Messina - Lipari
Ferries to Aeolian Islands
Messina - Lipari
Ferries to Aeolian Islands
On the Messina Lipari route, fares generally fall between $45* and $366*. On average, a Messina Lipari ferry ticket costs around $183*, with the lowest Messina Lipari fares starting at $45*. Foot passengers pay an average of $183*.
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.
Messina Lipari sailings usually begin with a departure from Messina at approximately 06:45, with the final sailing of the day leaving around 17:50.
Given the length of the crossing, a trip between Messina and Lipari tends to work better as a weekend getaway or longer stay, so you can get the most out of the journey.
No, none of the operators currently running this route accept vehicles on board sailings between Messina and Lipari.
Bicycles currently aren't accepted on any of the ferries running between Messina and Lipari.
Yes, Liberty Lines Fast Ferries accepts foot passengers on sailings between Messina and Lipari.
Good news for pet owners — Liberty Lines Fast Ferries allows pets on board sailings between Messina and Lipari. Traveling with a pet on this route costs an average of $323.
Figures reflect fares searched over the last 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last updated August 26.
When you bring a pet on board, you'll typically need to have the following ready:
This varies by operator — on some ferries, pets must stay in your vehicle for the whole crossing, while others provide dedicated pet zones, pet-friendly cabins, or lounge areas. Check our Deal Finder to compare the pet arrangements on offer and choose the crossing that suits you and your pet best.
A few things are worth knowing before you travel with a guide or assistance dog. We'd suggest letting our customer service team know, or flagging it with the ferry operator when you book, that you'll be travelling with an assistance animal.
Bring along any relevant certification and paperwork too, since you may need to show it at boarding or at some point during the crossing.
Even on sailings where pets generally aren't permitted, different rules often apply to guide dogs and assistance dogs. Get in touch with our customer service team to confirm the specific policy for your sailing, or visit our Special Assistance Help page for general guidance.
Overnight sailings on the Messina to Lipari 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 Messina to Lipari 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 Messina to Lipari 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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| Messina - Lipari Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $183 | |
| Messina - Lipari Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Sicily |
| Destination | Aeolian Islands |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Average Price | $183 |
| Average Pet Price | $323 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 3 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 16 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 2 h 35 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 2 h 30 m |
| First Ferry | 06:45 |
| Last Ferry | 17:50 |
| Distance | 40 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 August 2026.
The Italian city of Messina is the capital of, and located in, the Province of Messina and is the third largest city on the island of Sicily. It lies on the Strait of Messina, opposite Villa San Giovanni on the Italian mainland, in the north east of Sicily. The port in Messina is an important economic driver for the city's economy as it is a key component in the city and region's tourist infrastructure. It also supports both commercial and military shipyards. Agriculture is also important in the area and visitors exploring the countryside will often find oranges, lemons, mandarin oranges and olives growing. Since 1548, the city has had a Roman Catholic Archdiocese and Archimandrite seat and is home to the University of Messina which was also founded in 1548.
The city's port offers passengers ferry services across the Strait of Messina to the ports of Villa San Giovanni and Reggio Calabria in Calabria. There is also a longer crossing to Salerno, which is to the south of the city of Naples. Most ferries that arrive in Messina dock at either the Messina Marittima/Bluvia dock or at the Molo Norimberga docks on Via San Ranieri. Occasionally some ferries will dock at the Rada San Francesco di Paola I docks on the northern edge of the town.
Lipari is an Italian island and the largest of the Aeolian Islands, which is a volcanic archipelago located off the coast of Sicily. The island's largest town is also called Lipari, which is also the largest town in the archipelago, and is full of life with its harbour, historic castle-citadel and charming streets just waiting to be explored. Just like the other islands in the archipelago, Lipari has volcanic origins although the last eruption that occurred on the island was around 1,400 years ago, although there are some thermal springs and fumaroles on the island. Because of the fast ferry connections to and from Sicily and to the other Aeolian Islands, it is a great base from which to explore the other islands in the archipelago.
Lipari town is a great place to wander around and has some fine town houses to see that sit alongside more humble houses that tend to have balconies with full of flowers, washing and onions and peppers! There are Greek tombs located in parkland but the most impressive site in the town is the castle which is located on a headland and is the heart of the town that was once located on the site.
