Ferries in Sicily

THE 10 BEST Sicily Ferries

Ferries in Sicily

Transportation
Traveler rating
Neighborhoods
Good for
18 places sorted by traveler favorites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

What travelers are saying

  • Wanderer59016999083
    2 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    What can I say but they are a shocking unprofessional company. Ship okay but a bit grubby. Staff all seemed unhappy from the port to final destination of Barcelona. It was shame because it could have been a great trip.
    Written March 3, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Angelovski
    Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia455 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    When you google how to use this reggio to messina ferry, there is no easy answer and lots of conflicting information.

    We decided to drive and try our luck. We found the best way is to arrive at the port, go to "buy tickets here" and buy a ticket. IGNORE the guy outside trying to "help you" as we saw him demand money from tourists after pointing them towards the ticket counter

    Getting from the ticket to the ferry boarding / imbarchi line isnt as obvious but we followed the local in front of us. They direct you into the boat and easy from there. Park, wait 20 min or walk around, and you arrive. Done. Then when you get off again poor signage but hust drive and if you make a mistake your GPS will recalculate no big deal
    Written September 25, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Christiane G
    1 contribution
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    The boat made a good impression. There was a life jacket under each seat and the crew helped with the suitcase when boarding. We felt safe about the trip across the sea. One very big disappointment was that the FFP2 mask requirement was not enforced. Some guests did not wear one or it was hanging under their nose. The crew did not care at all. This was very uncomfortable as you can only sit inside and the journey takes 2 hours. For this reason I would not book the ferry again. Too bad.
    Written September 12, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Grace K
    25 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    We tried to get a boat to Vulcano. The boat pulled out of Lipari and then sat in the middle of the harbour for at least 40 minutes in sweltering temperatures. There was no air-con. All the passengers were very fed up. We went back into the port to pick up some more passengers. There was no information. We eventually got to the island (a journey of 10 minutes) at least an hour late. We had bought return tickets but because we were late it gave us no time to see any sights on Vulcano so we missed that ferry back. When we tried to catch a later ferry we were told our tickets were not valid. Had to go to a hotel to find the LIberty Lines desk and explained to them that the earlier boat was late but they would not hear of it and we had to buy new tickets! Be warned you have to travel at the time your ticket says even if it is the company's fault!
    Written September 7, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • semanticvision
    Los Angeles, CA4,737 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I have crossed the Messina from Sicilia side before, this was a reverse from the Calabria side. Bluferries dock further south of port of Messina which is more convenient if you are going to hit Catania or Siracusa.

    The process is pretty straight forward, once you reach the ferry dock, they will direct you to line up your vehicle. You then proceed to purchase the ticket at the office. I think you can buy the ticket online but better having good Italian reading skill.
    Written November 6, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Vincent B
    Bristol, UK956 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    There is not much to say about these ferries other than they are on time, efficient and provide a useful service between Trapani and the Islands.
    Written August 11, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Maryanne D
    Sydney, Australia121 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I had booked this ferry journey online some time ago. We parked our car at Molo Santa Lucia so we were close for departure. When we arrived in Palermo we took the printed voucher to the Tirrenia office which faces the other main car park at the entrance to the dock. Easy process. Took down the car reg no. and gave us the ticket. On the day of departure it was an easy drive about 300m to the ferry. There is someone there to check your ticket, then you proceed to the security check where you need to show identification and they check for stowaways. You then are given a ticket, one part gets stuck to the side mirror and you keep the other. It has your cabin number on it and you need to take this to reception once you are on board.
    We arrived at the dock 2.5 hours before departure which meant we were some of the first on and could check in and explore the ferry before departure. We travelled on the Ariadne, a Greek registered ferry. It was very comfortable.
    Written July 15, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • yafeng w
    1 contribution
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Take this ferry if you only need basic transportation. Beyond that, there is little to enjoy.

    1. Confusing boarding Process: The boarding experience was chaotic. Thankfully, numerous staff members at the harbor provided guidance.

    2. Delays: Our scheduled departure was at 9 PM, but we didn't leave before I fell asleep. We arrived in Naples three hours late.

    3. Outdated Cabins: The cabin facilities were old and worn. The bathroom door was difficult to close, and the bed was noisy.

    4. Cold: The most unbearable issue was the cold. It was necessary to wear a winter jacket inside the cabin. Even with extra clothes for sleeping, the provided blankets were too thin.

    5. Disorganized Disembarkation: The disembarkation process was poorly managed. Passengers were rushed to the car deck only after the boat had anchored. This led to congestion, as car queues were blocked by drivers who hadn't yet arrived."
    Written January 4, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Art C
    Nussdorf am Inn, Germany358 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    To visit the Carthaginian ruins on Mozia Island, this is one of two ferries that will transport you. The ferry runs every 30 minutes. Round trip costs 5 euros and takes about 12 minutes each way. It is a great way to see the lagoon and view the salt pans. The journey is unhurried and puts you in the proper mindset to explore the ancient ruins.
    Written May 7, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • P. Pape
    Bonn, Germany57 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    We booked a trip to Ustica from Palermo in the morning for a hydrofoil boat taking off fifteen minutes later, it was no problem. Though we had to wait a while in the queue (approx. 20-30 minutes). People were nice and understood English. Unlike on the boat itself. None of the crew spoke english and the boat is old and shabby. No service at all, speakers are broken and they repeat the safety stuff like a hundred times on Italian and English. Hydrofoil only takes 1.5h. You cannot take any vehicles just one piece of baggage each. The seats are old and uncomfortable, impossible to sleep in there.
    We spent 100€ for two people for a trip and the return, so €25 each per way.
    Written August 9, 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Manfredo
    Tirol, Austria15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visited this place four times - as it is near the ferry station: not so quiet place during the day - overnight is ok - near restaurants bars (I prefer Ritrovo Lounge Bar) and shops. You can also start your tour to the crater easyly. Showers and toiletts not open all the night - you need to buy jetons bevor. Staff is very helpful and friendly!
    Written September 25, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Monique D
    Cuijk, The Netherlands4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Salvo created a nice atmosphere at the boat. He explained a lot 'on the water' and eventhough we don't speak Italian, we knew what he was talking about. We had a great time!
    Written October 19, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Yanuara T
    San Miguel de Tajao, Spain24 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the best days in Sicily with Vita Marinae. Privet trip to the other islands and amazing experience with snorkeling. Amazing exclusive service. I totally recommend 💖
    Written July 25, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sicily


These are the best places for kid-friendly ferries in Sicily:See more ferries for kids in Sicily on Tripadvisor