Cagliari - Palermo
Ferries to Sicily
Cagliari - Palermo
Ferries to Sicily
On the Cagliari Palermo route, fares generally fall between $64* and $701*. On average, a Cagliari Palermo ferry ticket costs around $314*, with the lowest Cagliari Palermo fares starting at $64*. Foot passengers pay an average of $145*. Traveling with a car adds up to an average fare of $417*.
Actual fares depend on passenger numbers, vehicle type, chosen route and sailing time. Figures are based on fares searched over the past 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last refreshed August 26.
Compare fares, operators and sailing times from across the globe in one place, then book with confidence. Booking ahead is the easiest way to lock in a better price and a wider choice of departures.
Yes. Direct Ferries runs a number of discounts throughout the year. If a senior discount applies to your route, it's applied automatically once you select the right age range in the passenger options during your search.
Students and recent graduates can save 5% on their booking. Simply register with our partner Student Beans to verify your status, and you'll be issued a discount code to apply at checkout.
On several Spanish and Italian routes, residents can also access a discounted fare — look out for the "Residents" option during your search, which applies the reduced price automatically. Keep in mind you'll be asked to show proof of residency, such as a registration certificate or an ID card showing your address, at check-in.
Cagliari Palermo sailings usually leave at approximately 17:00.
Given the length of the crossing, a trip between Cagliari and Palermo tends to work better as a weekend getaway or longer stay, so you can get the most out of the journey.
Yes, Grimaldi Lines operates car-friendly sailings between Cagliari and Palermo. Use our Deal Finder to check live pricing for taking a vehicle on this route.
Whether a campervan or caravan is permitted on the Cagliari to Palermo crossing depends on the ship and operator running your preferred sailing. Enter your travel details into our Deal Finder, and we'll compare the operators on this route to confirm your options.
Yes, Grimaldi Lines welcomes bicycles on the Cagliari to Palermo crossing. Bikes are accepted by most ferry operators, though it's worth confirming the specific policy in advance so there are no surprises at the terminal.
Yes, Grimaldi Lines accepts foot passengers on sailings between Cagliari and Palermo.
Pets currently aren't permitted on board ferries between Cagliari and Palermo. Try our Deal Finder to search for alternative routes that do accommodate pets.
Even though pets aren't permitted on this route, guide dogs and assistance dogs are often subject to separate rules. Speak with our customer service team to check the specific policy for your sailing, or see our Special Assistance Help page for more information.
Overnight sailings on the Cagliari to Palermo route aren't guaranteed and depend on a range of factors. Run a search with your travel details and our results will show whether an overnight option is available, along with current timetables, crossing times, and day-sailing alternatives.
Bear in mind that overnight crossings can run a little longer than their daytime equivalents.
Document requirements aren't the same on every route, so it's worth confirming what you'll need before you travel. A valid passport is generally required for the Cagliari to Palermo crossing, alongside any visas or national ID your nationality calls for. Exact requirements depend on your citizenship and the rules of your destination country, so for the latest guidance and to avoid delays at check-in, take a look at our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide.
Booking is straightforward: enter your departure and arrival ports along with your travel date to pull up every available sailing and fare. You can also browse alternative routes and departure times to find the option that works best for you.
Keep an eye out for early-booking savings and flexible ticket types, including upgrades or flexi-fares that let you amend or cancel later on. For a hassle-free booking, double-check the details you enter, such as passenger numbers and any vehicle specifications.
As soon as your booking is confirmed, you'll get a confirmation email. Exactly how your boarding pass is issued after that depends on which operator you've booked with.
Some operators send your boarding pass out the moment you book, while others require check-in at the port itself. Where it's offered, online check-in is also available through the Direct Ferries app, saving you a step at the terminal.
You'll typically find the ticket desk close to the ferry terminal itself. It's a good idea to arrive a little early so you have plenty of time to collect your tickets and get checked in without rushing.
At check-in, have your confirmation email ready along with valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. If you're travelling with a pet, bring along their vaccination and insurance paperwork, and if you booked using a resident discount, be prepared to show proof of address too.
A few things can explain a lack of sailings on your chosen date: a temporary schedule change, limited space, or a seasonal shift in the timetable are the most common. It's worth trying a nearby date or exploring alternative routes using our Route & Port finder.
As a rule, the earlier you book your Cagliari to Palermo ferry, the better. Booking ahead tends to secure lower fares along with a wider pick of departure times and cabin or seating options.
Aim to book at least a few weeks ahead to make the most of the best available offers, keeping in mind that fares can shift depending on the season and how much space is left.
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| Cagliari - Palermo Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $145 | |
| Average Price with Car | $417 | |
| Average Price with Motorcycle | $213 | |
| Average Campervan Price | $590 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $451 | |
| Cagliari - Palermo Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Sardinia |
| Destination | Sicily |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Grimaldi Lines |
| Average Price | $314 |
| Average Pet Price | $613 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 1 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 12 h |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 12 h |
| First Ferry | 17:00 |
| Last Ferry | 17:00 |
| Distance | 263 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 August 2026.
The Sardinian capital city of Cagliari lies on the Mediterranean Sea coast and is regarded as one of the greenest Italian cities as it has a number of public gardens that visitors are able to enjoy. The most wooded site in the city is the 62 acre Monte Urpinu Park and is located on a low hill that is covered in pine and evergreen oak. Also in the city is the Park of San Michele, along with its medieval castle, and the Terramaini Park that has a pond which is home to flamingos and other wading birds.
The city can trace its history back to prehistoric times and has at various points in its past been under the rule of several civilisations. Of interest to many visitors to the city are the prehistoric Domus de Janas, which are prehistoric chamber tombs that date back to between 3,400 and 2,700 BC. There is also a Roman amphitheatre, three Pisan-era towers, a large Carthaginian era necropolis and a Byzantine basilica.
The port of Cagliari is divided in two sector, the old port and the new international container terminal. The port has scheduled services by passenger ship to Civitavecchia, Naples, Palermo and Trapani.
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.
