Overnight Ferry to Palermo

Consider yourself lucky that the train is booked. My night in a couchette berth was utterly miserable--not one wink of sleep because the rail car jerked back and forth constantlu. I was shocked at how awful the experience was, given that I was lying down.

I've never researched the ferry option but don't see how it could fail to be better than the night train in a couchette berth. I don't know when you're planning to travel, but I randomly checked October 1 on skyscanner.com and found 5 non-sfop flights from Naples to Palermo.

We did the opposite direction, Palermo to Naples on a ferry. I think we used GNV line.

Our "cabin" was small, interior with no porthole or window. I think we booked the cheapest one in any case. The food on board was decent, the journey easy overnight. It was fun to watch the sun set from the deck.

We actually enjoyed this ferry trip overnight to arrive in Naples in the AM. It was fun to board in Palermo and watch all the cars drive on,. We walked on, having just finished a bike tour on the western end of Sicily.

This was over 10 years ago, so if there are updated reviews, maybe things have changed on the ferry and the service. We just needed to get to the mainland and this was the easiest way without the expense or hassle of flying.

Personally, I'd say go for it, it's not terrible and I'd imagine the train is about the same for comfort.

We took the Tirrenia from Naples to Palermo in 2015. We booked an outside double cabin. Our cabin was ok, two beds, bathroom, window, not a porthole. It was comfortable for what it was. If I had to choose between the ferry and the train, I'd choose the ferry.

In the same situation, I'd use a budget airline between Palermo and Naples. I prefer to maximize touring time and spending a sleepless night on a ferry would not be an enjoyable travel experience.

Another reason we liked the ferry was the early arrival time in Palermo, allowing nearly a full day of exploring the city. As far as sleeping is concerned, it was much quieter on the ferry than some hotels in which we've stayed. In fact, it was as if someone threw a switch, it became that quiet. Perhaps others have had a different experience, but this was ours. Good luck with your planning.

Thank you, everyone for your insight. It has been very helpful!! Connie

I've taken at least 7 overnight European ferries (not counting two overnight trips on Hurtigruten in Norway). I've never had any trouble sleeping. My train experiences have been distinctly less comfortable. But again, I was in couchettes on the trains rather than private sleeping cabins.