Palermo and Catania are Sicily’s two largest cities and tourist hubs, so there’s a good chance you’ll be hoping to tick both off your bucket list. Although they lie on different sides of the island, getting between the two is generally super simple.
If you want to know how to get from Palermo to Catania, you’ll have numerous modes of transport to pick from. We all have different budgets and timeframes, so what works for one traveler may not suit another. Nonetheless, each transport method has pros and cons to consider before booking.
Having grown up in Sicily, I’m well-versed in the island’s transport links. I’ve gathered all the must-know information about getting from Palermo to Catania and used it to create this helpful guide ahead of your visit.
The Modes of Transport Available From Palermo to Catania
When journeying from Palermo to Catania, you can travel by bus, train, taxi, or private car. Both cities have airports, and while traveling by air would certainly be the quickest option, flights between the two are rare. At present, no airline operates a direct route connecting Catania with Palermo.
Taking the Bus From Palermo to Catania
Taking the bus between Palermo and Catania is a cost-effective option for those traveling on a tight budget. Most services are direct and take less than three hours, provided the traffic is onside! The operator you choose may have a specific pick-up point, but any bus I’ve taken has departed from outside Palermo Centrale and arrived at Catania Central Bus Station.
Between companies like FlixBus and Sais Autolinee, there are dozens of departures each day. I’ve traveled with both and had similar experiences with each of them. Depending on the time you’re hoping to leave and how close the departure point is to your accommodation, you might find one is more suited to your needs than the other.
Even though the prices can vary a little, they generally stay within the same range all year round. Sais Autolinee charges about €14 for the trip, while FlixBus might be as low as €12 or occasionally more than €18. To secure the best prices, I recommend purchasing your ticket a few days in advance.
Taking the Train From Palermo to Catania
If you decide to travel by train from Palermo to Catania with Trenitalia, you’ll likely arrive within four hours, though some routes can take over five hours. Unfortunately, there’s no direct train linking the two cities, which continues to surprise me as someone who lives here! You’ll first need to catch a train to Caltanissetta Xirbi, a station in central Sicily, before switching to the Catania service. Luckily, there’s usually only a waiting time of around ten minutes.
This route has between five and ten departures on most days. Outside of these one-stop routes, there are trains that require two changes and typically take much longer, so it’s best to avoid these and stick to the more straightforward alternatives.
The timing of your visit and the demand for the route can affect the ticket prices, but they tend to be around €17 for a one-way journey. Should you decide to purchase a ticket for one of the multi-stop services, this price will likely be higher.
Taking a Taxi From Palermo to Catania
Is public transport not your thing? In that case, a taxi might be a more appealing way of getting from Palermo to Catania for you. The trip from the Sicilian capital to the island’s second city is just short of two and a half hours in a taxi, which means it’s often the quickest option. If you’ve ever been to Sicily, you’ll know the traffic isn’t always the most pleasant, so take this expected time with a pinch of salt!
As you’d expect, there are several perks that you’ll enjoy if you decide to travel by taxi. You won’t need to worry about specific departure times or work out how to get to the pick-up point, and it’s an all-around, more comfortable experience. However, because of the 210 km distance between Palermo and Catania, it’s usually not as simple as hailing a taxi from the side of the street. A day or two before you’re set to go, ask your hotel to pre-book a cab so you won’t need to wait around looking for a driver.
It probably won’t come as a shock that a taxi to Catania from Palermo won’t come cheap. Predicting the final fare is almost impossible, but I’d expect to pay between €200 and €300.
Hiring a Car to Drive From Palermo to Catania
Another option is to hire a car, which I’d most definitely recommend if you’re up for an adventure and planning to spend a few weeks in Sicily. Much like a taxi, driving from Palermo to Catania will take around two and a half hours. Even though hiring a car won’t save you much time, it allows you to make a pit stop in some smaller towns along the way.
Of course, the main upside to going on a road trip from Palermo to Catania and driving is the freedom to travel at your own pace. You’ll leave whenever you’d like and stop as often as you please. It goes without saying, however, that unless you’re comfortable driving in an unfamiliar area, it may not be the most pleasant experience. As someone who’s grown up here, I know how intimidating some of the roads here can be!
The price of hiring a car can start from €20 or €30 a day but may be significantly higher depending on the rental company and time of year. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to account for fuel and parking, meaning that costs can add up quickly.
That’s How You Get From Palermo to Catania!
Traveling from Palermo to Catania has never been easier, with several public and private transport methods available to choose from. By comparing the different options before you arrive, you can ensure you select the most fitting means of transport for you and your travel companions.