Arrival & Transport

Sicily has three airports — the choice depends on your travel region:

Catania Fontanarossa (CTA)

Sicily's largest airport and the best connected. Direct flights from numerous German cities with Ryanair, Eurowings, Wizz Air, and Condor. Well-served year-round. Ideal for the east coast (Catania, Taormina, Etna), the southeast (Syracuse, Noto, Ragusa), and the interior. Flight time: 2–2.5 hours from Germany. Prices: 50–250€ return.

From the airport: Alibus bus to the center (4€, 20 min.), rental cars directly at the terminal. To Taormina: Shuttle bus (8€, 1.5 hrs) or train to Taormina-Giardini.

Palermo Falcone-Borsellino (PMO)

The second largest airport, 35 km west of Palermo. Direct flights with Ryanair, Eurowings, and Condor. Ideal for Palermo, the northwest (Cefalù, Erice, Trapani), the west (Segesta, Marsala), and Agrigento.

From the airport: Trinacria Express (train to the center, 7€, 50 min., every half hour) or Prestia e Comandè bus (7€, 45 min.).

Trapani Birgi (TPS)

The smallest airport, ideal for western Sicily. Direct flights with Ryanair (some German cities). Perfect for Trapani, Erice, Marsala, Aegadian Islands, Segesta, and San Vito Lo Capo.

Transfer Times

Sicily is connected to the mainland via the Strait of Messina — by ferry (a bridge does not yet exist despite decades of planning).

Ferry across the Strait of Messina

The shortest connection to the mainland: Ferries shuttle every 20–30 minutes between Villa San Giovanni (Calabria) and Messina. Travel time: 20 minutes. Providers: Caronte & Tourist, Bluferries. Prices: Pedestrians 3–5€, car 30–40€. The crossing is straightforward and offers a beautiful view of Etna upon approach.

Ferries from the Mainland

Train

Trenitalia connects Sicily with the mainland — the trains are loaded onto the ferry at Villa San Giovanni and transferred to Messina. A unique experience! Connections: Rome → Palermo (approx. 11h, from 39€), Naples → Catania (approx. 9h). Sicily is unfortunately (still) not part of the high-speed network — but the night trains are comfortable and affordable. On the island itself, Trenitalia connects the main cities (Palermo–Catania: 3–3.5h, from 13€; Catania–Syracuse: 1–1.5h, from 7€).

Rental Car — The Best Option

A rental car is the most flexible way to explore Sicily — especially for the west coast, the interior, and smaller towns. The highways (A19 Palermo–Catania, A29 Palermo–Trapani, A18 Catania–Messina) are toll-free and in good condition. Country roads vary — some are excellent, others an adventure of potholes and missing guardrails.

Prices: From 20€/day (small car, low season) to 60€/day (station wagon, high season). Comprehensive insurance is strongly recommended. Caution: Driving in Palermo and Catania is adventurous — chaotic traffic, creative interpretation of traffic rules, and parking as an extreme sport. In the old towns, it's best to leave the car and walk or take the bus. ZTL zones (access restrictions) in many old towns — fines of 80–100€ without a permit!

Buses (AST / SAIS / Interbus)

Sicily's bus network is better than its reputation — the main connections between the major cities are reliable and affordable:

For smaller towns and beaches, connections are patchy — in the Baroque region of Val di Noto (Noto, Ragusa, Modica), a rental car is practically essential.

Train (Trenitalia)

The main routes (Palermo–Catania, Catania–Syracuse, Palermo–Agrigento, Catania–Taormina–Messina) are reliable and affordable. Tickets from 7€ on trenitalia.com. The route along the east coast (Catania–Taormina–Messina) offers spectacular sea views.