Liberty Lines

Who they are

Liberty Lines is Italy's leading fast-ferry operator for the small islands off Sicily, running a dense network of hydrofoils and high-speed catamarans from the Sicilian mainland ports to the archipelagos that surround the island. The company carries more passengers to and from the Sicilian minor islands than any other operator and has effectively shaped how residents and visitors think about inter-island travel in this part of the Mediterranean.

The business grew out of the older Ustica Lines brand and was rebranded Liberty Lines in 2018. Despite the name change, the operational culture is the same: high frequency, high speed, passenger-only vessels. Siremar provides the parallel conventional car-ferry service on many of the same routes for passengers who need to bring vehicles.

Network and routes

Liberty Lines operates from three principal Sicilian mainland bases. Milazzo, a port on the north-east Sicilian coast, is the main gateway to the Aeolian Islands — the volcanic archipelago that includes Lipari, Vulcano, Stromboli, Salina, Panarea, Filicudi and Alicudi. Hydrofoils from Milazzo are the default way to reach these islands for most visitors.

Trapani, on the western tip of Sicily, is the hub for the Egadi Islands — Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo — a quieter group popular with divers and those seeking a low-key alternative to the Aeolians.

Palermo and Porto Empedocle (near Agrigento) serve the Pelagie Islands, with Lampedusa being the most prominent destination. Lampedusa, closer to Tunisia than to Sicily, is one of Italy's most remote and popular warm-weather retreats. Ustica, north of Palermo, is served from the capital.

Frequency on all routes drops significantly outside the summer season. Some of the smallest islands (Alicudi, Linosa) may have only a few services per week in winter.

Fleet and on board

Liberty Lines' fleet consists primarily of Boeing 929 Jetfoil hydrofoils and fast catamarans. The hydrofoils rise out of the water on submerged foils at speed, giving a smooth ride even in moderate chop. Passengers travel in enclosed, air-conditioned cabin seating — similar to a regional aircraft in layout.

Carry-on luggage is accepted but space is limited. There is no vehicle capacity. A small on-board service (drinks, snacks) is available on longer runs. Journey times range from under 30 minutes for the shortest Aeolian inter-island hops to several hours for Lampedusa.

Booking and tips

Lampedusa in July and August is the most capacity-constrained route in the entire Liberty Lines network — book as early as possible. The Aeolian summer schedule also fills quickly for the main August weeks.

Weather is a real factor: the Aeolian Islands in particular are exposed to the Tramontane and Libeccio winds. Liberty Lines cancels services when sea conditions exceed vessel limits, and refunds or rebooking are offered. Passengers with hard connections (flights, trains) should build in a buffer day.

For passengers needing to bring a car to any of these islands, Siremar operates the complementary conventional-ferry service on most of the same corridors — slower but vehicle-capable.