Ferry from Naples to Palermo (Sicily)

Getting from Naples to Sicily (Palermo) by ferry is easy and comfortable, and you can take advantage of lower-cost ferry tickets thanks to available discounts. The ferry companies offer discounts of up to 50% to the following passengers:

• Children (4-11 years old)
• Sicily residents and those born in Sicily

Note: Children up to the age of 3 travel for free. However, keep in mind that available discounts may vary from one operator to another.

When traveling on the Naples - Palermo ferry route, passengers can browse the web, read their favorite book, enjoy a meal, or watch a film! Here you can find some of the amenities that you can enjoy during your crossing to Palermo.

Dining Options:

• Restaurants and cafés: most ferries offer a selection of dining options, including à la carte restaurants, snack bars and self-service buffets with a variety of dishes to suit different tastes.
• Bars: several ferries feature onboard bars where you can relax with a coffee, cocktail or glass of wine while enjoying the sea views.

Entertainment:

• TV lounges: many ferries are equipped with TV lounges where passengers can watch movies or catch up on shows.
• Wi-Fi services: while traveling, stay connected with onboard Wi-Fi, available for a fee, allowing you to browse the web, check emails or stream content.
• Lounging areas: for those who prefer to unwind with a view, most ferries have spacious sun decks and outdoor lounging areas where you can enjoy the fresh sea air and stunning Mediterranean scenery.
• Shops: onboard shops provide a range of items, from travel essentials to souvenirs, clothing, and local specialties.
• Children’s play areas: families will appreciate the play areas available on some ferries, offering a safe and fun environment for kids to enjoy during the journey.

Cabins and accommodation

Most Naples - Palermo ferries offer a variety of cabin options, including internal, sea view, suites, and accessible cabins. Typically, cabins are equipped with amenities such as a TV, air conditioning and a wardrobe for added comfort. Some premium cabins and suites may also include extra amenities, such as a private bathroom and a shower, providing a more luxurious travel experience.

Here you can find some indicative cabin prices for the Naples - Palermo ferry trip:

• A 1-bed cabin starts at around €59
• Α 2-bed cabin starts at around €69
• A 4-bed cabin starts at around €157

Cabin prices range from around €60 to over €200, depending on the type of cabin and other amenities such as a window or sea view cabin. If you don’t wish to book a cabin, you can book a numbered airplane-type seat instead to enjoy a comfortable trip in an air-conditioned space. Ferry ticket prices for numbered seats on Naples - Palermo ferries start at around €27.

Tip: due to the long duration of the trip from mainland Italy to Sicily, it is advisable to book either a cabin or an airplane-style seat for a more pleasant and comfortable experience.

Luggage

Each ferry company has its own baggage allowance policy. Specifically:

• On GNV ferries, there is no weight limit on luggage. The ferries also have lockers that are accessible throughout the journey. Keep in mind that you can carry up to 2 bags as personal luggage in addition to your handbags, provided that they don't obstruct passageways or occupy a seat.
• The ferry company of Tirrenia allows each passenger to board with one piece of luggage not exceeding 20 kg.
• Grimaldi Lines, on the other hand, allows each passenger to board with one piece of luggage not exceeding 30 kg.

Pet travel

On ferries operating from Naples to Palermo, you can usually bring your pet on board. Depending on the company, there are various services and infrastructures for your little friend, such as pet-friendly seats and cabins, kennels, and lounges.

Each ferry operator applies different pet policies and offers different services. More specifically:

• On Grimaldi Lines ferries, dogs and cats have dedicated accommodations, while other animals must travel in carriers provided by the passenger. Pets cannot enter cabins unless the "pet in cabin" service is purchased. The cost to bring a pet on board is €30 and an additional €10 per cabin per journey is required for the 'pet in cabin' service.
• On Tirrenia vessels, pets are not allowed in armchair rooms, or public areas, and cannot be left in cars. They are permitted in pet-friendly cabins, the ferry's outside decks or in designated kennels, which cost around €15 per pet. 
• GNV usually offers pet cabins for crossings from Naples to Palermo, with prices starting at around €100. Alternatively, you can find designated areas for dogs and cats, which may be available for a small fee.

How do I board the ferry with my pet?

To board the ferry with your pet, make sure they are either on a leash or in a carrier. Pet owners may be requested to board and disembark last to help keep the animal calm in a less crowded environment. 

The ferry crew will assist in directing you to your cabin or seat, or guide you to the kennels, where you can set up a comfortable space for your pet.

What documents do I need to travel with my pet by ferry to Palermo from Naples?

When traveling with your pet by ferry to Palermo from Naples, you must have the following documents:

• A boarding pass or pet ticket that includes a reference to your pet, whether for a pet-friendly cabin or kennel.
• A valid health card for your pet.

Here are some travel tips for your trip from Naples to Sicily:

• During peak season and on weekends, we recommend you arrive at the port of Naples at least 1-2 hr before departure to avoid overcrowding, especially if you have a vehicle to board.
• The Naples ferry port is centrally located and well connected: it is about 15 km from Capodichino airport, a few minutes from the highway exit, and only 10 min. from Naples Centrale train station.
• Since the Naples - Palermo crossing is not very short, we recommend traveling in a cabin.
• Ferries also depart from Naples to the Termini Imerese port, located approximately 38 km from Palermo. Choose the best port of arrival according to your needs.
• For more details on the return journey, explore the Palermo to Naples ferry route on Ferryhopper.

Where to take the ferry from Naples to Palermo

Ferries to Palermo depart from the Calata Porta Massa pier in the port of Naples, specifically from Via Immacolatella Vecchia. However, always check with your ferry operator for the exact departure pier, as it can vary by company or change.

The entire port area is equipped and complete with essential services, including bars, restaurants, ATMs, bathrooms, and luggage storage.

How to get to the port of Νaples

You can reach the Calata Porta di Massa pier in the port of Naples easily by metro, bus, train, car or taxi, depending on your starting point. Find more information below:

• By bus: several city bus lines, such as 151, provide direct routes to the port area. You can catch these buses from key points in the city, including Piazza Garibaldi.
• By train: if you’re arriving by train, the Napoli Centrale train station is just a short distance from the port. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Calata Porta di Massa.
• By metro: take Line 1 (the Yellow Line) and get off at the Municipio station, which is about a 15-min walk from the port.
• By car: if you’re driving, follow the signs for the Port of Naples. The port is well-connected via the city’s main roadways, and there are parking facilities available near the pier if you need to leave your car.
• By taxi: taxis are widely available throughout Naples and offer a convenient way to reach the port directly from anywhere in the city. Simply request a ride to "Calata Porta di Massa" for easy access to your ferry departure point.

Tip: to reach the Port of Naples from the airport, you can conveniently take the Alibus shuttle service.

Where does the ferry arrive in Palermo?

Ferries from Naples usually arrive at the Molo Piave (Tirrenia e Grimaldi Lines) or Molo Santa Lucia (GNV) terminals in the port of Palermo. The harbor is very close to the city center and offers many services such as parking, shuttle buses, restaurants and shops.

It is also possible to walk or take a bus from the port to some of the city's monuments, such as the Cathedral or the La Vucciria and Ballarò markets.