Sicily is a stunning island on the South of Italy which can be accessed by ferry or plane from the mainland. Palermo and Catania, the main cities of Sicily, offer efficient public transports with city metro and bus, and trains linked to other towns. You can also find the two major airports in these cities, which can be reached by express coach or train.
However, in small villages, the system is either still a work in progress with provincial buses or non-existent. Sometimes, the area is so small you can explore it easily by foot.
Transportation to and from the airport
Palermo – Falcone Borsellino Airport is 37 km from the city centre. The best way to reach the centre is either by train through the Trinacrial Express service or by bus with Prestia e Comandè bus services. Either transport will take around an hour of travel time or less.
The train station is located underground the airport terminal. Here are the directions by train from Punta Raisi to Palermo Centrale Railway Station. Feel free to also check out the Trenitalia website for train ticket inquiries from Palermo airport
For express bus from and to Palermo airport, you can also use the Prestia e Comande buses. The locals called these airport shuttles and provincial buses, Pullman and aside from the airport to the centre, some offer transports to other towns too. You can book your tickets and select your preferred stop online here.
Catania Fontanarossa Airport is the largest airport on the island and around 7 km from the Catania city centre. The airport shuttle bus called ALIBUS quickly reaches the centre. They run every 30 minutes or so between 5 am and 12 midnight. You can buy the tickets from the bus driver by credit card or cash. Here is their official website, please make sure to click on any images to check their Cold and Warm months timetable. In case you are staying in other East Sicily cities like Syracuse you can take the bus from here too.
Airport Transfer and Taxis. We can also arrange for an airport transfer for you with one of our recommended taxi drivers at a fixed rate. Please send us your flight details, and we will contact them for you. There is a taxi stand outside the arrival gate to grab a cab.
Public Transports on major cities in Sicily
Although we love walking and admiring the historic centres of Palermo, Catania, Trapani and Syracuse, public transports are also excellent ways to get around.
Palermo has AMAT for city bus and tram services. Here is the timetable for the various bus lines, you can purchase the tickets from the bus driver, AMAT stands spread all over the city or tabacchi, stores with a large T sign. For tram information, you can visit this page instead.