- Must visit
Antonino Salinas Regional Archaeological Museum
Palermo’s top museum displays Sicilian archaeology, including the famous Punic Stone and Selinunte finds, in a former convent complex.
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Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Messina to Palermo
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Messina to Palermo among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $19 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 3h 38m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, while a train costs an average of $22.
Distance: 103 nautical miles (192 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$22 Average price | $19 Average price Cheapest | $61 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 41m Average total duration 3h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 38m Average total duration Fastest 3h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Messina to Palermo is a bus with an average price of $19 (€16).
This is compared to other travel options from Messina to Palermo:
A bus is $3 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Messina to Palermo costing on average $22 (€18).
The fastest way to travel from Messina to Palermo is by bus with an average journey time of 3h 8m.
Other travel options to Palermo take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 11m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Messina and Palermo including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Messina to Palermo among Omio's users.
Compare prices and tickets Messina to Palermo by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
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Why should you book Messina to Palermo ferries with Omio?
Liberty Lines operates all ferries services from Messina to Palermo.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Messina to Palermo.
Why book with Omio vs Liberty Lines?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Liberty Lines with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Messina to Palermo.
Why book with Omio over Ferryhopper?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Messina to Palermo.
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Messina to Palermo
ItalyItaly
Take a ferry from Messina to Palermo and enjoy the approximately 103 nautical miles (192 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest ferry runs at 13:30, the last at 13:30. Ferries from Messina to Palermo are available to foot passengers.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $7 (€6)
Distance 103 nautical miles (192 km) |
First ferry 1:30 PM |
Last ferry 1:30 PM |
Foot passengers Available |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $7 (€6)
Complete guide to Palermo
Things to do in Palermo
Discover the best of Palermo — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Palermo trip today.
- Recommended
Palazzo Mirto
Historic rooms and vivid majolica floors showcase aristocratic Palermo. Visit for decorative arts, period interiors and city history.
- Recommended
Steri Museum
Housed in the grand Steri Palace, this museum presents the Sicilian Inquisition’s story through cells, graffiti and historical documents.
- Must visit
Via Vittorio Emanuele
Palermo’s elegant main boulevard links major monuments, shops and theaters. Ideal for first walks and observing the city’s layered architecture.
- Must visit
Via Maqueda
This historic street cuts across the old center and hosts markets, churches and daily life. A lively route for exploring local Palermo.
- Recommended
Albergheria
A bustling old quarter famous for layered street life, churches and market culture. Best explored on foot for atmosphere and urban history.
Arancina
Crisp fried rice ball stuffed with ragù, peas and caciocavallo. A Sicilian street food icon widely loved in Palermo.
Pane con la Milza
Soft sesame-topped bun filled with spleen and lung, often with caciocavallo or ricotta. A classic Palermo street food with deep local roots.
Pasta con le Sarde
Pasta with sardines, wild fennel, pine nuts and raisins. Its sweet-savory flavor reflects Palermo's Arab-Norman culinary heritage.
I Pupi
Refined Michelin-starred restaurant known for creative Sicilian tasting menus in an elegant, intimate setting.
Osteria Ballarò
Historic seafood restaurant near the port, praised for fresh catch, raw dishes and classic Palermo fish recipes.
Nni Franco U Vastiddaru
Legendary no-frills street-food stop celebrated for pane con la milza and authentic local sandwiches loved by residents.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Italy. Street food and local meals are affordable, while hotels in peak season cost more. Public transport is cheap, keeping overall tourist costs reasonable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for street food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis are usually rounded up. Small change is fine in cafes.
Palermo AMAT
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.40
- Day pass
- €5.50
To the city center
Port of Palermo Termini Imerese -> Palermo Centrale, Palermo
- Distance
- 38 km
- Travel time
- 45 min
- Validate paper tickets at the start of your first ride. Keep the ticket until the end of your journey for inspection.
- AMAT buses and trams support contactless bank card payment on many vehicles, but carry a paper or app ticket as backup in case a validator is unavailable.
FAQs: Ferry from Messina to Palermo
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Messina to Palermo 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 Palermo, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
More options for your journey from Messina to Palermo
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular ferries to and from Palermo and Messina
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