Arrival by Plane
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
| Route | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Catania → Palermo | 200 km | approx. 2.5 hours (highway) |
| Catania → Taormina | 55 km | approx. 1 hour |
| Catania → Syracuse | 60 km | approx. 1 hour |
| Palermo → Trapani | 100 km | approx. 1.5 hours |
| Palermo → Agrigento | 130 km | approx. 2 hours |
💡 Tipp
Pro Tip: Land in Catania, depart from Palermo (or vice versa) — this way you see the east and the west without retracing your steps. One-way rental cars are available, but they sometimes come with a surcharge of 30–50€.
