Reggio Calabria – Messina

Ferry to Sicily

Reggio Calabria – Messina

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Reggio Calabria to Messina Ferry

How do I get from Reggio Calabria to Messina?

You can get a ferry from Reggio Calabria to Messina. Ferries from Reggio Calabria to Sicily are available all year round. With around 15 daily and 102 weekly sailings, there's plenty of options to choose from. 

Reggio Calabria Messina Ferry Timetable

Reggio Calabria to Messina first ferry: departs Reggio Calabria at 06:20.
Reggio Calabria to Messina last ferry: departs Reggio Calabria at around 23:20.

Bear in mind that Reggio Calabria to Messina ferry times can vary by season. We recommend checking the latest Reggio Calabria to Messina ferry timetable before you book. 

How long is the ferry from Reggio Calabria to Messina?

How long the Reggio Calabria to Messina ferry is depends on whether you’re travelling on a Reggio Calabria Messina fast ferry or conventional ferry. The Reggio Calabria to Messina ferry duration is usually around 35 minutes on average.

Average Reggio Calabria to Messina ferry time: 35 minutes 
Fastest ferry: 30 minutes  
Longest ferry: 35 minutes

Is there a fast ferry from Reggio Calabria to Messina?

The fastest ferries from Reggio Calabria to Messina take 30 minutes.

Reggio Calabria Messina Ferry Schedule

Ferries from Reggio Calabria to Messina are provided by 1 ferry company; Liberty Lines Fast Ferries with 15 daily and 102 weekly sailings. Bear in mind, the Reggio Calabria to Messina ferry timetable can change throughout the seasons, with more options available in the summer months. 

Ferry frequency: the Reggio Calabria ferry to Messina runs all year round 

Liberty Lines Fast Ferries: 15 daily sailings and 102 weekly sailings 

How much is the ferry from Reggio Calabria to Messina?

The Reggio Calabria to Messina ferry price can vary depending on the ferry company you're travelling with and the season you're travelling in. 

Average Reggio Calabria to Messina ferry cost: £11.78

How far is Reggio Calabria from Messina?

Reggio Calabria to Messina distance: approximately 7.6 miles (12.2km) or 7 nautical miles.

Can I take the ferry from Reggio Calabria to Messina with a car?

No you cannot get the ferry from Reggio Calabria to Sicily with a car.

Can I travel as a foot passenger to Messina from Reggio Calabria?

Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Reggio Calabria to Sicily ferry?

Reggio Calabria Messina foot passenger ferries: Liberty Lines Fast Ferries 
Foot passenger prices: usually between £6 and £23
Cheapest foot passenger price: £3

Can you take your pet with you on the Reggio Calabria to Messina ferry?

Here's everything you need to know about taking your pet on the Reggio Calabria to Messina boat.

Can I take my pet on the ferry from Reggio Calabria to Messina?

Pets are allowed on Reggio Calabria ferries to Messina. However, you must let the ferry company know you are travelling with a pet at the time of your booking.

Pet-friendly operators: 
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries

Here's everything you need to know about taking your pet on the boat to Messina from Reggio Calabria

Can I take my pet on the ferry from Reggio Calabria to Messina?

Pets are allowed on Reggio Calabria ferries to Messina. However, you must let the ferry company know you are travelling with a pet at the time of your booking.

What will I need when travelling with my pet?

You will need the following things with you when travelling with your pet on a ferry from Reggio Calabria to Messina.

  • Health documents showing your pet’s vaccinations
  • Everything your pet needs for a safe and comfortable journey such as water, food and a lead

Where will my pet stay during the Reggio Calabria Messina ferry crossing?

Liberty Lines Fast Ferries:

  • Dogs must have a leash and a muzzle
  • Small animals must be kept in a carrier
  • There are designated areas on board for pets 

Pet price

Liberty Lines Fast Ferries: price can vary

Travelling with guide dogs and assistance dogs

You can travel with guide dogs and assistance dogs on the boat from Reggio Calabria to Messina. 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.

Everything you need to know about Reggio Calabria Messina ferry tickets

When is the best time to book ferries from Reggio Calabria to Messina?  

We recommend booking in advance to find the cheapest ferry from Reggio Calabria to Messina. Messina Reggio Calabria ferry prices vary depending on the season you’re travelling in. Most Messina Reggio Calabria 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 Reggio Calabria to Messina by boat in summer it’s always best to make your Reggio Calabria to Messina ferry booking in advance. Check out our special offers page for all the latest ferry discounts and to find the cheapest ferry from Reggio Calabria to Messina.

Do you offer student discount on Reggio Calabria Messina ferry tickets?  

Yes, students can get a 5% discount on Reggio Calabria Messina ferry tickets all year round. Check out our special offers page for more discounts and to get the cheapest Reggio Calabria to Messina ferry booking.

Onboard the Reggio Calabria Messina ferry 

How long does it take to disembark the ferry from Reggio Calabria to Messina?

It all depends on the size of the ship but disembarking the ferry can take around 15-45 minutes.

Reggio Calabria to Messina ferry with luggage

If you're getting the Reggio Calabria to Messina ferry with luggage, then there are certain restrictions that may apply. The amount of luggage you can take on the Reggio Calabria to Messina ferry depends on the ferry company you are travelling with.

Liberty Lines Fast Ferries: 1 bag weighing up to 10kg with a maximum size of 60x40x20cm 

What facilities are available on board ferries from Reggio Calabria to Messina?

There are a wide range of facilities available on board the ferry between Reggio Calabria and Messina. These include cafes, restaurants, bars and gift shops. Bear in mind that each ship’s facilities will vary.

What accommodation and seating options are available?  

The accommodation and seating on the Reggio Calabria to Messina 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.

Liberty Lines Fast Ferries: no cabins are available on board. However, there are comfortable airplane type seats and a business class section.

Is there reduced mobility access on the Reggio Calabria to Messina ferry?

Yes, the ferries from Reggio Calabria to Messina 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.

Liberty Lines Fast Ferries: vessels are equipped for people with reduced mobility with facilities including dedicated seating, call buttons and accessible toilets. 

Taking the ferry from Reggio Calabria to Messina 

How early do I need to arrive at Reggio Calabria port?  

We recommend arriving at Reggio Calabria 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.

How and when will I get my Reggio Calabria to Messina ferry tickets?

Your Reggio Calabria Messina 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.

When do I need to check in?  

The latest check-in time for your Reggio Calabria to Messina ferry booking should be in your confirmation email.

Liberty Lines Fast Ferries: at least 15 minutes before scheduled departure

Is there parking at Reggio Calabria port?  

Yes, parking is available at Reggio Calabria port.

How to get to Reggio Calabria port 

By car: If you're travelling from Reggio Calabria, the port is just a short drive from the train station. Alternatively, if you're coming from Naples, take the A3 Napoli-Salerno towards Salerno-Reggio Calabria and then the A2-Autostrada del Mediterraneo towards Reggio di Calabria. Exit at Viadotto Santa Caterina.

By bus: public buses connect the port with the surrounding area.

By train: trains are available to Reggio Calabria from various cities in Italy. Once you've arrived at the station, you can either get a taxi or a bus to the port.

Useful information on your arrival to Messina

Ferries to Messina will take you to northeastern Sicily. Messina ferry port is located in Messina city centre. You can walk from the port to the train station in around 5 minutes. Local buses also operate services from the port to the city centre and surrounding areas.

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

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Reggio Calabria - Messina Route summary
Departure Country Italy
Destination Country Italy
No. of Operators 1
Operators Liberty Lines Fast Ferries
Average Price £11*
Average Daily Sailings 10
Average Weekly Sailings 63
Average Sailing Duration 34m
Fastest Sailing Duration 30m
First Ferry 06:20
Last Ferry 23:30
Distance 6 nautical miles

* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 2024-11-05.

Reggio Calabria to Messina Ferry Most Popular Questions

Is Messina a day trip from Reggio Calabria?

Yes, a day trip is possible with a quick ferry ride.

Which islands can you get to from Messina?

From Messina, you can easily visit the Aeolian Islands, including popular destinations like Lipari and Vulcano, which are a short ferry ride away. Venture slightly farther to reach the charming island of Panarea, known for its upscale vibe and stunning beaches. For a longer journey, head to Malta, a unique island nation with a rich history and diverse culture, accessible by ferry or catamaran from Sicily.

Is there a high-speed ferry from Reggio Calabria to Messina?

The high-speed ferry from Reggio Calabria to Messina operated by Liberty Lines Fast Ferries, takes 30m, costs £12.

Do you need a passport to go from Reggio Calabria to Messina?

Yes, you typically need a valid passport to travel from Reggio Calabria in Italy to Messina in Sicily, as it involves crossing regional borders. However, if you are an EU citizen, you can use a national ID card instead of a passport for this journey. Always check the most up-to-date travel requirements before your trip.

How do I get from Reggio Calabria airport to Messina by ferry?

From Reggio Calabria airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to the Port of Reggio Calabria, which is about a 15-minute drive. Once you arrive, you can catch a ferry to Messina, which takes approximately 40 minutes. The ferry service operates regularly throughout the day.

Is the ferry from Reggio Calabria to Messina rough?

The ferry ride from Reggio Calabria to Messina can be rough at times due to the strong currents in the Strait of Messina. Sea conditions are generally choppier in the winter and can be calmer in the summer, but it's advisable to check the weather forecast before traveling to plan accordingly. Overall, the ferry ride is usually manageable, but passengers prone to seasickness may want to take precautions.

What is the easiest way to travel from Reggio Calabria to Messina?

The easiest way to travel from Reggio Calabria to Messina is by ferry, with regular services operating between the two cities. The fastest option is taking a high-speed train, which can reach Messina in about 30 minutes. 

Messina Guide

Messina is an Italian city and is sometimes referred to as 'the door of Sicily' and lies on the Strait of Messina in the north east of Sicily. The city's port has played an important role in the city's growth and fortunes and supports tourism for the city and surrounding area and is also home to commercial and military shipyards. Since 1548, Messina has been a Roman Catholic Archdiocese and Archimandrite and is also home to the University of Messina which was founded in 1548 by Ignatius of Loyola. A popular tourist attraction in the city is the 12th century cathedral which guards the remains of King Conrad who was ruler of Germany and Sicily during the 13th century. Following a huge earthquake in 1908 the cathedral had to be almost completely rebuilt between 1919-1920 and then again in 1943 following a fire that was caused by Allied bombing during the Second World War.  

Ferry services from Messina operate to one of two ports in Calabria (Villa San Giovanni and Reggio Calabria) or on a longer ferry ride to Salerno, just south of Naples.

Reggio Calabria to Messina
Ferry Timetables

Ferry Timetables between 31/03/2025 and 06/04/2025

Operator Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Sailing Days
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries 06:20 06:55 35 minutes Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries 07:00 07:35 35 minutes Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries 07:10 07:45 35 minutes Mon, Sun
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries 07:45 08:20 35 minutes Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries 08:10 08:45 35 minutes Mon, Sun
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries 08:30 09:05 35 minutes Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries 08:50 09:20 30 minutes Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries 09:25 10:00 35 minutes Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries 10:50 11:25 35 minutes Everyday
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries 12:20 12:55 35 minutes Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries 13:45 14:20 35 minutes Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries 14:20 14:55 35 minutes Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries 15:10 15:45 35 minutes Mon, Sun
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries 15:20 15:55 35 minutes Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries 16:20 16:55 35 minutes Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries 17:20 17:55 35 minutes Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries 18:20 18:55 35 minutes Everyday
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries 19:20 19:55 35 minutes Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries 20:20 20:55 35 minutes Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries 21:20 21:55 35 minutes Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries 23:20 23:55 35 minutes Everyday

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