Ferries Sicily

Ferry companies often provide fixed discounts for specific passenger categories:

Infants & children

Most operators allow infants and toddlers up to 3 years old to travel for free, while discounts are available for children up to 11-12 years old.

Residents of Sicily

Native citizens and residents of Sicily can benefit from a special discounted rate throughout the year. Simply select the discount during the online booking process on Ferryhopper and enter your ID card or passport number. It is recommended to carry a residency document as proof of eligibility for the discount during your ferry journey.

Useful info: fixed discounts may vary slightly depending on the ferry company, so we recommend checking the specific conditions that apply to your trip.

Ferry routes to Sicily from mainland Italy and other islands

Ferries from mainland Italy to Sicily

Ferries travel to the Sicilian ports of Palermo, Milazzo, Messina and Termini Imerese. Check out all available Italy - Sicily ferry connections served by Caronte & Tourist, Liberty Lines, GNV, Grimaldi Lines, and Siremar.

Genoa to Palermo

The Genoa - Palermo route connects northern Italy's largest port with Sicily's capital. The journey with GNV takes approximately 19-23 hr with multiple weekly departures all year round. Tickets cost from € 54.

Naples to Palermo

Naples - Palermo is one of Sicily's most popular ferry routes and is operated by GNV and Grimaldi Lines and. The crossing takes 8.5-11 hr with up to 3 daily departures all year round, and tickets are priced from € 28.

Civitavecchia (Rome) to Palermo

GNV connects Rome's port with Sicily with the Civitavecchia (Rome) - Palermo route. The journey lasts approximately 13-14 hr with 1 weekly departure all year round and tickets cost from € 53.68.

Civitavecchia (Rome) to Termini Imerese

GNV serves the Civitavecchia - Termini Imerese route year-round with 5 weekly crossings that take 12 hr 45 min to 14 hr 15 min. Ferry ticket prices start from € 45.

Salerno to Palermo

The Salerno - Palermo ferry route is served 2-3 times a week and takes approximately 9-11 hr, Services by Grimaldi Lines operate year-round from Molo Ponente and seasonally from Molo Concordia, with tickets costing from about € 38.5.

Livorno to Palermo

You can travel by ferry from Livorno to Palermo in about 19.5 hr. Grimaldi Lines serves the year-round connection with up to 3 weekly departures and ticket prices start at € 101.

Villa San Giovanni to Messina

The Villa San Giovanni - Messina crossing is the shortest and busiest ferry connection to Sicily, taking just 20 min. This essential service by Caronte & Tourist operates continuously throughout the day with 1-2 departures every hour and tickets costing from about €2.50.

Reggio Calabria to Messina

Liberty Lines operates an alternative Strait of Messina crossing, the Reggio Calabria - Messina route, which takes 30-35 min, with around 20 daily departures all year round. Ferry ticket prices start from around €3.50.

Vibo Valentia to Milazzo

The Vibo Valentia - Milazzo route by Liberty Lines connects Calabria's coast with northeastern Sicily in around 4.5 hr. This seasonal route is served 1-2 times a week, mainly between June and September, and tickets are priced from € 38.

Naples to Milazzo

Naples to Milazzo provides a direct connection to Sicily's Aeolian Islands gateway port up to 3 times a week. The overnight crossing by Siremar takes approximately 16-18 hr with services operating mainly during the summer and tickets costing from € 73.03.

Naples to Termini Imerese

The Naples - Termini Imerese route is active year-round and served by GNV with 1 weekly crossing. The journey takes around 9.5 hr and tickets cost from € 45.

Salerno to Messina

The Salerno - Messina ferry takes approximately 9 hr and tickets cost from about €36. Caronte & Tourist typically operates the year-round ferry connection, with up to 7 weekly crossings during the summer months.

Routes from Sardinia to Sicily

From the port of Cagliari, on the southern coast of Sardinia, you can travel by ferry to Palermo with Grimaldi Lines.

Cagliari to Palermo

The Cagliari - Palermo route connects Sardinia's capital with Sicily throughout the year. There is usually 1 overnight crossing every week that takes approximately 12 hr and ticket prices start at € 39.94.

Ferry connections within Sicily to Aeolian, Egadi and Pelagie islands

Ferry routes within Sicily

Liberty Lines operates ferry routes within Sicily during the high season, connecting Milazzo, Palermo and Messina.

Palermo to Milazzo

You can travel from Palermo to Milazzo seasonally, from April to October, with up to 7 weekly crossings. The journey takes approximately 5 hr and ticket prices start from € 54.85.

Messina to Milazzo

The Messina - Milazzo ferry route is operated seasonally, from July to September, with 1 daily crossing. The journey takes about 4 hr and tickets cost from € 45.77.

Routes to the Aeolian Islands

Starting from the ports of Sicily, you can discover the Aeolian Islands with Caronte & Tourist, Liberty Lines and Siremar.

Milazzo to Aeolian Islands

Milazzo serves as Sicily's primary gateway to the Aeolian archipelago, with year-round ferry and hydrofoil services to Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi, and Alicudi. Crossings range from 45 min to 6 hr depending on destination, with multiple daily departures.

• The Milazzo - Salina ferries take 1.5 hr-3.5 hr and ticket prices start at € 19.13.
• The Milazzo - Filicudi crossings take 2.5-5 hr, with tickets priced from € 22.9.
• The Milazzo - Alicudi ferry trip lasts 3-6 hr and tickets cost from € 30.64.
• The Milazzo - Lipari crossing takes 50 min to 2.5 hr and tickets are priced from € 16.39.
• The Milazzo - Panarea ferry route takes 50 min to 2.5 hr, while ticket prices start at € 18.37.
• The Milazzo - Stromboli ferries take 1-6 hr and tickets cost from € 22.65.
• The Milazzo - Vulcano ferry trip takes 45 min to 2 hr and ticket prices start from around € 15.64.

Messina to Aeolian Islands

Messina offers ferry connections to the Aeolian Islands with services primarily to Lipari, Stromboli, Vulcano, Salina, and Panarea. Crossings take around 2-4 hr with daily year-round and seasonal services.

• The Messina - Lipari ferry takes 2.5 hr to almost 4 hr, and tickets cost from €27.
• The seasonal Messina - Stromboli ferry trip lasts 1 hr 50 min and tickets are priced from around €30.
• The Messina - Vulcano ferry takes 2 hr 10 min and ticket prices start at around €27.
• The Messina - Salina routes take 3-3.5 hr and tickets cost from about €30.
• The seasonal Messina - Panarea journey lasts about 2.5 hr and tickets are priced from €30.

Palermo to Aeolian Islands

Palermo provides direct connections to major Aeolian Islands including Lipari, Salina, Alicudi, Filicudi, Panarea, Stromboli and Vulcano. Services typically operate during the summer, with crossings taking 2.5-6 hr.

• The Palermo - Filicudi ferry trip takes around 2.5 hr and ticket prices start from € 42.12.
• The Palermo - Salina crossings take about 3 hr, with tickets costing from € 49.39.
• The Palermo - Alicudi route takes 2 hr and ferry tickets cost from € 34.94.
• The Palermo - Lipari ferry takes about 3 hr 45 min, with tickets priced from € 50.93.
• The Palermo - Panarea crossing takes around 5 hr and tickets cost from € 51.89.
• The Palermo - Stromboli ferry trip lasts about 6 hr, with tickets priced from € 70.42.
• The Palermo - Vulcano crossing takes approximately 4 hr and tickets cost from € 52.44.

Ferries from Sicily to the Egadi Islands, Pantelleria and Pelagie Islands

Explore the Egadi Islands, Pantelleria, and the Pelagie Islands from the Sicilian ports of Trapani, Marsala and Porto Empedocle.

Trapani to Aegadian Islands (Egadi Islands)

Trapani serves as the gateway to the Egadi Islands of Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo with frequent daily hydrofoil and ferry services year-round by Liberty Lines, Siremar and Torre Lines:

• The Trapani - Favignana crossing takes 30 min to 1 hr 45 min and tickets cost from € 11.83.
• The Trapani - Levanzo ferry takes 25 min to 1 hr 35 min, with tickets priced from € 10.83.
• The Trapani - Marettimo ferry trip lasts 1 hr 10 min to 2 hr 50 min and ticket prices start from around € 17.35.

Marsala to Egadi Islands

The port of Marsala offers year-round and seasonal ferry connections to Favignana and Marettimo, and Levanzo.

• The Marsala - Favignana crossing takes approximately 30 min, with tickets priced from € 10.63.
• The Marsala - Marettimo ferry trip lasts around 1.5 hr and tickets cost from € 17,
• The seasonal Marsala - Levanzo ferry takes around 50 min and ticket prices start at € 11.82.

Trapani to Pantelleria

The Trapani - Pantelleria route takes 2.5 hr by high-speed ferry and up to 7.5 hr by conventional ferry, with year-round services and tickets costing from € 40.38

Porto Empedocle to Pelagie Islands

Porto Empedocle on Sicily's southern coast provides ferry connections to Lampedusa and Linosa in the Pelagie Islands. These routes operate year-round with reduced services in the winter months.

• The Porto Empedocle - Lampedusa ferry takes 4 hr 15 min to 10 hr 15 min, with tickets priced from € 47.88.
• The Porto Empedocle - Linosa crossing takes 3 hr to 7 hr 15 min and ferry tickets cost from € 35.78.

Ferry routes between Sicily and other countries

Routes from Malta to Sicily

Valletta to Pozzallo

The Malta - Sicily route connects the island of Malta with Pozzallo, in southeastern Sicily. This crossing by Virtu Ferries takes 1 hr 45 min with regular year-round departures, operating 2-3 times per day and tickets priced from € 37.3.

Ferries from Sicily to Tunisia (North Africa)

Palermo to Tunis

The international Palermo - Tunis route is served with 2-3 weekly crossings by GNV and Grimaldi Lines. The journey to the capital of Tunisia takes 11-13.5 hr and ferry tickets cost from € 36.8.

• Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) provides connections from Genoa, Naples, and Civitavecchia to Palermo, as well as the international Tunis - Palermo route, with a modern fleet of conventional cruise ferries.
• Grimaldi Lines operates year-round ferry services from Naples and Livorno to Palermo, as well as the international Tunis - Palermo route, with modern cruise-style vessels.
• Liberty Lines offers high-speed hydrofoil services across the Strait of Messina and to Sicily's smaller islands. It operates daily departures between Messina and Reggio Calabria, as well as connections to the Aeolian, Egadi, and Pelagie Islands.
• Caronte & Tourist serves the busiest ferry routes across the Strait of Messina, from Villa San Giovanni and Reggio Calabria to Messina. It also operates the Salerno - Messina route.
• Siremar offers connections to Sicily's smaller islands, including the Aeolian, Egadi, and Pelagie Islands.
• Torre Lines provides daily services on the Trapani - Favignana route during the summer.
• Virtu Ferries operates year-round high-speed catamaran services connecting Malta with Sicily.

What types of ferries travel to Sicily?

Ferries to Sicily include conventional cruise ferries, hydrofoils and catamarans. Conventional ferries operate most longer routes from mainland Italy and normally carry vehicles. They may also offer cabins, reclining seats, restaurants and outdoor decks.

Hydrofoils and high-speed vessels are mainly used across the Strait of Messina and on routes to Sicily’s smaller islands. They are faster, but vehicle transport is usually unavailable or more limited.

You can find more information on the differences in our guide on hydrofoils vs conventional ferries.

Are Liberty Lines hydrofoils faster than Siremar ferries in Sicily?

On ferry routes between mainland Sicily and the Aeolian, Egadi and Pelagie Islands, Liberty Lines mainly operates high-speed hydrofoils, while Siremar generally uses conventional ferries.

Liberty Lines hydrofoils are normally faster and are ideal for foot passengers. Siremar ferries take longer, but many can carry cars, motorcycles and bicycles. On selected vessels on longer crossings, you may also find cabins .

For example, Liberty Lines services from Milazzo to Lipari take around 50 min-1 hr 10 min, compared with approximately 2-2.5 hr with Siremar. On the Trapani - Favignana route, Liberty Lines hydrofoils take around 30-40 min, while Siremar ferries normally take approximately 55 min-1 hr 45 min.

Travel times and vehicle availability vary by vessel and departure, so compare the individual sailings before booking.

How long is the ride to Sicily?

Ferry ride duration to Sicily varies significantly depending on your departure point and destination.

The shortest crossings in the Strait of Messina last 20 min from Villa San Giovanni or 30 min from Reggio Calabria to Messina.

The duration of longer crossings from major mainland Italian ports depends on the port of arrival, and can range from 9 to 20 hr.

From Sardinia to Sicily, the Cagliari - Palermo route takes 12 hr. The international route between Tunis and Palermo takes approximately 10 hr or more, while crossings from Sicily to Malta take less than 2 hr.

Which is the fastest route to Sicily?

The shortest ferry to Sicily from mainland Italy takes only 20 min, connecting Villa San Giovanni to Messina.

What is the cheapest ferry to Sicily?

The cheapest ferries to Sicily depart from the ports of Calabria. Tickets for the Villa San Giovanni to Messina route start as low as €2.50, while ferries from Reggio Calabria cost around €4.

Which ferry route is best for northern or southern Sicily?

For northern Sicily (Palermo, Cefalù, Aeolian Islands), the best routes are the ones to Palermo from Naples, Genoa, Civitavecchia (Rome), and other major ports. Palermo provides access to northern Sicily's highlights. If you are targeting the Aeolian Islands, consider a crossing to Messina followed by a short drive to Milazzo, or the direct Naples - Milazzo route.

For southern Sicily (Agrigento, Valley of the Temples, Porto Empedocle), routes arriving in Palermo or Messina work well, and then it’s a 2-3 hr drive.

For eastern Sicily, the Villa San Giovanni or Reggio Calabria to Messina crossings are the most convenient, as you arrive directly on Sicily's northeastern coast. From Messina, it's just 45 min to Taormina, 90 min to Catania, and 2 hr to Syracuse.

For western Sicily (Trapani, Marsala, Egadi Islands, Pantelleria), Palermo is the closest major ferry port, with Trapani located about 90 min away by car.

You can take your car, motorcycle, or bicycle on all major ferry routes to Sicily, as the vessels normally have car decks.

Vehicle transportation is normally not possible on fast ferries from Sicily to the Aeolian and the Egadi Islands.

Tip: the best way to get around the island is by car. While some parts of Sicily are accessible by train and bus, traveling by car gives you more freedom and comfort to discover Sicily’s hidden gems.

How much does it cost to bring my car to Sicily?

On shorter routes (Strait of Messina), rar tickets for Sicily ferries start at approximately €40 and can go up to €100, depending on the size of the vehicle and the company. For longer mainland routes such as Naples to Palermo or Genoa to Palermo, car fares start at around €80 and can go up to over €300, depending on vehicle size and the route.

Motorcycle tickets normally start at €15-30 for shorter crossings, and €40-80 or more (depending on the size) for longer routes from Genoa, Naples, etc.

Note that during the summer season (July-August), prices are normally higher than the rest of the year.

Can I take a campervan or motorhome on the ferry to Sicily?

Yes, all major ferry operators serving Sicily accommodate campervans and motorhomes. In fact, the island offers numerous campsites and designated motorhome areas (sosta camper).

Motorhome transport costs normally depend on vehicle length. For short Strait of Messina crossings, expect to pay €80-150 for small campervans (under 6 m) and €120-200+ for larger motorhomes, depending on length. For longer routes like Naples to Palermo or Genoa to Palermo, costs range from €150-300 for smaller campervans, and from €300-600+ for larger motorhomes (7-9 m).

Ferries to Sicily offer a wide range of facilities designed to ensure a comfortable and relaxing journey. Amenities usually vary by company, route, and vessel.

Are there cabins on the ferries to Sicily?

Yes, ferries to Sicily offer various types of cabins to suit different needs and budgets, particularly on longer routes. You can choose from inside cabins (without windows), outside cabins offering sea views (with portholes or windows), pet-friendly cabins, and designated cabins for passengers with disabilities. You can also find luxury cabins and suites with additional amenities such as TVs, double beds, and superior furnishings.

Most cabins accommodate 1-4 passengers and feature private bathrooms with showers and toilets, air conditioning, storage space, and more. Cabin availability varies by vessel and operator; Grandi Navi Veloci and Grimaldi Lines offer the widest selection on routes from Naples, Genoa, and Civitavecchia to Palermo.

How much is a cabin on the ferry to Sicily?

Cabin prices to Sicily normally vary depending on the route, company, and cabin type. On shorter connections, inside cabins usually start at around €100 or more, and outside cabins at €120 or more.

On longer crossings, such as Genora - Palermo, cabins usually start at around €165 and can go over €300, depending on the cabin type and the season.

Fares for luxury cabins usually start at over €180.

What type of seats can you book on ferries to Sicily?

Most vessels have numbered airplane-style reclining seats in designated air-conditioned lounges, a comfortable option to enjoy a relaxed trip. These seats usually range between €45-68, depending on the company, the route, and the season.

On all ferries, there is also deck-passage accommodation, which allows passengers to find their own space in public lounges, bars, or outdoor deck areas without a specific assigned seat. On short Strait of Messina routes, these seats start at just €2.50, while on longer routes from the mainland, they range between €30 and €70.

Are the ferries to Sicily accessible?

Yes, ferries to Sicily are equipped to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility, though accessibility features vary by vessel and operator. Most modern ferries offer

• Wheelchair-accessible cabins with adapted bathrooms
• Elevators between decks
• Ramps for boarding and disembarking
• Designated wheelchair spaces in seating areas
• Accessible public toilets

Pet travel requirements on Italian ferries to Sicily

You can bring your pets on most ferries to Sicily, provided you include them in your booking. During the trip, dogs normally need a leash, and you should carry a muzzle, while cats and other small pets should travel in a suitable carrier or crate.

Make sure you bring your pet’s ticket, health and travel documents, as well as any supplies you may need for the trip. On international crossings, you may also need an EU pet passport and valid rabies vaccination.

Where do pets stay on the ferry to Sicily?

There are several pet accommodation options on ferries to Sicily. On longer routes, ferries normally offer pet-friendly cabins where your pet can stay with you during the crossing. Some vessels also feature air-conditioned, supervised kennels. Additionally, outdoor pet areas on deck allow your dog to walk and get fresh air during the crossing.

Is there Wi-Fi on the ferries to Sicily?

Yes, most ferries to Sicily offer Wi-Fi service on board, though availability and pricing may vary by operator and vessel. Companies such as Grandi Navi Veloci and Grimaldi Lines provide Wi-Fi access in common areas, restaurants, bars, and sometimes in cabins, normally as a paid service.

Food and entertainment

Ferries to Sicily offer various entertainment options to make your trip enjoyable. Larger ferries normally feature facilities, such as game rooms, children's play areas, activities for families, cinema rooms, television lounges, and spacious outdoor sun decks with loungers.

Moreover, most ferries have bars and lounges where passengers can enjoy drinks with a sea view. On board, you can also find restaurants and cafes that provide dining experiences featuring Sicilian and Mediterranean cuisine, while on larger ferries there are usually à la carte restaurants and self-service cafeterias as well.

What documents do I need for the ferry trip to Sicily?

In most cases, you will need to show your tickets and a valid ID document (national ID or passport) for every passenger when entering the port area and boarding the ferry. Bear in mind that you will also need a proof for discounts (e.g., resident fares), if applicable.

For non‑EU passengers, a valid passport and, depending on their nationality, possibly a visa to enter France/Schengen are necessary.

How to book ferry tickets

You can easily book ferry tickets to Sicily on Ferryhopper in just a few clicks:

• Select Sicily as your destination, along with your port of departure and travel dates
• Add passengers, pets and vehicles, if available
• Compare ferry operators, travel times, and ticket prices
• Complete your booking securely online

Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive your ferry tickets by email. Ferryhopper allows you to manage your booking, check updates, and access customer support all in one place.

Check-in and boarding procedures

Check-in normally takes place online, at the ferry company’s ticket office or directly at the boarding area, depending on the operator and route.

For a smooth departure, we recommend arriving:

• 30 min-1 hr before departure for domestic high-speed ferries and hydrofoils
• at least 1 hr before departure for foot-passenger travel on conventional ferries
• 1.5-2 hr before departure when traveling with a vehicle or on an international route

At large ports such as Palermo, Messina and Trapani, allow extra time to find the correct terminal. If you are traveling with a vehicle, follow signs to the operator’s check-in area and vehicle lanes. You can board the vehicle separately while other passengers use the pedestrian entrance.

Boarding deadlines vary by company, port and vessel, so always follow the time shown on your ticket. As a rule of thumb, try to arrive even earlier when traveling during the high season, long weekends and major holidays.

Can I board with an electronic ticket?

When booking your Sicily ferry trip with Grimaldi Lines, Caronte & Tourist, Liberty Lines , Siremar, Torre Lines on Ferryhopper, you can easily check in online, get your tickets on your phone, and board the ferry directly with your e-ticket without collecting any paper tickets at the port.

With GNV and Virtu Ferries you can book your Sicily ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper and pick them up in paper form from the company’s collection points at the port before the trip.

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, with lively cities, quiet hilltop towns, long beaches, and Mount Etna rising over the eastern coast. Come for Palermo’s street food, Agrigento’s Greek temples, or a swim in the clear waters near Syracuse, and stay to discover how different each part of the island feels.

Find out more in our travel guide for Sicily.

Here are some useful tips to enjoy a smooth trip to Sicily:

Best time to book

If you're planning to travel in the summer, we highly recommend booking well in advance, preferably 4-5 months ahead. This will give you access to a broader selection of routes and allow you to take advantage of early booking discounts. Ferry operators often launch special offers for summer travel as early as November, but these deals are often available only for a limited time.

For additional savings, consider traveling during the week, as prices tend to be higher on weekends and the days leading up to holidays.

If you prefer to travel in the off-season, there's no need to book months in advance since tickets rarely sell out quickly. In autumn, winter, and spring, prices are generally lower, and you may even come across some great last-minute deals.

Keep in mind that on Ferryhopper, you can easily compare prices for all ferries to/from Sicily and choose the itinerary that best fits your travel plans.

Arrival

For your ferry trip to Sicily, we recommend you arrive at least 1 hr before departure if you are traveling as a foot passenger and at least 90 min in advance if you are transporting a vehicle.

What are the main ferry ports in Sicily?

Sicily has 5 main ferry ports: Palermo, Messina, Milazzo, Trapani, and Pozzallo. Additionally, 2 smaller ports, Porto Empedocle and Marsala, serve specific island routes and seasonal connections.

Where are Sicily's ports?

In northwestern Sicily, you’ll find the ports of Palermo and Trapani. Palermo, one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean, offers year-round connections from Naples, Salerno, Livorno, Civitavecchia near Rome and Genoa. During the summer, it’s also possible to reach the Aeolian Islands. The port of Trapani, on the other hand, serves as the main departure point for the Egadi Islands and Pantelleria.

The port of Marsala provides daily connections from Sicily’s western coast to the Egadi archipelago, particularly Favignana. In northeastern Sicily, the port of Messina is connected to Calabria, Salerno and the Aeolian Islands, while Milazzo offers routes to Palermo and Naples as well.

On the southeastern coast, Pozzallo is another important port. Just 90 km from Malta, it serves as the primary Sicilian gateway to the island.

Lastly, Porto Empedocle connects southwestern Sicily to the Pelagie Islands (Lampedusa and Linosa).

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Sicily, 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.