Ferry to Sicily
Civitavecchia - Palermo Termini Imerese
From Rome's port to Sicily: the GNV overnight ferry to Termini Imerese, 35 kilometres east of Palermo, with a port right on the motorway
- GNV sails most days of the week, far more often than the route into Palermo's city port
- Overnight in around 14 hours, departing late afternoon or evening, arriving in the morning
- Check-in two hours ahead, closing in Civitavecchia and Termini Imerese 45 minutes before departure
What you should know about the crossing
Table of Contents
Getting there & terminal
Civitavecchia lies around 70 kilometres northwest of Rome. By car you arrive via the A12 or the SS1 Aurelia; enter the port through the Varco Vespucci, where the GNV counter is also located. Without a car: Civitavecchia railway station is a ten-minute walk from the port entrance, a free shuttle runs inside the port to the berths, and there are direct bus and rail connections from Rome-Fiumicino airport.
In Termini Imerese, the GNV berth is on Via Scala, or Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo for sat-nav purposes. From the A19 Palermo-Catania, take the Termini Imerese exit; after five minutes you reach the signposted boarding area with a large car park. Termini Imerese railway station is around three kilometres away, with taxis and buses linking it to the port.
Check-in & departure
GNV asks you to be at the berth two hours before departure. Check-in closes in Civitavecchia 45 minutes before departure, and in Termini Imerese for the return also 45 minutes before. On foot, you go with your ticket and ID to the counter and collect your boarding passes; with a vehicle, you enter the control zone and show your ticket, everyone's ID and the vehicle registration document at the gate. Online check-in through your account saves queuing.
Miss check-in, or fail to board the ship named on your ticket, and GNV gives no refund, not even a partial one. All passengers need valid ID, including children.
On board
On this route GNV uses ships including the GNV Auriga, the GNV Spirit, the Splendid and the Tenacia. You can choose deck passage, reclining seats, inside and outside cabins, Pet-Friendly Cabins and suites; over 14 hours overnight, a cabin is the sensible choice. On board there's a restaurant, self-service, a pizzeria, a bar, a shop and a children's area, with Wi-Fi (Sea-Fi) available for a fee, even in cabins. The vehicle deck is closed during the crossing.
Vehicle, bike & pets
Cars, motorbikes, motorhomes and caravans travel on board; the price depends on length and height, and make, model and number plate must be included in the booking. Driving someone else's vehicle requires a notarised authorisation from the owner. Report LPG vehicles when boarding; they park with the gas valve closed in a separate area, and an unaccompanied vehicle travels as cargo through the freight department. Dimensions and gas cylinders: Motorhome on the ferry.
Dogs and cats travel with you in a Pet-Friendly Cabin or in the pet kennels on board; animals aren't allowed in other cabins. There's a Fido Park exercise area on the outside deck, and since summer 2026 pets have also been allowed in designated areas of the restaurants and shops. A lead is compulsory, a muzzle where requested. Documents: Taking your dog on the ferry.
Arrival & onward travel
Termini Imerese sits right on the A19: it's around 45 minutes to Palermo, half an hour to Cefalù, a good two hours to Catania, and a country road from Buonfornello leads into the Madonie. Travelling without a car, take a taxi or bus to the station three kilometres away, from where regional trains run to Palermo Centrale and towards Messina.
Tickets & fares
Booking is done through the booking window above; the from-price comes live from the operator's data and changes with season, accommodation and occupancy. GNV offers fares for residents and natives of Sicily and promotions around holidays and long weekends; booking early secures vehicle space in summer.
One warning that could cost you money: GNV gives no refund for a missed check-in or boarding the wrong ship. Rebooking and cancellation before departure go through customer service under the fare conditions.
Civitavecchia - Termini Imerese
Almost daily from Rome's port to Sicily
From Civitavecchia, GNV runs two lines to Sicily, and the one to Termini Imerese is the more frequent: most days of the week, overnight in around 14 hours. Termini Imerese lies 35 kilometres east of Palermo, with the port right on the A19 - ideal if you're driving on to Cefalù, the Madonie or Catania.
Departure is in the late afternoon or evening, arrival in the morning. If you want to arrive in Palermo itself, take the weekly line into the city port; if you want flexibility on your travel day, take this one.
- Crossing
- approx. 14 hrs
- Operator
- GNV
- Frequency
- most days
- From-price
- €39
Next departures
FAQ Civitavecchia - Termini Imerese
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Civitavecchia-Termini Imerese ferry route
How long does the ferry from Civitavecchia to Termini Imerese take?+
Around 14 hours, a little more or less depending on the departure. GNV departs in the late afternoon or evening and arrives in the morning. The times for your day are in the timetable.
Why Termini Imerese instead of Palermo?+
Because this route sails most days of the week, while the one into Palermo's city port runs only once a week. Termini Imerese lies 35 kilometres east of Palermo, with the port right on the A19; it's around 45 minutes to Palermo by car, half an hour to Cefalù.
When do I need to be at the port?+
GNV asks you to be at the berth two hours before departure; check-in closes in Civitavecchia 45 minutes before departure, and in Termini Imerese for the return also 45 minutes before. Miss check-in and you're not entitled to a refund. All passengers need valid ID, including children.
How much does the Civitavecchia - Termini Imerese ferry cost?+
The price depends on season, accommodation (deck passage, seat, cabin, suite) and vehicle; the displayed from-price comes live from the operator's data. The price overview gives an idea. Residents and natives of Sicily pay less.
Can I bring a car or motorhome?+
Yes, cars, motorbikes, motorhomes and caravans travel on board; the price depends on length and height, and the number plate must be included in the booking. Report LPG vehicles when boarding; they park with the gas valve closed in a separate area. Dimensions and gas cylinders: Motorhome on the ferry.
Can my dog come on board?+
Yes. In a cabin only in a Pet-Friendly Cabin, otherwise in the pet kennels on board; on the outside decks there's the Fido Park exercise area. A lead is required in communal areas, and a muzzle where requested. Documents: Taking your dog on the ferry.