- 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.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
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.
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 £6
Distance 103 nautical miles (192 km) |
First ferry 6:30 |
Last ferry 13:30 |
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 £6
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 . 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.
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
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
