Palermo Cruise Ship Port Guide

The Palermo cruise terminal sits just 25 minutes from the city centre on foot. You can reach the terminal by bus or taxi. The white terminal building features three berths and handles all cruise ship sizes.

For other Sicily cruise destinations check out our Mediterranean Cruise Ports in Sicily page.

Your transport options from the port include:

Taxis: £30
Private transfers: £95
Bus 107: £1.20
Hop-on-hop-off bus: £8.50

The terminal offers:

Tourist information desk
Accessibility services
Basic passenger facilities

You can easily walk to key attractions:

Palermo Cathedral
Norman Palace
Via Maqueda shopping street

The terminal’s central location lets you explore Palermo’s main sights quickly and efficiently. You’ll find clear signage throughout the terminal to guide you to your chosen transport option or into the city centre.

Map of Palermo Cruise Ship Port

Getting to Palermo Port

Transportation Options to Palermo Cruise Port

You can reach the port in several ways:

Walking:

Follow a 25-minute route from city centre via F. Crispi and Squarcialupo to Via Roma
You’ll pass the Regional Archaeological Museum
The Vucciria market sits along your route

Bus Service:

Take bus 107 from Via Francesco Crispi
Journey time: 10 minutes to historic centre
Ticket cost: £1.40

Taxi Service:

Look for white-licensed taxis only
Check the meter is running
Costs more than public transport

Car Rental:

Book online before travel
Add child seats if needed
Choose extra services to suit your needs

Private Transfers:

Pre-book for fixed rates
Professional drivers
Door-to-door service

Terminal Services and Facilities

At Palermo Cruise Port, you’ll spot a small white terminal building serving both cruise ships and ferries. The terminal offers three berths that fit all cruise ship sizes.

The port entrance houses a tourist information office where you can:

Get city maps
Buy bus tickets
Purchase parking passes

Terminal facilities provide:

Level surfaces suitable for wheelchairs
Staff to help with queries
Information desk for passengers
Nearby shops for bus tickets and basic needs
Multiple transport options
Easy access to car parks
Public bus connections

You’ll find these transport choices:

Local taxis
Public buses
Hop-on hop-off buses

The terminal processes both home-port and transit passengers with organised security checks and gangway access.

Port Security and Safety Tips

Safety at Palermo Cruise Port

Palermo Cruise Port follows strict European safety rules to protect you and other visitors. You need to pass through security screening points and will see security cameras across the port.

Keep these safety tips in mind:

Watch your belongings at all times
Stay aware of your surroundings
Tell security staff if you see anything suspicious
Save emergency numbers on your phone
Follow all staff instructions

The port’s security team:

Runs regular safety drills
Updates safety procedures
Checks all visitors at entry points
Works with local police
Receives ongoing safety training

You’ll spot security checkpoints throughout your visit – these help keep everyone safe. The port’s security staff are there to help you, so don’t hesitate to ask questions if you need guidance.

Remember: Your safety matters. If something doesn’t look right, report it to the nearest security officer.

Transportation From the Terminal

Getting Around from Palermo Cruise Terminal

You can reach Palermo’s city centre in several ways:

Walking

– 25-minute walk to city centre

Taxi

Fixed rate: £30 (35€)
Designated pickup points at terminal
Available 24/7

Private Transfer

Cost: £95 ($117.95) per person
Pre-booking required
Free cancellation up to 24 hours
Door-to-door service

Bus 107

Journey time: 10 minutes
Cost: £1.20 (1.40€)
Regular departures
Stops at main city locations

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Two routes available
Covers major landmarks
Starting from £8.50 (10€)

Car Hire

Available at terminal
Self-drive option
Flexible exploration

Travel Tips:

Book private transfers ahead for guaranteed service
Check wheelchair access before booking
Keep local currency for bus fares

See what’s on offer from the Port of Trapani for a different Mediterranean cruise destination.

What’s Near the Port

You’ll find many attractions close to Palermo’s cruise port. The historic Palermo Cathedral sits 25 minutes away on foot. The Norman Palace requires a short bus journey – take bus #107, then change to #109.

The Marina area offers perfect walking opportunities. You can see two key landmarks here: the Murale Falcone e Borsellino and Porta Felice.

The baroque Quattro Canti square and Pretoria Square, with its stunning fountain, welcome you nearby.

For shopping and local food, walk along Via Maqueda or Via Vittorio Emanuele. These streets buzz with market stalls and shops. Don’t miss Cappadonia Gelati, known for its award-winning ice cream.

You can unwind at the Foro Italico waterfront. This peaceful spot features art sculptures and colourful benches where you can rest and watch the sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Cruise Lines Offer Winter Mediterranean Sailings From Palermo?

You can sail the Mediterranean from Palermo during winter with three main cruise lines:

MSC Cruises offers the most frequent winter sailings, mainly through their ship MSC Grandiosa.

Costa Cruises runs regular winter routes from Palermo across the Mediterranean.

Marella Cruises provides winter Mediterranean itineraries departing from Palermo.

Are There Luggage Storage Facilities at the Terminal for Day Visitors?

While the terminal doesn’t offer luggage storage, you can store your bags at two nearby locations:

Nannybag: £3.70 per day
Palermo Luggage Storage: £3.90 per day

Both facilities are within a 5-minute walk from the terminal building.

What Dining Options Are Available Inside the Cruise Terminal?

The cruise terminal has no restaurants or cafes inside. You’ll find plenty of dining options in Palermo city centre, just a short walk away. The Mercato del Ballarò, a popular local market, offers fresh food and traditional Sicilian meals. You can easily reach these locations from the terminal entrance.

Can Passengers Book Shore Excursions Directly at the Port?

Yes, you can book shore excursions directly at ports. Local tour operators and tourism offices typically set up desks near cruise terminals to offer same-day bookings. Keep in mind that popular tours might be fully booked, and you’ll likely find better prices by booking in advance. You can often get helpful local advice and customised options when booking at the port, making it a good choice for flexible travellers.