Ferry from Livorno to Palermo

Tickets, Prices, Times & Schedules

Ferries between the Tuscan city of Livorno and Palermo, in Sicily, operate all year round. Grimaldi Lines provides approximately 3 crossings a week, departing in the late afternoon.

Livorno - Palermo ferry ticket prices start at around €34 and the journey usually takes 19.5 hours on a conventional ferry.

Find all info about routes, schedules and prices, and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.

Discounts

Grimaldi Lines offers discounts of up to 50% to the following passenger categories:

  • Children from 3 to 11 years old
  • Permanent residents of Sicily

Children up to 2 years old usually travel for free.

On-board services and amenities

The Livorno - Palermo connection is usually operated by 1 Grimaldi Lines ferry (MV Zeus Palace). Thanks to the high-quality amenities provided by Grimaldi Lines on the ferries from mainland Italy to Sicily, you can enjoy a comfortable and fun trip:

  • Meals: on board all ferries, you can find cafeterias, à la carte restaurants and self-service restaurants offering a wide range of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Kids' activities: with dedicated play areas for children and video-game rooms on board the ferries, your kids can enjoy an entertaining journey.
  • Shopping: the ferries have shops, you can buy toys, clothing, perfumes, and toys, as well as books, snacks, and gifts for your family and friends.
  • Entertainment: during the warmer months, passengers can relax by the pool on the outside deck, enjoy drinks and take a swim. Live shows, piano bar entertainment and a video game room are also available. For added relaxation, there is a massage room on board.

Is there Wi-Fi access on board?

There is internet access available on all ferries traveling to Palermo from Livorno. Passengers can select from 3 available internet packages: Easy, Digital and DigitalPlus priced approximately at €5, €9, and €15, respectively.

Cabins and accommodation

Booking a cabin on the ferry from the mainland to Sicily is the best way to relax during the trip and enjoy some extra comfort and privacy. The large ferries serving the connection from Livorno to Palermo offer a variety of cabin options, including internal, sea view and accessible cabins. Typically, cabins are equipped with bathrooms, showers and air conditioning.

Here you can find some indicative cabin prices for the Livorno - Palermo ferry trip:

  • An internal cabin starts at around €126
  • A sea view cabin starts at around €136
  • An accessible cabin starts at around €143

Cabin prices range from around €120 to over €150, depending on the cabin's number of beds and amenities. If you don’t wish to book a cabin, you can book a numbered airplane-type seat instead to enjoy a comfortable trip in an air-conditioned space. Ferry ticket prices for numbered seats on Livorno - Palermo ferries start at around €46.

Tip: due to the long duration of the trip from mainland Italy to Sicily, it is advisable to book either a cabin or an airplane-style seat for a more pleasant and comfortable experience.

Luggage

The ferry company Grimaldi Lines allows each passenger to board with one piece of luggage that does not exceed the dimensions 56x45x25 cm. In addition, it is possible to carry one small bag or backpack. The transport of additional luggage is subject to a fee.

Accessibility

The ferries operating on the Livorno - Palermo route offer services and facilities for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM).

Elevators and access ramps are available to help you move easily between decks, along with reserved seating in common areas and accessible cabins featuring additional space and adapted bathrooms.
The onboard crew is available to assist you throughout every stage of your journey.

Traveling with pets

You can bring your pet onboard the ferry to Palermo from Livorno. There are various services and infrastructures for your little friend, such as pet-friendly seats and cabins. More specifically, on Grimaldi Lines ferries, dogs and cats have dedicated accommodations, while other animals must travel in carriers provided by the passenger. 

Pets cannot enter cabins unless the "pet in cabin" service is purchased. The cost to bring a pet on board is €30 and an additional €10 per cabin per journey is required for the 'pet in cabin' service.

How do I board the ferry with my pet?

To board the ferry with your pet, make sure they are either on a leash or in a carrier. Pet owners may be asked to board and disembark last to help keep the animal calm in a less crowded environment. 

The ferry crew will assist in directing you to your cabin or seat, or guide you to the kennels, where you can set up a comfortable space for your pet.

What documents do I need to travel with my pet by ferry to Palermo from Livorno?

When traveling with your pet by ferry to Palermo from Livorno, you’ll need the following documents:

  • A boarding pass or pet ticket that includes a reference to your pet, whether for a pet-friendly cabin or kennel.
  • A valid health card for your pet.

Useful tips for your ferry trip to Palermo from Livorno

Here are some travel tips for your Livorno - Palermo ferry trip: 

  • We recommend that you arrive at the port of Livorno at least 1 hr before your ferry trip, especially if you are traveling with your vehicle.
  • If you plan to stay several days in Palermo, you should take advantage of the summer ferry connections to the Aeolian Islands. Choose your favorite island and discover the beauty of the Aeolian archipelago.
  • From Livorno, you can also conveniently reach various destinations in Sardinia as well as the port of Bastia in Corsica.
  • Take a look at the Palermo - Livorno ferry route to plan your return trip.
  • On our dedicated page, you can find all ferry schedules to Palermo, as well as timetables and ticket prices!

Traveling from Tuscany to Sicily by ferry

Looking to travel from Tuscany to Sicily? Taking the ferry from Livorno, a major port city in Tuscany, to Palermo is one of the most convenient ways to travel to Sicily by sea.

Even if you're based in nearby Tuscan cities such as Florence, Pisa or Siena, Livorno is the ideal starting point for your journey south. The city is easily reachable by car or train, and there are frequent departures to Sicily all year round.

Where to take the ferry from Livorno to Palermo?

Usually, ferries to Palermo depart from the Darsena Toscana terminal in Livorno.

How to get to the port of Livorno

The port of Livorno is well connected and easily accessible by several means of transport:

  • By bus: from Livorno Centrale train station, you can reach the port in around 30 min using local public transport services (CTT Nord, LAM Rossa line).
  • By train: Livorno Centrale train station is connected to the main cities in Tuscany and the rest of Italy. From there, you can continue to the port by bus or taxi.
  • By car: the port is easily accessible from the A12 Genoa-Rosignano motorway (Livorno Porto exit) and the FI-PI-LI expressway (Florence-Pisa-Livorno). Paid parking is available near the port.
  • By taxi: the taxi ride from Livorno Centrale train station to the port takes around 10 min.
  • By plane: the nearest airport is Galileo Galilei Airport in Pisa, around 30 km from the port. From there, you can reach Livorno by train or transfer service.

Info about Livorno

Livorno, a bustling port city on the Tuscan coast, offers a unique blend of maritime charm and cultural attractions. Stroll along its canals, visit the Fortezza Nuova, or enjoy fresh seafood.

With vibrant markets, a scenic seafront and beautiful beaches nearby, Livorno offers a memorable experience. Discover more in our Livorno travel guide.

Where does the ferry arrive in Palermo?

Ferries from Livorno usually dock at the 4 Venti or Puntone piers in the port of Palermo.

What to do in Palermo

Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is a captivating city full of history and energy. Stroll through its ancient streets, sample delicious Sicilian cuisine and soak in the vibrant ambiance of this coastal gem.

Whether you're exploring the historic Quattro Canti or unwinding on the nearby beaches, Palermo promises an unforgettable experience. For more information and tips, check out our Palermo travel guide.

How long is the ferry ride from Livorno to Palermo?

The Livorno - Palermo ferry trip usually lasts 19.5 hr.

What time does the ferry leave?

The ferry from Livorno to Palermo usually departs at 18:30.

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FAQs

Yes, ferries traveling from Livorno to Palermo can carry vehicles. Vehicle tickets for the Livorno - Palermo ferry crossing normally start at around €44, while motorcycle prices start at €19

However, note that camper prices vary depending on the size and type of the vehicle (van, motorhome), and typically start higher due to the larger space required.

Ferries operating on the route from Livorno to Palermo are conventional. The fastest ferry to Palermo makes the trip in about 19.5 hr.

The distance between the ports of Livorno and Palermo is 356 nautical miles (around 660 km).

Yes, Grimaldi Lines usually offers a departure from Livorno in the late afternoon, normally at around 18:30, arriving in Sicily at around 14:00 the following day.

It's advisable to book your ferry tickets from Livorno to Palermo at least 2-3 months in advance, particularly if you are traveling during the high season (June to September). Prices generally increase as the departure date approaches, and ferries can fill up quickly during peak periods.

Yes, Grimaldi Lines issues electronic tickets. You can therefore book your Livorno - Palermo ferry on Ferryhopper and check in online to receive your boarding passes directly by email.

The Livorno Palermo ferry crossing takes 19 hr 30 min. Actual journey times may vary depending on the itinerary selected and the type of vessel operating the route.

Find detailed answers to all your questions about ferry ticket changes, cancellations and refunds.

Remember that you can also use Ferryhopper's online booking modification service, available with certain ferry companies.

If your ferry trip is cancelled, you usually have the following options:

  • Change your ticket to another departure of equal value.
  • Cancel your ticket with a request sent to the ferry operator for a full refund.

Find out more about what you can do in case of weather disruption or ferry strike.

If you’re worried about possible delays or cancellations, you can always visit our ferry travel alerts page for real-time updates on strikes, weather disruptions, and service suspensions.

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