Ashley Lauren
How to Get to Sicily Without the Stress
Thinking of visiting Sicily? You should, I live here, and it’s incredible! Whether you’re chasing ancient ruins, jaw-dropping beaches, or that life-changing plate of seafood pasta, getting there can feel like solving a Rubik’s Cube. To see why you need to know how to get to Sicily, read on!
So, how to get to Sicily without a meltdown?
Understanding how to get to Sicily is the first step towards an unforgettable adventure.
- ✈️ By plane (recommended)
- ⛴️ By Ferry (which includes 🚗 car & 🚂 train)
Easy, right? Let’s break it down your way—costs, vibes, time, and those insider travel tips.
The Easiest, Fastest Way: Fly to Sicily (Seriously, Just Fly)
Look. You can absolutely drive, swim, or hop dolphins. But if you want to save time and mental energy? Flying is the gold standard for Sicily.
Sicily’s Airports, Decoded:
When considering how to get to Sicily, remember that it can be a breeze if you plan ahead.
- CTA – Catania Fontanarossa Airport (East Sicily): Clean, compact, and just 20 minutes from my front door. It’s a breeze.
- PMO – Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport (Northwest Sicily): A bit larger, good access to Palermo and the west coast.
Nearly every major airline—both low-cost and bougie—flies into Sicily from all over Europe. But what about the U.S.? Here’s a cheat sheet:
Each airport has various connections, making it easier to figure out how to get to Sicily from anywhere in Europe.
| ✈️ Departure City | Avg. Flight Time | Average RT Cost | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK) | ~11-14 hrs | ~$950 | Look for deals with ITA Airways or Lufthansa |
| Houston (IAH) | ~14-16 hrs | ~$850 | Book early, fly midweek for the best price |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | ~14-20 hrs | ~$1000 | Try Air France, ITA, or KLM for decent layovers |
| Rome → Sicily | 1 hr | ~$50 | Multiple daily options—super cheap |
| Paris → Sicily | 3 hrs | ~$130 | Budget carriers love this route |
| London → Sicily | 4 hrs | ~$150 | Ryanair, EasyJet, or BA depending on your vibe |
💡 Pro Tip: Want to score cheap flights? I’ve got a whole guide right here on finding ridiculous deals (without being glued to Google Flights 24/7).
Knowing how to get to Sicily can save you both time and money.
Ride the Rails: Romantic, Slow, and Surprisingly Cool
Traveling by train has a certain magic, especially when you’re not traveling with kids. If you’re already in Italy, this is a viable way to reach Sicily, especially if you’re feeling nostalgic or hate flying.
Here’s how to get to Sicily by Train:
- Take an Intercity or Express train from cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, or even Turin.
- Trains depart directly from Villa San Giovanni and cross to Messina via the ferry. Yeah, your train becomes a boat. It’s weirdly fun.
- You’re welcome to hop off during the crossing—grab a cappuccino, feel that sea breeze, pretend you’re in a Mediterranean indie film.
🕐 Travel Time:
- Rome to Messina: ~8-9 hours
- Naples to Messina: ~5.5 hours
🎟️ Ticket Prices: Range from €29 to €89, depending on class, time, and how early you book.
Drive to Sicily: Scenic Road Trip + Epic Ferry Moment
Driving in Italy is a trip—literally and figuratively. (Need help navigating the chaos? I’ve got a post on Sicilian driving fumbles and how to avoid them right here).
My best advice is to have a passenger with you who is in charge of using Google Translate for the signage as you slowly drive into the port. If you don’t have that ability, ask someone for help. Most locals are willing to help others as long as communication is possible. Many Italians speak English in touristy areas, but it’s less common in Sicily’s small towns.
If you’re starting on the mainland, here’s the general route:
- Drive south to Villa San Giovanni via:
- A1 to Naples, then A3 to Reggio Calabria
- Or take the A14 to Taranto, enjoy the Ionian coast, and cruise into Calabria
- Catch a ferry to Messina, Sicily’s northeast entry point
- From there, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure
🚗 Ferry crossings run every 20-40 minutes and take about 25 minutes.
💸 Ferry cost (with car): Around €40–€60
🚘 Pro tip: Book in advance if you’re traveling during holidays or weekends
If you’re on the mainland and wondering how to get to Sicily, it’s a beautiful adventure by car.
Bonus Moment: You drive your car onto the boat. The ferry features a cafe, restrooms, and ample seating areas to stretch your legs. Grab an espresso and a warm cornetto, snap a few pics, and enjoy the ride.
Wrapping It Up: What’s the Best Way?
If you’re short on time, energy, or patience, fly. You’ll thank yourself.
If you’re craving scenic routes and long lunches with stunning views, and you are already in Italy, consider driving or taking the train.
From my experience, learning how to get to Sicily can be one of the most enjoyable parts of your trip.
And if you’re in your “floating through life” era—ferry, baby.
No matter how you choose to get here, Sicily delivers—food, culture, beachy sunsets, and real-deal espresso.
Resources To Get You Ready To Travel Sicily
Ultimately, understanding how to get to Sicily will enhance your travel experience.
Here’s what to read next:
- How to Spend 48 Hours in Palermo (Like a Local)
- Things You Can’t Miss in Ragusa (Even if You Try)
- Road Rules in Sicily: What Google Maps Doesn’t Tell You
- My Favorite Budget-Friendly Travel Tools
In conclusion, learning how to get to Sicily opens the door to endless possibilities.
And don’t forget to check out:
Lastly, remember that knowing how to get to Sicily means you’re already halfway to your adventure!
So decide how to get to Sicily and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
👉 Car rentals
👉 Priority Pass Lounge Access
👉 Flights
👉 Hotels in Sicily
Don’t miss out on discovering how to get to Sicily while planning your itinerary.
Be sure to explore various options for an efficient trip to Sicily.
