Ferry from Palermo to Ustica
Tickets, Prices & Schedules
Ferries from the Sicilian capital of Palermo to Ustica island in the Tyrrhenian Sea are available year-round with daily connections. The route is operated by Liberty Lines and Siremar. The trip lasts 1.5 hr to about 3 hr and ticket prices start from around €27. Ferries arrive at Ustica Cala Cimitero and Cala Santa Maria.
Find all the updates regarding the crossing, timetables and ferry prices, and plan your trip to Ustica on Ferryhopper!
Discounts
Toddlers up to 3-4 years old can travel from Palermo to Ustica for free. There are also discount tickets for children up to 11 years.
On-board services and amenities
The Palermo - Ustica hydrofoils and ferries are equipped with a basic range of amenities for a quick and relaxed journey across the Aegadian archipelago. On board most vessels, you will find seating in air-conditioned lounges, as well as a bar where you can get drinks and snacks.
Cabins and accommodation
On the Palermo - Ustica ferries and hydrofoils, there are no cabins available. However, onboard seating is included in the ticket price.
Luggage
Regarding your Palermo - Ustica trip, have in mind the following luggage allowance policies:
- With Siremar, each passenger can carry 1 piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20 kg.
- With Liberty Lines, passengers can carry up to 10 kg of hand luggage with maximum dimensions of 60x40x20 cm. Young travelers who are entitled to discount tickets can carry up to 5 kg of luggage.
Traveling with pets
On ferries and hydrofoils operating the Palermo - Ustica route you can bring along your pet. Make sure to fill out the appropriate information as you book your tickets. A carrier or cage is required for small pets, while larger ones must have a muzzle and a leash.
On the ferries of Siremar, there are kennels and areas specially reserved for passengers with pets.
Useful tips for your ferry trip to Ustica from Palermo
Here are some travel tips for your trip from Palermo to Ustica:
- In high season, we recommend arriving early at the port of Palermo to avoid delays and overcrowding. The same applies to trips on weekends.
- The small island of Ustica is an excellent choice for day trips in Italy! Learn more about day trips from Palermo to Ustica!
- A great idea is to visit Ustica in May, where the Feast of the Madonna dei Pescatori is celebrated. It’s one of the most evocative Sicilian traditions and takes place on the last Sunday of May.
- We recommend that you check our Ustica travel guide to get some ideas.
Where to take the ferry from Palermo to Ustica
Hydrofoils and ferries to Ustica from Palermo depart from Banchina Crispi. The port of Palermo offers plenty of services, such as parking lots, shuttle buses, restaurants, shops, and a left-luggage office.
Where does the ferry arrive in Ustica?
Ferries from Palermo mainly arrive in Cala Santa Maria, the main port of Ustica. It’s close to the main town. Nearby, you can find bars, restaurants, rental services and more. There is also a public parking lot, in case you want to bring along your car on the ferry to Ustica.
There are also a few Siremar ferries arriving at Cala Cimitero port, in the northern part of the island.
How long is the ferry ride from Palermo to Ustica?
The Palermo - Ustica ferry crossing usually lasts 1.5 hr to 3 hr 10 min, depending on the ferry company and vessel type.
Palermo - Ustica ferry companies
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FAQs
Yes, you can bring along your vehicle from Palermo to Ustica, unless you’re traveling by hydrofoil.
Reminder: in August, the circulation of motor vehicles in Ustica is usually prohibited for non-residents. Read more about the vehicle transport regulations for the Italian islands.
The connection from the port of Palermo to that of Ustica is also operated by fast hydrofoils which take about 1 hr 30 min to reach the island.
The distance between Palermo and Ustica is around 76 nautical miles (about 140 km).
When booking your Palermo - Ustica trip 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.
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.