Best option from Naples to Palermo: Flight — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 0h 55min, from €20. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on October 27, 2026): Grimaldi Lines, Grandi Navi Veloci, FlixBus; main departure point: Naples Port.
There are 3 ways to get from Naples to Palermo
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on October 27, 2026 for a departure on November 17, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | Bus | Metropark Centrale Bus Stop | €38 | 1 |
| Grimaldi Lines | Ferry | Naples Port | €38 | 2 |
| Grandi Navi Veloci | Ferry | Naples Port | €45 | 2 |
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Practical tips
Naples has several departure points for sea and road travel. Read your ticket carefully and confirm the exact port, terminal or bus stop the evening before, so you do not end up at the wrong side of the city.
Overnight sailings to Sicily fill up quickly in high season, especially cabins and weekend departures. Reserve as soon as your dates are fixed, so you keep the best choice of cabin and fare.
The flight is the quickest option, but count the journey to the airport, check-in and the transfer into Palermo. Compare the total door-to-door effort with the ferry before you decide.
Prices for flights and ferries tend to rise as departure approaches. Booking ahead usually gives you cheaper fares and more choice, and the coach is a useful budget fallback if other options sell out.
On an overnight ferry or coach, pack a charger, a light layer, water and toiletries in a small bag you can keep with you, while your main luggage stays stored.
The journey experience
Getting from Naples to Palermo is not a trip you can do by rail alone, because the crossing to Sicily is the heart of the journey. The good news is that the choice is simple: you can go by overnight ferry, by plane or by long-distance coach, and a side-by-side comparison on this page shows time, price and frequency at a glance.
The ferry is the most relaxing option for independent travellers: you board in the evening, sleep in a cabin or settle into a reclining seat, and wake up in Sicily with your luggage and no airport stress. The plane is by far the quickest and often surprisingly affordable if you book ahead, but remember to factor in the trip to and from the airports. The coach is the budget-friendly road option, with a ferry crossing built in, and suits those who want a direct city-to-city ticket without changing.
Your best option depends on what you value most: time, comfort or simplicity. If you want to save a day, fly. If you want a night's accommodation included and a more memorable arrival, take the ferry. Always check the departure port or airport on your ticket before leaving, since Naples has several points of departure. In high season, book ahead so you are not left with only the most expensive or least convenient slot.
Frequently asked questions — Naples → Palermo
The flight starts from €20 and typically goes up to €26. The ferry starts from €38 and typically goes up to €46, while the coach starts from €38 and typically goes up to €39. Prices vary by date, so booking ahead usually gives you the best fare, especially in summer.
The flight is the quickest, at about 1 hour. The ferry takes around 9 to 10 hours, usually overnight, and the coach takes around 14 to 17 hours because it includes the sea crossing. Add time for getting to the airport or port.
It depends on your priority. The plane, at about 1 hour, is best if you want to save time. The ferry, at around 9 to 10 hours, is ideal if you prefer to travel overnight and arrive rested. The coach is the longest option but needs no change between the two cities.
It depends on the mode you choose. Your ticket states the exact port, airport or bus stop, so check it before you travel. Naples has several departure points, and going to the wrong one is the most common mistake, so confirm it the day before.
Yes, especially in high season. Ferries, particularly cabins, and flights fill up as summer approaches, and last-minute fares are usually higher. Booking online gives you instant confirmation and lets you compare the ferry, flight and coach side by side before you choose.
Why visit Palermo?
- ✓ Taste Palermitan street food at the Ballarò and Capo markets: panelle, arancine, pani ca' meusa and sfincione
- ✓ Admire the Arab-Norman Palatine Chapel and the golden mosaics of Monreale Cathedral, both UNESCO-listed
- ✓ Explore the Teatro Massimo and the Quattro Canti, the baroque heart of the old town
- ✓ Descend into the eerie Capuchin Catacombs and their centuries-old mummies
- ✓ Take a short trip to the beach of Mondello or the fishing village of Cefalù for a seaside break
When to visit Palermo?
MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
April to June and September to October — warm, sunny weather without the intense heat of July and August
What to do in Palermo?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Palermo?
Allow 3 days to cover Palermo properly: day one for the historic centre (Cathedral, Palatine Chapel, Quattro Canti, Ballarò market), day two for Monreale and the Capuchin Catacombs, day three for Mondello beach or a street-food crawl. With 4-5 days, add Cefalù and a day trip to Segesta or the Scopello coast. Book Palatine Chapel tickets ahead and avoid midday in July-August, when heat is intense.
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