Ferry line
Grandi Navi Veloci
The ferry line in focus - origins, the Barcelona-Mahón overnight ferry, ships, check-in, pets and tickets
- Based in Genoa since 1992, part of the MSC Group since 2010, 25 ships on 33 routes
- To Menorca: Barcelona-Mahón overnight, late-evening departure
- Check-in: 2 hours ahead with a vehicle, 1 hour on foot; pet cabins on board
About Grandi Navi Veloci
Table of Contents
About Grandi Navi Veloci
Grandi Navi Veloci, known as GNV, is an Italian ferry line based in Genoa. Founded in 1992, it has been part of the MSC Group since 2010, forming its ferry division alongside sister company SNAV. By its own count, GNV runs 25 ships on 33 routes to 23 Mediterranean destinations - between Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, Spain, the Balearics, Morocco, Tunisia and Albania. For your Menorca trip, the Spanish arm is what matters: the overnight ferry from Barcelona to Mahón.
Ships
On the Spain-Balearics routes, GNV deploys conventional overnight ferries with cabins, reclining seats and a vehicle deck. On board you'll find inside cabins and porthole cabins for two to four people, plus reclining seats and deck passage as cheaper options, a restaurant, bar and pet cabins. You'll see which ship is sailing your chosen departure once you pick a travel date.
Route to Menorca
GNV sails Barcelona-Mahón: around seven to eight hours, depending on the ship and weather, usually departing late evening and arriving the next morning in Mahón's natural harbour. Frequency varies by season; Trasmed also runs this route, so compare both at the level of the specific departure. If you're heading to Ciutadella in the west instead, see the alternatives under Barcelona-Ciutadella.
Check-in, vehicles & pets
On the Spanish routes you need to be at the terminal two hours before departure with a vehicle and one hour ahead on foot. There you show valid ID and your ticket and receive a boarding card with your seat or cabin number. Cars, motorbikes and motorhomes travel on board; LPG vehicles must be declared at boarding and park in a dedicated area with the tank valve closed. The vehicle deck is closed during the crossing.
Pets travel either in a booked pet-friendly cabin with up to two animals, or in the onboard kennel; open decks and designated areas are accessible under supervision, and small pets such as rabbits or ferrets travel in a carrier. The pet must be registered at booking.
Tickets
Booking happens through the route page's booking widget; the price is calculated live and depends on travel date, number of passengers, vehicle, accommodation and fare. Balearic residents get the state discount with proof, and regulars collect points in the MyGNV Club. Cancellation and rebooking follow the terms of the chosen fare. Departures are shown in the timetable, and the price overview explains how the Menorca fares are structured.
FAQ Grandi Navi Veloci
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about GNV and the ferry to Menorca
Which route does GNV sail to Menorca? +
One - Barcelona-Mahón, an overnight crossing of around seven to eight hours departing late evening, with frequency varying by season. GNV shares demand on this route with Trasmed, so compare both at the level of the individual departure.
Who is Grandi Navi Veloci? +
An Italian ferry line from Genoa, founded in 1992 and part of the MSC Group since 2010. GNV operates 25 ships on 33 routes to 23 destinations across the Mediterranean, including Spain-Balearics.
How early do I need to be at the port with GNV? +
On the Spanish routes, two hours before departure with a vehicle and one hour ahead on foot. At the terminal you show ID and ticket and receive a boarding card with your seat number.
Can I take my car or motorhome? +
Yes, cars, motorbikes and motorhomes travel on board; vehicles running on LPG must be declared at boarding. The vehicle deck is closed for safety reasons during the crossing.
Can my dog come along? +
Yes. In the cabin, dogs and cats may only travel if you've booked a pet-friendly cabin (up to two pets); otherwise they travel in the onboard kennel. Open decks and designated areas are accessible under supervision. The pet must be included in the booking.
Where can I find the timetable and prices? +
Departures are listed in the timetable. The price depends on travel date, number of passengers, vehicle, cabin and fare, and is calculated live in the route page's booking widget; the price overview explains how the fares are structured.