Palermo to Genoa Ferry

The Palermo to Genoa ferry is the northbound leg of Sicily's longest Tyrrhenian link, carrying passengers and vehicles from the Sicilian capital all the way up to Liguria. It is run by Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), whose head office and main hub sit at the arrival port of Genoa, making this a natural gateway back to northern Italy and the road network toward France and central Europe.

Duration and timing

Heading north up the western coast, the crossing takes roughly 20 hours - broadly between 19 and 21 and a half hours depending on the ship and conditions. Sailings leave Palermo and reach Genoa after a night and much of the next day at sea, so the passage spans an overnight stretch. A cabin makes the long haul far more restful than deck seating.

How often it sails

GNV operates the northbound service year-round, with around six weekly departures rising to seven in summer. For drivers leaving Sicily, boarding at Palermo avoids the long overland drive up the Italian peninsula and delivers you straight to the north-west.

Onboard and vehicles

The vessels offer the full range of accommodation for the long trip: inside and sea-view cabins, family suites, pet-friendly and accessible cabins, plus restaurants, bars and open decks. As a vehicle ferry it carries cars, motorhomes, vans and motorcycles, letting you take your own transport off the island and continue by road once you land in Genoa.

Because Genoa connects onward to the Italian and French motorway systems, this sailing is a favoured route for travellers driving between Sicily and northern Europe.