This species occurs in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean from the Lofoten Isles south to the Mediterranean Sea and North Africa.

It is rare or absent from the eastern English Channel and the southern North Sea.

Fossil and subfossil shells of Turritella communis have been found in interglacial strata in the North Sea, from the Late Pliocene to the Quaternary Period.

The concave operculum is small and circular and has numerous pinnate bristles on its edges.

The snail shows white markings on the tentacles, siphon and foot.