Ustica - Palermo
Ferries to Sicily
Ustica - Palermo
Ferries to Sicily
The Ustica to Palermo ferry route is provided by 2 ferry companies. The ferry crossing from Ustica to Palermo is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes on most ferries servicing this route. Ferries between Ustica and Palermo cost from as little as $25 but vary based on season, availability and whether you’re going by foot or by car. Prices exclude any service fees. Ferry timetables change seasonally. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing and availability for ferries from Ustica to Palermo.
Ustica Palermo ferry prices typically range from $25* to $213*. The average ferry price from Ustica to Palermo is around $82*. The cheapest fares usually start from $25*. The average foot passenger ticket costs $81*. The average price when traveling with a car is $325*.
Prices may vary depending on passenger numbers, vehicle type, route and sailing time. Pricing data is based on searches from the last 30 days, excludes service fees, and was last updated June 26.
We make it easy to compare ferry tickets and prices worldwide, helping you find the best option for your trip. Visit our Special Offers page to see current discounts on selected routes and operators. Booking early is often the best way to secure lower prices and better availability.
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a range of discounts throughout the year. Where available, senior discounts are applied automatically during the search process. Simply select the relevant age range when entering passenger details.
Students and graduates can receive a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To claim this, you’ll need to register with our partner Student Beans and verify your student or graduate status. Once confirmed, you’ll receive a discount code to use at checkout.
Resident discounts are available on selected Spanish and Italian routes. When applicable, choose the “Residents” option during booking, and the discount will be applied automatically. Please note that proof of residence or a valid ID with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
The first ferry from Ustica to Palermo usually departs at around 06:30, with the last sailing leaving at approximately 18:00.
Yes, day trips between Ustica and Palermo are possible and very popular thanks to the short crossing time and frequent sailings. Traveling with a vehicle can also be a great way to explore the area at your own pace. For inspiration on what to do when you arrive, take a look at our blog.
Yes, Siremar allow cars on ferries traveling between Ustica and Palermo. Use our Deal Finder to see live prices for car ferries on this route.
Whether you can take a campervan or caravan on the ferry depends on the operator and vessel used for your chosen crossing. Simply enter your travel details into our search bar to see which operators and vehicle options are available for this route.
For more advice and travel inspiration when taking a car, campervan or caravan, visit our blog.
Yes, bicycles are allowed on ferries from Ustica to Palermo with Siremar. While most operators permit bicycles on board, we recommend checking individual policies in advance to avoid any surprises at the port.
Yes, foot passengers can travel on ferries between Ustica and Palermo with Liberty Lines Fast Ferries & Siremar.
Pets are allowed on ferries traveling from Ustica to Palermo with Liberty Lines Fast Ferries. The average price for traveling with a pet is $184.
Pricing is based on searches from the last 30 days, excludes service fees, and was last updated June 26.
When traveling with your pet on a ferry, you’ll usually need:
For more details, read our guide to travelling with pets by ferry.
Pet accommodation varies by operator. Some ferries require pets to remain in your vehicle for the duration of the crossing, while others provide designated pet areas or pet-friendly cabins and lounges. Our Deal Finder shows all available options so you can choose the best crossing for you and your pet.
If you’re traveling with a guide dog or an assistance dog, we recommend informing the ferry operator or our customer service team at the time of booking.
Please ensure you carry all required documentation, as you may be asked to present this during check-in or on board.
Even if standard pet travel is not permitted, different rules may apply to guide and assistance dogs. You can confirm the specific requirements for your sailing with our customer service team. For more information, visit our Special Assistance Help page.
Whether an overnight ferry runs between Ustica and Palermo depends on the operator and timetable. To check if an overnight option is available, enter your travel details in our search bar. The results will show if your chosen sailing operates overnight, plus current timetables and alternative day crossings.
Please note that overnight crossings can sometimes take a little longer than daytime sailings.
Travel requirements vary by route, so it’s important to confirm which documents you need before you travel. In most international cases, you will need a valid passport to travel from Ustica to Palermo, and possibly a visa or national ID depending on your nationality and the destination’s rules. To avoid delays at check-in, see our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide and our blog post on travelling to Europe for useful tips.
To book ferry tickets, enter your departure and arrival ports plus your travel date. You’ll then see all available sailings and prices. The search also shows alternative routes and times so you can choose the best option for your trip.
Watch out for early-booking deals and special ticket types like upgrades or flexi fares that allow changes or cancelations. To ensure a smooth booking, enter accurate details such as passenger numbers and vehicle specifications.
After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. How your boarding pass is issued depends on the ferry operator you’ve booked with.
Some operators provide the boarding pass at the time of booking, while others require you to check in at the port. Where available, you can usually check in online via the Direct Ferries app.
Ticket desks are typically located close to the terminals. To avoid delays at the port, allow extra time for ticket collection and check-in.
At check-in, you will need to show your booking confirmation and an official photo ID (for example, a passport or identity card). You may also be asked for pet documentation (vaccinations, insurance, etc.) or proof of residence if you applied a resident discount to your booking.
There are several reasons why no sailings may be available from Ustica to Palermo on your chosen date. This can include temporary timetable changes, limited capacity, or seasonal adjustments to services. We recommend checking alternative dates or nearby routes to find the best available option.
The best time to book ferries from Ustica to Palermo is generally as early as possible. Booking in advance often means lower prices, along with a wider choice of departure times and cabin or seating options.
To secure the best deals, we recommend booking at least a few weeks ahead of travel. Please note that prices can vary depending on the season and availability.
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| Ustica - Palermo Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $81 | |
| Average Price with Car | $325 | |
| Average Price with Motorcycle | $114 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $71 | |
| Ustica - Palermo Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Ustica Island |
| Destination | Sicily |
| No. of Operators | 2 |
| Operators | Liberty Lines Fast Ferries & Siremar |
| Average Price | $82 |
| Average Pet Price | $184 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 4 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 25 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h 30 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h 30 m |
| First Ferry | 06:30 |
| Last Ferry | 18:00 |
| Distance | 35 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 June 2026.
The small Italian island of Ustica lies in the Tyrrhenian Sea, around 50 km to the north of Capo Gallo. It forms part of the Aeolic island chain and its land is actually the tip of a submerged volcano. The island's landscape is characterised by black volcanic rock with dashes of pink and red hibiscus flowers and green cacti. Located around the island's shores are many little grottoes and the island's waters are protected within the Area Marina Protetta Isola di Ustica (the Island of Ustica Protected Marine Area). The waters are kept naturally clear by the Atlantic currents and are, as a consequence, full of coral and fish. This makes the island popular with scuba divers and one of the best dive spots on the island is the Grotta del Gamberi, on the island's southern tip where there are many shipwrecks to see there. Also popular with scuba divers is Secca di Colobara on the northern coast where lots of sponges can be seen in crystal clear waters.
Both hydrofoils and conventional ferries use the port with services departing to Palermo's Stazione Marittima. The crossing takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes by ferry and around 1 hour by hydrofoil.
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.
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