Cagliari → Palermo
Cagliari to Palermo Ferry
Editorial route guide, not live supplier information. Prices, crossing times, operators and service descriptions below may be outdated. Search your dates to check supplier-reported sailings and request a quote; this guide does not establish availability or booking support.
The ferry from Cagliari to Palermo is operated by Grimaldi Lines, connecting the capitals of Italy's two largest islands, Sardinia and Sicily. The crossing takes about 15 hours.
Monthly sailings and fares
At a glance
Static guide reference. These figures are not current prices or schedules.
- Operator
- Grimaldi Lines, the only operator on this route
- Crossing time
- Approximately 15 hours
- Departure port
- Port of Cagliari, Sardinia
- Arrival port
- Port of Palermo, Sicily
- Year-round service
- Yes
- Cabins
- Available: a range of cabin classes given the long crossing
- Vehicles
- Yes: car, van, camper, minibus, motorbike, scooter, bicycle
- Pets
- Allowed on board
Ferry operator on the Cagliari (Sardinia) to Palermo (Sicily) route
Grimaldi Lines is the only operator on this route, connecting the capitals of Sardinia and Sicily, Italy's two largest islands, directly by sea, without needing to route via the mainland.
How long is the ferry from Cagliari (Sardinia) to Palermo (Sicily)?
About 15 hours.
How much does the Cagliari (Sardinia) to Palermo (Sicily) ferry cost?
Fares vary by season, cabin type, and whether you're travelling with a vehicle. This route carries some of the highest maximum rates in the Grimaldi Lines network, so compare cabin options carefully. Discounts are available for both Sardinian and Sicilian residents.
Departure and arrival ports
Ferries depart from the Port of Cagliari, Sardinia's capital, and arrive at the Port of Palermo, Sicily's capital.
When to book your Cagliari (Sardinia) to Palermo (Sicily) ferry
Book well ahead for cabins or vehicle space, particularly in summer, given the long duration and limited weekly sailings.
Travel tip: island-to-island without touching the mainland
This is one of the few direct sea connections between Sardinia and Sicily that doesn't require routing via the Italian mainland, useful if you're island-hopping rather than starting from Rome or Naples.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the crossing take?
About 15 hours.
Does this route go via the mainland?
No: this is a direct connection between Sardinia and Sicily.
Can I bring my car?
Yes: cars, vans, campers, minibuses, motorbikes, scooters, and bicycles are all accepted.
Are there resident discounts on this route?
Yes: Grimaldi Lines offers discounts for residents of, or those born in, both Sardinia and Sicily.