Ferries Messina

Ferry companies operating from the port of Messina offer various discounts for specific passenger categories:

• Children up to 4 years old can travel for free on many routes.
• Children aged 4 to 12 can benefit from discounted ticket prices (excluding taxes).

Messina is connected by sea with the Italian cities of Reggio Calabria, Villa San Giovanni and Salerno, as well as the Aeolian Islands.

Some routes operate all year round, while others are seasonal and only run during the summer months.

Ferry routes from Messina to mainland Italy

Messina - Reggio Calabria

The Messina - Reggio Calabria route operates all year round with Liberty Lines hydrofoils. The crossing takes around 30-35 min, and ticket prices start at €3.50.

Messina - Villa San Giovanni

Ferries from Messina to Villa San Giovanni operate all year round with Caronte & Tourist. There are daily departures throughout the day and night, and the crossing takes just 20 min. Tickets cost €2.50.

Messina - Salerno

The Messina - Salerno route is available all year round. Caronte & Tourist offers daily crossings, and the journey takes around 9 hr. Ticket prices start at €36.

Ferry routes from Messina to the Aeolian Islands

Messina - Stromboli

The Messina - Stromboli route is seasonal and generally operates from June to September. Liberty Lines hydrofoils take around 1 hr 50 min to reach the port of Stromboli, with tickets starting at around €30.

Messina - Lipari

Ferries from Messina to Lipari operate all year round. Crossings with Liberty Lines hydrofoils take between 2 and 4 hr, and fares start at around €27.

Messina - Panarea

The Messina - Panarea route operates from June to September. Liberty Lines high-speed hydrofoils take around 2 hr to reach the island, and ticket prices start at around €30.

Messina - Vulcano

The Messina - Vulcano route operates all year round with Liberty Lines. The crossing takes between 2 hr 20 min and 2 hr 50 min, while ticket prices start at around €27.

Messina - Salina and Rinella

Liberty Lines hydrofoils operate all year round on the Messina - Salina and Messina - Rinella routes, serving Salina’s 2 ports. The crossing to Salina Porto takes around 3 hr to 3 hr 25 min, while the trip to Rinella takes about 3 hr. Tickets start at around €29.

Ferry connections to and from Messina are operated by Liberty Lines and Caronte & Tourist.

How much luggage can I bring on the ferry to Messina?

On Liberty Lines ferries and hydrofoils, you can bring 1 piece of luggage free of charge, up to 60×40×20 cm and with a maximum weight of 10 kg. An additional fee applies to luggage exceeding these limits.

On Caronte & Tourist ferries, you can bring up to 20 kg of hand luggage free of charge. Young passengers traveling on a half-fare ticket are entitled to half the baggage allowance (10 kg).

Ferry crossing times vary depending on the route, type of vessel and ferry company. Here’s an overview of the main ferry routes to and from Messina:

• Messina - Villa San Giovanni: around 20 min
• Messina - Reggio Calabria: around 30-35 min
• Messina - Stromboli: around 1 hr 50 min
• Messina - Panarea: around 2 hr
• Messina - Lipari: 2 to 4 hr
• Messina - Vulcano: 2 hr 20 min to 2 hr 50 min
• Messina - Rinella (Salina): around 3 hr
• Messina - Salina Porto: around 3 hr to 3 hr 25 min
• Messina - Salerno: around 9 hr

Note: Crossing times are approximate and may vary depending on weather conditions, the time of year and the type of vessel. We recommend checking the latest schedules on Ferryhopper when booking.

What is the fastest ferry route from Messina?

The fastest route from Messina is to Villa San Giovanni, with a crossing time of just 20 min.

Another particularly quick option is the Messina - Reggio Calabria route, which takes around 30 min and is served by high-speed hydrofoils.

What is the cheapest ferry route from Messina?

The cheapest route from Messina is to Villa San Giovanni, with passenger tickets starting at around €2.50.

The route to Reggio Calabria is also very affordable, with fares starting at around €3.50.

What other factors should I consider?

When choosing a ferry from Messina, it’s also worth considering the seasonality and frequency of the connections. Routes to Villa San Giovanni, Reggio Calabria, Lipari, Vulcano and Salina operate all year round, although the number of departures may vary depending on the season.

During the high season, especially in summer, there are generally more departures to the Aeolian Islands, while some connections are strictly seasonal. Routes to Stromboli and Panarea, for example, mainly operate during the summer months.

During the low season, departures to some destinations may be less frequent. If you’re traveling during this period, we recommend checking the schedule for your chosen travel date in advance.

Can I bring my vehicle on ferries from Messina?

Yes, but not on all routes. You can bring cars, motorcycles and campers on ferries to Villa San Giovanni and Salerno, as these vessels are equipped with vehicle decks.

Vehicles are not allowed on Liberty Lines hydrofoils connecting Messina with Reggio Calabria and the Aeolian Islands, including Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea and Stromboli.

How much does it cost to bring my car from Messina?

Fares vary depending on the route, travel period and vehicle size.

As a general indication, the cheapest option is usually the Messina - Villa San Giovanni route. Vehicle fares start at:

• Motorcycle: €18.20
• Car: €43
• Camper: €61.70

Onboard services on ferries to and from Messina vary depending on the ferry company, route and type of vessel. Conventional ferries generally offer a wider range of amenities, while hydrofoils and high-speed vessels provide more essential services.

On Caronte & Tourist ferries, you can usually find:

• Air-conditioned indoor lounges
• Outdoor decks
• Restaurants (à la carte and self-service), bars and cafés
• Children’s play areas
• TV lounges
• Wi-Fi connection (usually free)

Conventional ferries are also equipped with vehicle decks for cars, motorcycles and campers.

On Liberty Lines hydrofoils, you can usually find:

• Air-conditioned indoor lounges with comfortable seating
• Outdoor decks
• Bars serving snacks, coffee and drinks (on some vessels)

Can I book a numbered seat?

On conventional ferries from Messina to Salerno, you can book a numbered reclining seat in a dedicated lounge equipped with TVs and power outlets.

On Messina - Villa San Giovanni ferries, seating is unassigned in the common lounges and on the outdoor decks. On Liberty Lines hydrofoils to Reggio Calabria and the Aeolian Islands, a standard seat is included in the ticket, but you generally cannot select a specific seat in advance.

Are there cabins on the ferries from Messina?

Cabins are only available on Messina - Salerno ferries due to the longer crossing time. You can choose between inside and sea-view cabins, available as single, double, triple or quadruple cabins, all with private bathrooms.

Pet-friendly cabins and accessible cabins for passengers with reduced mobility are also available.

Ferries across the Strait and hydrofoils to Reggio Calabria and the Aeolian Islands do not have cabins.

Can I travel first class?

You can book a more spacious and better-equipped Superior cabin only on ferries connecting Messina and Salerno. Premium or business-class options are not available on the other routes, where only standard seats or cabins are offered.

We recommend checking the available accommodation options on Ferryhopper when booking, as they vary depending on the vessel.

Are the ferries accessible?

Ferry companies operating routes to and from Messina aim to ensure a comfortable and accessible travel experience for passengers with reduced mobility.

Accessibility services vary depending on the ferry company, but you’ll generally find access ramps and accessible restrooms on board. Reserved seating is also available in common areas.

On conventional ferries, accessible cabins are available for passengers who need extra privacy and comfort.

Onboard staff are also trained to provide assistance to passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) throughout the journey.

Can I take pets on the ferry from Messina?

Yes, pets are welcome on all ferries to and from Messina, usually for a small additional fee.

Some ferries have dedicated kennels and ventilated, video-monitored pet areas, which are ideal for shorter crossings and allow pets to travel safely. On longer or overnight crossings, you can book a dedicated pet-friendly cabin for you and your pet.

Depending on the ferry company, pets may only be allowed on the vessel’s outdoor decks or in designated areas, while some operators also allow access to common areas.

If you’re traveling with a small pet (up to 8 kg), keep in mind that it must remain in its carrier throughout the crossing. Dogs, on the other hand, can move around the areas where pets are allowed, provided they are always kept on a leash and wear a muzzle.

Before traveling, make sure you have all the required pet travel documents with you, including health certificates and vaccination records, as well as everything your pet may need during the journey, such as food and water.

What documents do I need?

When traveling by ferry on routes to and from Messina, you need to bring:

• A valid ID document for international travel or a passport
• Your boarding ticket in digital or printed format

Document checks are not carried out before departure, but you may be asked to show an ID document matching the name on your ticket.

How to book ferry tickets

On Ferryhopper, you can book your tickets from Messina in just a few clicks:

1. Enter Messina as your departure port, choose your destination port and select your travel dates
2. Add the number of passengers and any pets traveling with you
3. Compare routes and ticket prices
4. Complete your booking online securely

Once your online booking is complete, you will receive the confirmation directly in your email inbox.

With Ferryhopper, you can also modify your booking online, receive updates about your trip and contact customer support.

Check-in and boarding procedures

We recommend arriving at the port of Messina at least 1.5 hr before departure, especially in the summer months and if you need to board with a motor vehicle.

Caronte & Tourist and Liberty Lines allow you to check in online and board with an electronic ticket or e-ticket.

Boarding usually starts 30 min. before departure, following the instructions of the port staff.

Overlooking the Strait of Messina, which separates Sicily from Calabria, Messina combines history, culture and beautiful sea views. Highlights in the historic center include the Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock, the Fountain of Orion and the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani. Don’t miss a stroll along the seafront or a visit to the beaches of Capo Peloro to discover Messina’s more scenic side.

Want to find out more? Check out our Messina travel guide for more information about the city’s top attractions and beaches.

Messina is a fascinating city where history, culture and breathtaking views come together. Here are a few useful tips to help you plan your trip and make the most of your visit:

1. Book your ferry in advance: ferries to Messina can be in high demand, especially during the high season. Planning ahead will give you a better choice of departures and fares.
2. Book online: if you’re traveling with a vehicle or during the high season, it’s best to book your ticket in advance, and booking online is the easiest option.
3. Check the schedules: always double-check your outbound and return departure times, and try to arrive at the port a little early to avoid any last-minute issues.
4. Be prepared for seasickness: the Strait of Messina is generally calm, but if you’re prone to seasickness, stay near the center of the ferry, where movement is usually less noticeable.
5. Enjoy the views: head to the outdoor deck to take in the scenery across the Strait of Messina, with the Sicilian and Calabrian coasts stretching out on either side.
6. Make use of the waiting areas: if you arrive well ahead of departure or need a break, you can use the parking facilities or waiting areas near the port before boarding.
7. Explore the city on foot: Messina’s historic center is full of sights worth discovering, including the Cathedral, the Astronomical Clock and the Fountain of Orion. Walking is one of the best ways to take in the city’s details.
8. Enjoy the local beaches: if you love the sea, head to beaches along the coast such as Torre Faro and Capo Peloro, ideal for a refreshing swim.
9. Experience local traditions: if you’re visiting in August, don’t miss the Vara procession and the Festa della Madonna della Lettera, 2 important events combining religious tradition and local folklore.
10. Travel in the shoulder season: spring and autumn are great times to visit Messina, with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than in the summer months.

Messina is one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean, with numerous connections to mainland Italy and the Aeolian Islands. Its strategic location makes it a crucial hub for both passenger and freight traffic year-round.

The port of Messina offers a range of amenities, including waiting areas, parking facilities and dining options, ensuring a smooth travel experience.

Some of the main destinations that can be reached from the port of Messina include:

• Villa San Giovanni
• Reggio Calabria
• Salerno
• Aeolian Islands

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Messina, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.