Ferries to Sicily
How to get to Sicily
You can book a ferry to Sicily from up to 15 different ports. The shortest crossing is from Villa San Giovanni, while the longest route departs from Genoa. This longer route is ideal for those who prefer the comfort of a ferry over driving on highways.
Plenty of options
There are plenty of options for those who want to catch a ferry further south in Italy. You can depart from Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, and Salerno. Many ferries leave from these ports, heading to both Palermo and Messina.
You can use the booking module and select Sicily as your destination to find all the crossings to and within Sicily, both domestic and international.
Ferry Map: ferry routes to Sicily
Use the interactive map to find the right crossing and ferry company. You can zoom in and out and view the routes in the ports.
The map above clearly shows that there are many options if you want to take the ferry to Sicily. Even for those flying to the island, attractive destinations are easily accessible thanks to the numerous ferry connections.
An exciting option for island holidays is the crossing between Sardinia and Sicily, allowing you to visit multiple islands within one trip. The Malta-Sicily route is also a great choice.
Crossings to Sicily
Guide: Ferries to Sicily
Ferry from Italy to Sicily
If you want to book a ferry from mainland Italy to Sicily, there are multiple options along Italy's west coast.
There are ferries from Genoa and Civitavecchia to Palermo and from Salerno and Villa San Giovanni to Messina.
The ferries from Rome (Civitavecchia) and Genoa are longer crossings that include an overnight journey, allowing you to arrive in Sicily well-rested.
Ferry Routes from Mainland Italy to Sicily
- Villa San Giovanni to Messina:
This is one of the shortest and most popular routes. It’s ideal for travellers coming from the southern tip of mainland Italy (Calabria) to the northeastern part of Sicily. The crossing is quick, taking just 20-30 minutes, with ferries running frequently throughout the day.
- Salerno to Messina:
This route links the Campania region to Sicily. The journey takes around 8-10 hours. It’s a good choice if you’re starting from the central part of Italy's west coast and heading to northeastern Sicily.
- Genoa to Palermo:
This is a longer route, perfect for those travelling from northern Italy. The ferry crossing takes about 20-21 hours. It’s a comfortable option with onboard facilities like cabins, restaurants, and lounges, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey.
- Civitavecchia (Rome) to Palermo:
This is a popular route for travellers leaving from central Italy. The crossing takes about 14-15 hours and is usually an overnight journey. There are cabins available for a restful trip as you head south to Palermo.
Ferry from Malta to Sicily
The Malta-Sicily ferry is quite popular, as it allows you to combine two islands in one holiday. The crossing takes just 1 hour and 45 minutes, making it suitable for those interested in a day trip. You can plan the trip yourself, or opt for one of the ready-made tours available. For more details, you can check out our Malta to Sicily ferry guide.
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