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Travel to Sicily
Flying to Sicily
Most international visitors reach Sicily by air via the island's main airports in Palermo and Catania, both of which offer extensive connections to cities across Italy and Europe.
Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO) in Palermo serves the western part of the island and handles flights from major Italian cities as well as seasonal and year-round routes from European destinations including London, Paris, Barcelona and Munich.
Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is Sicily's busiest airport and the primary gateway to eastern Sicily. It has frequent flights from Rome, Milan and other Italian cities, along with international services from numerous European destinations. Its location makes it a convenient base for visiting Mount Etna, Taormina and Syracuse.
Trapani–Birgi Airport (TPS) serves western Sicily and offers a smaller selection of flights, including seasonal routes from several European cities.
Flight times:
From London to Palermo (PMO): 3 hours; to Catania (CTA): 3 hours 20 minutes.
Travel by rail
Direct train services operate from major Italian cities such as Rome and Naples to Sicily. The trains are transported across the Strait of Messina by ferry. Upon arrival, the services go to Taormina, Catania, and Palermo.
Driving to Sicily
Sicily is separated from mainland Italy by the Strait of Messina and cannot be reached directly by road. Travellers arriving by car must take a ferry across the strait.
Getting to Sicily by boat
Regular ferry services connect Sicily with mainland Italy and nearby islands. The most frequent routes operate across the Strait of Messina between Villa San Giovanni or Reggio Calabria and the Sicilian port of Messina.
Longer ferry routes also connect Sicily with cities such as Naples, Salerno and Genoa. International ferry services operate to Malta and occasionally to North African destinations including Tunisia.
Cruise ships:
Sicily is a popular stop on Mediterranean cruise itineraries, with several ports regularly receiving large cruise ships. The main cruise ports include Palermo and Catania, which serve as gateways to the island's historic cities and nearby attractions such as Mount Etna. Messina, located close to the Italian mainland, is another common port of call and offers easy access to Taormina and the northeast coast. Smaller ports such as Syracuse and Trapani are also included on some itineraries, particularly for smaller or luxury cruise ships. From these ports, visitors can explore Sicily's archaeological sites, coastal towns and volcanic landscapes.
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