Ferry from Italy to Sicily

Companies that serve routes from mainland Italy to Sicily offer special discounts to certain groups of passengers. Children up to 3 years old usually travel for free, and those between 4 and 11 years old receive a 30% discount.

Residents of Sicily may also be eligible for discounts of up to 85%.

Keep in mind that discounts vary by company and route.

If you're looking to travel by ferry to Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, you'll find numerous year-round connections from major Italian ports.

In northern Italy, ferries depart from Genoa. In the central regions, you can take a ferry from Livorno or Rome (Civitavecchia). Southern Italy has the most departures, with ferries leaving from Naples, Salerno, Reggio Calabria, Vibo Valentia, and Villa San Giovanni.

The shortest journey, from Villa San Giovanni to Messina, takes as little as 20 min. Longer trips from more distant ports, such as Genoa, can take over 19 hours.

The following 6 companies serve the Italy - Sicily routes: Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), Grimaldi Lines, Tirrenia, Caronte & Tourist, Liberty Lines, and Siremar.

Here are the most popular ferry connections from mainland Italy to Sicily:

Southern Italy

• Naples - Palermo: Year-round service with up to 4 crossings a day, taking 8.5 hours
• Salerno - Palermo: Around 2 weekly crossings year-round, with a journey time of at least 9 hours
• Naples - Milazzo: Around 1 departure a week, with trips taking 16-18 hours
• Naples - Termini Imerese: At least 1 ferry a week throughout the year, with trips taking 8-9 hours
• Reggio Calabria - Messina: Departures every hour, with crossings taking around 30 min
• Villa San Giovanni - Messina: Daily departures every 20 min, starting at midnight, with crossings taking less than 30 min

Useful Info: If you want to get to Sicily from the Amalfi Coast by ferry, you will need to stop in either Naples or Salerno. Check out our guide on how to plan your ferry trip from the Amalfi Coast to Sicily.

Central Italy

• Rome (Civitavecchia) - Palermo: Around 1 crossing per week, with ferry trips taking 12-14 hours
• Rome (Civitavecchia) - Termini Imerese: Up to 5 departures a week year-round, with crossings taking 13 hours
• Livorno - Palermo: Around 3 weekly crossings that take around 19 hours

Northern Italy

• Genoa - Palermo: Usually 1 crossing per day, with trips taking 18-19 hours
• Genoa - Termini Imerese: Seasonal route (June to September) with weekly crossings and a journey time of around 19-20 hours

Tip: You can also travel between Sardinia and Sicily thanks to the Cagliari - Palermo ferry route. Departures are available year-round and the trip takes 12 hours.

From Italy to the islands of Sicily

You can also travel to the beautiful Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago located off the northeastern coast of Sicily, from the ports of Naples, Vibo Valentia, and Reggio Calabria in southern Italy. Trips range from 1 to 9 hours, depending on the route and the type of vessel.

Take a look at each route below for additional info:

• Naples - Lipari
• Naples - Panarea
• Naples - Stromboli
• Naples - Salina
• Reggio Calabria - Lipari
• Reggio Calabria - Panarea
• Reggio Calabria - Vulcano
• Vibo Valentia - Stromboli
• Vibo Valentia - Panarea
• Vibo Valentia - Lipari
• Vibo Valentia - Vulcano

Useful info: For a complete list of connections to this stunning archipelago, check out all the ferry schedules to the Aeolian Islands. You can also find timetables, ticket prices, trip durations, and more!

Where do ferries arrive in Sicily?

Ferries from mainland Italy reach the ports of Palermo (northwest), Termini Imerese, (northwest), Messina (northeast), and Milazzo (northeast) in Sicily.

Here’s more info on each port:

• Palermo: This is the largest port in Sicily and one of the most important in the Mediterranean. Nearby, you’ll find various services, such as restaurants, shops, parking, and luggage storage. The city’s major landmarks, such as the Palermo Cathedral, the Norman Palace, and the historic markets, are just minutes away.
• Termini Imerese: Located just 38 km from Palermo, this port is a great alternative if you’re looking for smaller crowds and easier access to Sicily’s motorway network. You'll still find nearby amenities, such as cafés, parking, and good transportation connections.
• Messina: This major Mediterranean hub is the main gateway to Sicily. It's an especially convenient destination if you want to explore the north and eastern coasts of Sicily. The port is located just 600 m from the train station and close to the city center. It offers travelers a variety of services, including restaurants, bars, parking, car rentals, and a gas station.
• Milazzo: The port of Milazzo is located on the northeastern coast of Sicily. It's an ideal place to stop if you're planning to continue your travel to the Aeolian Islands, as it offers frequent high-speed ferry services to the archipelago.

When traveling on conventional ferries from Italy to Sicily, passengers can enjoy a meal, browse the web, read a book or take in the sea views. Below are some of the amenities you will find on board:

• Restaurants, cafeterias & bars
• Lounges with comfortable seating
• Shops
• Children’s play areas
• Outdoor decks
• Services for people with disabilities
• Pet-friendly facilities
• Car decks

Some of the shorter crossings, like the one from Reggio Calabria to Messina, for example, also feature high-speed ferries. These vessels very convenient if you want to travel quickly, but keep in mind that some of the vessels don't have amenities like car decks, shops or restaurants.

Wi-Fi access

Some ferries from Italy to Sicily provide internet access. Depending on the vessel, you’ll usually find Wi-Fi packages available for purchase on board or free options.

Cabins and accommodation

On most ferries from mainland Italy to Sicily, you can choose between different types of cabins: internal, external with sea views, suites and cabins for passengers with disabilities. The number of beds in a cabin ranges from 1 to 4.

Prices vary according to available amenities, cabin type, and company. For example, suites, which usually have double beds, private bathrooms, air conditioning, TVs, and minibars, cost more than a single internal cabin. Here are some indicative prices:

• A 1-bed cabin starts at around €60
• Α 2-bed cabin starts at around €70
• A 4-bed cabin starts at around €160

Alternatively, you can book a reclining airplane-style seat for an additional fee or a deck lounge seat, the cheapest option.

Useful info: Due to the short trip duration, ferries to Messina don’t include cabins, but your standard seat will be included in the ticket price.

Luggage

Each operator has its own luggage policy on the Italy - Sicily routes:

• GNV: Up to 2 pieces of luggage per passenger for free
• Tirrenia & Siremar: 1 piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20 kg is allowed per passenger
• Grimaldi Lines: Travelers can bring 1 piece of luggage up to 30 kg on board
• Caronte & Tourist: You can bring a total weight of up to 20 kg for free
• Liberty Lines: 1 bag up to 60×40×20 cm and weighing a maximum of 10 kg for free per passenger

Keep in mind that extra charges may apply for luggage exceeding these allowances.

Traveling with pets

You can travel with your furry friend on the Italy to Sicily ferry. Simply include your pet in your online booking and pay a small additional fee, usually around €10-15.

Small pets must travel in their own carrier or cage. Larger pets need to wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash. Some vessels also offer the option to book a pet-friendly cabin or use the on-board kennels.

Make sure you travel with the appropriate documents, health certificates, and necessary accessories, and follow any rules specific to the operator you are traveling with.

Tip: Take a look at our guide to learn more about traveling in Italy by ferry with your pet!

Here’s some helpful tips for your ferry trip from Italy to Sicily:

• Aim to arrive at your port at least 1 hour before departure, especially if you’re traveling in the summer or with a vehicle.
• We recommend booking your ferry tickets early, as tickets for cabins and vehicles can sell out quickly, especially during the high season.
• Sicily is the biggest island in the Mediterranean and distances can be longer than anticipated, so plan your travel time accordingly.
• If you choose not to travel with your vehicle, you can easily reach your departure port on the Italian mainland via public transportation.
• Add our Sicily travel guide to your reading list to learn more about this splendid island!
• Want to know what time of year is best to visit Sicily? Check out our guide, which breaks it down by season.
• Looking to spend some time by the sea? Make sure to browse our selection of secluded beaches in Sicily for the ultimate relaxing escape.
• On Ferryhopper you can find all ferry schedules to Sicily, as well as updated prices, ongoing offers and port info!
• The Sicilian coastline is dotted with dozens of breathtaking islands. Take a look at our guide on the islands near Sicily to discover more!
• Remember to also book your return tickets from Sicily to Italy in advance for a hassle-free trip!
• Explore our interactive ferry map to find all the ferry routes to Sicily and beyond!