Genoa – Palermo
Ferry to Sicily
Genoa – Palermo
Ferry to Sicily
Yes, you can get a ferry from Genoa to Palermo. Ferries from Genoa to Palermo are available all year round. With around 1 daily and 6 weekly sailings, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Genoa to Palermo first ferry: departs Genoa at 00:45.
Genoa to Palermo last ferry: departs Genoa at around 23:59.
Bear in mind that the Genoa to Sicily ferry time can vary by season. We recommend checking the latest Genoa to Palermo ferry timetable before you book.
How long the Genoa to Palermo ferry is depends on whether you’re travelling on a Genoa Palermo fast ferry or conventional ferry. The Genoa to Palermo ferry duration is usually around 20 hours 15 minutes on average.
Average Genoa (Genoa) to Palermo ferry time: 20 hours 15 minutes
Fastest ferry: 18 hours 45 minutes
Longest ferry: 24 hours
The fastest ferries from Genoa to Palermo take 18 hours 45 minutes.
Ferries from Genoa to Palermo are provided by 1 ferry company; Grandi Navi Veloci with 1 daily and 6 weekly sailings. Bear in mind, the Genoa Palermo ferry timetable can change throughout the seasons, with more options available in the summer months.
Ferry frequency: the Genoa ferry to Palermo runs all year round
Grandi Navi Veloci: 1 daily sailing and 6 weekly sailings
The Genoa Palermo ferry price can vary depending on the ferry company you're travelling with and the season you're travelling in.
Average Genoa Palermo ferry cost: £351.94
Genoa to Palermo distance: approximately 525.1 miles (845.1km) or 456 nautical miles.
Yes, you can get the ferry from Genoa to Palermo with a car.
Genoa to Palermo car ferry operators: Grandi Navi Veloci
Car prices: usually between £185 and £766
Cheapest car price: around £82
Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Genoa to Palermo ferry.
Genoa Palermo foot passenger ferries: Grandi Navi Veloci
Foot passenger price: usually between £59 and £382
Cheapest foot passenger price: around £48
Yes, you can take your camper on the ferry to Palermo from Genoa.
Camper prices: usually between £190 and £530
Cheapest camper price: around £122
Here's everything you need to know about taking your pet on the Genoa to Palermo boat.
Pets are allowed on Genoa ferries to Palermo.
Pet-friendly operators:
Grandi Navi Veloci
Pets are allowed on Genoa ferries to Palermo. However, you must let the ferry company know you are travelling with a pet at the time of your booking.
You will need the following things with you when travelling with your pet on a ferry from Genoa to Palermo.
Grandi Navi Veloci:
Grandi Navi Veloci: an additional fee may be required at the time of booking
You can travel with guide dogs and assistance dogs on the boat from Genoa to Palermo. However, you must let the ferry company know at the time of booking. You may also have to present any necessary certificates if asked to do so on board.
We recommend booking in advance to find the cheapest ferry from Genoa to Palermo. Palermo to Palermo ferry prices vary depending on the season you’re travelling in. Most Palermo to Genoa ferry prices are higher in the peak summer months between June to September. Ferries during these months can sell out so if you’re travelling from Genoa to Palermo by boat in summer it’s always best to make your Genoa to Palermo ferry booking in advance. Check out our special offers page for all the latest ferry discounts and to find the cheapest ferry from Genoa to Palermo.
Yes, students can get a 5% discount on Genoa Palermo ferry tickets all year round. Check out our special offers page for more discounts and to get the cheapest Genoa to Palermo ferry booking.
It all depends on the size of the ship but disembarking the ferry can take around 15-45 minutes.
If you're getting the Genoa to Palermo ferry with luggage, then there are certain restrictions that may apply. The amount of luggage you can take on the Genoa to Palermo ferry depends on the ferry company you are travelling with.
Grandi Navi Veloci: no specific limit
There are a wide range of facilities available on board the ferry between Genoa and Palermo. These include cafes, restaurants, bars and gift shops. Bear in mind that each ship’s facilities will vary.
The accommodation and seating on the Genoa to Palermo boat differs depending on the ferry company and how long the journey is. Prices are also dependent on the company you travel with and the size of your cabin.
Grandi Navi Veloci: cabins, suites, deck seats and pullman seats are available
Yes, the ferries from Genoa to Palermo are suitable for people with reduced mobility. The exact facilities on board will depend on the ship you’re travelling on. It's best to inform the ferry company at the time of booking to see if they can accommodate any requests.
Grandi Navi Veloci: Specially adapted cabins can be reserved
It all depends on the ferry company you are travelling with. In general, we recommend arriving at Genoa port at least 1 hour before departure. However, if you are travelling with a vehicle, it’s best to arrive 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours before departure to allow time for parking. Wherever you’re travelling from, you should allow plenty of time to get to the port in case of traffic.
Your Genoa Palermo tickets will be sent by email. You will then need to check in with the ferry company before you travel and you may receive an additional boarding pass.
The latest check-in time for your Genoa to Palermo ferry booking should be in your confirmation email.
Grandi Navi Veloci: from 2 hours to 45 minutes before departure for vehicles and 1 hour to 45 minutes before for foot passengers
Yes, parking is available both at Genoa ferry port and nearby.
By car: Take the Genova Ovest exit from the A7 E25 E80 motorway. Follow signs for 'Porto terminal Traghetti'.
By train: You can get trains to Genoa from various Italian cities. Once you're at the train station, you can get a bus or taxi to the port.
By bus: There are regular buses connecting the centre of Genoa with the ferry port.
Ferries to Palermo will take you to the capital of Sicily. It's located within walking distance of the centre of the city, although you can also get a bus or taxi if needed. If you're travelling further, public buses and taxis are also available at the port to take you to various locations in Sicily.
If you're travelling by car, standard speed limits in Italy are as follows:
Built-up areas: 50 km/h or 31mph
Outside built-up areas: 90km/h or 55mph
Dual carriageways: 110km/h or 68mph
Motorways: 130km/h or 80mph
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| Genoa - Palermo Ferry Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Destination | Italy | |
| Destination | Sicily | |
| No. of Operators | 1 | |
| Operators | Grandi Navi Veloci | |
| Average Price | £352 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 6 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 20 h 15 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 18 h 45 m | |
| First Ferry | 00:45 | |
| Last Ferry | 23:59 | |
| Distance | 456 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 May 2025.
"Recent trip to Barcelona"
"GNV Excelsior Genoa -Palermo"
"Ship was OK, but disgusting food"
"excelent service"
No, the ferry ride is too long for a day trip; a longer stay is recommended.
From Palermo, you can easily reach the Aeolian Islands, known for their scenic beauty and volcanic activity. Additionally, the island of Ustica, a marine reserve popular for diving and snorkeling, is accessible from Palermo. Favignana, the largest of the Aegadian Islands, offers stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters just a short ferry ride away from Palermo.
The high-speed ferry from Genoa to Palermo operated by Grandi Navi Veloci, takes 19h 30m, costs £484.
While flying to Palermo is quicker, with a flight taking around one hour, ferries offer a scenic journey that can take approximately 8-10 hours. The ferry route allows travelers to enjoy beautiful coastal views, relax on board, and easily bring along luggage without strict weight limits, providing a more leisurely and stress-free travel experience conducive to starting a vacation on a calm note. Consider the ferry as a pleasant part of the journey that adds value to your overall experience, especially if time is not the most crucial factor for you.
Yes, you generally need a passport to travel from Genoa to Palermo, as both cities are located in Italy. However, if you are an Italian citizen or an EU citizen traveling within the Schengen Area, you can use your national identity card instead of a passport. Be sure to check the most up-to-date travel requirements before your trip.
From Genoa airport, take a taxi, bus, or shuttle to Genoa Piazza Principe train station. From there, you can walk or take a short taxi ride to the nearby Port of Genoa where ferries to Palermo depart. This journey typically takes around 30-40 minutes by taxi or shuttle, and around 1 hour by bus.
The ferry ride from Genoa to Palermo can be rough, especially during winter months when seas are rougher. Sea conditions can vary, but the ride can be more comfortable during the summer with calmer waters. It's advisable to check weather forecasts and to prepare for potential motion sickness if you are prone to it.
The fastest way to travel from Genoa to Palermo is by taking a direct flight, which typically takes around 1.5 hours. For the most scenic option, consider taking a ferry, offering beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea during the approximately 20-hour journey. If you're looking for the most budget-friendly option, taking a train or bus combination could be more economical compared to flying or taking a ferry.
The Italian city of Genoa lies on the Mediterranean Sea coast and is located in the Liguria region of Italy. The city's old town, which has a long and rich history in art, music, architecture and gastronomy was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. Additionally the city was declared the European Capital of Culture in 2004 and is also the birthplace of Niccolo Paganini and Christopher Columbus.
The maze of squares and narrow streets make up Genoa's historic centre. The city has influences of the medieval about it, along with 16th century and Baroque influences (San Matteo square and the ancient via Aurea, now via Garibaldi). Visitors can still see remains of the 17th century walls near to San Lorenzo Cathedral, which happens to be the most attended place of worship in Genoa.
Genoa's port is Italy's largest commercial and industrial port, and one of Europe's busiest ports in the Mediterranean Sea. The ferry terminal, located in the Calata Chiappella, between Ponte Asserto and Ponte Colombo, is on many levels and is accessible by passengers in wheelchairs. On the terminal's top level visitors will find waiting rooms and a shopping centre. Ferries operating from the port generally depart towards Sardinia, Sicily, Corsica, Spain, Tunisia and Morocco.
The city of Palermo is located on the Italian island of Sicily and lies on the island's north west coast and has a large and strategically important natural port, next to the Monte Pellegrino. The city is typically Mediterranean and can trace its history back to the 8th century and is today known for its Norman buildings, fabulous palaces and the hustle and bustle of its markets. Palermo's historic centre is the Quattro Canti district, which means 'Four Corners' and is where a number of the city's most spectacular attractions can be found. These include the Royal Palace and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. The cathedral's sheer size and lovely architecture really needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. Also popular in the city is the medieval Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi and the 12th century Castello della Zisa. For visitors who enjoy the performing arts there is also the Teatro Massimo which is a recently refurbished theatre that puts on regular performances.
Ferries from the city's port depart to Genoa, Civitavecchia, Naples and Tunisia.
