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 journey is perfect for those who prefer the comfort of a ferry over long hours on the motorways.
Plenty of Options
If you’re looking to depart from further south in Italy, there are plenty of choices. Ferries leave from Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, and Salerno, offering frequent sailings to Palermo and Messina.
Map: ferry routes to Sicily
The map above highlights the many options for taking a ferry to Sicily. Even if you’re flying to the island, popular destinations are easily accessible thanks to the numerous ferry connections.
For an exciting island-hopping holiday, consider the crossing between Sardinia and Sicily, allowing you to explore multiple islands in one trip. The Malta-Sicily route is another excellent choice.
Ferries to Sicily from Italy
About these crossings
If you plan to book a ferry from mainland Italy to Sicily, there are multiple options along Italy's west coast.
Ferries operate from Genoa and Civitavecchia (Rome) to Palermo and from Salerno and Villa San Giovanni to Messina.
The ferries from Rome (Civitavecchia) and Genoa are longer crossings with overnight journeys, offering a comfortable way 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, ideal for travellers from the southern tip of mainland Italy (Calabria) heading to northeastern Sicily. The crossing is quick, taking just 20-30 minutes, with ferries running frequently throughout the day. - Salerno to Messina This route connects the Campania region to Sicily. The journey takes around 8-10 hours, making it a good choice for those starting from the central part of Italy’s west coast and travelling to northeastern Sicily.
- Genoa to Palermo
A longer route, perfect for travellers coming from northern Italy. The ferry crossing takes about 20-21 hours, offering a comfortable experience with onboard facilities such as cabins, restaurants, and lounges, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey. - Civitavecchia (Rome) to Palermo
A popular route for those departing from central Italy, this crossing takes around 14-15 hours and is typically an overnight journey. Cabins are available, providing a restful trip as you head south to Palermo.
Ferry from Malta to Sicily
The Malta-Sicily ferry is a popular option, allowing you to combine two islands in one holiday. The crossing takes just 1 hour and 45 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a day trip. You can plan the trip yourself or choose one of the available ready-made tours. For more information, visit our Malta to Sicily ferry guide.
Ferry from Sardinia to Sicily
One of our favourite crossings in Europe is the ferry from Cagliari (Sardinia) to Palermo (Sicily). This journey takes 11 hours, connecting two beautiful Italian islands across the Mediterranean Sea.
On board and ferry maps
Ferry schedule / timetable
Using the booking module below, you can explore the various crossings to the Sicily and their corresponding timetables. You can also compare prices and book your tickets for crossings to or from Sicily.
