- Must visit
Museo Civico Castello Ursino
Civic museum inside Castello Ursino with medieval art, paintings, archaeology, and collections that trace Catania’s history from antiquity onward.
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The cheapest and fastest ferries from Sliema to Catania
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 07
Cheapest price on Oct 07
$101
Average ticket price on Oct 07
$101
Fastest journey on Oct 07
1 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Oct 07
1 h 45 m
Ferries on Oct 07
2
Distance
184 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Sliema to Catania is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sliema to Catania will cost around $101 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $101.
Fast ferries
On Wed, Oct 07, we found 2 ferries from Sliema to Catania, including 2 direct services.
On Wed, Oct 07 the direct ferries cover the 184 km distance in an average of 1 h 45 m but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 1 h 45 m .
On Wed, Oct 07 the slowest ferries will take 1 h 45 m 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.
5:00 PM1h45Sliema6:45 PMCatania$1011One-way0 transfers- 4:00 PM1h45Sliema5:45 PMCatania$1011One-way0 transfers
- 5:00 PM1h45Sliema6:45 PMCatania$1011One-way0 transfers
- 4:00 PM1h45Sliema5:45 PMCatania$1011One-way0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Sliema to Catania
Malta
Italy
Ferries from Sliema to Catania run on average 2 times per day, taking around 1h 45m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at $86 (€72) but you can travel from only $30 (€25) by flight.
There are 2 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 05:00, the last at 23:30. The fastest ferry covers the 99 nautical miles (184 km) distance in 1h 45m.
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 $30 (€25)
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 99 nautical miles (184 km) |
Average sailing duration 1h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $86 (€72) |
Ferries per day 2 |
Direct ferries Available |
Fastest ferry 1h 45m |
First ferry 5:00 AM |
Last ferry 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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 $30 (€25)
Sliema to Catania Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Mon, Wed, Fri |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Sat |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Thu, Sun |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 03:00AM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Sat |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Sat, Sun |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Thu, Fri, Sun |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Fri |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Mon, Wed, Fri |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Tue, Fri |
Operator Virtu Ferries | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 09:15AM | Duration 1h45 | Sailing Days Tue |
Live departures
Sliema to Catania ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Sliema to Catania ferries for today, Tuesday, October 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST JOHN PAUL II | 5:00 AM Port of Valletta | 1h45 | 6:45 AM Port of Pozzallo | 0 transfersDirect | |
| JEAN DE LA VALETTE | 7:30 AM Port of Valletta | 1h45 | 9:15 AM Port of Pozzallo | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Sliema to Catania ferries with Omio?
Virtu Ferries operates all ferries services from Sliema to Catania.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Sliema to Catania.
Why book with Omio vs Virtu Ferries?
- 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 Virtu Ferries with all available travel options, which are flight and ferry to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Sliema to Catania.
Why book with Omio over Ferryhopper or Directferries?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including flight and ferry to find the ideal travel option from Sliema to Catania.
Ferry operators: Virtu Ferries from Sliema to CataniaYou can travel by ferry between Sliema to Catania with Virtu Ferries for as low as $30 (€25). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.
Virtu Ferries
About
Virtu Ferries is a Maltese company, founded in 1988, specializing in high-speed passenger and car ferry services. It operates daily, year-round routes between Malta (Valletta) and Sicily (Pozzallo), with a crossing time of approximately 90 minutes. The company utilizes a fleet of modern catamarans, including the M/V Saint John Paul II, which can carry 900 passengers and 167 cars or 23 heavy commercial vehicles. Virtu Ferries is a subsidiary of Virtu Holdings, a family-owned ship-owning group established in 1945, which has diversified into various maritime and other business interests. Annually, Virtu Ferries transports over 300,000 passengers and 70,000 vehicles on its Malta-Sicily route, playing a significant role in connecting the two Mediterranean islands for both tourism and commercial purposes. Its subsidiary, Venezia Lines, also operates seasonal services in the Adriatic Sea.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Virtu Ferries Duration
1h 45m
Cheapest Virtu Ferries Price
$86 (€72)
Virtu Ferries frequency
2 a day
Additional luggage
Extra luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations accepted up to 24 hours before departure with fee
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria and bar service available
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible vessels with assistance available
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers, dogs must be leashed and muzzled
Cabin reservation
Cabins available on Malta-Sicily route
Car on board
Complete guide to Catania
Things to do in Catania
Discover the best of Catania — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Catania trip today.
- Recommended
Museo Casa Natale di Vincenzo Bellini
Museum in Bellini’s birthplace with manuscripts, portraits, period furnishings, and exhibits dedicated to the celebrated Catanian composer’s life.
- Recommended
Museo dei Saperi e delle Mirabilia Siciliane
University museum combining displays on Etna, volcanology, zoology, and science, ideal for understanding the natural setting around Catania.
- Must visit
Piazza del Duomo
Catania’s main square and Baroque showpiece, framed by the cathedral, Elephant Fountain, and historic palaces, making it the city’s essential starting point.
- Must visit
Via dei Crociferi
Elegant Baroque street lined with churches and palaces, often considered one of Sicily’s most beautiful urban ensembles for a short historic walk.
- Must visit
La Pescheria
Lively historic fish market area behind Piazza Duomo, famous for its sensory atmosphere, street life, and authentic glimpse of everyday Catania.
Arancino
Crisp fried rice ball filled with ragù, peas and cheese. A Sicilian street food staple, especially iconic in Catania bakeries and bars.
- Vegetarian
Pasta Alla Norma
Pasta alla Norma combines pasta with fried eggplant, tomato sauce, salted ricotta and basil. It is Catania’s signature dish, named after Bellini’s opera.
- Gluten-free
Carne Di Cavallo
Fresh horse meat, often grilled as polpette or steaks. It is a long-standing Catania specialty, especially around the city’s traditional meat stalls.
Pasticceria Savia
Historic pastry and café stop famous for granita, cannoli and Sicilian breakfast. A classic casual venue with strong local identity.
Me Cumpari Turiddu
Refined Sicilian dining in central Catania, serving seasonal local ingredients and polished regional recipes in an elegant setting.
Osteria Antica Marina
Historic seafood restaurant by the fish market, known for ultra-fresh catch and classic Catania dishes in a lively traditional setting.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Italy: stays and dining are usually cheaper than Rome or Milan, while tourist areas and summer rates raise hotel and restaurant prices. Local buses stay low-cost.
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 espresso or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants for good service, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes if served at table.
AMTS Catania
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.00
- Day pass
- €2.50
To the city center
Port of Catania -> Piazza del Duomo, Catania
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 25 min
- AMTS city buses use contactless bank card payment on equipped buses, but carry a backup ticket in case the validator is unavailable.
- The metro is operated separately by FCE, so check whether your AMTS bus ticket is valid before boarding.
FAQs: Ferry from Sliema to Catania
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sliema to Catania 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 Catania, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap ferry tickets from Sliema to Catania can start from as little as $86 (€72) when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Sliema to Catania is $96 (€80) ; 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 Sliema to Catania is 1h 45m to travel the 114 miles (184 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 Sliema to Catania leaves at 5:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Sliema to Catania leaves at 11:30 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct ferries a day from Sliema to Catania with Virtu Ferries. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct ferries.
No, there are no cabins on ferries from Sliema to Catania.
No, there are no vehicle options on ferries from Sliema to Catania.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Sliema to Catania 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 Sliema to Catania, you can count on Virtu Ferries for the best way to get you to Catania. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Sliema and Catania and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sliema and Catania including taking a flight and ferry.
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 Catania, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It's advisable to use official taxis, avoid unlicensed guides, and keep valuables secure to minimize risks.
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.
More options for your journey from Sliema to Catania
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular ferries to and from Catania and Sliema
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