- Recommended
Museo Civico Castello Ursino
Civic museum inside Castello Ursino with paintings, archaeology and applied arts. A strong introduction to Catania’s layered past.
Cheapest price
£52
Average price
£52
Fastest journey
5 h
Average duration
5 h
Ferries per day
1
Distance
166 km
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Palermo to Catania is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Palermo to Catania will cost around £52 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap ferry tickets today for only £52.
Of the 1 ferries that leave Palermo for Catania every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon 10 Aug the direct ferries cover the 166 km distance in an average of 5 h but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 5 h .
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.


Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Palermo to Catania among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £8. For those with little time consider booking a coach which can get you there in 2h 52m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £8, and a ferry costs an average of £49.
Distance: 89 nautical miles (166 km)
| Ferry | Most popular Coach | Train |
|---|---|---|
£50 Average Price | £12 Average Price Cheapest | £16 Average Price |
6h 0m Average total duration 5h 0m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 3h 22m Average total duration Fastest 2h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 45m Average total duration 3h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
- CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular ferry company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Liberty Lines | Departure Time 11:30 | Arrival Time 16:30 | Duration 5h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun |
Operator Liberty Lines | Departure Time 13:30 | Arrival Time 18:30 | Duration 5h00 | Sailing Days Thu, Fri, Sat |
The table below shows live departures for Palermo to Catania ferries for tomorrow, Monday 10 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:30 Palermo | 5h00 | 16:30 Catania | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach 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 Catania run on average 1 times per day, taking around 5h 0m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at £49 but you can travel from only £8 by coach.
There are 1 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 06:30, the last at 13:30. The fastest ferry covers the 89 nautical miles (166 km) distance in 5h 0m. There are 5 sailings per week. Ferries from Palermo to Catania are available to foot passengers.

Distance 89 nautical miles (166 km) |
Average sailing duration 5h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £49 |
Ferries per day 1 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 5 |
Fastest ferry 5h 0m |
First ferry 6:30 |
Last ferry 13:30 |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Catania — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Catania trip today.
Civic museum inside Castello Ursino with paintings, archaeology and applied arts. A strong introduction to Catania’s layered past.
Museum devoted to the 1943 Allied landings in Sicily, using documents and immersive displays. Worth visiting for modern military history.
Museum in the former Benedictine monastery displaying Roman and Greek finds from Catania and nearby sites. Compact and historically rich.
Grand central square framed by baroque buildings, the cathedral and the Elephant Fountain. Essential for first-time visitors and evening strolls.
Elegant historic street lined with churches and palaces. It is one of Catania’s most atmospheric walks, especially in the quieter morning hours.
Large civic garden with shaded paths, fountains and varied planting. A pleasant break from the stone city centre and a favourite local promenade.
Crisp fried rice balls filled with ragù, peas and cheese. A Sicilian street food classic, especially iconic in Catania for quick savoury eating.
Pasta alla Norma combines pasta with tomato, fried aubergine, ricotta salata and basil. It is Catania’s signature pasta dish, named after Bellini’s opera.
Horse meat grilled over coals, often served as meatballs or steaks. It is a long-standing Catania speciality, especially linked to informal city grills.
Well-known pastry and café stop for granita, cannoli and Sicilian breakfast sweets, with an elegant yet approachable feel.
Popular trattoria serving classic Sicilian dishes such as Pasta alla Norma and seafood pasta in a relaxed central setting.
Historic seafood restaurant near the fish market, known for fresh local catches and a traditional, lively Catania atmosphere.
Moderate for Sicily: food and local transport are good value, while central stays in peak season can raise costs versus smaller Sicilian towns.
Service is often included or covered by coperto. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service, round up taxi fares, and small change is enough in cafés.
Official public transport app
Porto di Catania -> Piazza del Duomo, Catania
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Palermo 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.

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