How to get around Sicily
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How to get from the airport
Getting around Sicily is generally easy, thanks to relatively well-maintained roads, efficient buses, good train services and regular ferries to the Aeolian Islands.
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Getting around from the airports
Airport transfers in Sicily are simple. Prestia e Comandé buses leave Palermo airport for Palermo Centrale station every 30 minutes; the journey takes 55 minutes and costs €5.80 (£4.95).
However, a better option is the Trinacria Express train, which also departs every half hour towards Palermo Centrale. It takes around 45 to 70 minutes and only costs €5.50 (£4.70) Taxis will set you back around €40-50 (£34-43).
The AMT Alibus runs between Catania airport and the city centre and train station every 20 minutes. The journey time is 20 to 60 minutes, depending where you’re going, and tickets are a mere €0.80 (70p). Taxis into town should cost €20 (£17) at most.
Landing at Comiso? Tumino buses serve nearby Ragusa once to three times a day (depending on the day of the week) – they take 75 minutes and tickets will set you back €3.50 (£3). Some flights arrive after the latest departure, however. If you arrive late, a taxi into Ragusa costs from €20 (£17) with Comiso Airport Shuttle.
Getting to the islands
Transfers to Sicily's cluster of islands are usually by ferries operated by Siremar, Liberty Lines and NGI. The ports of Milazzo and Messina host the most car ferries and quicker hydrofoils to the Aeolian Islands, with departures year-round but more frequently in summer. Palermo and Cefalù have summer-only services. If you really want to splash the cash, you can take a helicopter from Catania’s airport.
The majority of ferries call first at Lipari before proceeding on to almost all the other islands. Check timetables, but be aware that boats can be early, late or cancelled due to rough seas. It’s advisable to allow a day’s margin when taking one to get international flights.
Lipari, Vulcano and Salina also have fairly good bus coverage, while you also have the option of renting a scooter.
Getting around by train and bus
With no internal flights, the public transport options for getting around mainland Sicily are its trains or buses.
Sicily’s trains are efficient and far-reaching, but quite slow – the train from Palermo to Catania, for example, chugs along for four hours. Plan routes using operator Trenitalia’s website. Slower still is the charming Ferrovia Circumetnea, a narrow-gauge railway that circles Mount Etna.
When it comes to buses, Interbus and AST run the most services.
Getting around in the cities
Getting around Sicily’s cities is a breeze. Catania boasts the sole metro network, but Messina and Palermo both have trams and all the main towns boast dependable bus services.