Ferry to Sicily
Civitavecchia - Palermo
The weekly overnight ferry from Rome's port to Sicily, leaving on Friday evening and arriving in Palermo on Saturday morning
- Once a week with GNV, on Friday evenings
- Overnight crossing of around 13 to 14 hours
- Rome's ferry port, walkable from the railway station
What to know about the crossing
Table of Contents
Getting there & terminal
Civitavecchia lies around 70 kilometres north west of Rome. By car you arrive on the A12 (exit Civitavecchia Porto) or the SS1 Aurelia; you enter the port through the Varco Vespucci, the main gate for travellers. The GNV ferries to Palermo leave from the Calata Cesare Laurenti.
Without a car the journey is just as easy: Civitavecchia station is only 600 to 800 metres from the port entrance, ten minutes on foot. A free port shuttle runs from the entrance out to the berths; the distances inside the port are long, so use it. From Rome Fiumicino airport there are direct bus and train connections.
Check-in & departure
GNV asks you to be at the berth two hours before departure. Check-in in Civitavecchia closes 45 minutes before departure.
For the return leg from Palermo the deadline is tighter: there, check-in closes 30 minutes before departure. If you book both directions, remember the stricter one. Every traveller needs valid photo ID, children included.
On board
The ships on this route are the GNV Auriga and the Splendid. Because the crossing runs overnight you can choose between a seat and a cabin; over 13 to 14 hours the cabin is worth it, not least because you arrive in the morning with your first day in Sicily still ahead of you.
On board there is a restaurant, a self-service counter and a bar. The vehicle deck is closed during the crossing: take what you need for the night up with you - medication, charging cables, a change of clothes.
Vehicle, bike & pet
GNV carries cars, motorhomes, caravans and motorcycles; the price depends on length and height. Because there is only one departure a week, vehicle spaces sell out considerably earlier than passenger places in the summer holidays. If you are planning to travel with a motorhome, book months ahead, or switch to the almost daily service to Termini Imerese.
Details on measurements, a car and caravan and gas cylinders are on taking a motorhome on the ferry, the rules for dogs and cats under taking a dog on the ferry.
Arrival & onward travel
In Palermo GNV berths at the Calata Puntone, with the operator's ticket desk right beside it. The port borders the city centre: Via Emerico Amari and the Politeama quarter are a few minutes on foot, and Palermo Centrale station is a good two kilometres away.
By car you are in Catania in a good two hours on the A19, and in Trapani in an hour on the A29. If you arrive in Termini Imerese instead, it is around 35 kilometres to Palermo, a good half hour on the A19.
Tickets & fares
Bookings are made through the booking box above; the "from" price shown follows the operator's current fares and changes with the season and how full the sailing is. Which cabin categories are free on your travel date is shown when you book.
One point that costs money: with GNV, anyone who misses check-in or does not board the ship named on the ticket has no claim to a refund, not even a partial one. On a route that sails once a week, a missed ship means seven days of waiting.
Civitavecchia - Palermo
Once a week from Rome's port to Sicily
Civitavecchia is Rome's ferry port and the shortest way to Sicily if you are coming from central Italy or landing at Fiumicino airport. The crossing to Palermo runs overnight: you leave on Friday evening and arrive on Saturday morning.
GNV runs the route alone, with exactly one departure a week, all year round. If you need more flexibility there are two ways round it: the almost daily GNV service from Civitavecchia to Termini Imerese, around 35 kilometres east of Palermo, or the daily sailings from Naples.
- Crossing
- approx. 13-14 hrs
- Ferry operator
- GNV
- Frequency
- Fridays
- Price from
- €46
Next departures
FAQ Civitavecchia - Palermo
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Civitavecchia-Palermo ferry route
Which ferry operator sails from Civitavecchia to Palermo?+
The route to Palermo is run by GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) alone. The ships in service are the GNV Auriga and the Splendid.
How long does the ferry from Civitavecchia to Palermo take?+
The overnight crossing takes around 13 to 14 hours. Departure is in the early evening, arrival the next morning. The times for your travel date are in the timetable.
How often does the ferry sail?+
To Palermo itself only once a week, on Fridays, but all year round. That is the main difference from the other routes on this site. If you need another day of the week, GNV sails from Civitavecchia almost daily to Termini Imerese, around 35 kilometres east of Palermo; alternatively there are daily sailings from Naples.
How early do I need to be at the terminal?+
GNV asks you to be at the berth two hours before departure. Check-in in Civitavecchia closes 45 minutes before departure, in Palermo for the return leg already 30 minutes before. Every traveller needs valid photo ID, children included.
Can I take my car or motorhome with me?+
Yes, GNV carries cars, motorhomes, caravans and motorcycles. The price depends on length and height, so give the exact measurements when you book. Because there is only one departure a week, the vehicle spaces go early in the summer holidays. What you should know about a car and caravan, gas cylinders and power on board is on taking a motorhome on the ferry.
Can I take my pet on the ferry?+
Dogs and cats are allowed. On the ships on this route GNV has pet cabins and designated animal areas; both are limited and have to be registered when you book. Small animals travel in a carrier, larger ones on a lead and muzzled. The details and the paperwork you need are under taking a dog on the ferry.
What cabins are there on board?+
You can choose between deck passage, a reclining seat and inside, outside and premium cabins. Over 13 to 14 hours at night a cabin is not a luxury but the difference between arriving rested and arriving shaken about. Which categories are free on your travel date is shown when you book.