Italy
Messina → Reggio Calabria
Liberty Lines’ hydrofoils shuttle across the Strait of Messina between Messina and Reggio Calabria up to 19 times a weekday, taking 30 minutes (35 back). It is the passenger link between the two city centres; car ferries use Villa San Giovanni instead.
Messina to Reggio Calabria ferry at a glance
The ferry from Messina to Reggio Calabria takes 30m – 35m across the Strait of Messina, operated by Liberty Lines. It is a foot-passenger service; vehicles are not carried. Typical frequency: liberty Lines: 19 departures from Messina on weekdays (05:30–22:30), 9 on weekends and holidays.
Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-10-09.
Sources: libertylines.it · libertylines.it · How we verify
Return crossing: Reggio Calabria to Messina
Liberty Lines also sails Reggio Calabria to Messina, taking 30m – 35m. Reggio Calabria → Messina: 18 departures on weekdays (06:20–23:20) and 8 on weekends, about 35 minutes.
Messina to Reggio Calabria ferry timetable & sailing pattern
19 departures from Messina Monday–Friday, 9 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (from 1 October 2026)
Published departure times
- Messina → Reggio Calabria, Mon–Fri: 05:30, 06:15, 07:00, 07:40, 08:25, 08:40, 10:00, 11:30, 12:45, 13:00, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30, 19:30, 20:30, 22:30
- Reggio Calabria → Messina, Mon–Fri: 06:20, 07:00, 07:45, 08:30, 09:00, 09:25, 10:50, 12:20, 13:45, 14:20, 15:20, 16:20, 17:20, 18:20, 19:20, 20:20, 21:20, 23:20
- Weekends and holidays: Messina 06:20, 07:20, 08:25 (not Sun), 10:00, 11:30, 12:45 (not Sat), 14:20, 17:30, 22:30; Reggio 07:10, 08:10, 09:00 (not Sun), 10:50, 12:20, 15:10, 18:20, 23:20
Return: Reggio Calabria → Messina: 18 departures on weekdays (06:20–23:20) and 8 on weekends, about 35 minutes.
Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.
Official Liberty Lines timetable →Check prices & book on 12Go →Source: Liberty Lines timetable from 1 October 2026. Verified 2026-10-09.
Maritime Crossing Route Map
Interactive sea passage between Messina and Reggio Calabria
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Operators on This Route
| Operator | Crossing Time | Vessels |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty Lines | 30m (35m back) | Hydrofoil |
Route Features
Vehicles
Foot passengers only
Foot Passengers
Walk-on passengers welcome
Pets
No pet facilities
Distance
6 nautical miles
Getting There & Onward Transport
- Car and train ferries cross from Messina to Villa San Giovanni, north of Reggio Calabria
- Liberty Lines also links Reggio Calabria and Messina with Lipari (Monday to Saturday)
Tips for the Messina to Reggio Calabria Crossing
- At weekends the 08:25 from Messina and the 09:00 from Reggio Calabria do not run on Sundays, and the 12:45 from Messina does not run on Saturdays.