How to get from the Amalfi Coast to Sicily
Ferry routes and travel tips
Travelling between the Amalfi Coast and Sicily is an appealing choice for visitors who want to explore some of Italy’s most beautiful destinations in one trip.
Although figuring out how to get from the Amalfi Coast to Sicily (and vice versa) takes a bit of planning, it's certainly possible, thanks to the numerous ferry connections that operate throughout the year from several ports along Italy's west coast.
In this guide, we'll take you through the best ferry travel options for you, including the most popular routes and connections, as well as provide you with plenty of travel tips to help plan a seamless journey. If you decide to visit both Sicily and the Amalfi Coast, rest assured that you're in for the holiday of a lifetime!
- Where are Sicily and the Amalfi Coast?
- Can I take a ferry from the Amalfi Coast to Sicily?
- Can I travel by car from Amalfi to Sicily?
- How long is the ferry ride from Italy to Sicily?
Useful info: On Ferryhopper, you can find the most up-to-date information on ferry travel, including departure times, prices and discounts, and you can book your tickets online with just a few clicks!
The historic center of Palermo, Sicily's charming capital
Where are Sicily and the Amalfi Coast?
Before planning your trip from the Amalfi Coast to Sicily, it's always important to understand where each destination is located in Italy. While both are well-known coastal destinations in southern Italy, they are found in different regions and offer unique travel experiences, distinct cultures and historical influences.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline in the southern region of Campania, on the Italian mainland. It covers an area of approximately 55km south of Naples that stretches from the town of Vietri sul Mare to Positano. Famous for its dramatic cliffs and picturesque seaside towns such as Amalfi, it's easily accessible by car or ferry from Naples or Salerno.
Sicily
Situated just off the southern tip of the Italian peninsula, Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It's known for its diverse landscapes, from sandy beaches to volcanic islands, and its rich history that includes Greek, Roman, Arab and Norman influences. Its main cities, such as Palermo, Catania and Messina, can be reached by ferry or by plane. Plenty of other cities and smaller towns are dotted all around the island.
Positano, one of the most picturesque towns on the Amalfi Coast
Can I take a ferry from the Amalfi Coast to Sicily?
Although there are no direct ferry routes from the Amalfi Coast to Sicily, you can still reach the island by sea. Some of the main towns along the coast, such as Amalfi and Positano, are only a short ferry trip away from the ports of Naples and Salerno. From here you can then take a ferry to various ports in Sicily.
Salerno is slightly closer to the towns of the Amalfi Coast, while Naples has more frequent connections to Sicily. Whichever port you choose, traveling by ferry on the Amalfi Coast will allow you to avoid traffic and enjoy beautiful coastal views along the way.
Useful info: The Amalfi Coast is the perfect destination for a day trip from Naples, but so are Sorrento and the island of Capri. Read our article to learn more!
Ferry routes to/from Amalfi Coast towns
Most ferries to/from the Amalfi Coast operate all year round, but bear in mind that some are seasonal. The crossings are very fast, with numerous departures a day, especially in the summer months. Ticket prices usually range from around €5 to €30, depending on the route and season.
Here are some of the most popular ferry routes between Naples, Salerno and the towns of the Amalfi Coast:
- Naples - Amalfi (and vice versa): Up to 6 crossings a day, taking between 1 hr 45 min and 3 hr.
- Naples - Positano (and vice versa): Up to 6 crossings a day, with journey times ranging from 1 hr 10 min to 2.5 hr.
- Salerno - Amalfi (and vice versa): Up to 20 crossings a day, the fastest taking about 25 min.
- Salerno - Positano (and vice versa): Around 20 crossings a day, normally taking between 50 min and 1 hr 45 min.
- Salerno - Vietri sul Mare (and vice versa): Up to 6 crossings a day from April to October, taking only 5 min!
- Salerno - Maiori (and vice versa): Up to 8 crossings a day, with the fastest ferry taking 20 min.
For a complete list of ferries to/from Naples and Salerno check out our dedicated pages, where you can also find updated timetables, ferry operators and discounts.
In addition to the main connections, you can also travel by ferry between the smaller towns of the Amalfi Coast, such as Cetara, Maiori, Minori and Vietri sul Mare, giving you the option of making multiple stops on your way to Salerno or Naples. If you're planning to stay in the area, make sure to read our ultimate guide on how to plan a budget-friendly adventure on the Amalfi Coast!
Useful info: The town of Sorrento is conveniently located between the Amalfi Coast and Naples. Check out the ferry routes from Amalfi to Sorrento and from Sorrento to Positano to find out more!
Ferries from Naples and Salerno to Sicily
From Naples and Salerno, you can easily continue your journey by ferry to Sicily. These major ports provide year-round connections to the Sicilian cities of Palermo, Messina, Termini Imerese and Milazzo. Ticket prices usually start at around €30 but vary depending on the route, season and ferry company.
Journey times are longer, but you can travel more comfortably by booking a cabin and taking your vehicle on board. Many of these ferries also offer other amenities such as restaurants, cafes, shops and children's play areas.
Below, you’ll find key info on the main ferry routes to Sicily from both Naples and Salerno.
Salerno to Sicily
Salerno is the closest major port to the Amalfi Coast, making it a convenient departure point for ferries to Sicily.
There are 2 main ferry routes operating from Salerno to Sicily:
- Salerno to Messina: This ferry route connects Salerno with the north-eastern tip of Sicily, making it ideal if you're heading to Taormina, Catania or the Aeolian Islands. Caronte & Tourist ferries depart daily and the crossing takes about 9 hr.
- Salerno to Palermo: Operated by Grimaldi Lines, this ferry route takes you to Sicily's capital, a fantastic starting point to explore the western side of the island. There are usually 2 crossings a week, taking around 9 hr.
Naples to Sicily
You can travel from Naples to Sicily on the following 3 ferry routes:
- Naples to Palermo: Three ferry companies (GNV, Grimaldi Lines and Tirrenia) jointly offer 7 crossings a week, with a journey time of around 8.5 hr.
- Naples to Termini Imerese: This route is sometimes used as an alternative to Palermo due to the proximity of Termini Imerese to the Sicilian capital. GNV offers 1 departure per week with a travel time of about 8 hr.
- Naples to Milazzo: The ferry company Siremar operates year-round connections to Milazzo, a small port in north-eastern Sicily and gateway to the Aeolian Islands. Ferries usually depart 2 times a week and the crossing takes around 16 hr.
The bustling port of Palermo, on the northwest coast of Sicily
Naples to the Aeolian Islands
Did you know that you can reach the stunning Aeolian Islands from Naples in just a few hours by ferry? Known for their crystal-clear waters, black-sand beaches, and dramatic scenery, the Aeolian Islands are a volcanic archipelago located off the northern coast of Sicily.
High-speed ferries operated by SNAV, usually active in the summer months, will take you to the islands of Stromboli (with its active volcano), Lipari, Panarea, Salina and Vulcano.
Here’s a list of the main routes that connect Naples to the Aeolian Islands:
Tip: Local ferry services also make it easy to travel between the Aeolian Islands. Discover all available routes and plan the perfect island-hopping adventure in the Aeolian archipelago on Ferryhopper!
Magical sunset over the island of Vulcano
Can I travel by car from Amalfi to Sicily?
Driving from the Amalfi Coast to Sicily is a great idea if you want to explore Italy at your own pace. While you can't take your car on most ferries from the Amalfi Coast, you can easily drive to other nearby ports and continue your journey to Sicily by ferry from there.
The drive from the Amalfi Coast to Naples or Salerno takes about 1-1.5 hr, depending on the route and traffic. Most ferries for Sicily departing from these ports have a car deck so you can travel with your vehicle. Remember that ferries from Naples and Salerno take at least 8 hr to reach Sicily.
Tip: Check out our guide about vehicle transportation on ferries in Italy for more info and tips!
Ferries from Villa San Giovanni to Sicily
If you prefer a shorter ferry trip and a longer scenic drive, you can travel further south to the region of Calabria, where you can catch a ferry that will take you to Sicily in under 30 min. Driving from the Amalfi Coast to Villa San Giovanni, the main regional port providing ferry crossings to Messina in Sicily, takes approximately 5-6 hr, depending on traffic.
With departures every 20 min, the Villa San Giovanni - Messina ferries offer a flexible, budget-friendly alternative to flying or taking longer ferry trips. Once in Messina, you'll be well placed to explore Sicily by car. You can reach Catania in around 1 hr 15 min, Palermo in around 2.5 hr and Taormina in around 50 min.
Useful info: If you end up in Rome on your road trip adventure, know that you can also catch a ferry to Sicily from there! Ferries from the nearby port of Civitavecchia to Palermo are active all year round, with about 1 departure per week.
The Strait of Messina, situated between Sicily and the Italian mainland
How long is the ferry ride from Italy to Sicily?
If you're wondering how long it takes to get to Sicily from Italy, it really depends on where you leave from.
The fastest crossing is from Villa San Giovanni to Messina, which takes just 20 min, with ferries departing every 20-40 min throughout the day. This is a popular choice for people travelling to the east of Sicily by car.
If you're leaving from Naples or Salerno, ferries take longer to reach Sicily - around 9 to 10 hr - but often include the option to travel overnight, with cabins and other amenities. Routes such as Naples - Palermo or Salerno - Messina are ideal if you want to avoid a long drive or traveling by car completely.
Winding road running alongside Sicily's rugged coastline
Book ferry tickets to Sicily on Ferryhopper
Ready to plan your adventure from the Amalfi Coast to Sicily? Check out our interactive map to find all available connections and book your ferry to Sicily online without any hidden fees!
Tip: Check out our guide on all ferry schedules for Italy to find the latest info on all routes across the peninsula!
