus company (especially for booked shuttles) to see if alternative arrangements or advice can be provided. Having a backup plan, such as a taxi, for critical legs is sensible, though it will be more costly.
Using Corsica's bus network to reach the GR20 trailheads is a viable and often cost-effective option for hikers. With careful planning, attention to seasonal schedules, and proactive communication with transport providers, you can ensure your journey to the start of this incredible trek is as smooth and enjoyable as the hike itself. Happy trekking on the GR20!
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