With the late summer counter-exodus, thousands of travelers have to cross the Strait of Messina on their way home. On these busy days, choosing the right ferries and knowing in advance the schedules, travel times and boarding arrangements can make a real difference.
Whether you need to board your car or travel as a pedestrian, here are a number of practical tips for a stress-free re-entry.
Strait of Messina Ferry Operators
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Vehicles (cars, motorcycles, campers, vans): Caronte & Tourist on the Messina ↔ Villa San Giovanni route with H24 service and very dense frequencies. Typical crossing duration ~20 minutes.
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Foot passengers: fast Messina ↔ Reggio Calabria services operated by fast ferries Liberty Lines; typical times 30-35 minutes (depending on direction).
Messina – Villa San Giovanni / Reggio Calabria ferry departure times
Messina ↔ Villa San Giovanni (Caronte & Tourist – vehicles)
- Continuous, H24 departures with close frequencies (approximately every 20-40′ according to time slot). Check “Upcoming Departures” and the current framework from July 18 to August 31, 2025 directly on the website. Duration ~20′.
Messina ↔ Reggio Calabria (high-speed ferries – pedestrians)
- Overtime schedules August 22-28, 2025 for RFI work: check daily schedules published by Blu Jet. Typical times Messina→Reggio 30′ / Reggio→Messina 35′ (Liberty Lines operating indicative).
Note: Schedules over the Straits change often (especially on return weekends): always check the latest update from carriers before booking
Where to board the Strait of Messina ferries
Villa San Giovanni (toward Messina)
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Exit A2, follow “Boats to Sicily” to C&T Terminal-Ticketing (“drive-through” lanes for ticket/reservation pickup).
Messina (toward Villa San Giovanni)
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“Messina Boccetta” exit, then waterfront and directions to “Caronte & Tourist – embarkations for Villa San Giovanni” (Rada San Francesco).
Messina (fast passenger ships)
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Historic Harbor Area / Rizzo Pier for pedestrian boarding.
Reggio Calabria (fast passenger ships)
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Via Candeloro dock (port of Reggio).
Strait of Messina Ferry Travel Times
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Charon & Tourist (vehicles) Messina-Villa: ~20 minutes (weather permitting).
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Fast ships (pedestrians) Messina-Reggio: 30-35 minutes depending on direction
Tips for boarding vehicles on Messina – Villa San Giovanni ferries
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Arrive early in the hot hours of the return (late afternoon/evening on Saturday and Sunday). Lines clear, but early makes a difference. (H24 frequencies confirmed by the carrier).
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Aisles and staff: respect car/camper/motorcycle signs; keep ID and ticket handy to speed up checks.
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Plan fuel stop/bathrooms before entering boarding area (facilities are there, but in traffic peaks it is better to arrive ready).
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Weather and sea: in high winds the duration may lengthen slightly: consider a small margin.
- Also read our article Is it better to board the car on the ferry first or last?
Tips for Pedestrians (Messina-Reggio Calabria Ferries)
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Check the notices: these days (August 22-28) special Blu Jet schedules are in effect due to RFI work.
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Purchase combined train+ship ticket: with Trenitalia you can add Blu Jet in one solution (useful if you arrive/depart with Frecce/IC in Villa SG)
Luggage on board ferries
If you’re traveling on foot or with a car in tow, pack smartly: take only the bare essentials with you in the cabin, such as documents, water, chargers, and a light change of clothes, so you avoid constantly opening bulky suitcases or backpacks.
If you are carrying fragile items or food, place them high in the trunk and secure them well to avoid bumps during boarding and crossing. Remember that hold areas and cargo aisles are not accessible during the crossing-keep everything you might use on board handy.
Smart luggage – what to know
- Hand luggage limit: on fast foot passenger ships (Messina-Reggio Calabria) normally includes 1 free piece of luggage up to 10 kg; any extras are charged separately.
- With vehicle in tow: no specific limit on the number of suitcases, but keep only what you need on hand during the crossing (cabins and passenger areas are not accessible from the hold).
- Always check your ticket-some companies detail maximum allowable luggage size and weight.
- Essential accessories to keep with you: documents, water, charger, medication, a light wind/air conditioning garment.
Book the most affordable ferries on FerryFinder
To face the counter-exodus without worries, the best way is to book ferries in advance to cross the Strait of Messina. With FerryFinder you can compare at a glance the routes Messina-Reggio Calabria, check schedules, travel times and choose the ferry that best suits your needs.
Booking online at Ferryfinder.com allows you to choose the most convenient option for your return from vacation 2025 while avoiding annoying lines and unnecessary waiting.
