Ferries Across the Strait of Messina

In Messina: Rada San Francesco

In Villa San Giovanni: Villa San Giovanni Port

By car: take the Messina Boccetta exit from the highway and follow the signs for Caronte & Tourist – Ferries to Villa San Giovanni.

By train: the nearest railway station is Messina Centrale.

By bus: routes 1, 8, and 24 stop near the ferry terminal.

By car: take the Villa San Giovanni exit from the highway and follow the signs for Caronte & Tourist – Ferries to Sicily.

By train: the nearest railway station is Villa San Giovanni.

The price for a pedestrian ticket is €2.50.

Ticket prices for vehicles vary depending on the type of vehicle, fuel surcharge, and number of passengers.

Monthly subscriptions are available for passengers traveling without a vehicle.

Check fares here.

You can purchase ferry tickets for the Strait of Messina by selecting your departure date:

• On our website
• Through the Caronte & Tourist app, available on the App Store and Google Play

You can also buy tickets:

• At authorized PuntoLis tobacconists throughout Italy, with the Open formula valid for one year (non-refundable)
• At the Caronte & Tourist Terminal Ticketing office in Villa San Giovanni
• At staffed and automated ticket offices in Messina and Villa San Giovanni
• In toll lanes equipped with Telepass and UnipolMove devices
• By calling our customer service at +39.090.57.37

The ferry service across the Strait of Messina operates 24/7 with guaranteed departures every 40 minutes.

Check schedules here.

The ferry crossing between Messina and Villa San Giovanni takes approximately 20 minutes.

The duration may vary depending on weather conditions and maritime traffic.

You must carry a valid ID and your travel ticket, either paper or digital. For vehicles, a vehicle registration document is also required.

Subscribers only need to show their subscription card.

You can bring luggage without weight limits and without extra charges. Commercial samples up to 20 kg are also considered luggage.

For more information, please refer to the Luggage section in Transport Conditions.

Go to the passenger terminal, where you can also purchase tickets if you haven’t already, and follow the signs to board through the dedicated gates.

Access to the ferry is via a pedestrian gangway.

Proceed to the lanes dedicated to vehicles and make sure to enter the lane suitable for your vehicle type.

At the port, after ticket verification, remain inside your vehicle and follow the instructions given by our staff.

On board, park your vehicle following the crew’s instructions, turn off the engine, engage the handbrake, and leave the gear in place.

Yes, GPL vehicles are allowed. It is mandatory to turn off the GPL system and switch to petrol during the crossing, after informing the onboard staff.

Service may be modified or suspended in case of adverse weather conditions.

In cases of strong winds or rough seas, the Maritime Authority may order the suspension of crossings.

We recommend checking the service status before departure by visiting the Notices section on our website or through our app.

Yes, pets can travel free of charge on the ferry. They must be kept in a carrier or on a leash and wear a muzzle.

Find all details and required documents for traveling with your pet on the Messina-Villa San Giovanni route here.

With Telepass and UnipolMove electronic toll services, you can cross the Strait of Messina on Caronte & Tourist ferries without leaving your car or queuing at the ticket office.

Upon arrival at the port area:

1. Choose the lane dedicated to your toll service
2. Approach the toll column
3. Collect the automatically issued ticket
4. Follow the signs to board your vehicle

The ticket amount will be automatically charged to your Telepass or UnipolMove account.

Read all the information on crossing the Strait with Telepass or UnipolMove.