Traveling to Sicily by Ferry

Sicily is an island, so you can get there by plane or ferry. The ferry is a good choice if you want to bring your car or are already traveling through southern Italy. Ferries also connect Sicily with Malta, Tunisia, Sardinia, and the smaller nearby islands.

The shortest route is across the Strait of Messina. Ferries from Villa San Giovanni to Messina take about 20 minutes, and Reggio Calabria to Messina is another short crossing. These routes suit travelers driving south through Calabria.

Longer crossings take many hours, and some sail overnight. Naples to Palermo takes around ten hours, while Genoa to Palermo takes about 20. Routes from Salerno and Civitavecchia (near Rome) also reach Palermo, and an overnight ferry runs from Cagliari in Sardinia once or twice a week. A cabin is a popular choice for these journeys.

Sicily has several ferry ports, and each serves a different part of the island. Palermo is the main arrival port for long routes from the mainland, Sardinia, and Tunisia. Messina is the gateway from Calabria, and Milazzo is a major departure point for the Aeolian Islands, with hydrofoils to Lipari and Vulcano taking as little as 45 minutes.

Trapani connects with the Egadi Islands, including Favignana, which is only a short hop away. Pozzallo is the main port for crossings to Malta, and Porto Empedocle has connections to the Pelagie Islands, including Lampedusa.

Fast passenger ferries are quickest, but they usually carry no vehicles. Larger ferries take cars, campervans, and motorcycles on some routes, which is useful if you want to explore Sicily at your own pace.

Traveling with a pet is possible on the longer overnight routes. Grandi Navi Veloci and Grimaldi Lines let you bring pets either in an onboard kennel or in a pet-friendly cabin, which should be booked in advance. Short crossings and fast ferries have their own rules, so check with the operator before you book.

Fares depend on the route, season, number of passengers, and vehicle type. In summer, popular sailings fill up, so book early if you are bringing a car.

Short crossings make day trips easy, for example, from Calabria to Messina. For longer routes, it is better to plan a few days on the island.

Prices, routes, and frequencies change by season, so always compare current timetables and fares before you travel.