Directions


Getting to Messina

 

From Catania Airport (CTA)

Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is the main international gateway to Messina and offers the most convenient connections.

 

By Bus (Recommended)

Direct coach services connect the airport to Messina city center, making this the most convenient option for most travelers.

  • Travel time: approximately 1.5–2 hours
  • Frequency: up to 36 daily departures, with the earliest bus leaving at 06:55 and the last at 23:10
  • Departure point: directly from Catania Airport arrivals area (no transfer required)
  • Arrival point: Messina Centrale / Piazza della Repubblica

Main operators:

  • SAIS Autolinee — one-way tickets cost €8.40; tickets can be purchased online or via the SAIS Autolinee app
  • Interbus — serves the route with Wi-Fi on board; tickets bookable on their official site
  • FlixBus — budget-friendly option with USB charging and free Wi-Fi
  • Itabus — modern coaches with onboard services

For a quick comparison of all operators, times, and prices on a single platform: Omio – Catania Airport → Messina

 

By Train

The train route requires a shuttle connection from the airport to Catania Centrale station, then a direct regional train to Messina.

Step 1 — Airport to Catania Centrale (Alibus shuttle)

The local AMT Alibus connects the airport to Catania city center; a single ticket costs €4.00 and is valid for 90 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the airport, onboard, or via the AMTS app. 

Step 2 — Catania Centrale to Messina Centrale (Trenitalia)

Around 25 trains per day travel between Catania and Messina Centrale, operated by Trenitalia and Intercity. The fastest services take approximately 1 hour 13 minutes; the first departure is around 05:01. Trainline

Total travel time: approximately 2.5–3 hours (including shuttle + waiting time)

 

By Taxi or Private Transfer

  • Travel time: approximately 1–1.5 hours
  • More expensive but door-to-door and with no schedule constraints
  • Pre-bookable through services such as Blacklane, Welcome Pickups, or local Sicilian providers

 

From Reggio Calabria Airport (REG)

Reggio Calabria Airport (REG) is located on the Calabrian mainland, directly across the Strait of Messina from the city. Despite its proximity, it requires a multi-step transfer.

 

By Taxi/Local Bus + Hydrofoil Ferry

Step 1 — Airport to the port of Reggio Calabria

The airport is approximately 4 km from the city center and the ferry pier. Reggio Calabria Centrale train station is about 3 km from the port and can be reached by local bus in around 20 minutes. Taxis are also available directly from the arrivals exit.

Step 2 — Ferry crossing to Messina

The ferry is operated by Liberty Lines, with about 18 daily sailings. The earliest departure from Reggio Calabria is at 06:30 and the last at 23:30. The crossing takes around 30–35 minutes, and ticket prices start at approximately €3.50–€4.00.

Total travel time: approximately 1–1.5 hours

 

Recommendation

For most international travelers, Catania Airport (CTA) is the preferred option due to its wider range of international flights and multiple direct ground connections to Messina. The direct coach (SAIS Autolinee or FlixBus) is the simplest and most affordable choice: no transfers, affordable fares, and frequent departures throughout the day. Reggio Calabria Airport (REG) can be a convenient alternative if suitable flights are available, but factor in the additional steps of the port transfer and ferry crossing.