Time to read: 6 minutes
If you are looking for a fun way to reach Sicily, then taking the Genoa to Palermo ferry is a great option. The 22-hour journey will take you across the Mediterranean Sea from the north of Italy to one of the southernmost points in Europe.
The ferry from Genoa to Palermo costs from as little as €80.00 for a foot passenger and takes 22 hours. Click here to book your ticket today with Direct Ferries.
This is a great option for backpackers as you don’t need to book a cabin and can save on a night’s accommodation. The Genoa Palermo ferry is also a great option if you want to take your car to Sicily and explore the island on your own.
Boring stuff: I have visited each of the places I recommend and give you my honest opinion, warts and all. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced without permission. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
You might also like my other ferry travel articles:
Is there a Ferry from Genoa to Palermo?
GNV operates a daily overnight ferry from Genoa to Sicily.
How Long is the Ferry from Genoa to Palermo?
The journey takes 20 hours and 30 minutes.
About the Route
The ferry to Palermo leaves Genoa in northern Italy and sails south through the Tyrennhian Sea, which is part of the Mediterranean.
The boat sails between Italy’s eastern coast and the islands of Corsica and Sardinia. Watch out for the small island of Utica as you near Palmemo.
Book today with Direct Ferries
Why take the Genoa Palermo Ferry?
- Enjoy a leisurely trip without the stress of flying
- Cheap – tickets from just €82
- Amazing views of the Mediterranean
- Discover one of Europe’s most enchanting islands
- Arrive right in the centre of Palermo
There are many reasons to visit Sicily and the historic port town of Palermo. Gaze in awe at the incredible baroque architecture of the capital, sample traditional food that has changed little in centuries, and enjoy some of the island’s many beautiful beaches.
If you only have a short time on the island, check out what to do with 4 days in Sicily in this excellent guide.
Book today with Direct Ferries
Genoa Palermo Ferry Timetable
| Depart Genoa | Arrive Palermo | Duration |
| 21:30 | 18:00 | 20h30m |
Palermo Genoa Ferry Timetable
| Depart Palermo | Arrive Genoa | Duration |
| 21:30 | 18:00 | 20h30m |
Book today with Direct Ferries
Genoa Palermo Ferry Price
The cost of a ticket for the Genoa Palermo Ferry starts at €82.00 for a foot passenger. This includes lounge seating on the upper deck.
| Ticket & Seating | Price in Euros |
| Foot Passenger & lounge seating | €82.00 |
| Bicycle | Free |
| Motorcycle | €142.00 |
| Small car (eg. fiat punto) | €166.00 |
| Bed in 4-berth cabin | +€60.90 |
Book today with Direct Ferries
About the Genoa to Palermo Ferry
Grandi Navi Velosi (GNV) runs a daily ferry to Palermo from Genoa. The boat leaves the port at Genoa at 21:30 daily and arrives in Palermo at 18:00 the next day.
There are two vessels that tun this route; the Excelsior and La Suprema.
Book today with Direct Ferries
About the Excelsior
The vessel was built in 1999 with a gross tonnage of 39,777 tonnes. It measures 200 metres (656 feet) by 28 metres (92 feet).
The Excelsior has 9 decks, 387 cabins and room for 2,253 passengers.
About La Suprema
The vessel was built in 2003 with a gross tonnage of 49,257 tonnes. It measures 211 metres (692 feet) by 30 metres (98 feet).
The Excelsior has 9 decks, 567 cabins and room for 2,920 passengers and 984 vehicles.
Facilities on Board
- Sun decks
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Snack bar
- Children’s play area
- Conference room
- Shopping centre
- Wifi is available for an extra charge
Book today with Direct Ferries
How to buy tickets for the Genoa to Palermo Ferry
You can purchase tickets at the port in Genoa, however, as the route sells out it’s best to book in advance and this can be done online through companies like Direct Ferries.
Prices start from as little as €82 one-way for a foot passenger. Prices increase in summer and around holiday periods.
Book today with Direct Ferries
How to get to the Genoa Ferry Terminal (Liguria)
The ferry departs from genoa’s main port which is within walking distance of the city centre.
Address: Varco Albertazzi, Genoa, Italy
Ticket Office: Piazzale Traghetti Iqbal Masih 5, Genoa, Italy
Port Operating Hours
Monday to Friday: 06:00 – 11:40
Saturday: 07:00 – 11:40
Sunday: 07:0 – 11:40
How to get there: Genoa’s port is easily reachable from the old town on foot. The walk takes around 30 minutes. Youcan also take the Line 1 bus for €2.00.
Check-in opens three hours prior to departure and closes 45 minutes before.
Looking for ways to get to Genoa? I used Flixbus to get around Italy and they have modern, air-conditioned coaches with free wifi on board.
Facilities at the port
- Ticket office
- Currency exchange
- ATM
- McDonald’s
- Supermarket
- Shopping centre
- Lockers
Book today with Direct Ferries
Things To See in Palermo
Palermo is a fascinating destination with a long history, a picturesque old town and mile upon mile of golden, sandy beaches.
The neoclassical and baroque architecture is some of the best you will find in Italy and dates back to the 12th Century and beyond.
The bustling centre is filled with shops, cafes, restaurants, gelato and market stalls. Palermo makes a great base for exploring and there is a good bus and train network covering the island.
One of the best ways to experience the island is to take a road trip in Sicily, and some of the other towns and cities worth exploring include Augusta, Messina and Milazzo.
Here are some of the top things to do in the city:
- Cattedrale di Palermo
- Teatro Massimo
- Santa Maria Church
- Lido Finanza
- Palazzo Steri
- Monastery of Santa Caterina
- Norman Palace
Looking for a place to stay in Palermo? Check out our top recommendations:
Budget: Sunshine Hostel
Mid-range: Astoria Palace Hotel
Luxury: Grand Hotel Wagner
If you have longer to spend in the country then check out this excellent 10-day Italy itinerary by train.
Don’t Delay, Book Today!
So, now you know everything about taking the Genoa to Palermo ferry, what are you waiting for? Book your ticket now with Direct Ferries!
About the author:
Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.
Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World. See the About page for more info.
Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲