Blog of Elena Iskhakova. How to get from Catania Airport to the city center? Sicily Catania Airport Scheme

Hello everyone, dear friends! The topic of our conversation today is how to get from Catania airport to the city and other places by all existing methods.

Catania Fontanarossa Airport is named after Vincenzo Bellini. It is located in the town of Fontanarossa, just 7 kilometers from the center of the Sicilian city of Catania.

There are several ways to get to Catania from the airport.

In this article:

Get there quickly and at night

The best way for travelers who prefer speed and comfort is a taxi.

In addition, if you arrive at Catania airport on an overnight flight, a taxi is the only way to leave for the city.

  • you have a lot of luggage or oversized luggage,
  • you are traveling in a large group of 4 people,
  • Are you bringing an animal with you?
  • a person with limited mobility or an elderly person is traveling with you,
  • you have a child with you.


Taxis can be taken directly at the airport upon arrival. Parking lots are located on the forecourt, not far from the exit from the arrivals sector.

Do not use the services of unlicensed carriers. This can end in unpleasant adventures. Take the car only at the indicated official airport parking lots or book it in advance.

The cost of travel:

  • during the day - about 30 euros,
  • at night and on weekends - from 40 euros.

You can order a taxi:

  • by phone +39 095 330966,
  • or on site www.radiotaxicatania.org,
  • on the Russian site.

Travel time from the airport to the center of Catania is about 15 minutes.

By public transport

1. Bus

There is a shuttle bus between Fontanarossa Airport and the center of Catania.

The bus stop is located near the taxi ranks. It is clearly visible from the arrival hall, it is impossible to make a mistake. Its final stop is in the city - Train Station.

There are several automatic ticket counters at the bus stop. But they only accept change and smart cards.

Therefore, if you have banknotes or a card with only a scratch strip, buy a ticket at the airport ticket office.

The number of the AMT Alibus Service bus from the airport to the railway station is 457. But most often the sign will simply say "Alibus".

The interval of his movement is 20 minutes. Opening hours - from 5.00 to 24.00.


The cost of a trip on this bus is about 5 euros for a 90-minute trip. Travel time from Catania airport to the city railway station is about 30 minutes. This means that you will have time to transfer to any city bus and go to the place you need without buying another ticket.

The bus makes stops along the way. Here are the most popular ones:

  • Asse dei servizi
  • Tempio
  • Borsellino square (under the bridge)
  • Vittorio Emanuele
  • Stesicoro
  • Sicilia
  • Martiri Liberta

Not far from the railway station is the central city bus station. Italians are not too keen on buses: most of them have their own cars, and they prefer to travel long distances by train or plane.

At the same time, buses in Italy are quite inexpensive, much cheaper than electric trains. And since they are not popular with locals, the economical traveler always has a chance to leave in a half-empty and clean bus.

You can also leave Catania Airport by bus to other cities:

  • ETNA TRASPORTI - Taormina
  • ETNA TRASPORTI – Letojanni
  • SAIS AUTOLINEE - Palermo
  • INTERBUS - Syracuse
  • ETNA TRASPORTI - Giardini Naxos

The stop of these buses is located in the same place as the city Alibus. Tickets can be purchased at:

  • checkout,
  • newsstand,
  • automatic checkout.

The schedule of intercity buses is available at the ticket office of the airport terminal and information desk.

2. Train

The airport and the city do not have a direct rail connection. But for those who wish to travel by train, it will be convenient to get to central railway station by regular airport bus (this was discussed above).

Trains depart from Catania Station in various directions. So, if you want to go on popular tourist routes, feel free to take the train.

From Catania, you can get directly to:

  • Taormina,
  • syracuse,
  • Palermo,
  • Letojanni,
  • Giardini Naxos.

Italian trains are fast, quiet and quite comfortable. They pass through Catania station quite often and in different directions. The fare is quite high, but the comfort is worth it.

You can find out the timetable and fare to the city you need on that website.

If you require:

  • special service for a passenger with limited mobility,
  • carry oversized baggage or you have a lot of luggage,
  • transport an animal.

It is better for you to contact the information desk in advance or through the feedback form on the website.

Catania is the second largest city in Sicily. This is one of the major ports of the country, and most importantly, it is located at the foot of the famous volcano Etna. Both business people and those who want to relax come to Catania.

There is a lot to see in and around the city. Fans of antiquities will certainly appreciate the architecture and souvenir shops. And nearby is the birthplace of Archimedes - the town of Syracuse.


Connoisseurs of beach holidays and good hotels will also find a place to their liking. Adherents of nightlife will discover many temptations of the Sicilian metropolis, unlike those in Central Europe.

In general, in Catania and its environs, every tourist will find something interesting.

I wish you an unforgettable trip, a lot of pleasant impressions and good mood on your journey!

For today I have everything. See you soon, dear friends!

Fontanarossa Airport is the largest in Sicily. The passenger turnover of the terminal is more than 9 million people.

How to get to the city center

Catania Airport is located 7 kilometers south of the city center. You can get to it by taxi or transfer, travel time is 10-15 minutes. You can also get there by public transport.

Public transport

The only public transport that goes from the airport to the city is the bus. There is no rail connection to the airport.

Bus

Buses will take you to the train station and the city centre. Do you need an Ali bus? No. 475. Route: Fontanarossa Airport, Asse dei servizi, Faro Biscari, Tempio, Colombo, Borsellino square, Vittorio Emanuele, Duomo, Etnea, Stesicoro, Sicilia, Martiri Libertà, Catania Railway Station.

    Where to find: The bus stop is opposite Terminal B.

    Travel time: 20 minutes.

    Where can I buy a ticket: at the ticket office at the bus stop.

    Working hours: from 05:00 to 00:00, buses run every 20 minutes in summer and every 25 minutes in winter.

    Fare: 4 EUR. The ticket is valid for 90 minutes.

Transfer

Convenient way to get into the city. You will know the cost of the trip in advance, and the driver will be waiting for you at the airport with a name plate. You can order a transfer on the KiwiTaxi website.

Price: from 35 EUR for two passengers.

Public transport

Between the railway station of Catania and the air harbor, buses run from No. 457 of the carrier Alibus, they operate from 05-00 to 24-00 with an interval of 25 minutes. Travel time 25 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the airport terminal or on the bus itself. The fare is 4 euros. The ticket is valid for 90 minutes and can also be used on other types of public transport.

A.S.T. operates three flights on weekdays and two flights on weekends and holidays. Buses follow the route "Airport-Catania-Gela". You can get to the city of Messina by SAIS AUTOLINE buses. The center of Catania is a 20-minute drive and Messina is a 2-hour drive. The bus stop is located to the right of the exit from the airport. Italians don't like public transport very much. They prefer to use their own car, so there will be plenty of empty seats on the buses and you will reach your destination in comfort.

You can get to other cities of Sicily, namely Palermo, Agrigento, Syracuse, Taormina, Letojanni, Giardini Naxos by Interbus buses. The fare is 8 euros.

Taxi

To get to the city of Catania, you can also take a taxi. They are located on the left side of the exit from the terminal. It is best to use the car that has a yellow or white color and has a “Taxi” badge on its roof. Otherwise, you may fall for scammers who will drive several laps before dropping you off. The fare from the airport to the center of Catania is 30 euros. At night and on weekends, the price increases to 40 euros. You can order a taxi by phone - + 39 095 33 09 66.

Personal transport

To get to the air harbor on your own, you need to drive along the A 19 highway, following the road signs. This highway connects Palermo and Catania.

The main heavenly port of Sicily is located just 5 km from the city of Catania, it bears the name of the great composer V. Bellini, who was born in this area. It is here that flights from the largest cities in Europe are carried out. During the year, the air hub serves more than 6 million people. Constantly carried out reconstruction to expand the terminal. About 10 years ago, the terminal was modernized, and now work is underway on the construction of a new building to further increase the airport's capacity.

The airport is located in the town of Fontanarossa, a few kilometers from the central part of Catania, at the address:

  • Via Fontanarossa,
    95121 Catania CT, Italy

Online scoreboard

You can check the flight schedule of Catania Airport on the online arrivals and departures board:

How to get from Catania Airport to the city center and back

It is easy to reach the central part of the city from the airport both by public transport and taxi services. The same methods are relevant to return back to the airport.

Bus

The bus stop is located in close proximity to the terminal building. Buses of the AMT "ALIBUS" company will be brought to the city. They depart every 20 minutes from 05:00 to 00:00. The route is Frontanossa Airport → Asse dei servizi → Faro Biscari → Tempio → Colombo → Borsellino square (under the bridge) → Vittorio Emanuele → Duomo → Etnea → Stesicoro → Sicilia → Martiri Libertà → Catania railway station. The road to the station takes about 20 minutes.

The ticket price is 4 euros, it is valid for 90 minutes and is suitable for use on all types of public transport. What does it mean? Having reached, for example, the center of Catania, you can transfer to another bus that goes to your hotel and not buy a new ticket, because. this one will still be valid.

You can buy tickets at the airport ticket offices, ticket machines, from the driver, online, at AMT ticket offices or at partner hotels. You can get acquainted with the detailed schedule and route of the "ALIBUS" route.

Taxi

There is a taxi stand right outside the arrivals hall. In the daytime, you can drive to the city center for about 20 euros. The rate goes up at night.

Transfer

It is always possible to order in advance. The driver with a sign will meet you upon arrival and take you to the specified place. In this case, payment is made at a fixed rate, and no additional surcharges will be charged.

Rent a Car

For those who want to travel around Sicily on their own, and not depend on public transport, there is always the opportunity, upon arrival, to rent a car. A special building, which houses offices of more than 20 companies offering car rental services, is located across the street from the airport on the right side. There is also parking for rented cars. Price per day from 26 euros.

Sicily Catania Airport Scheme

Skyport has one terminal. There are 20 boarding gates and six air bridges. Along the entire perimeter there are information signs in Italian and English that help you quickly find your way around.

Having studied the detailed scheme of the air hub, it immediately becomes clear in which direction to move. It is almost impossible to get lost in the area.

Additional services

The clean and bright air terminal offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable stay. All rooms are air-conditioned. There is free internet access. Sockets for recharging your phone are located in the waiting rooms.

You can have a snack during the daytime in the numerous cafes and bars on the territory. At the very top there is a cozy cafe where delicious food is prepared. You can dine here for a very reasonable price. Only food vending machines are available at night.

In stores you can buy both clothes and shoes, as well as essentials. Several grocery stores are available.

There is a first aid station, where, if necessary, qualified first aid will be provided. There is also a pharmacy kiosk where you can buy medicines.

For devout passengers, a small cozy chapel is open during the day. It is located near the arrivals hall. Baby care supplies can be found in any toilet room of the air hub.

There is a currency exchange office at the arrivals terminal from 06:00 to 22:00. There are also several ATMs in the building.

Information about the city and available excursions can be obtained at the tourist desk. She works from 8:00 to 22:00. Post office services are also available.

There is no luggage storage at the airport. If necessary, it is available at the railway station. It can be reached by bus in just 15 minutes.

In the transit area on the third floor there is a lounge for business class passengers. Open from 6:30 to 21:00. Holders of tickets, economy class can use the services of the VIP lounge, for an additional fee.

The airport is open from 4 to 00:00. If you need to stay in the terminal building while waiting for the morning flight, then you need to show a plane ticket. If spending the night at the airport is not to your liking, then 5 minutes from the building is the Catania International Airport Hotel. If you book a room, then a taxi to your destination is provided free of charge. The hotel has all the amenities for a comfortable stay.

Duty free at Catania airport

After checking in for a flight and passing through passport control, you can visit two Duty Free shops. The assortment is fairly standard for stores of this type. There is a good selection of Italian wines and other branded spirits, perfumes, tobacco products. There is also a selection of high-quality cosmetics from well-known world companies and traditional souvenirs. From the products here there are the famous Italian olives, various sweets, cheeses.

Taxi Free at Catania Airport

At the airport in Catania, you can apply for a tax refund if the amount of purchases in one check exceeds 155 euros. The return amount is about 22%. To issue Tax Free, you must first go through registration and not check in your luggage. Then go to customs, checks will be stamped there, and if necessary, they will check the availability of purchases. Having received stamps on checks, things can already be checked in as luggage. In the arrivals hall, at the Tax Free branch, you can get money in cash or on a bank card.

Official site

All the latest information is available on the official website of the airport:

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Catania Fontanarossa International Airport (Aeroporto di Catania-Fontanarossa) ranks second in terms of passenger traffic after Palermo Airport. Named after Vincenzo Bellini, who was born in this city.

You can fly here both from major Italian cities (Rome, Milan, Naples, Genoa, Florence, Bologna, Verona, Turin), as well as from Germany, France, England, etc. Most flights are operated by Alitalia, Lufthansa, British Airways, EasyJet, meridiana.

There are direct flights from Russia: S7 Airlines, Pobeda, Ernest Airlines fly from Moscow, Alitalia from St. Petersburg. You can find out up-to-date information about flights, as well as buy a ticket at a bargain price on the website aviasales.ru.

The huge modern terminal includes 20 boarding gates and six boarding bridges. It has everything that is required for a comfortable time while waiting for a flight: shops, restaurants, bars, as well as currency exchange offices, ATMs.

If you need to issue a taxi-free, then this can be done at the Travelex Italia point - it is located in the departure area. Works from 8.00 to 22.00 every day.

The official website of the airport is www.aeroporto.catania.it.

The airport terminal is located 5 km south of Catania: leaving the building, you can see Mount Etna. The most popular way to get to the city center is by bus. For those who prefer comfort, we recommend ordering a private transfer. And if you plan to travel a lot in Sicily, then just rent a car.

All information is presented as of 2020. Check the schedule and prices for a specific date when booking tickets.

By bus

There are quite a lot of buses to Catania: regular flights are operated by AliBus and A.S.T. There are different routes, so you can immediately get to other cities in Sicily. Stops are located near the exit from the airport.

You can buy a ticket at the kiosk at the bus stop - do not forget to validate it in the bus!

Bus AliBus

The city center can be reached from the airport by AliBus. It departs every 20 minutes from 5.00 am to midnight. You will spend about 20 minutes on the road. The final stop is the railway station Catania Centrale.

The bus makes the following stops along the way:

  • Asse dei servizi,
  • Faro Biscari,
  • Tempio,
  • Colombo,
  • Borsellino square (under the bridge),
  • Vittorio Emanuele,
  • duomo,
  • etnea,
  • Stesicoro,
  • Sicily,
  • Martiri Liberta.

The ticket price is about 4 Euro. The ticket is valid for 90 minutes and includes public transport.

Thus, you can take the AliBus to Catania and transfer to public transport there using the same ticket and get to the hotel. The main thing is to have time to do it within 90 minutes.

You can see the exact schedule on the official website www.amt.ct.it/?page_id=2610.

Bus A.S.T.

In addition, you can take the city bus company A.S.T. (No. 574, 670, 681). Buses run from 7.00 am to 21.15 pm with approximately 20-minute intervals. Travel time is about 15 minutes.

In addition, this bus can take you to such cities of Sicily as Avola, Caltagirone, Carlentini, Ispica, Lentini, Mazzarrone, Grammichele, Mirabella Imbaccari, Noto, Palagonia, Modica, Piazza Armerina, S. Michele di Ganzaria, Pozzallo, Rosolini, Scicli, Sigonella.

The ticket will be cheaper than on AliBus - about 2 Euros.

You can check the schedule on the official website www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it.

By taxi

Traveling by taxi will cost more than by bus - about 20 Euros during the day and 40 Euros at night. Parking lots are located at the exit of the airport. You can order a car through the city service - phone +39 095 330966.

Transfer from Catania Airport

Even better, book a private transfer in advance so that upon arrival at the airport you don’t have to worry about how to get to the city. Your personal driver will meet you with a name sign in the arrivals area and take you to the hotel or apartment where you are staying.

This way you don't have to transfer your suitcases to other buses to get to your hotel.

You can view various car options and order a transfer from the airport on the website or.

Car rental at the airport

Most tourists are not limited to visiting only Catania - usually everyone wants to see as many sights and picturesque places in Sicily as possible.

The easiest way to get around the island is by renting a car: this way you will not need to deal with public transport routes and adjust to the schedule.

When it's time to fly away, you can just leave your car at the airport on your way back.

It is most convenient to choose a suitable car brand and compare prices in advance on the Russian-language website www.rentalcars.com.

How to get from Catania Airport to Palermo

If you are arriving at Fontanarossa Airport and planning to go straight to Palermo, the SAIS Autolinee bus is at your service.

Another option is to get to the Catania station in 15 minutes, and then take the regional train (Regionale).

By train you will reach Palermo Centrale in about 3 hours. From Catania Centrale depart approximately every two hours from 5.00 am to 17.22 pm.

A ticket costs about 14 Euros in the second class.

It is convenient to look at the exact train schedule in Russian on the website www.omio.ru. It is also convenient to compare all flights using the filter system in order to choose the best option. The purchased ticket will be sent to your e-mail - print it out and show it to the controller when boarding the train.

SAIS Autoline bus

By SAIS Autolinee bus (route A19) you will reach Palermo in 2 hours 30 minutes without transfers. Stop in the destination city - Piazza Cairoli. Departs from the airport every hour from 4.40 am to 20.10 pm.

In addition, this bus can take you to the cities of Enna and Messina.

The ticket price to Palermo is 13.50 Euro.

You can buy a ticket in advance on the website wwwnew.saisautolinee.it. There you need to select the Acquista Online Biglietti Regionali TPL section, set the start and end stations and the appropriate departure time.

How to save money on a hotel in Catania

If you want to spend the night near the airport, then book a hotel room or rent an apartment. Nearby are Fontanarossa Airport Apartments, Bed & Breakfast Fontanarossa Airport, B&B Aeroporto Catania, Center & Beach, Aeroporto Bellini Rooms. Prices start from 30 Euro per night for two.

It is most convenient to see all hotels near Fontanarossa Airport on the website www.roomguru.ru. There are collected offers from various booking systems (Booking, Agoda, Ostrovok), so you can choose a hotel at the lowest price.

How to get from Catania to other cities

If you plan to continue your journey, then look at how to get from Catania to other interesting places.