Ferries Palermo
See all connections and book ferry tickets
Palermo, the fascinating capital of Sicily, is a city brimming with history, culture and natural beauty. Strategically located in the Mediterranean, it serves as a key maritime hub, offering regular ferry connections to multiple destinations.
Ferries from Palermo connect to major Italian ports, including Naples, Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia, and Salerno. During summer, the port becomes a key gateway to the stunning Aeolian Islands and Ustica. Additionally, Palermo is connected year-round to Tunisia, making it an ideal departure point for exploring North Africa.
On Ferryhopper, you can find all the information you need to plan your trip to and from Palermo. Compare routes, check schedules and book your tickets in just a few clicks - without hidden fees.
Palermo ferry schedules
Naples Calata P. di Massa Palermo



Genoa Palermo

Ustica Palermo

Lipari Palermo

Santa Marina Salina Palermo

Livorno Palermo

Cagliari Palermo

Tunis Palermo


Filicudi Palermo

Alicudi Palermo

Rinella Palermo

Vulcano Palermo

Civitavecchia Palermo

Salerno Molo Ponente Palermo

Salerno Molo Concordia Palermo

Salerno Molo Manfredi Palermo

Milazzo Palermo

Palermo Naples Calata P. di Massa



Palermo Genoa

Palermo Ustica

Palermo Tunis


Palermo Lipari

Palermo Santa Marina Salina

Palermo Filicudi

Palermo Cagliari

Palermo Alicudi

Palermo Livorno

Palermo Rinella

Palermo Panarea

Palermo Vulcano

Palermo Civitavecchia

Palermo Stromboli

Palermo Ginostra

Palermo Salerno Molo Ponente

Palermo Milazzo

Palermo Salerno Molo Concordia

Palermo Salerno Molo Manfredi

How much is the ferry to Palermo?
Take a look at indicative ferry ticket prices for the most popular Palermo routes; check prices for standard tickets, family bookings, and vehicle transportation.
Naples Calata P. di Massa – Palermo | Genoa – Palermo | Ustica – Palermo | |
---|---|---|---|
1 Adult | € 21.2 | € 58.17 | € 23.8 |
2 Adults | € 42 | € 185.05 | € 47.6 |
2 Adults, 1 Car | € 77 | € 147.23 | Price not available |
2 Adults, 2 Children, 1 Car | € 239.53 | € 318.7 | Price not available |
Book ferry tickets for Palermo
Offers
On Ferryhopper, you can take advantage of all active ferry offers and book cheap ferry tickets to Palermo. Browse the latest deals and find the one that suits you best!
Remember: current ferry ticket offers will be automatically applied as you go through the booking process.
Discounts
Ferry companies serving Palermo offer special discounts for several passenger categories, including families, Sicilian residents and natives.
Discounts for Sicilian residents and natives
If you are a resident or native of Sicily, you can take advantage of discounted fares on ferries connecting the island to the mainland. These discounts also extend to spouses, domestic partners and dependent children.
To benefit from this offer, you must present valid documentation proving your eligibility at the time of boarding.
Discounted fares for vehicles
Residents and natives of Sicily can also enjoy reduced rates for vehicles, including cars, motorcycles and campers. This makes bringing a vehicle on ferries to Palermo much more affordable.
Discounts for children and seniors
Ferry companies offer special rates for children and seniors:
- Children up to 3 years old travel for free
- Children 3 to 12 years old receive a 50% discount on ferry tickets
- Some ferry companies also provide senior discounts, though not all routes apply these reductions
Best time to book
Booking your ferry tickets from/to Palermo in advance is highly recommended, especially during the summer and holiday seasons, when demand is high and seats can sell out quickly.
To secure better fares and a wider choice of schedules, it is best to book at least 2-3 months before departure. Even in low season, early booking is advisable, particularly for routes to the Aeolian Islands or Ustica.
For a hassle-free journey, booking both outbound and return trips with the same ferry company can help avoid unexpected issues. It’s generally not recommended to buy tickets directly at the port, as availability may be limited, queues can be long and last-minute prices may be higher.
Information about Palermo
Palermo captivates visitors with its rich culture, history and gastronomy. With a history spanning thousands of years and a unique blend of Arab, Norman and Baroque influences, Palermo offers an authentic and unforgettable experience.
The historic center, one of the largest in Europe, is the city's vibrant heart. Here you can admire stunning landmarks such as the Norman Palace and the Palatine Chapel, the Palermo Cathedral and the striking Chiesa della Martorana. Don't miss the historic markets of Ballarò, Vucciria and Capo, to experience Palermo’s vibrant street food culture.
For nature lovers, Palermo boasts Monte Pellegrino and the Capo Gallo Reserve, perfect for hiking and breathtaking views. If you're longing for a relaxing seaside escape, Mondello beach, with its white sand and crystal clear waters, is just a few kilometers from the city center!
Palermo is a lively city, perfect to visit year-round, offering a colorful mix of traditions, flavors and history. Plan your trip and learn more about this stunning city on our dedicated Palermo page.
The historic Norman Palace in Palermo, Sicily
Tips and advice for your trip
Want to make the most of your trip? Here are 10 practical tips for a unique experience:
- Visit the Aeolian Islands by ferry: especially in summer, Palermo offers frequent ferry connections to the Aeolian Islands, making island-hopping easy.
- Book a cabin for longer routes: if you’re traveling to Palermo from Cagliari, Civitavecchia, Livorno, or Genoa, booking a cabin ensures a comfortable rest, as crossings are quite long.
- Explore the historic markets in the morning: visit Ballarò, Vucciria or Capo early to experience the authentic atmosphere and enjoy freshly prepared Sicilian street food.
- Pre-book guided tours for major attractions: attractions such as the Norman Palace and the Palatine Chapel can get crowded, so booking in advance saves time.
- Stay in the historic center: areas like Kalsa or near Teatro Massimo offer easy access to the city’s top attractions and a vibrant nightlife.
- Try local specialties: besides arancine (fried rice balls), don’t miss pani câ meusa (spleen sandwich) and Sicilian cannoli from renowned pastry shops.
- Visit Mondello beach on weekdays: weekends can be crowded, so go midweek for a quieter, more enjoyable beach experience.
- Hike Monte Pellegrino: climb to the Santuario di Santa Rosalia for a spectacular view over the city and the sea.
- Use public transport or walk: traffic in Palermo can be heavy, but buses and trams make it convenient to get around.
- Travel in spring or autumn: these seasons offer a pleasant climate, fewer crowds and better prices compared to summer.
Onboard services
Ferries to Palermo offer a variety of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable crossing.
Passengers can choose from different accommodation options, including deck seating and private cabins. If you’re bringing a car, motorcycle, camper, or bicycle, ferries have spacious garages. It’s always recommended to check for possible vehicle restrictions, especially for routes to smaller islands.
For passengers with reduced mobility, ferries provide accessible cabins and personalized assistance both on board and during boarding.
Overnight crossings are a smart choice for those wanting to save time and arrive refreshed in Palermo. Ferries provide a complete range of services, making your journey relaxing and stress-free.
Palermo port
The port of Palermo is the largest in Sicily and one of the most important in the Mediterranean. You can reach the port:
By car:
- From Messina/Catania (A19) - take the Porto exit
- From Trapani (A29) - exit at Via Belgio and follow the signs
- Parking is available at Molo Santa Lucia.
By train:
- The port is 10 min by taxi from Palermo’s central station.
By plane:
- From Falcone-Borsellino Airport (25 km away), take a taxi (40 min) or a bus to Piazza Ruggero Settimo, which is just a 10-min walk from the port.
Palermo’s port is a bustling hub with national and international ferry connections, including routes to Naples, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Tunis, and the Aeolian Islands.
Nearby, you’ll find restaurants, shops, parking, and luggage storage, while the city’s major landmarks, such as Palermo Cathedral, Norman Palace and the historic markets, are just minutes away.
More than just a transit point, Palermo’s port is a gateway to Sicily’s rich history and culture, making it the perfect starting point for your journey.
Ferry companies traveling to Palermo
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FAQs
The duration of the ferry journey depends on the route and type of vessel. For example, the crossing from Naples to Palermo typically takes between 9 and 11 hr. The route to Ustica is much shorter, with fast hydrofoils completing the trip in about 1 hr 30 min.
The cheapest ferry route to Palermo is from Vulcano, with tickets starting at approximately €15. However, the final price varies depending on the route and the season. The cheapest route from other Italian mainland ports is generally from Naples, with prices starting at around €50.
Yes, most ferries traveling from/to Palermo allow passengers to board with their vehicles, including cars, motorcycles and campers. However, it is recommended to check availability and specific regulations with the chosen ferry company at the time of booking.
The route to Ustica is the shortest, which takes between 1 hr 30 min and 3 hr, depending on the type of vessel chosen.
Yes, during the summer, there are daily ferry connections to the Aeolian Islands. The travel time varies depending on the island, ranging from approximately 1 hr 30 min to 6 hr.
You can book tickets online on Ferryhopper or at ticket offices in the port. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure a seat. If you need to modify your ticket, you can do so via the "My Booking" section on our website. Be sure to check the company's terms and conditions for updates and specific information.
Find detailed answers to all your questions about ferry ticket changes, cancellations and refunds.
Remember that you can also use Ferryhopper's online booking modification service, available with certain ferry companies.
Ferry route map
Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Palermo, 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.