- Recommended
Museo di Arte e Tradizioni Popolari di Palazzo Corvaja
Museum inside Palazzo Corvaja presenting Taormina’s art, traditions, and civic history in one of the town’s most important medieval buildings.
Cheapest price on Sep 16
$68
Average ticket price on Sep 16
$68
Fastest journey on Sep 16
5 h
Average journey duration on Sep 16
5 h
Ferries on Sep 16
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.
On Wed, Sep 16, we found 1 ferries from Palermo to Taormina, including 1 direct services.
On Wed, Sep 16 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, Sep 16 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 an average ticket price of $19 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 28m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the ferry is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, while a ferry costs an average of $68.
Distance: 92 nautical miles (172 km)
| Ferry | Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$68 Average price | $24 Average price | $19 Average price Cheapest | $50 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 0m Average total duration 5h 0m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 4h 28m Average total duration Fastest 3h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 39m Average total duration 4h 9m 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 $5 (€4) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Palermo to Taormina costing on average $24 (€20).
A bus is $48 (€39) less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Palermo to Taormina costing on average $68 (€55).
Other travel options to Taormina take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 9m.
Ferry takes on average 5h 0m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Liberty Lines | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 5h00 | Sailing Days Everyday |
The table below shows live departures for Palermo to Taormina ferries for today, Tuesday, September 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LIBERTY LINES | 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 0m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at $67 (€55) but you can travel from only $13 (€10) 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 2 sailings per week. Ferries from Palermo to Taormina are available to foot passengers.

Distance 92 nautical miles (172 km) |
Average sailing duration 5h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $67 (€55) |
Ferries per day 1 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 2 |
Fastest ferry 5h 0m |
First ferry 6:30 AM |
Last ferry 1:30 PM |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Taormina — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Taormina trip today.
Museum inside Palazzo Corvaja presenting Taormina’s art, traditions, and civic history in one of the town’s most important medieval buildings.
Cultural exhibition venue hosting art and heritage shows in a historic palace. Worth checking for temporary exhibitions in the center of town.
Small archaeological display area linked to the ancient theatre and local excavations. Useful for visitors wanting context before touring the ruins.
Taormina’s main pedestrian street lined with historic buildings, shops, and views. Ideal for strolling and connecting the old town’s top sights.
Iconic terrace square with church facades and panoramic sea views. One of Taormina’s most photographed gathering places, especially at sunset.
Public garden created by Lady Florence Trevelyan, filled with exotic plants, follies, and viewpoints. A relaxing green escape near the center.
Pasta alla Norma is Sicilian pasta with tomato, fried eggplant, ricotta salata, and basil. It is a classic Catania-area dish loved across eastern Sicily.
Arancini are fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, or butter and ham. They are a beloved Sicilian street food eaten from breakfast to aperitivo.
Caponata is a sweet-sour eggplant dish with tomato, celery, olives, and capers. It is a traditional Sicilian antipasto served at room temperature.
Refined Michelin-starred dining inside a grand hotel, known for creative Sicilian tasting menus, polished service, and panoramic terrace views.
Well-known traditional spot for Sicilian home-style cooking, pasta, and local wines in a warm, rustic atmosphere popular with returning visitors.
Legendary pastry bar famous for granita, brioche, cannoli, and almond specialties. A classic casual stop for breakfast or an afternoon sweet break.
Taormina is pricier than many Sicilian towns; hotels, dining, and parking rise in peak season, while local buses stay relatively cheap.
Service is often included or minimal. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants for good service; round up taxi fares; small coins are fine at cafés.
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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need