Ferry from Palermo to Messina

Is there a ferry from Palermo to Messina?

Yes, in the summer months you can travel from Palermo (on the northwestern coast of Sicily) to Messina (on the north-eastern tip) with Liberty Lines ferries.

The Palermo - Messina route is normally active every day from June to September, and includes 1 stopover at the port of Lipari.

What’s the ferry schedule from Palermo to Messina?

The ferry leaves the port of Palermo at 13:30 and arrives in Lipari at 17:15. There, you will have to wait for 1 hr to board the Lipari - Messina ferry at 18:15. This ferry normally reaches the port of Messina at 21:30.

Useful info: the Palermo - Messina ferry connection is only available for the outward trip. There is no Messina - Palermo return route available.

      How much is the ferry from Palermo to Messina?

A single Palermo - Messina ferry ticket costs around €78.

Offers

On Ferryhopper, you can find the best available offers for your ferry trip in Sicily. Take a look at our routes, find the lowest prices, and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper easily and quickly.

Current offers will be automatically applied when booking your ferry tickets.

Discounts

On Liberty Lines ferries, infants and toddlers 0-3 years old travel for free, while there are also discount tickets for children up to 14 years old.

How long is the ferry ride from Palermo to Messina?

The Palermo - Messina crossing normally takes 8 hr in total (stopover included).

Tip: remember that you can always check any changes and track your ferry in real time on the Ferryhopper App.

Is there a high-speed ferry from Palermo to Messina?

The Palermo - Messina connection is operated only by fast hydrofoils.

What’s the distance between Palermo and Messina?

The distance between Palermo and Messina is 103 nautical miles (about 191 km).

Useful tips for your ferry trip from Palermo to Messina

Here are a few tips that you could use for your trip to Messina:

• In high season, we recommend arriving at the port of Palermo well in advance, as it can get quite busy.
• Although it is possible to move between the two Sicilian cities by car, taking the ferry from Palermo to Messina means that you can also check the beautiful Lipari.
• Discover the best things to do and see in Messina in our dedicated travel guide!
• From the port of Messina, you can catch an early ferry daily to the Calabrian ports of Villa San Giovanni and Reggio Calabria. In just 25 min, you will be in another region!
• For the latest information on Covid-19 and ferry travel in Italy, you can check our relevant post.

Where to take the ferry from Palermo to Messina?

Normally, Liberty Lines ferries to Messina depart from the pier of Molo Crispi in the port of Palermo.

The port of Palermo has various amenities for visitors, such as parking spaces, shuttle buses, restaurants, shops, and a left-luggage office. Furthermore, as it is close to the city center, you can take advantage of the opportunity and visit some of the main attractions in Palermo.

Can I travel on the ferry from Palermo to Messina with a car?

No, you can’t bring your vehicle on ferries serving Palermo - Messina crossings.

Ferry luggage

On Liberty Lines hydrofoils, you can carry up to 10 kg of hand luggage with a maximum size of 60x40x20 cm. However, young passengers traveling with a half-price ticket can board up to 5 kg of luggage.

Cabins

Palermo - Messina hydrofoils do not have cabins, but there is seat accommodation included in the ticket.

Pet travel

You can travel with your pet on Liberty Lines ferries, as long as you register it in the booking.

Small pets must travel in a pet carrier or cage. Medium- and large-sized pets should wear a muzzle and be on a leash.

Book cheap ferry tickets from Palermo to Messina

On Ferryhopper, you can book your tickets to Messina from Palermo at the same prices as ferry companies! Check all available routes in Sicily on our Map of ferries and plan your next trip in no time!