- 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, flight, and ferry for Santa Margherita Ligure to Palermo
Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Santa Margherita Ligure to Palermo among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the ferry, with an average ticket price of $136 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 40m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of $136, while a flight costs an average of $220.
Distance: 417 nautical miles (773 km)
Compare ferry with
Most popular Ferry | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$136 Average price Cheapest | $172 Average price | $220 Average price | $30 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
21h 3m Average total duration 20h 3m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 18h 53m Average total duration 18h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 40m Average total duration Fastest 1h 40m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 14h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular ferry company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Santa Margherita Ligure to Palermo is a ferry with an average price of $136 (€111).
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Margherita Ligure to Palermo:
A ferry is $36 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Margherita Ligure to Palermo costing on average $172 (€141).
A ferry is $84 (€68) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Margherita Ligure to Palermo costing on average $220 (€180).
The fastest way to travel from Santa Margherita Ligure to Palermo is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 40m.
Other travel options to Palermo take longer:
Train takes on average 18h 23m.
Ferry takes on average 20h 3m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Margherita Ligure and Palermo including taking a train, flight, and ferry.
We recommend using the ferry as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Margherita Ligure to Palermo among Omio's users.
Compare prices and tickets Santa Margherita Ligure to Palermo by train, flight, or ferry
Compare train, 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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Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Santa Margherita Ligure to Palermo
ItalyItaly
Ferries from Santa Margherita Ligure to Palermo run on average 1 times per day, taking around 20h 3m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at $77 (€63) but you can travel from only $22 (€18) by flight.
There are 1 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 00:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest ferry covers the 417 nautical miles (773 km) distance in 19h 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
Flight from $22 (€18)
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 417 nautical miles (773 km) |
Average sailing duration 20h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $77 (€63) |
Ferries per day 1 |
Direct ferries Available |
Fastest ferry 19h 30m |
First ferry 12:30 AM |
Last ferry 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
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
Flight from $22 (€18)
Ferry operators: Gnv from Santa Margherita Ligure to PalermoYou can travel by ferry between Santa Margherita Ligure to Palermo with Gnv for as low as $22 (€18). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.
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
19h 30m
Cheapest Gnv Price
$77 (€63)
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 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 Santa Margherita Ligure to Palermo
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Margherita Ligure 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.
Cheap ferry tickets from Santa Margherita Ligure to Palermo can start from as little as $77 (€63) when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Santa Margherita Ligure to Palermo is $136 (€111) ; 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 Santa Margherita Ligure to Palermo is 19h 30m to travel the 480 miles (773 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 Santa Margherita Ligure to Palermo leaves at 12:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Santa Margherita Ligure to Palermo leaves at 11:45 PM.
No, there are no cabins on ferries from Santa Margherita Ligure to Palermo.
No, there are no vehicle options on ferries from Santa Margherita Ligure to Palermo.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Santa Margherita Ligure to Palermo 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.
A trip to Palermo from Santa Margherita Ligure is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 19h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a ferry from Santa Margherita Ligure to Palermo is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Margherita Ligure and Palermo including taking a train, flight, and ferry.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Palermo are:
- Palermo Cathedral, a stunning architectural blend of Norman, Moorish, and Baroque styles
- Teatro Massimo, Italy's largest opera house known for its grand performances and impressive acoustics
- Palazzo dei Normanni, a historic palace featuring the exquisite Palatine Chapel with its Byzantine mosaics
- Quattro Canti, a Baroque square at the intersection of Palermo's two main streets, known for its symmetrical fountains and statues
- Orto Botanico di Palermo, a lush botanical garden showcasing diverse plant species.
The best things to do in Palermo include:
- Capuchin Catacombs, an eerie yet fascinating underground cemetery with mummified remains
- Ballarò Market, a bustling street market offering a taste of local Sicilian produce and culture
- Explore the vibrant street art in the Vucciria district
- Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Sicilian dishes
- Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Foro Italico promenade.
Since both Santa Margherita Ligure and Palermo 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 flight as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Margherita Ligure to Palermo 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 Palermo, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially pickpocketing in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and vendors, as well as unofficial guides offering overpriced tours. It's advisable to use authorized services and stay vigilant in busy tourist spots.
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 Palermo and Santa Margherita Ligure
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