Ferry from Sicily to Italy

Companies operating on Sicily - Italy routes offer special discounts to certain groups of passengers.

Children under 3 usually travel for free, and those between 4 and 11 receive a 30% discount.

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

Keep in mind that discounts and eligibility requirements differ by company and route.

It's easy to travel from Sicily to mainland Italy by ferry thanks to the numerous year-round connections available from ports along the island's northern and northeastern coasts.

You can depart from 4 ports in Sicily: Palermo (northwest), Termini Imerese, (northwest), Messina (northeast), and Milazzo (northeast) in Sicily.

Messina to Villa San Giovanni is the shortest journey, taking as little as 20 min. Trips to more distant ports, such as Genoa, can take over 19 hours from Palermo.

These 6 ferry companies provide services from Sicily to mainland Italy: Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), Grimaldi Lines, Tirrenia, Caronte & Tourist, Liberty Lines, and Siremar.

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

Ferries from Sicily to Southern Italy

• Palermo - Naples: Up to 4 departures a day every month of the year, with a journey time of 8.5 hours
• Palermo - Salerno: Around 2 weekly crossings year-round that take 9-11 hours
• Milazzo - Naples: Year-round service with 1 weekly departure and trips taking 16-18 hours
• Termini Imerese - Naples: At least 1 ferry a week throughout the year, with trips taking 8-9 hours
• Reggio Calabria - Messina: Ferries depart at least every hour, with crossings taking around 30 min
• Messina - Villa San Giovanni: Daily departures every 20 min, starting at midnight, with crossings taking less than 30 min

Useful Info: You can reach the Amalfi Coast from Sicily by stopping in Naples or Salerno. Check out our guide on traveling by ferry between Amalfi and Sicily for more info!

From Sicily to Central Italy by ferry 

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

Useful Info: Civitavecchia is the closest port to Rome and only 1 hour away by train!

From Sicily to Northern Italy

• Palermo - Genoa: Around 1 daily departure, with trips taking 18-19 hours
• Termini Imerese - Genoa: Weekly crossings from June to September and a journey time of around 19-20 hours

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

From the islands near Sicily to Italy

If you're planning an excursion to the Aeolian Islands while in Sicily, it's good to know that you can reach the Italian mainland directly from this archipelago.

The ports of Naples, Vibo Valentia, and Reggio Calabria are well-connected to the most popular islands, including Lipari, Panarea, Stromboli, Salina, and Vulcano. Trips range from 1 to 9 hours, depending on the route and the type of vessel.

On Ferryhopper you can find all ferry schedules to/from the Aeolian Islands and learn how to get to Italy from these stunning Sicilian islands. 

Where do ferries arrive in Italy?

Ferries from Sicily arrive at several ports along the western coast of Italy. In the north, you can reach the port of Genoa.

In the central regions, you can reach Livorno or Civitavecchia, near Rome.

Southern Italy has the most connections, with ferries arriving in Naples, Salerno, Reggio Calabria, Vibo Valentia, and Villa San Giovanni.

Each port is well-equipped to serve travelers with nearby cafés, restaurants, shops, parking, and hotels.

Passengers traveling on conventional ferries from Sicily to Italy can enjoy a meal, browse the web, read a book, or take in the sea views. Here 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

High-speed ferries are available on some of the shorter crossings, such as from Messina to Calabria. Traveling by these vessels is very convenient if you want to get where you're going as quickly as possible. Keep in mind that some of these vessels may not have amenities like car decks, shops, or restaurants.

Wi-Fi access

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

Cabins and accommodation

Most ferries from Sicily to mainland Italy allow you to choose from different types of cabins: internal, external with sea views, and suites, as well as cabins for passengers with disabilities. A cabin can usually have 1-4 beds.

Prices vary according to the available amenities, the type of cabin, and the company. For instance, suites usually have double beds, private bathrooms, air conditioning, TVs, and minibars and cost more than single internal cabins.

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

You can also book a reclining airplane-style seat for an additional fee, or a deck lounge seat, if you're looking for the cheapest option.

Useful info: Due to the short trip duration, ferries from Messina do not include cabins, but your standard seat is included in the ticket price.

Luggage

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

Bring your furry friend with you on the ferry from Sicily to Italy! When making your online booking, simply include your pet and pay a small additional fee, usually around €10-15.

Small pets must travel in their own carrier or cage. Larger pets must wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash. Some vessels also offer the option of booking a pet-friendly cabin or using the onboard kennels.

Be sure to travel with the appropriate documents, health certificates, and necessary accessories, and follow any rules specific to your chosen operator.

Tip: Read our guide to get more info on traveling to Italy by ferry with your pet!

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

• 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.
• Should you choose not to travel with your vehicle, you can easily continue your journey from your arrival port on the Italian mainland via public transportation.
• On Ferryhopper you can find all ferry schedules to Italy, as well as updated prices, ongoing offers and port info! 
• Remember to also book your return tickets from Italy to Sicily in advance for a hassle-free trip!
• Explore our interactive ferry map to find all the ferry routes in Italy and beyond!