Valletta - Catania
Ferry to Sicily
Valletta - Catania
Ferry to Sicily

Fares for the Valletta to Catania crossing usually range somewhere between $208* and $876*. Most travellers pay around $437* for a Valletta Catania ferry ticket, and the cheapest fares on this route begin at $208*. Foot passengers can expect to pay roughly $437* on average.
Fares vary according to passenger count, vehicle type, the route itself and what time you sail. Figures come from fares searched in the previous 30 days, don't include service fees, and were last checked September 26.
There's a quick way to stack up ferry fares and operators from around the world side by side, so you can pick the crossing that best suits you. Getting in early tends to open up the widest choice of prices and sailing times.
Direct Ferries has discounts running throughout the year. Where a senior discount applies to your crossing, it's applied the moment you pick the matching age bracket in the passenger section of your search.
If you're a student or recent graduate, a 5% discount is up for grabs. Head to our partner Student Beans to confirm your status and you'll receive a code to enter at checkout.
A handful of Spanish and Italian ferry routes also offer a resident discount — choose the "Residents" option if it appears during your search and the lower fare is applied straight away. You'll usually need to show proof of address, like a residency card or certificate, when you check in.
Sailings on the Valletta Catania route generally kick off from Valletta at around 05:00, and the last departure of the day is usually around 18:00.
With a longer crossing time, a trip between Valletta and Catania is better suited to a weekend away or an extended stay, so you get proper value out of the journey.
No, vehicles aren't currently accepted on sailings between Valletta and Catania.
Bicycles aren't currently accepted on sailings between Valletta and Catania.
No, foot passengers can't currently travel on sailings between Valletta and Catania.
Pets aren't currently permitted on ferries between Valletta and Catania. Our Deal Finder can help you find a nearby route that does allow them.
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are often treated differently to general pets, even on routes where pets aren't allowed. Contact our customer service team to find out what's possible on your sailing, or check our Special Assistance Help page for more information.
Whether the Valletta to Catania route has an overnight sailing depends on a mix of factors. Search with your travel dates, and we'll show you whether an overnight option exists, plus current timetables, crossing times and daytime alternatives.
Note that overnight sailings can occasionally take a bit longer than daytime crossings.
What you'll need to travel varies by route, so it pays to check ahead of your sailing. A valid passport is typically required for the Valletta to Catania crossing, along with any visa or national ID required for your nationality. As rules depend on both where you're from and where you're headed, our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide is worth a read to avoid any hold-ups at check-in.
Booking couldn't be simpler — select your departure port, arrival port and travel date to see everything on offer. From there, you can weigh up alternative routes and departure times to land on the best fit.
Look for early-booking deals and flexible fare types, like upgrades or flexi-tickets, which give you room to change plans later. Double-check details such as passenger numbers and vehicle specs as you go, to keep the booking process painless.
You'll get a confirmation email the moment your booking goes through. From there, how your boarding pass turns up depends on the operator.
Some operators send the boarding pass straight away, while others want you to check in at the port. Where it's on offer, online check-in through the Direct Ferries app can save you time at the terminal.
Ticket desks tend to sit right by the ferry terminal. Building in some extra time before you sail means you won't be rushed collecting tickets and getting checked in.
Have your confirmation email and valid photo ID — a passport or identity card — ready at check-in. If a pet's travelling with you, bring their vaccination and insurance papers, and hold onto proof of address if you booked with a resident discount.
A gap in sailings from Valletta to Catania on your chosen date usually comes down to something like a timetable adjustment, limited space, or a seasonal dip in service. Try a different date, or browse other options with our Route & Port finder.
Generally speaking, booking your Valletta to Catania ferry sooner rather than later pays off — earlier bookings usually mean lower fares and more choice of departure times and cabins.
A few weeks' lead time is usually enough to catch a good deal, though fares can still move around depending on the season and what's left available.
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| Valletta - Catania Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $437 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $395 | |
| Valletta - Catania Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Malta |
| Destination | Sicily |
| Average Price | $437 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 4 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 4 h 15 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 4 h 15 m |
| First Ferry | 05:00 |
| Last Ferry | 18:00 |
| Distance | 100 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 September 2026.
Valletta is the capital of Malta and lies in the central eastern part of the island and the Valletta Peninsular is home to two natural harbours; Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour, which is Malta's main port that has a number of quays at Marsa. Along the old sea wall of Valletta's waterfront, which was built by Manuel Pinto de Fonseca, there now stands a cruise liner terminal. Many of the city's buildings date back to the 16th century and were built during the reign of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as the Knights Hospitaller. The mainly Baroque city also has traces of Mannerist, Neo-classical and modern architecture and the effects of the Second World War on the city are clear to see with many scars left behind - particularly the demolition of The Royal Opera House. In 1980 Valletta was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the island's cultural centre with many churches, palaces and museums for tourists to explore.
Ferry services operating from the port depart to Catania and Pozzallo.
Catania is located on the east coast of Sicily on the Ionian Sea and is the second largest city in Sicily and sits under the imposing shadow of Mount Etna, or A Muntagna as the locals call it. The volcano has had a significant influence on the city's history and its actual existence, having destroyed the city on several occasions. The most destructive being an eruption in the 17th century. Catania was covered in lava in 1669 and then 24 years later, in 1693, an earthquake shook the town to its foundations.
A popular attraction in the city, located on the edge of the town's square is the Cathedral which is dedicated to St. Agata, the city's patron saint. The cathedral stands on the site of an earlier 11th century church that was almost entirely destroyed in the 1693 earthquake. The imposing cathedral's baroque architectural style incorporates Roman columns taken from an amphitheatre. There are more Roman elements in the cathedral as beneath there are some Roman baths. The Baroque theme continues within the cathedral's interior with several ornate chapels and a fresco depicting the 1693 earthquake. Catania's most famous son, Bellini, is buried in the cathedral as are three Aragonese Kings: Frederick II, Louis and Frederick III.