- Must visit
Museo Regionale Interdisciplinare di Messina
The city’s main museum displays works by Caravaggio, Antonello followers and artefacts recovered after the 1908 earthquake.
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Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Palermo to Messina
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Palermo to Messina among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £13 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 27m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, while a train costs an average of £15.
Distance: 103 nautical miles (192 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£15 Average Price | £13 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 27m Average total duration Fastest 2h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Compare prices and tickets Palermo to Messina by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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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Why should you book Palermo to Messina ferries with Omio?
Liberty Lines operates all ferries services from Palermo to Messina.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Palermo to Messina.
Why book with Omio vs Liberty Lines?
- 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 Liberty Lines with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Palermo to Messina.
Why book with Omio over Ferryhopper?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Palermo to Messina.
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Palermo to Messina
ItalyItaly
Take a ferry from Palermo to Messina and enjoy the approximately 103 nautical miles (192 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest ferry runs at 06:30, the last at 13:30. Ferries from Palermo to Messina are available to foot passengers.
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
Coach from £9
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 103 nautical miles (192 km) |
Average sailing duration 6h 3m |
First ferry 6:30 |
Last ferry 13:30 |
Foot passengers Available |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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
Coach from £9
Ferry operators: Liberty Lines from Palermo to MessinaYou can travel by ferry between Palermo to Messina with Liberty Lines for as low as £9. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.
Liberty Lines
About
Liberty Lines, an Italian ferry operator founded in 1993, specializes in high-speed vessels, offering a range of classes from economy to premium. Their fleet includes hydrofoils and catamarans, equipped with modern amenities such as air-conditioned lounges, snack bars, and spacious seating areas. Passengers can choose from various ticket types, including standard seats, cabins, and vehicle transport options. Liberty Lines is renowned for its top routes, connecting Sicily with the Aeolian Islands, the Aegadian Islands, and the Pelagie Islands, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking efficient and comfortable maritime transport in the Mediterranean.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Liberty Lines Duration
18h 25m
Cheapest Liberty Lines Price
£66
Liberty Lines frequency
16 a day
Additional luggage
One piece of hand luggage included. Additional luggage subject to fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible up to 24 hours before departure
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snack bar and vending machines available
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible vessels available, assistance for boarding and disembarking
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers, dogs must be leashed and muzzled
Cabin reservation
Must be booked in advance, subject to availability
Car on board
Complete guide to Messina
Things to do in Messina
Discover the best of Messina — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Messina trip today.
- Recommended
MUMA Museo del Mare
University museum with zoological and natural science collections, useful for visitors interested in academic heritage and research.
- Recommended
Monte di Pietà
Museum space dedicated to local visual culture and temporary exhibitions, offering a quieter stop beyond the headline sights.
- Must visit
Piazza Duomo
Messina’s main square, framed by the cathedral, clock tower and fountain, and a natural starting point for exploring the centre.
- Recommended
Passeggiata a Mare
Seafront promenade with open views across the Strait, ideal for walking, people-watching and seeing daily harbour activity.
- Recommended
Viale San Martino
Broad central avenue lined with shops and historic buildings, useful for an urban stroll between key monuments and stations.
Involtini di pesce spada
Swordfish rolls stuffed with breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs and often capers, then grilled. A Messina Strait classic reflecting the city’s long fishing tradition.
- Gluten-free
Stoccafisso alla messinese
Stockfish slowly stewed with tomatoes, potatoes, olives and capers. It is a festive Sicilian dish closely associated with Messina and north-eastern Sicily.
Pasta ’ncasciata
Baked pasta with ragù, peas, cheese and often aubergine. This Sicilian Sunday favourite is especially beloved in and around Messina.
Ristorante Kajiki
Refined restaurant serving Sicilian seafood and seasonal dishes in a polished setting, suited to a longer lunch or dinner.
Pasticceria Irrera 1910
Historic pastry and ice-cream venue known for granita, brioche and classic Sicilian sweets in an elegant central setting.
Trattoria Da Pippo
Traditional Messina spot popular for seafood dishes and local specialities, with a relaxed trattoria atmosphere near the centre.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Sicily. Hotels and dining are often cheaper than Rome or Milan, while ferries, trains and local buses stay fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for a simple meal or takeaway.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- €1.20-2.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included or minimal. Round up in cafés and taxis, and leave 5-10% in restaurants for very good service, though it is not obligatory.
ATM MovUp
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.20
- Day pass
- €2.60
To the city centre
Port of Messina, Messina -> Messina Centrale, Messina
- Distance
- 1.5 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Buy tickets in advance or in ATM MovUp; the on-board single ticket costs more than the standard fare.
- ATM MovUp is the official app for journey planning, real-time arrivals, and mobile ticket purchase. Contactless bank card acceptance on vehicles was not clearly confirmed from official sources.
FAQs: Palermo to Messina ferries
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Palermo to Messina 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 Messina, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The earliest ferry from Palermo to Messina leaves at 6:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Palermo to Messina leaves at 13:30.
No, there are no cabins on ferries from Palermo to Messina.
No, there are no vehicle options on ferries from Palermo to Messina.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Palermo to Messina is possible with Liberty Lines. 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 Palermo to Messina, you can count on Liberty Lines for the best way to get you to Messina. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Palermo and Messina 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 Palermo and Messina including taking a coach and train.
More options for your journey from Palermo to Messina
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular ferries to and from Messina and Palermo
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