Agrigento Sicily, Italy Travel Guide
The closest major airports offering connections to Agrigento are Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) on the eastern side, and Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO) on the northwestern side. Both are approximately 2-2.5 hours drive from Agrigento. These airports serve numerous cities across Europe.
Transfer options from both major airports to Agrigento are efficient. SAIS Autolinee operates direct buses from CTA. Autolinee Lumia operates direct buses from PMO. Journey times are approximately 2-3 hours. Car rental services, private transfers, and taxis are also available. Both airports offer standard facilities.
June-August: Flights are more frequent. Prices are higher due to increased demand. Book several months in advance for best rates.
April-May, September-October: Availability remains good. Prices are generally lower than in high season. This period has a good balance of weather and cost.
November-March: Fewer flights operate. Prices are typically at their lowest. This suits budget-conscious travelers.
SAIS Autolinee operates direct buses to Agrigento (2.5-3 hours). Car rental or private transfer also available.
Autolinee Lumia operates direct buses to Agrigento (2-2.5 hours). Train via Palermo Centrale also an option.
Offices at both airports. DiscoverCars.com for competitive rates. Check IDP requirements.
Agrigento Centrale is the city's main train station. Direct train connections exist from Palermo Centrale, taking approximately 2-2.5 hours. Connections from Catania usually require a change, often in Caltanissetta, making the bus a more direct option from Catania. Trenitalia operates all train services in Italy.
Buses prove more convenient and sometimes faster than trains for intercity travel in Sicily, specifically for direct routes between major cities. The main bus station in Agrigento is located near the Agrigento Centrale train station, making connections between modes of transport straightforward.
Non-EU citizens need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their valid national driver's license. Drivers typically need to be at least 21 years old, and a young driver surcharge may apply for those under 25. A credit card in the main driver's name is needed for the deposit. Major international companies have offices at Palermo and Catania airports.
Agrigento is inland from its coastal port, so direct sea or river arrivals are not applicable for reaching the city center directly. Major ferry ports in Sicily like Palermo and Catania offer connections to major Italian cities and international destinations. Travelers arriving by ferry to Palermo or Catania then transfer to Agrigento by bus, train, or car.
Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Speed limits are enforced: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on secondary roads, and 130 km/h on highways (autostrade). Headlights must be on, even during the day, when driving outside urban areas. Main highways (autostrade) are generally well-maintained.
Blue Lines: Indicate paid parking. Look for parking meters ("Parcometro") to purchase a ticket and display it on your dashboard. White Lines: Indicate free parking (rare in city centers). Yellow Lines: Indicate restricted parking, usually for residents or disabled persons (do not park without a permit). ZTLs (Zona a Traffico Limitato - Limited Traffic Zones): Exist in many historic city centers, including parts of Agrigento.
Major international companies like Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, and Sixt have offices at Palermo and Catania airports.
Non-EU citizens need an International Driving Permit (IDP) and their national license. EU citizens use their national license.
A Driving guide for Italy provides useful information for self-drive adventures.
For independent exploration of Sicily beyond Agrigento, renting a car offers unmatched flexibility, but be mindful of local driving habits and parking regulations.
