Ferries to Sicily – Schedules, Deals and Online Booking
Sicily, the pearl of the Mediterranean, is Italy’s largest island, surrounded by the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. It is a destination rich in culture, history and breathtaking landscapes: art cities, ancient temples, baroque churches, seaside villages and the imposing Mount Etna. Thanks to its golden beaches, renowned cuisine and authentic atmosphere, the island is perfect for travel in any season.
If you wish to reach it comfortably from mainland Italy, ferries are the best solution: departures leave from Naples, Civitavecchia, Genoa, Livorno and Villa San Giovanni, with destinations such as Palermo, Messina, Milazzo, Termini Imerese, Trapani and Pozzallo. Routes also allow you to board a vehicle, ideal for exploring the island freely.
🔍 Summary
🌊 Ferry connections to Sicily
From mainland Italy to Sicily
The main routes connect the Italian ports with Palermo, Messina, Milazzo, Trapani and Pozzallo, offering comfort, flexibility and the possibility to travel with a vehicle or as a foot passenger only. Here are the main ones:
- Civitavecchia → Palermo: ~12–14 hours
- Napoli → Palermo: ~10–11 hours
- Napoli → Milazzo: ~9–10 hours
- Genova → Palermo: ~20–22 hours
- Livorno → Palermo: ~18–20 hours
- Civitavecchia → Termini Imerese: ~13–14 hours
- Napoli → Termini Imerese: ~9–10 hours
- Villa San Giovanni → Messina: ~1 hour
- Reggio Calabria → Messina: ~30 minutes
From Sicily to the islands
These routes connect Sicily with the Aeolian Islands, the Egadi Islands, the Pelagie Islands and other smaller destinations. Some crossings are operated by hydrofoils, which do not have cabins and do not allow vehicles; others are served by ferries, where you can take your vehicle and travel in a cabin. The most popular routes are:
- Milazzo → Lipari: ~1 hour (hydrofoil) / 2 hours (ferry)
- Milazzo → Vulcano: ~50 minutes (hydrofoil) / 1.5 hours (ferry)
- Messina → Aeolian Islands: ~2–3 hours (hydrofoil)
- Trapani → Favignana: ~40 minutes (hydrofoil) / 1h20 (ferry)
- Trapani → Pantelleria: ~2 hours (hydrofoil) / 5–7 hours (ferry)
- Trapani → Levanzo and Marettimo: ~30 minutes–1.5 hours (hydrofoil) / 2 hours (ferry)
- Porto Empedocle → Lampedusa: ~9 hours (ferry)
- Pozzallo → Malta: ~1.5–2 hours
Main ferry companies and arrival ports in Sicily
The main companies connecting Italy to Sicily offer complete services suited to every type of traveller. GNV – Grandi Navi Veloci operates departures from Genoa, Civitavecchia, Naples and Livorno to Palermo and Termini Imerese, with modern ships, comfortable cabins, restaurants and relaxation areas. Grimaldi Lines connects Palermo with equipped vessels and the possibility to board vehicles of various sizes. Tirrenia and Moby also offer crossings from Civitavecchia and Naples to Palermo and Milazzo, with options for vehicles or foot passengers. For those travelling to eastern Sicily, Caronte & Tourist provides fast and frequent services across the Strait of Messina, ideal for travellers with a car. To reach the smaller islands, Liberty Lines operates fast hydrofoils to the Aeolian and Egadi Islands, while Siremar guarantees regular connections to Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Favignana, Ustica and other islands in the Sicilian archipelago.
The main ports on the island make it easy to explore Sicily in every direction. Palermo, the main port, is located very close to the historic centre and allows you to discover traditional markets, Arab–Norman monuments and the main attractions of western Sicily. Termini Imerese, about 30 km from Palermo, is a strategic choice for travellers wishing to avoid city traffic and quickly reach the Madonie mountains, Cefalù and the inland villages. Messina, on the Strait, is ideal for exploring eastern Sicily, with easy connections to Taormina, Catania and Mount Etna. Milazzo is the main gateway to the Aeolian Islands, while Trapani gives access to the Egadi Islands and nearby attractions such as Erice, San Vito Lo Capo and the Zingaro Nature Reserve. Finally, Pozzallo is a strategic point to reach Malta and the baroque towns of the southeast such as Modica, Ragusa and Scicli.
Services on board
- 🛌 Inside/outside cabins, pet-friendly cabins and suites
- 💺 Numbered seats
- 🍽 Restaurants, bars and self-service
- 💺 Relaxation areas and lounges
- 📶 Wi-Fi and entertainment
- 👶 Children’s play areas
- 🚘 Vehicle boarding (cars, motorbikes, camper vans)
💸 Prices and Deals
Ferry prices to Sicily depend on the season, company, presence of a vehicle and accommodation type. During high season, prices increase, especially on weekends.
- Early booking discounts: save up to 30% by booking in advance.
- Vehicle deals: discounts for cars, motorbikes and camper vans.
- Resident/native fares: reduced prices for residents or people born in Sicily.
- Seasonal promotions: ship + car packages and summer offers.
🚢 Check-in and boarding
Before departure, check the procedures required by the selected company:
- Boarding pass: digital via email or to be collected at the port.
- Required documents: valid ID card; vehicle papers; veterinary certificates for pets.
- Recommended arrival time: 90 minutes for foot passengers; 120–150 minutes for vehicles; 30–45 minutes for fast services to minor islands.
🌍 Travel tips
Palermo is one of the main gateways: historic markets, Arab–Norman architecture and traditional eateries make it a must-see. Syracuse, Ragusa and Noto captivate with their baroque charm, while Taormina offers spectacular views of Mount Etna and the sea.
🌴 For beach lovers, Cefalù, Mondello, San Vito Lo Capo and the Zingaro Nature Reserve are among the favourites. Pozzallo is also the departure point for Malta. Spring is ideal for quiet travel, while summer is perfect for seaside tourism and boat excursions.
If you arrive in Palermo by ferry: you can start exploring western Sicily with Palermo, Trapani and Erice, moving southwards to Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples. Continuing eastwards, Catania and Mount Etna offer unique excursions, while Taormina provides breathtaking sea views. Syracuse and the island of Ortigia are perfect for lovers of history and architecture. This route allows you to cover most of the island with convenient sea or rental car travel.
If you arrive by car crossing the Strait of Messina: you can begin your journey through eastern Sicily, visiting Messina, Taormina, Catania and Mount Etna, then continue south to Syracuse and Noto. You can then head back up toward the west coast, including Agrigento, the Valley of the Temples, Trapani, Erice and Palermo. This route is ideal for travellers arriving by car from the mainland, allowing optimal travel times between the eastern and western sides of the island.
🍴 Sicilian cuisine is a journey of flavours: arancini, pasta alla Norma, Trapani-style couscous, cannoli, cassata and granita with brioche. Local markets offer fresh, authentic products, perfect to take home as a taste of the island.
ℹ Practical information: currency euro; right-hand driving; Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters; main language Italian.
❓ FAQ
- Can I take a vehicle on routes to Sicily? Yes, it is possible to travel with a car, motorcycle, or camper on routes from Italy to Sicily. Vehicles cannot be taken on routes to the minor islands served by hydrofoils, which are reserved for passengers only.
- Can I modify or cancel my ticket? Yes, depending on the conditions of the selected company. Contact us for assistance.
- Can I travel with pets? Yes, but rules vary depending on the company. Usually, a leash, muzzle (if required), and up-to-date health documentation are necessary. Pets are not allowed in restaurants or passenger lounges. Check the company pages for more information.
- Is it possible to travel during pregnancy? Yes, but after the 28th week a medical certificate may be required. Check the company’s rules.
FERRIES TO SICILY
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