Ferry to Sicily
Salerno - Palermo
From Salerno's commercial port to Sicily: the quieter alternative to the port of Naples, with motorway access right up to the terminal
- Several times a week with Grimaldi Lines, not daily - departure days are in the timetable
- Nine to eleven hours' crossing, by day or overnight depending on departure
- Fast check-in in Salerno and Palermo, one hour ahead on foot, two hours with a vehicle
What you should know about the crossing
Table of Contents
Getting there & terminal
Grimaldi Lines departs Salerno from the commercial port, at Molo Ponente; the operator's office (Grimaldi Euromed) is on Via Ligea on the western side of the port. Don't confuse it with the Masuccio tourist harbour, with its coastal boats to Amalfi and Capri, a little further east.
By car, take the Vietri sul Mare exit from the A3 from Naples and follow the signs for Porto Commerciale; from the south, take the A2's Salerno junction and continue towards the Costiera Amalfitana to the commercial port. Without a car: Molo Ponente is around 50 minutes' walk from Salerno railway station, or take the city bus to the Ligea terminus.
In Palermo, Grimaldi docks at Molo Puntone or Molo Quattro Venti, with the ticket office at Molo Puntone. Access is via the port gates Varco Cristoforo Colombo, Varco Amari or Varco Santa Lucia.
Check-in & departure
Salerno and Palermo use Grimaldi's fast check-in: show your ticket to staff directly at the boarding area, no counter needed. Without a vehicle you need to be there one hour ahead, with a vehicle two hours ahead; after that deadline you have no right to travel. In peak season, expect a queue at the entrance.
All passengers, including children, need valid ID; the name, ID and number plate must match the ticket details.
On board
The Catania sails this route. You can choose deck passage, reclining seats, or inside and outside cabins with their own bathroom; with fast check-in you collect your cabin key on board at reception or from a machine. A restaurant, self-service, bar, shop and children's area are on board, with satellite Wi-Fi available for a fee. The vehicle deck stays closed during the crossing.
Vehicle, bike & pets
Cars up to 1.90 metres in height, motorhomes and minibuses up to nine metres long and 4.20 metres high, motorbikes, bicycles and trailers travel on board; the overall size is measured including roof box, bike rack and towbar. Get the vehicle category wrong and you won't be allowed to board, with no refund. Bicycles travel free but must be included in the booking. Report LPG vehicles when boarding.
Dogs and cats travel in the kennels on board or with the Pet in Cabin service in your cabin, up to three animals per cabin; leads and muzzles are required on the outside decks. Dimensions and gas cylinders: Motorhome on the ferry; documents for dogs and cats: Taking your dog on the ferry.
Arrival & onward travel
The port of Palermo borders the city centre: via Via Francesco Crispi you're in the Politeama district within minutes, and Palermo Centrale station is around two kilometres away. By car, the A19 reaches Catania in a good two hours, the A29 reaches Trapani in an hour.
Tickets & fares
Booking is done through the booking window above; the displayed from-price comes live from the operator's data and changes with season, accommodation and occupancy. Grimaldi offers discounts for children up to twelve, seniors from 60, and residents and natives of Sicily.
Cancellation under the standard fare is tiered: up to 30 days before departure the operator keeps ten per cent, after that the deduction rises in stages, and from the day before departure and for no-shows nothing is refunded. Special fares are generally non-refundable.
Salerno - Palermo
From Salerno to Sicily, bypassing the port of Naples
Anyone travelling from Campania or the Amalfi Coast to Sicily can skip the port of Naples with this route: Grimaldi Lines sails several times a week from Salerno to Palermo, taking nine to eleven hours depending on the departure. The terminal is in the commercial port on Via Ligea, right by the motorway exit.
The line doesn't sail every day. Check the departure days in the timetable before planning your trip there, and expect vehicle spaces to fill up early in season.
- Crossing
- approx. 9-11 hrs
- Operator
- Grimaldi Lines
- Frequency
- several times a week
- From-price
- €29
Next departures
FAQ Salerno - Palermo
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Salerno-Palermo ferry route
How long does the ferry from Salerno to Palermo take?+
Depending on the departure, nine to eleven hours. Grimaldi Lines runs the route both by day and overnight; the exact timing for your departure is in the timetable.
How often does the ferry run between Salerno and Palermo?+
Several times a week, but not daily. If you're flexible, you'll usually find space on the departure days; if you're travelling by car in the summer holidays, book early.
When do I need to be at the port in Salerno?+
Salerno uses fast check-in: show your ticket directly at the boarding area on Molo Ponente, no counter needed. Without a vehicle you need to be there one hour ahead, with a vehicle two hours ahead; after that there's no right to travel. All passengers need valid ID, including children.
How much does the Salerno - Palermo ferry cost?+
The price depends on season, accommodation (deck passage, seat, cabin) and vehicle; the displayed from-price comes live from the operator's data. The price overview gives an idea for vehicle and cabin.
Can I bring my motorhome?+
Yes. Grimaldi Lines takes motorhomes and minibuses up to nine metres long and 4.20 metres high, plus cars, motorbikes, bicycles and trailers. The overall size is measured with roof box and rack. Dimensions and gas cylinders: Motorhome on the ferry.
Can my dog come on board?+
Yes, with registration at booking. Dogs and cats travel in the kennels on board or, for a fee, with the Pet in Cabin service in your cabin. Leads and muzzles are required on the outside decks. Documents and rules: Taking your dog on the ferry.