FerryConnect

Italy

Salerno → Messina

Cartour’s daily ro-pax ferry between Salerno and Messina lets drivers skip the long A2 motorway through Calabria and land in north-east Sicily, close to Taormina and Etna.

⏱ 9h🚢 1 operator📅 Daily; daytime sailings from Salerno and overnight sailings from Messina🚗 Vehicles accepted

Salerno to Messina ferry at a glance

The ferry from Salerno to Messina takes 9h across the Tyrrhenian Sea, operated by Caronte & Tourist (Cartour). Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: daily; daytime sailings from Salerno and overnight sailings from Messina.

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 2026-09-29.

Sources: carontetourist.it · How we verify

Return crossing: Messina to Salerno

Caronte & Tourist (Cartour) also sails Messina to Salerno, taking 9h. Messina–Salerno sails overnight.

Salerno to Messina ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Daily from Salerno at 14:30 (13:30 on Mondays and Sundays); arrival is scheduled 9 hours after departure

Some Monday sailings run only on specific dates and in August.

Return: Messina–Salerno sails overnight.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Caronte & Tourist (Cartour) timetable →

Source: Caronte & Tourist Messina–Salerno timetable page. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Salerno and Messina

📐 165 Nautical Miles
Salerno⇄Messina
⏱ 9h · 📐 165 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Caronte & Tourist (Cartour)9hCartour ro-pax ferry

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

No pet facilities

📐

Distance

165 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Messina is the Sicilian end of the Strait of Messina crossings and has road links to Catania and Palermo

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from SalernoSalerno → Palermo9h 15m – 11h · Grimaldi LinesAlso sails from SalernoSalerno → Amalfi35m · TravelmarAlso sails from SalernoSalerno → Positano1h 10m · TravelmarAlso sails from SalernoSalerno → Tunis22h – 25h · Grimaldi LinesOnward from MessinaVilla San Giovanni → Messina20m · Caronte & TouristNearby alternative crossingNaples → Lipari6h 30m – 16h · Siremar (Caronte & Tourist Isole Minori), SNAV
⚓ Port of Salerno guide⚓ Port of Messina guide⛴ All ferries from Salerno⛴ All ferries from Messina🌊 Western Mediterranean ferries🗺 All ferries in Italy🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Salerno to Messina?
The crossing typically takes 9h. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Salerno to Messina ferry sail?
Daily from Salerno at 14:30 (13:30 on Mondays and Sundays); arrival is scheduled 9 hours after departure. Some Monday sailings run only on specific dates and in August. This is the pattern published in the Caronte & Tourist Messina–Salerno timetable page (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Salerno to Messina?
Caronte & Tourist (Cartour) operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Salerno to Messina ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Salerno to Messina ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Salerno to Messina ferry?
This route has no dedicated pet facilities. Assistance dogs are normally carried, but confirm with the operator before travelling.
How far is Salerno from Messina by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 165 nautical miles (roughly 306 km).