Messina Sicily, Italy Travel Guide
Messina is served by these airports:
Airlines and typical routes to CTA.
AST operates direct bus services from Catania Airport directly to Messina city center. Journey takes approx 1.5-2 hours. Cost-effective and straightforward.
Take a local bus from CTA to Catania Centrale train station. Direct trains then run to Messina Centrale. Total journey approx 2-2.5 hours.
Private transfers and taxis are available outside the terminal. Direct service to accommodation at a higher price. Pre-booking creates convenience.
Messina Centrale is the city’s main railway station. Frequent services connect Messina to other major Sicilian cities (Catania, Palermo, Siracusa) and direct intercity services to mainland Italian cities (Rome, Naples, Milan). Trains load onto train ferries for the Strait crossing, yielding an unique travel experience. Trenitalia is the national operator. Purchase tickets online, at ticket offices, or self-service machines.
Major bus companies (SAIS Autolinee, Interbus, Etna Trasporti) operate an extensive network connecting Messina to various towns and cities across Sicily. Buses often yield more direct routes to smaller towns or places not easily reachable by train. Purchase tickets at bus stations, online, or sometimes directly from the driver.
A valid national driving license is necessary; for non-EU citizens, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally necessary. Minimum driving age is 18 (rental companies often 21/25 with surcharge). Major highways are well-maintained. Italian drivers can be assertive. Awareness of ZTLs (Limited Traffic Zones) in city centers is important; unauthorized entry results in fines. Parking can be challenging and expensive. A car GPS device is useful for navigation.
Messina is a significant port for passenger ferries, train ferries, and cruise ships. It is a working port with constant movement.
Messina does not have river transportation options for tourism.
No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing from Italy, whether by air, land, or sea.
For international flights from CTA, arrive 2-3 hours prior. Domestic flights from REG, 1.5-2 hours. Ferries/trains, 30 min prior (60-90 min for vehicles).
Expect varied road conditions throughout the region.
Parking in the city center can be challenging and expensive. Look for blue lines on the street which indicate paid parking (purchase tickets from nearby machines or tabaccherie).
White lines indicate free parking, but these are rare in central areas. Yellow lines indicate resident-only parking.
Be extremely careful of ZTLs, which are active in historic centers. These zones are monitored by cameras, and unauthorized entry results in steep automatic fines. Always look for ZTL signs.
A ferry crossing the Strait of Messina has an unique travel experience.
