Naples – Palermo
Ferry to Sicily
Naples – Palermo
Ferry to Sicily
Yes, ferries from Naples to Palermo are available all year round. With around 3 daily and 18 weekly sailings, there's plenty of options to choose from.
Naples to Palermo first ferry: departs Naples at 08:45.
Naples to Palermo last ferry: departs Naples at around 23:59.
Bear in mind that the Naples to Palermo ferry time can vary by season. We recommend checking the latest Naples to Palermo ferry timetable before you book.
How long the Naples to Palermo ferry is depends on whether you’re travelling on a Naples to Palermo fast ferry or a conventional ferry. The Naples to Palermo ferry duration is usually around 10 hours 30 minutes on average.
Average Naples Palermo ferry time: 10 hours 30 minutes
Fastest ferry: 8 hours 30 minutes
Longest ferry: 14 hours 15 minutes
Ferries from Naples to Palermo are provided by 3 ferry companies; Tirrenia, Grandi Navi Veloci & Grimaldi Lines. There are a combined total of 3 daily and 18 weekly sailings. Bear in mind, the Naples to Palermo timetable can change throughout the seasons, with more options available in the summer months.
Ferry frequency: the Palermo ferry from Naples runs all year round
Tirrenia: 1 daily sailing and 7 weekly sailings
Grandi Navi Veloci: 1 daily sailing and 7 weekly sailings
Grimaldi Lines: 1 daily sailing and 4 weekly sailings
The Naples to Palermo ferry price can vary depending on the ferry company you're travelling with and the season you're travelling in.
Average Naples to Palermo ferry price: £214.41
The distance between Naples to Palermo is approximately 192.1 miles (309.2km) or 167 nautical miles.
Yes, you can get the ferry from Naples to Palermo with a car.
Car operators: Tirrenia, Grandi Navi Veloci & Grimaldi Lines
Car operator prices: usually between £137 and £494
Cheapest car price: £54
Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the ferry between Naples and Palermo.
Naples Palermo foot passenger ferries: Tirrenia, Grandi Navi Veloci & Grimaldi Lines
Foot passenger prices: usually between £49 and £240
Cheapest foot passenger price: £32
Yes, you can take your camper on the ferry to Palermo from Naples.
Camper prices: usually between £144 and £513
Cheapest camper price: £98
Here's everything you need to know about taking your pet on the boat to Palermo from Naples.
Pets are allowed on Naples to Palermo ferries. However, you must let the ferry company know you are travelling with a pet at the time of your booking.
Pet-friendly operators:
Grandi Navi Veloci
You will need the following things with you when travelling with your pet on board the boat from Naples to Palermo.
Grandi Navi Veloci:
You can travel with guide dogs and assistance dogs on the boat from Naples to Palermo with Grandi Navi Veloci. However, you must let the ferry company know at the time of booking. You may also have to present any necessary certificates if asked to do so on board.
Grandi Navi Veloci: an additional fee may be required at the time of booking
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| Naples - Palermo Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Country | Italy | |
| Destination Country | Italy | |
| No. of Operators | 3 | |
| Operators | Grandi Navi Veloci, Grimaldi Lines & Tirrenia | |
| Average Price | £169* | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 2 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 16 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 10h 45m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 8h 30m | |
| First Ferry | 20:00 | |
| Last Ferry | 22:30 | |
| Distance | 166 nautical miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 2024-11-05.
"Easy, pleasant journey "
"Excellent Trip"
"Great trip"
"Naples to Palermo"
No, the ferry ride is too long for a day trip; a longer stay is recommended.
From Palermo, you can easily reach the Aeolian Islands by ferry, known for their volcanic landscapes and crystal-clear waters. Another popular choice is Ustica, a small island famous for its marine reserve that offers great diving opportunities. The island of Favignana, part of the Aegadian Islands, is also easily accessible and known for its beautiful beaches and charming villages.
The high-speed ferry from Naples to Palermo operated by Grimaldi Lines, takes 8h 30m, costs £183.
While flying to Palermo is quicker at around 1.5 hours, taking a ferry offers a scenic experience that can take approximately 10-12 hours. Ferries allow you to relax, enjoy sea views, and smoothly transition from cities like Naples or Genoa, making the journey more comfortable and immersive. Despite the extended travel time, the ferry trip to Palermo provides a unique and enjoyable way to reach the destination and is favored by many travelers for its charm and leisurely pace.
Yes, you do need a valid passport to travel from Naples to Palermo, as both cities are located in Italy. However, if you are an Italian citizen traveling within the country, you may be able to use other forms of identification, such as a national identity card. It's always a good idea to carry your passport to avoid any issues during your journey.
From Naples airport, take the Alibus shuttle to Napoli Centrale train station. From there, you can take a taxi or walk to Molo Beverello, the main port in Naples, which offers ferries to Palermo. The journey should take about 30-40 minutes by shuttle and an additional 10-15 minutes to reach the port.
The ferry ride from Naples to Palermo can be rough due to choppy sea conditions in the Tyrrhenian Sea, especially during the winter months. Seasonal variations can also affect the sea conditions, with calmer waters usually experienced during the summer months. It's recommended to check the weather forecast before your trip and consider taking motion sickness medication if you are prone to seasickness.
The easiest way to travel from Naples to Palermo is by taking a direct flight, which is the fastest option, typically lasting around 1.5 hours. For a more scenic journey, consider taking a ferry across the Tyrrhenian Sea, offering beautiful views of the coastline during the approximately 10-hour trip. The most budget-friendly option is usually taking a train or bus, although it will take longer than flying or taking a ferry.
The Italian city of Naples, or Napoli as it is also called, is located in the Campania region of the country and lies on the Gulf of Naples, on southern Italy's west coast. The city is located in an enviable position between two volcanic areas, Mount Vesuvius and the Campi Flegrei. The Roman ruins of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis and Stabiae, which were destroyed the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, are located close to the city as is the city of Sorrento and the beautiful Amalfi Coast. Also located close to Naples are the former parts of the Roman naval facility of Portus Julius, namely the port towns of Pozzuoli and Baia which are both to the north of Naples. The city is adorned with medieval, Baroque and Renaissance churches, castles and palaces and has long been an important centre for the arts and architecture. In the 18th century, Naples went through a period of neoclassicism, following the discovery of the remarkably intact Roman ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii.
The port of Naples is home to several ferry, hydrofoil and SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull) catamaran services, linking numerous locations in both the Neapolitan province, including Capri, Ischia and Sorrento, and the Salernitan province, including Salerno, Positano and Amalfi. Ferry services also operate to Sicily, Sardinia, Ponza and the Aeolian Islands.
The city of Palermo is located on the Italian island of Sicily and lies on the island's north west coast and has a large and strategically important natural port, next to the Monte Pellegrino. The city is typically Mediterranean and can trace its history back to the 8th century and is today known for its Norman buildings, fabulous palaces and the hustle and bustle of its markets. Palermo's historic centre is the Quattro Canti district, which means 'Four Corners' and is where a number of the city's most spectacular attractions can be found. These include the Royal Palace and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. The cathedral's sheer size and lovely architecture really needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. Also popular in the city is the medieval Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi and the 12th century Castello della Zisa. For visitors who enjoy the performing arts there is also the Teatro Massimo which is a recently refurbished theatre that puts on regular performances.
Ferries from the city's port depart to Genoa, Civitavecchia, Naples and Tunisia.
If you're looking for the cheapest way to get to Palermo from Naples, we recommend booking your ferry in advance. Naples Palermo ferry prices vary depending on the season you’re travelling in. Most Palermo Naples ferry prices are higher in the peak summer months between June to September. Ferries during these months can sell out so if you’re travelling from Naples to Palermo by boat in summer it’s always best to make your Naples to Palermo ferry booking in advance. Check out our special offers page for all the latest ferry discounts and to find the cheapest Naples to Palermo ferry.
Yes, students can get a 5% discount on Naples Palermo ferry tickets all year round. Check out our special offers page for more discounts and to get the cheapest Naples to Palermo ferry booking.
It all depends on the size of the ship but disembarking the ferry can take around 15-45 minutes.
If you're getting the Naples to Palermo ferry with luggage, then there are certain restrictions that may apply. The amount of luggage you can take on the Naples to Palermo ferry depends on the ferry company you are travelling with.
Tirrenia: no specific limit
Grandi Navi Veloci: no specific limit
Grimaldi Lines: 1 piece of hand luggage per person
There are a wide range of facilities available on board the ferry between Naples and Palermo. These include cafes, restaurants, bars and gift shops. Bear in mind that each ship’s facilities will vary.
The accommodation and seating on the Naples to Palermo boat differs depending on the ferry company and how long the journey is. Prices are also dependent on the company you travel with and the size of your cabin.
Tirrenia: Numbered seating is available as well as a range of cabins
Grandi Navi Veloci: cabins, suites, deck seats and pullman seats are available on board
Grimaldi Lines: there’s deck passage and armchair seating on board along with comfortable cabins
Yes, the ferries from Naples to Palermo are suitable for people with reduced mobility. The exact facilities on board will depend on the ship you’re travelling on. It's best to inform the ferry company at the time of booking to see if they can accommodate any requests.
Tirrenia: Reserved seats are available on board for people with reduced mobility.
Grandi Navi Veloci: Specially adapted cabins can be reserved on board.
Grimaldi Lines: There are accessible cabins and dedicated assistance desks. Assistance is also available on board if you request it in advance.
We recommend arriving at Naples port at least 1 hour before departure. However, if you are travelling with a vehicle, it’s best to arrive 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours before departure to allow time for parking. Wherever you’re travelling from, you should allow plenty of time to get to the port in case of traffic.
Your Naples to Palermo ferry tickets will be sent by email. You will then need to check in with the ferry company before you travel and you may receive an additional boarding pass.
The latest check-in time for your Naples to Palermo ferry booking should be in your confirmation email.
Tirrenia: at least 90 minutes before departure with a vehicle and 30 minutes before for foot passengers
Grandi Navi Veloci: from 2 hours to 45 minutes before departure for vehicles and 1 hour to 45 minutes before for foot passengers
Grimaldi Lines: at least 1 hour before departure
Yes, parking is available at Naples port.
Naples port is easily accessible from the town centre and airport.
From Naples city centre:
By foot: approximately 10 minutes.
By bus: the Alibus runs from the city centre to the port which takes around 15 minutes.
By subway: take the subway line 1 from Piazza Garibaldi to Municipio. It should take just a few minutes.
From Naples Airport:
By bus: Alibus operated a shuttle bus service from the airport to the port in around 35 minutes.
By taxi: taxis usually take around 25-30 minutes.
Ferries to Palermo will take you to the capital of Sicily. It's located within walking distance of the centre of the city, although you can also get a bus or taxi if needed. If you're travelling further, public buses and taxis are also available at the port to take you to various locations in Sicily.
If you're travelling by car, standard speed limits in Italy are as follows:
Built-up areas: 50 km/h or 31mph
Outside built-up areas: 90km/h or 55mph
Dual carriageways: 110km/h or 68mph
Motorways: 130km/h or 80mph
