- Recommended
Palazzo Corvaja
A medieval palace that often hosts civic exhibitions and cultural displays; notable for its Arab-Norman-Gothic architecture in central Taormina.
Cheapest price
$68
Average price
$68
Fastest journey
5 h
Average duration
5 h
Ferries per day
1
Distance
172 km
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Palermo to Taormina is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Palermo to Taormina will cost around $68 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.
Of the 1 ferries that leave Palermo for Taormina on Wed, Jun 17, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 17 the direct ferries cover the 172 km distance in an average of 5 h but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 5 h .
On Wed, Jun 17 the slowest ferries will take 5 h 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.
LIBERTY LINES
LIBERTY LINESOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Palermo to Taormina among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 59m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the ferry is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $13, and a ferry costs an average of $68.
Distance: 92 nautical miles (172 km)
| Ferry | Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$71 Average price | $23 Average price | $21 Average price Cheapest | $49 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 3m Average total duration 5h 3m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 3h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 31m Average total duration 4h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular ferry company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Palermo to Taormina:
A bus is $2 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Palermo to Taormina costing on average $23 (€19).
A bus is $49 (€40) less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Palermo to Taormina costing on average $71 (€57).
Other travel options to Taormina take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 1m.
Ferry takes on average 5h 3m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Liberty Lines | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 5h00 | Sailing Days Sun |
Operator Liberty Lines | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 5h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat |
The table below shows live departures for Palermo to Taormina ferries for today, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DANIELA MORACE | 1:30 PM Port of Palermo | 5h00 | 6:30 PM Port of Milazzo | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Palermo to Taormina run on average 1 times per day, taking around 5h 3m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at $68 (€55) but you can travel from only $13 (€11) by bus.
There are 1 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 06:30, the last at 13:30. The fastest ferry covers the 92 nautical miles (172 km) distance in 5h 0m. There are 5 sailings per week. Ferries from Palermo to Taormina are available to foot passengers.

Distance 92 nautical miles (172 km) |
Average sailing duration 5h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $68 (€55) |
Ferries per day 1 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 5 |
Fastest ferry 5h 0m |
First ferry 6:30 AM |
Last ferry 1:30 PM |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 6 days |
Discover the best of Taormina — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Taormina trip today.
A medieval palace that often hosts civic exhibitions and cultural displays; notable for its Arab-Norman-Gothic architecture in central Taormina.
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The town’s iconic panoramic square, famous for open views toward the sea and Etna and highly popular for photos at sunset.
The scenic shoreline facing Isola Bella, one of the most photographed and socially popular seaside areas around Taormina.
Sicily’s signature pasta with tomato sauce, fried eggplant, basil, and salted ricotta. It is strongly associated with eastern Sicily and commonly enjoyed in Taormina.
Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, or butter and ham. They are a classic Sicilian street food found in bars and rosticcerie around Taormina.
A sweet-sour eggplant dish with tomato, celery, olives, and capers. This traditional Sicilian antipasto is widely served in Taormina.
Popular central osteria serving Sicilian dishes, fresh seafood, and local wines with a refined yet relaxed Taormina atmosphere.
Famous institution for granita, brioche, and Sicilian sweets. Ideal for breakfast or an afternoon stop rather than a full meal.
Well-known Taormina restaurant specializing in Sicilian seafood, grilled fish, and regional classics in an elegant but approachable setting.
Taormina is pricier than many Sicilian towns, especially for hotels and dining in peak season.
Service is often included or modest. Round up small bills, leave 5-10% for very good restaurant service, and round up taxis.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Palermo to Taormina 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 Taormina, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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