Fastest way from Palermo to Genoa: Flight, about 1h 35min (from €155). Cheapest: Ferry, from €69 (about 19h 30min – 23h 24min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on October 27, 2026): Alitalia, AeroItalia, Aeroitalia; main departure point: Palermo Airport.
There are 2 ways to get from Palermo to Genoa
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grandi Navi Veloci | Ferry | Palermo Port | €69 | 2 |
| Wizz Air Malta | Flight | Palermo Airport | €66 | 1 |
| Alitalia | Flight | Palermo Airport | €87 | 15 |
| AeroItalia | Flight | Palermo Airport | €115 | 3 |
| Aeroitalia | Flight | Palermo Airport | €118 | 3 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
Airfares tend to climb as departure approaches. Book your flight well ahead and compare dates around your plan, so you avoid paying a last-minute premium when a cheaper day was available.
Check whether your ticket is for the airport or the ferry port before leaving. They sit in different parts of the city, and going to the wrong one can cost you the departure.
Summer ferries fill up fast, and cabins go first. If you want a proper bed for the crossing, book as soon as your dates are fixed rather than waiting until the last days.
Ferry boarding involves ticket checks and queues, and airports have their own check-in cut-offs. Arrive comfortably early at either point, and keep your booking confirmation and ID easy to reach.
Genoa has two main train stations, Principe and Brignole. If you are heading to the Cinque Terre or elsewhere on the coast, check which station your regional train leaves from before you arrive.
The journey experience
Palermo to Genoa is one of the longest north–south hops in Italy, and your choice comes down to two options: fly or sail. The comparison table on this page puts the plane and the ferry side by side on time, price and frequency, so you can see at a glance which one suits your trip.
The flight is the fast, no-fuss option. You leave from Palermo's airport and land at Genoa's airport, with no overnight and no connections to juggle. The ferry is a very different experience. You sail from port to port, can sleep on board in a cabin, and carry more luggage without worrying about airline limits. It suits you if you see the crossing as part of the journey, or if you want to reach Liguria and the Cinque Terre without flying.
The airport and the ferry port are in different places, so check the exact departure point on your booking before you leave your accommodation. In summer, book the ferry early, especially if you want a cabin. Both options are solid, and booking online gives you instant confirmation, so you can lock in your plan before the best fares and cabins disappear.
Frequently asked questions — Palermo → Genoa
Ferry fares start from €69 and are typically up to €70, which makes the boat the cheaper option. Flights start from €155. Prices vary with the season and how early you book, so reserve ahead, especially in summer when cabins and cheaper fares sell out first.
The flight takes about 1 h 35, which saves most of a day. The ferry crossing takes between 20 h and 23 h, so you spend a night on board. Allow extra time at both ends for check-in, boarding and getting to the airport or port.
It depends on your priorities. The plane, at about 1 h 35, is best if you want to save time. The ferry, from €69, is better if you want to keep costs down, carry more luggage or sleep on board in a cabin. Compare both in the table on this page.
It depends on your mode. The flight leaves from Palermo's Falcone-Borsellino airport, and the ferry leaves from Palermo's port. The two are in different parts of the area, so check the departure point on your booking confirmation before you set off.
Yes, especially in summer. Ferries fill up in high season and cabins sell out first, which can leave you with fewer choices or higher prices. Booking online gives instant confirmation, and fares start from €69, so securing your place early is the safest approach.
Why visit Genoa?
- ✓ Wander the UNESCO-listed Strade Nuove and Palazzi dei Rolli, a showcase of Renaissance and Baroque noble palaces
- ✓ Get lost in the Centro Storico, Europe's largest medieval old town, with its caruggi alleys and hidden focaccia bakeries
- ✓ Visit the Acquario di Genova, one of Europe's largest aquariums, on the restored Porto Antico waterfront
- ✓ Take the Art Nouveau Castelletto lift or the Righi funicular for panoramic views over the port and the Ligurian coast
- ✓ Taste authentic pesto genovese, focaccia and farinata, then hop on a train or ferry to Camogli and Portofino
When to visit Genoa?
April to June and September to October — mild, sunny weather, fewer crowds and pleasant sea temperatures
What to do in Genoa?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
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