How to get to Favignana: complete transport guide
Practical guide to reaching the island of Favignana in the Egadi Islands: ferries and hydrofoils from Trapani, airports, trains, buses and transfers.
How to get to Favignana: all the ways to reach the Egadi island
Favignana is the main island of the Egadi archipelago, off the western coast of Sicily, facing Trapani. Famous for its turquoise coves and ancient tuna fisheries, it is reachable exclusively by sea from the port of Trapani. Here is how to get there.
Nearest airports to Favignana
Favignana does not have an airport. The two reference airports are in Sicily.
Trapani Birgi Airport (TPS)
This is the nearest airport, just 15 km from the port of Trapani. Connected by national and low-cost flights (Ryanair) from Rome, Milan, Bologna and other cities. From the airport, you reach the port of Trapani by AST shuttle bus (about 30 minutes) or taxi. From there, take the ferry or hydrofoil to Favignana.
Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO)
About 100 km from the port of Trapani, with many more flights. From Palermo, you reach Trapani by direct bus (about 1 hour 45 minutes) or train (about 2 hours). In summer, some operators offer direct transfers from Palermo airport to Trapani port.
By ferry and hydrofoil: the only way to reach Favignana
Ferries and hydrofoils are the only means of reaching Favignana. The departure port is Trapani.
Hydrofoil from Trapani
Liberty Lines operates fast hydrofoils from Trapani to Favignana in about 20-25 minutes. In summer, departures are very frequent (every 30-60 minutes), in winter they reduce to 3-5 per day. This is the fastest and most used means.
Ferry from Trapani
Siremar (Caronte & Tourist Group) operates slower but larger ferries, with a crossing of about 50-60 minutes. Ferries also carry cars and motorcycles, although on the island people mainly get around by bicycle.
Tickets and bookings
Tickets can be purchased online from the company websites, at the port of Trapani ticket offices or at agencies in town. In high season (July-August), it is strongly recommended to book in advance, especially for morning hydrofoils.
By train to Trapani
Trapani station is the nearest rail arrival point to the port.
From Palermo
Regional trains from Palermo Centrale to Trapani in about 2 hours, with 5-7 departures per day. The route passes through the Sicilian hinterland.
From Catania and Messina
From Catania or Messina, you arrive in Palermo by train (about 2 hours 30 minutes from Catania) and from there continue to Trapani. The total journey is long (5-6 hours).
From Trapani station to the port
Trapani railway station is about 10-15 minutes on foot from the port. You walk through the historic centre along Via Fardella and the Corso.
By bus to Trapani
The bus is often more convenient than the train for reaching Trapani.
From Palermo
Segesta buses connect Palermo to Trapani in about 1 hour 45 minutes with frequent departures. Departure from the bus station in Via Paolo Balsamo in Palermo.
From Palermo Airport
Direct buses from Falcone Borsellino airport to Trapani operated by Segesta and Terravision. Travel time about 1 hour 45 minutes.
By car to Trapani
You can reach Trapani by car and take it on the ferry to Favignana, but this is not recommended.
Route from Palermo
A29 Palermo-Trapani motorway, about 100 km in 1 hour 15 minutes. A comfortable and flowing road.
Car on Favignana
The island is small (about 19 square kilometres) and easily explored by bicycle. Car traffic is limited and in summer vehicle access may be restricted. Bicycle hire is the best way to get around.
Parking in Trapani
Near the port of Trapani there are fee-paying car parks where you can leave your car during your stay on Favignana. Costs range from 5 to 15 euros per day.
Transfers and taxis
From Trapani airport, taxis to the port (about 25-30 euros) are the quickest solution. Private transfers from Palermo airport to Trapani port cost about 80-120 euros.
Practical tips
- The hydrofoil from Trapani is the fastest means: 20 minutes and you are on Favignana
- In July and August, book hydrofoil tickets online in advance
- Do not bring a car to Favignana: hire a bicycle on the island
- Trapani airport is the most convenient but has few flights: check routes
- From Palermo, the bus to Trapani is faster and more frequent than the train
- In rough seas, hydrofoils are cancelled: the ferry is more reliable
- Favignana can be visited as a day trip from Trapani, but an overnight stay is worthwhile
