- Must visit
Museo Civico Castello Ursino
Civic museum inside Castello Ursino with medieval art, paintings, archaeology, and collections that trace Catania’s history from antiquity onward.
Cheapest price
$100
Average price
$102
Fastest journey
1 h 45 m
Average duration
1 h 45 m
Ferries per day
2
Distance
188 km
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Marsa to Catania is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Marsa to Catania will cost around $102 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $100.
Of the 2 ferries that leave Marsa for Catania on Mon, Aug 17, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 17 the direct ferries cover the 188 km distance in an average of 1 h 45 m but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 1 h 45 m .
On Mon, Aug 17 the slowest ferries will take 1 h 45 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Marsa to Catania among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the ferry with prices starting from $90. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 49m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of $90, and a flight costs an average of $25.
Distance: 101 nautical miles (188 km)
Most popular Ferry | Flight |
|---|---|
$97 Average price Cheapest | $104 Average price |
2h 45m Average total duration 1h 45m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 3h 49m Average total duration Fastest 49m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Marsa to Catania:
A ferry is $7 (€6) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Marsa to Catania costing on average $104 (€85).
Other travel options to Catania take longer:
Ferry takes on average 1h 45m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Mon, Wed, Fri |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Sat |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Thu |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 03:00AM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Sat |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Sat |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Thu, Fri |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Tue, Sun |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Fri |
Compare flight and ferry prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Ferries from Marsa to Catania run on average 2 times per day, taking around 1h 45m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at $90 (€73) but you can travel from only $25 (€20) by flight.
There are 2 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 05:00, the last at 23:30. The fastest ferry covers the 101 nautical miles (188 km) distance in 1h 45m. There are 9 sailings per week.
Distance 101 nautical miles (188 km) |
Average sailing duration 1h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $90 (€73) |
Ferries per day 2 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 9 |
Fastest ferry 1h 45m |
First ferry 5:00 AM |
Last ferry 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Catania — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Catania trip today.
Civic museum inside Castello Ursino with medieval art, paintings, archaeology, and collections that trace Catania’s history from antiquity onward.
Museum in Bellini’s birthplace with manuscripts, portraits, period furnishings, and exhibits dedicated to the celebrated Catanian composer’s life.
University museum combining displays on Etna, volcanology, zoology, and science, ideal for understanding the natural setting around Catania.
Catania’s main square and Baroque showpiece, framed by the cathedral, Elephant Fountain, and historic palaces, making it the city’s essential starting point.
Elegant Baroque street lined with churches and palaces, often considered one of Sicily’s most beautiful urban ensembles for a short historic walk.
Lively historic fish market area behind Piazza Duomo, famous for its sensory atmosphere, street life, and authentic glimpse of everyday Catania.
Crisp fried rice ball filled with ragù, peas and cheese. A Sicilian street food staple, especially iconic in Catania bakeries and bars.
Pasta alla Norma combines pasta with fried eggplant, tomato sauce, salted ricotta and basil. It is Catania’s signature dish, named after Bellini’s opera.
Fresh horse meat, often grilled as polpette or steaks. It is a long-standing Catania specialty, especially around the city’s traditional meat stalls.
Historic pastry and café stop famous for granita, cannoli and Sicilian breakfast. A classic casual venue with strong local identity.
Refined Sicilian dining in central Catania, serving seasonal local ingredients and polished regional recipes in an elegant setting.
Historic seafood restaurant by the fish market, known for ultra-fresh catch and classic Catania dishes in a lively traditional setting.
Moderate for Italy: stays and dining are usually cheaper than Rome or Milan, while tourist areas and summer rates raise hotel and restaurant prices. Local buses stay low-cost.
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants for good service, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes if served at table.
Official public transport app
Port of Catania -> Piazza del Duomo, Catania
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Marsa to Catania by ferry. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest ferry, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Catania, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
