Getting There and Away

Written by Alexander Kopp, Marika Maslanka
03/09/2025
Beautiful rocky coastline in Scopello, Sicily, showcasing cliffs and serene sea views.
Josh Withers, Pexels

Sicily is well-connected through major airports in Catania and Palermo, along with a network of ports, train stations, and bus terminals across the island. These hubs facilitate travel both to and from mainland Italy and other international destinations.

By Air:

Flights are typically the quickest way to reach Sicily. The primary international airports are Catania Fontanarossa (CTA) on the east coast and Palermo Falcone Borsellino (PMO) on the northwest. Smaller airports include Trapani-Birgi (TPS) and Ragusa Comiso (CIY).

  • From Rome to Catania or Palermo, flights can take approximately 1 to 1.25 hours, with prices potentially starting from €15-€40 one-way if booked in advance.
  • Flights from major European cities such as London or Paris range from approximately 2.75 to 3.25 hours.
  • For travelers from the United States, round-trip flights to Catania may start around $386, and to Palermo around $410.

By Ferry:

Ferries provide a scenic route to Sicily, accommodating foot passengers, cars, and sometimes trains.

  • The shortest crossing is from Villa San Giovanni (Calabria) to Messina, taking about 20-30 minutes with frequent departures (around 54 daily). Foot passenger fares can start from €2.50.
  • From Naples to Palermo, the journey typically lasts 8.5 to 12 hours, with 2-4 daily connections.
  • Ferries from Genoa to Palermo take around 19-21 hours, operating 4-6 times weekly, with average costs around $469 (approximately €430).
  • Routes from Salerno to Palermo take between 8 hours 45 minutes and 10 hours 30 minutes, starting from €36.00.
  • Connections also exist from Livorno, Civitavecchia, Sardinia (Cagliari), and Tunisia (Tunis) to various Sicilian ports like Palermo.

By Train:

Direct InterCity and InterCity Notte (sleeper) trains connect major Italian cities to Sicily, with the unique experience of the entire train being loaded onto a ferry to cross the Strait of Messina.

  • A journey from Rome to Sicily (Palermo, Catania, or Siracusa) can take 10-14 hours. Advance booking for Super-economy or Economy fares can be as low as €19.90 for 2nd class or €29.90 for 1st class.
  • From Naples, trains to Palermo take approximately 10 hours 18 minutes, and to Catania about 8 hours 34 minutes.
  • Sleeper trains from Milan to Sicily offer various options, with prices starting from €39.90 for a 4-berth couchette.

By Bus:

Buses are a cost-effective option, particularly for travel within Sicily and from mainland Italy.

  • Flixbus offers routes from larger Italian cities to Messina and other Sicilian destinations. For example, a trip from Naples can take 7-8 hours and cost slightly over €20, which includes the ferry fare.
  • Several bus companies operate intercity routes across Sicily, often providing a more direct and sometimes faster alternative to trains for specific routes.

Car Rental:

Renting a car at major airports (Palermo, Catania, Trapani) offers flexibility for exploring the island, especially remote areas. However, be aware of potentially high rental prices, particularly during peak seasons (over €1000 for a small car for a week), and challenging city driving and parking.

Check out our other pages on Sicily

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