- Recommended
Antiquarium del Parco Archeologico di Ercolano
Main visitor center for Herculaneum, presenting artifacts, history, and context that enrich a walk through the excavations.
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Travel Information
Compare train, bus, flight, and ferry for Palermo to Ercolano
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Palermo to Ercolano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $42 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 40m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, while a flight costs an average of $305.
Distance: 167 nautical miles (311 km)
Compare ferry with
| Ferry | Most popular Bus | Flight | Train |
|---|---|---|---|
$51 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest | $305 Average price | $80 Average price |
10h 45m Average total duration 9h 45m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 10h 53m Average total duration 10h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration Fastest 2h 40m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 10h 3m Average total duration 9h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
 Most popular ferry company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Palermo to Ercolano is a bus with an average price of $42.
This is compared to other travel options from Palermo to Ercolano:
A bus is $9 less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Palermo to Ercolano costing on average $51.
A bus is $39 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Palermo to Ercolano costing on average $80.
A bus is $263 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Palermo to Ercolano costing on average $305.
The fastest way to travel from Palermo to Ercolano is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 40m.
Other travel options to Ercolano take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 33m.
Ferry takes on average 9h 45m.
Bus takes on average 10h 23m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 4 ways to travel between Palermo and Ercolano including taking a train, bus, flight, and ferry.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Palermo to Ercolano among Omio's users.
Compare prices and tickets Palermo to Ercolano by train, bus, flight, or ferry
Compare train, bus, 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.
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Why should you book Palermo to Ercolano ferries with Omio?
Grimaldi operates all ferries services from Palermo to Ercolano.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Palermo to Ercolano.
Why book with Omio vs Grimaldi?
- 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 Grimaldi with all available travel options, which are train, bus, flight and ferry to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Palermo to Ercolano.
Why book with Omio over Directferries or Ferryhopper?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus, flight and ferry to find the ideal travel option from Palermo to Ercolano.
Offers and deals from Palermo to Ercolano
Discover the offers available on trains covering the route from Palermo to Ercolano and choose the solutions that best suit your needs. Below, you will find a selection of the most popular offers proposed by Grimaldi
Get 20% off
Sardinia: 20% off on selected routes with Grimaldi Lines
Get 20% off when travelling with departure date scheduled within 7 days of the booking date, for the following maritime connections:
Livorno-Olbia and vice versa
Civitavecchia-Olbia and vice versa
Civitavecchia-Porto Torres and vice versa
The offer is valid for bookings made from 25/7/24 to 25/8/24 for departures scheduled within 7 days of the booking date (from 25/7/24 to 1/9/24) on the lines indicated above.
Save 20% off
Autumn in Sardinia: 20% off on selected routes
Discover Sardinia in Autumn and get 20% off on selected routes.
The offer is valid only for booking from the 2nd of August 2024 to the 15th of December 2024 on the following departures:
• Livorno-Olbia: departures on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 2/9 to 15/12.
• Olbia-Livorno: departures on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday from 9/9 to 15/12.
• Civitavecchia-Olbia: departures on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 2/9 to 22/9.
• Olbia-Civitavecchia: departures on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday from 9/9 to 29/9.
• Civitavecchia-Porto Torres, for departures from 2/9 to 15/12
• Porto Torres-Civitavecchia, for departures from 6/9 to 15/12
• Barcellona-Porto Torres, for departures from 2/9 to 15/12
• Porto Torres-Barcellona, for departures from 6/9 to 15/12
Tickets starting from 63€
Last Minute Greece: Special offer for Brindisi-Igoumenitsa, Brindisi-Corfu lines and vice versa!
Explore Greece and get a special price for Brindisi-Igoumenitsa, Brindisi-Corfu lines and vice versa!
Adult passenger fee: €63 per person, fixed fees and EU ETS* costs included
Any supplements relating to: accommodation (seat, cabin), accompanying vehicle, animals, on-board services (e.g. meals, pet in cabin, wellness center, etc.), premiums relating to insurance policies are excluded.
Supplement for boarding accompanying cars: €73 per vehicle of the CAR and CAR XS type, EU ETS* costs included
The prices described above apply to bookings made from 7 August to 30 September 2024 for departures up to 30 September 2024 on the lines indicated above.
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Palermo to Ercolano
ItalyItaly
Ferries from Palermo to Ercolano run on average 2 times per day, taking around 9h 45m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at $40 but you can travel from only $35 by bus.
There are 2 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 09:00, the last at 22:30. The fastest ferry covers the 167 nautical miles (311 km) distance in 8h 30m.
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 $35
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 167 nautical miles (311 km) |
Average sailing duration 9h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $40 |
Ferries per day 2 |
Direct ferries Available |
Fastest ferry 8h 30m |
First ferry 9:00 AM |
Last ferry 10:30 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 $35
Ferry operators: Grimaldi, Gnv from Palermo to ErcolanoYou can travel by ferry between Palermo to Ercolano with Grimaldi, Gnv for as low as $35. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.
Grimaldi
About
Grimaldi Lines is a ferry company based in Naples, Italy that operates a fleet of roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels. The company provides crossings to destinations in the Mediterranean, including Spain, Greece, Turkey, and Tunisia. Grimaldi Lines also operates a number of routes in the North Sea and Baltic Sea.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Grimaldi Duration
8h 30m
Cheapest Grimaldi Price
$40
Grimaldi frequency
1 a day
Additional luggage
Extra luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible up to 48 hours before departure with partial refund
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant, cafeteria, and bar services available
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible facilities available on most vessels. Assistance available upon request.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers, dogs must be leashed and muzzled
Cabin reservation
Various cabin types available, from standard to luxury suites
Car on board
Gnv
About
GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) is an Italian ferry company that operates a fleet of high-speed ferries and conventional ships that provide transportation services for passengers and vehicles across the Mediterranean Sea. The company was founded in 1997 and is based in Genoa, Italy. GNV operates ferry services between Italy, Spain, Tunisia, Algeria, and Sardinia, Sicily, and the Aeolian Islands, and also to Morocco. They also offer additional services like accommodation, duty-free shopping, and onboard entertainment. GNV is known for its high-speed ferry services and also for the comfort and amenities on board of the ships, providing a luxury experience to the passengers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Gnv Duration
11h 0m
Cheapest Gnv Price
$61
Gnv frequency
1 a day
Additional luggage
Extra luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations possible up to 24h before departure, fees may apply
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant, cafeteria, and bar services available
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible facilities available on most ships. Assistance available for boarding and disembarking.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers or with leash and muzzle for dogs. Some areas may be restricted.
Cabin reservation
Cabins available in various categories: internal, external, superior
Car on board
Complete guide to Ercolano
Things to do in Ercolano
Discover the best of Ercolano — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ercolano trip today.
- Recommended
MAV - Museo Archeologico Virtuale
Virtual archaeology museum using reconstructions and multimedia to bring ancient Herculaneum and Vesuvian villas to life for modern visitors.
Museo del Miglio d'Oro
Museum inside Villa Campolieto focusing on the Golden Mile’s heritage and aristocratic villas. Strong choice for architecture and local history.
- Must visit
Decumano Massimo degli Scavi di Ercolano
The heart of ancient Herculaneum’s urban grid, where visitors walk Roman streets among shops, houses, and public buildings.
- Recommended
Miglio d'Oro
The famous stretch of road lined with lavish 18th-century villas. Ideal for understanding Ercolano’s aristocratic past on a walk.
- Recommended
Parco Inferiore di Villa Favorita
Public park with green space and views toward the Vesuvian area. A relaxed local spot for walking away from the archaeological crowds.
- Vegetarian
Pizza Napoletana
A crisp wood-fired pizza from the Naples area, often with San Marzano tomato and mozzarella di bufala. Essential local food culture around Ercolano.
- Vegetarian
Pasta E Patate Con Provola
Ring-shaped pasta with potatoes and melted provola, then baked. A beloved Neapolitan comfort dish found in traditional homes and trattorias.
- Vegetarian
Spaghetti Alla Nerano
Pasta tossed with zucchini fried to a creamy sauce, often with basil and cheese. A classic dish from the Naples area eaten widely around Ercolano.
Ro.Vi Pizzeria
Well-known traditional pizzeria and restaurant serving Neapolitan pizza and local dishes in a lively, casual setting.
Ristorante Villa Signorini
Refined Campanian dining inside a historic villa setting. Known for polished regional cuisine and a more elegant atmosphere near the ruins.
Ristorante Pappamonte
Established seafood-focused restaurant with classic Campanian flavors and a relaxed dining room popular for fish and antipasti.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Campania. Dining and local trains are reasonable, but hotels near Pompeii and Naples can raise overall trip costs in peak season.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for pizza, panini, or takeaway.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €1.20-2.50 for espresso or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included or modest. Round up at cafes and taxis, or leave 5-10% at restaurants for very good service.
FAQs: Ferry from Palermo to Ercolano
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Palermo to Ercolano 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 Ercolano, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap ferry tickets from Palermo to Ercolano can start from as little as $40 when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Palermo to Ercolano is $51 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by ferry from Palermo to Ercolano is 8h 30m to travel the 193 miles (311 km) long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest ferry from Palermo to Ercolano leaves at 9:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Palermo to Ercolano leaves at 10:30 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct ferries a day from Palermo to Ercolano with . Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct ferries.
No, there are no cabins on ferries from Palermo to Ercolano.
No, there are no vehicle options on ferries from Palermo to Ercolano.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Palermo to Ercolano is possible with . We recommend arriving at least one hour before the trip if you are travelling on foot, but please check specific times for each route. If you need to book your travel to the departure port, check our trains, buses and flight options on Omio.
When taking a ferry from Palermo to Ercolano, you can count on Grimaldi for the best way to get you to Ercolano. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Palermo and Ercolano and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
A trip to Ercolano from Palermo is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 4 ways to travel between Palermo and Ercolano including taking a train, bus, flight, and ferry.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Ercolano are:
- Herculaneum Archaeological Park, a well-preserved ancient Roman town buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD
- Villa Campolieto, an 18th-century villa showcasing stunning architecture and frescoes
- MAV - Virtual Archaeological Museum, an interactive museum offering a digital exploration of ancient Herculaneum
- Villa Favorita, a historic villa with beautiful gardens and panoramic views of the Bay of Naples
- Mount Vesuvius, an iconic volcano offering hiking trails and breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
The best things to do in Ercolano include:
- Ercolano Scavi Market, browse local stalls offering fresh produce, crafts, and traditional Italian goods
- Visit the local wineries, enjoy wine tasting and learn about the region's viticulture
- Explore the local cuisine, savor traditional Neapolitan dishes at charming local restaurants
- Attend a cultural event, experience local festivals and performances that celebrate Ercolano's rich heritage
- Take a guided tour, discover hidden gems and historical insights with a knowledgeable local guide.
Since both Palermo and Ercolano are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Palermo to Ercolano among Omio's users.
Italy uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards for most payments, especially in cities and larger establishments, but carrying some cash is advisable for small shops, markets, and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Ercolano, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas near the archaeological sites and public transportation hubs. It's advisable to keep valuables secure and be aware of distractions that may be used by scammers. Additionally, unofficial guides may offer tours at inflated prices or provide inaccurate information, so booking through reputable sources is recommended. Traffic can be busy and chaotic, so travelers should stay alert when crossing streets.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular ferries to and from Ercolano and Palermo
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