Travelling To Catania

Catania is situated on the island of Sicily in the shadow of Europes highest volcano, Mount Etna. It is on the east of the island between Syracuse and Taormina. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and bridges the gap between Europe and Africa. It is southwest of the Italian mainland, across the narrow strait of Messina and east of Tunisia.

The city of Catania can be reached by air, boat and train and is approximately 1,000kms from Milan. Once on the island, there is a good network of local trains and buses to many of the islands other towns and attractions.

By car

Those arriving from the Italian mainland should take route A1 autostrada from Rome to Naples, then route A3 to Villa San Giovanni. This is where you board the ferry for Sicily and the port is only about 6 hours drive from Rome. Once the ferry arrives at Messina, take highway A18, which will bring you to Catania. The city's traffic is heavy and chaotic, and it is best to leave your car in a supervised parking lot and visit the city on foot or to travel by public transport.

Modern highways circle and bisect the island and most of them are well paved and maintained. Away from the urban areas, the roads are quiet and pleasant to drive. The cities can be chaotic and congested and traffic signals are not always obeyed.

By rail

From Rome, there are some direct trains to Catania via Naples, taking roughly 10 hours. This includes transporting the train onto a ferry at the Strait of Messina, crossing the Strait and unloading it in Sicily. Catania is connected by train to all the major destinations in Sicily, such as Taormina, Palermo and Siracusa. Journeys can often be delayed and some stations are a considerable distance from the nearest town.

By bus

Long-distance buses link Rome and Naples to Catania. There are three main bus companies operating on Sicily - SAIS, AST and Interbus. They provide an extensive and cheap network, linking most of the towns at least once a day. In Catania, all of the local and regional buses stop at various points in Piazza Giovanni XXIII, across from the train station. Some of the other main stops for the citys buses are Piazza del Duomo, Piazza Stescoro and Piazza Borsellino. Tickets can be purchased from newsagents and tobacco vendors, and they are valid for 60 to 90 minutes from the time stamped. The same outlets also sell a one-day unlimited travel pass, valid on all local AMT bus routes.

By air

The International Airport of Catania (CTA) is situated five miles from the city centre and offers flights to most major European destinations. The flight time to London Gatwick International Airport is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.

Terminal facilities include a restaurant, bar, self-service caf and a Sicilian pastry shop. An exchange bureau, newsagents and other small shops are also available. Short-term and long-term parking is provided in the nearby car parks.

The Alibus runs every 20 minutes from 05:00 to midnight. It connects to the central Piazza Stesicoro on via Etnea and to Stazione Centrale. Alternatively, taxis can be hired for a fixed fee - the rates being slightly higher during the night.

By ferry

Sicily is well connected via sea links to the mainland. The major route is from Villa San Giovanni in Calabria, the last city approached before the ferry trip over to Messina in eastern Sicily. There are at least hourly ferries to and from Villa San Giovanni and also several hydrofoils operating from Reggio di Calabria.

Taxis

Taxis can be found in their designed parking areas around town or they can be ordered by phone. Most hotels will assist you in hiring a cab. Fares are negotiable, so dont be shy, drive a bargain. It's always advisable to negotiate the fare before you get in the taxi, especially for a long trip. They generally charge more after 22:00.