Frequently asked questions
The questions that come up again and again before the crossing to Sicily: which port, how long it takes, and what applies at check-in.
Routes, ports and crossing times
Is there a ferry to Sicily from another country in mainland Europe?+
No. Every ferry to Sicily leaves from Italy: from Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Naples and Salerno to Palermo, plus the short crossing over the Strait of Messina. Genoa is the northernmost of these ports and therefore the shortest drive if you are coming from the north.
Which port suits my destination in Sicily?+
Palermo in the north west is served by every overnight ferry. Messina in the north east is reached by the short crossing from Villa San Giovanni. Termini Imerese lies around 35 kilometres east of Palermo and is served from Civitavecchia more often than Palermo itself.
Which crossing is the shortest and which the longest?+
The shortest is the Strait of Messina at around 20 minutes. The longest is GNV from Genoa to Palermo, for which the operator gives 20.5 hours. In between come Civitavecchia at 13.5 hours and Naples at 11. The times for your travel date are in the timetable.
How often do the ferries cross the Strait of Messina?+
Around the clock. Caronte & Tourist guarantees a departure every 40 minutes between Villa San Giovanni and Messina; the crossing measures 3.3 nautical miles. You cannot book a particular time, the ticket is valid for the travel date you choose.
Can I get to Sicily from Malta?+
Yes, several times a day. Virtu Ferries sails from Malta to Pozzallo on the south east coast, taking around 1 hour 45 minutes. There is no ship to Catania; from Pozzallo the operator's bus transfer takes you on. Cars up to five metres are carried.
Booking, check-in and documents
Do I have to book in advance or is a ticket at the port enough?+
Across the Strait of Messina a day ticket is enough. On the overnight ferries to Palermo it is the other way round: vehicle spaces sell out before passenger places, and on a route with one departure a week a full deck means seven days of waiting.
How early do I need to be at the port?+
With GNV two hours before departure with a vehicle, one hour without. Check-in in Genoa closes 45 minutes before departure, in Palermo already 30. Grimaldi Lines also asks for two hours with a vehicle and one without.
What happens if I miss check-in?+
With GNV the ticket is forfeited. Anyone who does not check in on time or does not board the ship named on the ticket has no claim to a refund, not even a partial one. That is exactly why you should allow plenty of time for the journey to the port.
Which documents do I need for the crossing?+
Valid photo ID, for every traveller, children included. With a vehicle the registration document comes on top, and the number plate and measurements have to match the booking. Gas powered vehicles must be declared in advance and are given their own space on board.
How late can I still change my booking?+
Up to two hours before departure, and only ever the whole booking; if the new sailing costs more, you pay the difference. Once check-in has started nothing can be changed. For cancellations GNV keeps 25% from the day of booking, and from six days before departure the full fare. As at August 2026.
On board, vehicles and pets
Do I need a cabin?+
On the overnight ferries to Palermo, yes. You can choose between deck passage, a reclining seat, inside and outside cabins and suites. With 11 to 20 hours on board and arrival in the early morning, a cabin is not a question of comfort. Across the strait the crossing is too short for one.
Can I get to my vehicle during the crossing?+
No. Only the driver goes on board with the vehicle, everyone else walks up to reception, and the vehicle deck stays closed for the whole crossing. Medication, charging cables, documents and everything for the night belong upstairs with you beforehand.
Do the ferries take motorhomes and caravans?+
Yes, all the overnight ferries to Palermo and the car ferries across the strait. Booking is by length and height, including a roof box, bike rack and tow bar. What applies to measurements, gas cylinders and check-in is on taking a motorhome on the ferry.
Can my dog or cat come on board?+
Yes, on all the routes to Palermo. GNV has pet cabins and exercise areas on deck, Grimaldi Lines its own cabins for travellers with an animal. The places are scarce and have to be registered when you book. The paperwork and the rules are on taking a dog on the ferry.
What does the ferry to Sicily cost?+
That depends on the route, the season, your vehicle and your accommodation on board; there is no single fare. The binding price is the one in the booking box. What the total is made up of and where return tickets are worth it is on the prices page.