- 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.
Cheapest price
$56
Average price
$56
Fastest journey
5 h 5 m
Average duration
5 h 5 m
Ferries per day
1
Distance
172 km
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Taormina to Palermo is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Taormina to Palermo will cost around $56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $56.
Of the 1 ferries that leave Taormina for Palermo on Thu, Jul 30, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 30 the direct ferries cover the 172 km distance in an average of 5 h 5 m but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 5 h 5 m .
On Thu, Jul 30 the slowest ferries will take 5 h 5 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.
LIBERTY LINES
LIBERTY LINESOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Taormina to Palermo among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 44m. 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 $11, and a ferry costs an average of $55.
Distance: 92 nautical miles (172 km)
| Ferry | Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$58 Average price | $19 Average price | $17 Average price Cheapest | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 12m Average total duration 5h 12m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration 3h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration Fastest 3h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - 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 Taormina to Palermo:
A bus is $2 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Taormina to Palermo costing on average $19 (€19).
A bus is $41 (€41) less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Taormina to Palermo costing on average $58 (€58).
Other travel options to Palermo take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 52m.
Ferry takes on average 5h 12m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Liberty Lines | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 5h05 | Sailing Days Everyday |
The table below shows live departures for Taormina to Palermo ferries for tomorrow, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LIBERTY LINES | 6:30 AM Port of Milazzo | 5h05 | 11:35 AM Port of Palermo | 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 Taormina to Palermo run on average 1 times per day, taking around 5h 12m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at $55 (€55) but you can travel from only $11 (€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 5m. There are 5 sailings per week. Ferries from Taormina to Palermo are available to foot passengers.

Distance 92 nautical miles (172 km) |
Average sailing duration 5h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $55 (€55) |
Ferries per day 1 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 5 |
Fastest ferry 5h 5m |
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 Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of Palermo — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Palermo trip today.
Palermo’s top museum displays Sicilian archaeology, including the famous Punic Stone and Selinunte finds, in a former convent complex.
Historic rooms and vivid majolica floors showcase aristocratic Palermo. Visit for decorative arts, period interiors and city history.
Housed in the grand Steri Palace, this museum presents the Sicilian Inquisition’s story through cells, graffiti and historical documents.
Palermo’s elegant main boulevard links major monuments, shops and theaters. Ideal for first walks and observing the city’s layered architecture.
This historic street cuts across the old center and hosts markets, churches and daily life. A lively route for exploring local Palermo.
A bustling old quarter famous for layered street life, churches and market culture. Best explored on foot for atmosphere and urban history.
Crisp fried rice ball stuffed with ragù, peas and caciocavallo. A Sicilian street food icon widely loved in Palermo.
Soft sesame-topped bun filled with spleen and lung, often with caciocavallo or ricotta. A classic Palermo street food with deep local roots.
Pasta with sardines, wild fennel, pine nuts and raisins. Its sweet-savory flavor reflects Palermo's Arab-Norman culinary heritage.
Refined Michelin-starred restaurant known for creative Sicilian tasting menus in an elegant, intimate setting.
Historic seafood restaurant near the port, praised for fresh catch, raw dishes and classic Palermo fish recipes.
Legendary no-frills street-food stop celebrated for pane con la milza and authentic local sandwiches loved by residents.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Port of Palermo Termini Imerese -> Palermo Centrale, Palermo
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Taormina 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.

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