How to get to Sicily from Rome by ferry

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, beckons travelers with its rich history, stunning landscapes and delectable cuisine. After immersing yourself in Rome’s charm, why not extend your Italian adventure with a ferry ride to Sicily? 

Keep reading to discover useful information in order to navigate your journey seamlessly, from choosing the ideal port near Rome to selecting the perfect ferry connection for your Sicilian getaway. Book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper, pack your swimsuit and get ready to say "Ciao" to Rome and "Bongiorno" to Sicily!

The scenic harbor town of Termini Imerese, Sicily

How to get to Sicily from Rome by ferry

Dreaming of golden beaches, crystal-clear waters and Mount Etna's fiery glow? We hear you! But hold your horses (or should we say, chariots?), because first things first: how to get there. Fear not! Getting from Rome to Sicily is easy and convenient. You can catch a ferry from the ports of Civitavecchia to Palermo, Sicily’s capital, and Termini Imerese (about 40 km from Palermo). 

If you're looking to reach other parts of Sicily, ferries also depart from Naples and Salerno, located south of Rome. These ports offer connections to additional Sicilian destinations beyond Palermo, such as Messina and Milazzo.

The closest ports to Rome for ferries to Sicily are:

• Civitavecchia: this port city is located approximately 1 hour (80 km) from Rome by car or public transport. It's a popular choice for travelers due to its proximity to the capital and frequent ferry routes to Palermo and Termini Imerese.
• Naples: a vibrant city roughly 220 km south of Rome. Several ferry operators offer crossings from the port of Porta di Massa in Naples to Palermo, Termini Imerese, and Milazzo. While slightly further from Rome than Civitavecchia, it can be a great option if you want to combine your Roman holiday with some Neapolitan charm.
• Salerno: located south of Naples, Salerno is another convenient port option for your ferry trip to Sicily, specifically Palermo and Messina. This scenic location could be ideal if you want to extend your trip with a coastal adventure.

Setting sail for Sicily: ferry routes and schedules

So, are you a morning person? If the answer is yes, the earliest ferry to Sicily departs from Naples (Porta di Massa) at 08:45 and arrives in Palermo at 18:00. You can also opt for the Rome (Civitavecchia) - Termini Imerese ferry which departs at 09:00 and arrives at its destination at 21:45. 

On the other hand, if you want to take your time, you always have the option of the latest Salerno to Palermo ferry departing at about 01:00 from Salerno Molo di Ponente, reaching Palermo at 10:15 the following morning.

The ferry companies operating the ferry routes to Sicily are Grimaldi Lines, GNV, Tirrenia, and Siremar.

The bustling harbor of Messina with the cathedral and mountains in the background

How long is the ferry ride to Sicily?

The ferry ride to Sicily from ports near Rome can last from about 8.5 hours to 14.5 hours, depending on the ferry company and the port of departure/arrival. 

The fastest ferry to Sicily is the one to Palermo from Porta di Massa (Naples), lasting 8.5-12 hours. Salerno - Sicily crossings usually range from about 9 to 10 hours and Rome - Sicily connections about 13 to 14.5 hours.

How much is the ferry trip to Sicily?

While the memories you create in Sicily will be priceless, ferry tickets do come with a cost. Ferry tickets to Sicily usually range from around €28 to €100. The cheapest ferry to Sicily is the one from Porta di Massa (Naples) to Palermo, ranging from about €28 to €78.

However, keep in mind that the ticket cost for the ferry to Sicily is higher if you want to transfer your vehicle. Keep an eye out for discounts offered by ferry companies – these are often available for children and residents of Sicily.

Tip: traveling with your furry friend? No problem! They can join the adventure for a small additional fee.

Milazzo, Sicily: a charming town with a historic castle

Book ferry tickets to Sicily on Ferryhopper

Ready to swap Roman ruins for Sicilian sunshine? Book your ferry tickets to Sicily and start planning your unforgettable adventure. Explore all the available connections on our Map of ferries and book your Rome to Sicily ferry trip online on Ferryhopper.