How to get from Catania airport to the city center?

Catania is one of the most famous, historic and beautiful cities in Sicily. In southern Italy, with an excellent tourist structure, Catania has one of the busiest airports in southern Italy, well equipped and with excellent access to the city center. Today we will get to know how to get from Catania airport to the center. Come on? Here at Your Travel to Italy with Ana Patriciayou make the trip of your dreams!!! ALSO: see our “Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your holidays!”

A little about Catania …

Catania is an Italian city located in southern Italy. It is one of the most visited cities in the region of Sicily and has about 315,580 inhabitants, being the second largest city in the region behind the region’s capital, Palermo. Catania is to the east of the island, near Mount Etna, and was founded in the 8th century BC; it extends over an area of 180 km and it is beautiful! To learn more about Catania, I invite you to read this post: What to visit in Catania? With one of the main Italian airports, Catania is a great option for those arriving by plane to the island of Sicily, and today we will find out how to get from the city airport to the center.

Catania Airport

The airport is officially called Vincenzo Bellini Catania-Fontanarossa, but it is better known as Aeroporto di Fontanarossa. Built in 1924, it has undergone several modernizations over the years so that it could operate safely and conveniently. In 2007 it received a new terminal, the Vincenzo Bellini Terminal; in 2018, another new terminal, Terminal C, was also opened to the public and, currently, it is reserved for Easyjet flights that operate destinations in the space of the countries that are part of the Schengen Treaty, in addition to domestic flights between several Italian regions. Still in 2018, the airport received more than 10 MILLION passengers, breaking a historic record for an airport in southern Italy.

Important to Know

Because it is very close to Mount Etna, the airport is subject to operational limitations, or temporary flight cancellations, due to volcanic ash that can invade airspace and maneuvering lanes during Etna eruptions. When this happens, for security reasons, flights are diverted to other airports in the region and can occur without prior notice. There is constant monitoring and, as soon as the information is confirmed, it is passed on to passengers.

How to get to the city center from the airport?

As already mentioned, the airport is well equipped, comfortable and has restaurants, bars, ATMs, shops, currency exchange and more. Good to know… There is no train to and from the airport to the center, since the airport does not have a train station.

1) How to get from Catania airport to the city center? BY BUS

The center of Catania is not far away, which greatly facilitates access for those who arrive in the city! The airport is about 10 km away and you can reach the city center by bus, taxi or car, with ease and tranquility! You can use an ALIBUS bus that takes you from the airport to the center (and vice versa) and the journey lasts 20 to 30 minutes, costing 4 euros. The buses leave every half hour and the service starts operating from 04h40. It is not difficult to find the bus stop, as they are large pink and blue buses with the words ALIBUS – leaving the Arrivals area, on the right, next to the airport. You can easily buy the ticket just before boarding (payment in cash only).

The route with Alibus

Below is a map of the bus route and stops. The route with the Alibus passes through the main points of the city: the Central station, Corso Italia, Via Etnea, passing through Piazza Stesicoro etc. If your destination is close to Piazza Duomo, Pescheria or Via Etnea, you don’t have to wait for the last stops, as the journey can take up to an hour more. You can get off at the first stop, just after the port. From there, on foot, pass the railway arches and follow the signs for the Duomo. Ready! In less than a ten-minute walk, you will be admiring the beautiful Duomo and can already taste an iconic cannoli!

Gold Tip

To find out what the other options are, if your destination is not the city center, you can click here and find the complete official list of buses operating to and from Catania airport. Here you can also find the contact details of the taxi points that operate in the airport area. Our golden tip is the Luggage Storage unit. If you have made a stop in Catania, have time at your disposal and would like to see the city center, but do not know what to do with your luggage: click here to find out where the luggage storage units are in the city.

2) How to get from Catania airport to the city center? BY CAR

If you have rented a car and are going to pick it up at Catania airport, leaving the airport you can already take SP 701 road or SS 114 highway and follow the signs for the city center. Signposts are accurate and you will certainly have no major problems finding the right path. Is it worth using a GPS? Yes! Especially to avoid the dreaded ZTL. Don’t you know what ZTLs are? So, to learn more, click here! Oh, and remember to take your international driver’s license with you.

Traveling by car in Italy

How about if I give you a rental car option? Are you ready for it? If you are renting a car be sure to read our posts in the section Driving in Italy on the blog Your Travel to Italy. In addition to car itinerary tips, we have everything about signage, tolls, roads and many more tips.

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3) How to get from Catania airport to the city center? WITH PRIVATE TRANSFER

Are you traveling in a group with up to 3 people or do you it a good service? Then consider this option! One of the biggest advantages of the transfer is the convenience! By booking in advance, you can even request a driver who speaks English! Have you ever thought how great is that? In addition to being safe, it is comfortable and efficient! It is also ideal for those traveling with children or people with limited mobility.

Advantages and disadvantages

One of the main advantages is having someone waiting for you when you arrive at the airport, that is, without stress! Not to mention that the car is clean and safe. One of the biggest disadvantages, when compared to other services presented above, is the price, but, as I mentioned earlier, if you are in a small group, it pays off. See it as an investment, not as an expense! Did you like the idea? Contact me! Send me an email with the subject TRANSFER IN CATANIA to arrange your arrival to the city center! Or access the link below for more information!

Accessing the link “Transfer Service”, you can get more information about this option. It is safe, comfortable and highly cost-effective!

Conclusion

How to get from Catania airport to the city center? As we can see, getting to the center of Catania from the airport is not difficult. Quite the contrary, it is practical, comfortable and fast. Following our tips, and knowing exactly what to do as soon as you arrive at the airport, you will save precious time for you to take advantage of one of the most beautiful cities in southern Italy, the incredible Catania.

If you are going to Sicily, consider including this amazing city in your itinerary, you will not regret it! Then tell me how it was!

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Did my post help you? If yes, make sure to leave your comment below, but if you still have questions, just leave them as a comment below and I will reply, O.K.?

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