Go to Messina by ship with car
To reach Messina by car, instead of embarking at Villa San Giovanni in Calabria to cross by sea only the Strait, it is worthwhile, both in terms of expenditure of physical driving energy and economically, to take the ferry from Salerno for those coming from a good part of Lazio, Campania but also from Abruzzo, Molise and the upper parts of Puglia and Basilicata.
Whether one wants to head right to the metropolitan city of Messina (the territory of the capital city alone presents phenomenal sights, which make us understand why it is worth visiting Messina), or to reach certain, contiguous areas of the Island of Sicily, it is worth seriously considering the ferry connections available on the Salerno – Messina route to embark with vehicle in tow. Calculating time and cost, we have an objective result: it is better to move by sea, saving money and getting carried away, even if it takes a few hours longer.
Duration and costs of the sea voyage
The all-inclusive price of the Salerno – Messina ferry for two people in bridge post with car is € 71 and the duration of the journey is 9 hours. Setting out to sea from Salerno onwards, without stress, letting the ship guide us, proves to be an excellent choice. Furthermore, bars, restaurants and TVs are available on board. By booking the double cabin, you spend around 40 euros more, but it is an advisable option for the return, when the crossing is made at night. Costs may vary depending on the period of the season and the dates chosen.
Duration and costs of the road trip
As regards the all-road route, by car driving mostly on the A2 motorway, you have to travel about 450 kilometers and embark on the ferry at Villa San Giovanni to cross the Strait, spending a total of € 85 and taking almost 5 hours overall. Approximately, in fact, around € 50 of petrol is needed for a small car with current fuel costs (which can also vary), and € 35 is the price of the ferry ticket for vehicle and passengers. A travel solution suitable for those who love to drive.
Tickets, boarding and check-in
Book a ferry
Tickets for the ferry that arrives in the Messina port from the Salerno port can be purchased online and they are received via email. The ticket is not a valid travel document for boarding, as it will be necessary to go to the port ticket office to carry out the check-in procedure for the issue of the boarding pass, showing the paper or digital ticket or communicating the code. Check-in can be done up to 36 hours before departure. At this point you can go alongside, to the ship’s access ramp. Boarding takes place in Salerno at the Molo Ponente and in Messina at the Molo Norimberga. There are also ticket offices near the aforementioned piers.
Accommodation and services on board
In addition to the deck seat, the armchair, the internal, external, internal second class or Superior cabin, pet cabin, cabin and PMR assistance can be booked; among the services, bar, self-service restaurant, shop and, on weekends in high season, the possibility of camping on board.
