Ferry to Sicily
Reggio Calabria - Messina
The commuter shuttle across the strait: Liberty Lines hydrofoils between Reggio Calabria station and Messina port, without a car
- 19 weekday departures per direction with Liberty Lines, eight at weekends, from early morning to 23:20
- 35 minutes by hydrofoil, 30 minutes in the return direction
- Foot passengers only, check-in at the berth 15 minutes before departure
What you should know about the crossing
Table of Contents
Getting there & terminal
In Reggio Calabria, the hydrofoil departs from the Stazione Marittima on Via Candeloro, right next to Reggio Calabria Centrale railway station; the Liberty Lines counter is staffed weekdays from 05:30 to 23:30. Arriving by train from the north, get off at the station and it's a short walk to the berth.
In Messina the berth is at Molo Rizzo on Via Luigi Rizzo, close to the centre; the ticket office there opens at 05:00 and closes at 23:00 on weekdays. The Caronte & Tourist car ferries dock further north at Rada San Francesco, a different port.
Check-in & departure
You need to be at the berth at least 15 minutes before departure, with a valid ticket and ID; arrive later and you no longer have a right to travel. Ground staff check you in before boarding, and you can show your boarding pass directly on your smartphone. The ticket is personal and valid only for the departure it's booked for; a mismatched or different name gets you turned away, and you'll need to buy a new one.
Passengers with reduced mobility should contact customer service 48 hours ahead and be at the berth 30 minutes before departure; the assistance is free. Families with children under three can board first at some ports.
On board
Liberty Lines' hydrofoils and fast craft on the strait have around 200 to 300 seats. For safety, you stay seated until the ship has docked; the outside decks and bridge are for crew only, and onboard screens show the safety briefing. Luggage goes into the designated areas and is collected on disembarkation.
One item of hand luggage up to ten kilos (60 × 40 × 20 cm) is free; for more luggage you buy a luggage ticket at the standard rate.
Vehicle, bike & pets
The hydrofoils carry passengers only. With a car, motorbike or motorhome, take the car ferry from Villa San Giovanni; the rules for that are at Motorhome on the ferry. Whether your bicycle can travel is something to check with Liberty Lines customer service before buying.
Dogs and cats travel: small animals stay the whole journey in a carrier, medium and large dogs wear a lead and muzzle, and the operator may require a health certificate. Animals stay in the designated areas; guide dogs are exempt. Documents: Taking your dog on the ferry.
Arrival & onward travel
From Molo Rizzo you're a few minutes' walk from the centre of Messina, the cathedral with its astronomical clock, and the tram that runs to Messina Centrale mainline station at the southern end of the port. From there, trains run to Taormina, Catania and Palermo. If you want to cross the strait by car, the shuttle service is at Villa San Giovanni - Messina.
Tickets & fares
A fixed fare applies per journey. Tickets are available online, in the app, at the counters in Reggio Calabria and Messina, and via the operator's WhatsApp sales. Commuters buy a carnet with 40 trips within 90 days, students at the universities of Messina and Reggio a ten-trip pack; both require registration in the customer portal with a photo and ID. The displayed from-price comes live from the operator's data.
Reggio Calabria - Messina
Across the strait by hydrofoil in 35 minutes
Anyone wanting to cross the Strait of Messina without a car takes the hydrofoil: Liberty Lines has run between Reggio Calabria and Messina since October 2023, 19 times per direction on weekdays between early morning and 23:20, eight times at weekends. The crossing takes 35 minutes, 30 on the way back.
The berth in Reggio is at the Stazione Marittima next to the railway station, in Messina at Molo Rizzo near the centre. This is the line for commuters and rail travellers; with a car, take the ferry from Villa San Giovanni instead.
- Crossing
- approx. 35 min.
- Operator
- Liberty Lines
- Frequency
- 19x weekdays, 8x weekends
- From-price
- €3
Next departures
FAQ Reggio Calabria - Messina
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Reggio Calabria-Messina route
How long does the hydrofoil from Reggio Calabria to Messina take?+
35 minutes from Reggio to Messina, 30 minutes back. Your day's departures are in the timetable.
How often does Liberty Lines cross the strait?+
Monday to Friday, 19 departures per direction between 05:30 and 23:20 from Messina, and eight on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays between 06:20 and 23:20. The last return from Reggio Calabria goes daily at 23:20.
When do I need to be at the berth?+
At least 15 minutes before departure, with a valid ticket and ID; after that your place isn't guaranteed. Ground staff check you in before boarding, and you show your boarding pass on your phone. Anyone needing help boarding should let the operator know 48 hours ahead and arrive 30 minutes before departure.
Can I bring my car?+
No, the hydrofoils carry passengers only. With a car, motorbike or motorhome, take the car ferry from Villa San Giovanni; the rules for that are at Motorhome on the ferry.
How much does the hydrofoil cost?+
A fixed fare applies per journey; commuters can get multi-trip cards for 40 trips within 90 days, plus student and social fares with registration. The displayed from-price comes live from the operator's data, and the price overview gives an idea.
Can my dog come on the hydrofoil?+
Yes. Small animals travel the whole journey in a carrier, medium and large dogs on a lead, with a muzzle and a health certificate the operator may require. Animals stay in the designated areas. Documents: Taking your dog on the ferry.