How to Get to Catania from Palermo: Complete Guide
In this post we will tell you all the information you need to know about how to get to Catania from Palermo. You have nothing to worry about. You will get from one city to the other without a problem. All you have to do is follow our advice.
Palermo and Catania are some 140 miles (230 km) apart. You need to cross the island to get from one to the other. You can take a train, a bus, or drive yourself from one city to the other. It’s an easy trip that offers incredible views of the largest island in the Mediterranean.
Catania is Sicily’s second largest city. It’s also the island’s financial and industrial powerhouse. The city lies on the eastern coast of the island. It faces the Ionian Sea. Palermo is Sicily’s capital and biggest city. The city is on the western coast of the island. It faces the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Trains from Palermo to Catania
We usually go from Palermo to Catania by train. Take note that a new fast train between both cities is under construction. Thus, you have to hop on a replacement bus in Dittaino. No worries, the bus ticket is included when you purchase the train ticket. Follow the instructions in English when on board.
There are 6 direct trains from Palermo to Catania. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes. You can check official information and purchase your ticket here. The trains leave from Palermo Centrale and arrive at Catania Centrale.
Now, is there a direct train from Catania to Palermo? Once again, you have to take a bus to Dittaino and then continue to Palermo by train. Buses leave from Catania Centrale 7 times a day. The journey is an attraction in itself so grab a window seat.
Getting to / from the Train Stations
Palermo Centrale train station is pretty close to the Old Town, halfway between the Botanical Gardens and the Norman Palace, the city’s main attraction. In fact, you can walk to the station from the Palace in 20 minutes. Several public buses take you from the city to the station.
Ask at your hotel for the correct one. Remember to ask where you can purchase your bus ticket. A taxi is another option. A taxi from the center to the station should take 10 m and shouldn’t be expensive. Take one if you arrive at night. Buses can take forever at night.
Catania Centrale is also pretty close to the center, a 20 minute walk to Saint Agatha’s Cathedral. You can take a bus from your hotel to the station. Ask there. Giovani XXIII is the metro station in front of Catania Centrale. The station in the center, next to the Roman Amphitheatre is Stesicoro.
Buses from Palermo to Catania
Considering the current train situation, a bus from Palermo to Catania is the fastest option. Weekdays and Sundays, the earliest bus leaves at 4:30 AM, and then one bus on the hour from 6 AM to 7 PM and one at 8:30 PM. Buses on Saturday operate from 7 AM to 8:30 PM.
The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours. Buses depart from the bus terminal next to Palermo Centrale train station. The bus station is on Via Tommaso Fazello. Buses arrive next to Catania Centrale Train station, and next to Catania Airport. You can check for official information and purchase your ticket here.
The same company operates the bus route from Catania to Palermo. They leave from Stazione – Bus Via Archimede, next to Catania Centrale. Weekdays and Sundays the earliest bus leaves at 4:30 AM, and then one bus on the hour from 6 AM to 7 PM, and one at 8:30 PM. Buses on Saturday operate from 7 AM to 8:30 PM.
Getting to / from the Bus Stations
Buses from Palermo to Catania leave from the bus station on Via Tommaso Fazello and then stop once on Via Oreto 385 before hitting the road to Catania. The bus station is next to Palermo Centrale. Therefore, you can walk to the station from the center in 20 minutes.
You can also take a public bus from almost anywhere in the city to the train station. Ask at your hotel and purchase your ticket beforehand. You can take an inexpensive taxi to the bus station. We always take them at night. Ignore the stop at Via Oreto, it’s far from any point of interest.
Buses to and from Catania stop at Via Archimede, in front of Catania Centrale Train Station. They also stop a bit later at Borsellino Square, next to the marina. Then the bus stops at Catania’s International Airport. You can walk or take a public bus from the center to the bus station.
Driving from Palermo to Catania
We have to be honest. We have never driven from Palermo to Catania. Driving is not our thing. Plus what are you to do with the car once you are in Catania? However, lots of travelers rent a car and tour Sicily.
Driving from Palermo to Catania is pretty straight forward. All you have to do is take E90 road, and soon enough get on road A19.The highway takes you directly to Catania. Expect to spend approximately 40 USD on gas, and 5 more on tolls. The journey takes a bit over two hours.
Evidently, you can stop on your way in a couple of fascinating places. Campofelice di Rocella, is an hour from Palermo and boasts attractions like the Temple of Victory and the scenic wonders of Pineta di Grotta Grattara. Caltanissetta is a lovely town with an impressive cathedral.
Private Tours from Palermo to Catania
If you don’t have enough time or don’t feel like going on your own, we strongly recommend taking a private tour of both cities. Then you can tell us what’s the result of your Palermo vs Catania analysis. We are convinced it will be a tie!
Some friends took this walking tour around the best of Palermo. It includes a private guide and takes you to the city’s highlights in three hours. We took this half a day tour from Palermo to Monreale and Cefalu. It includes transportation and you get enough time in both places.
On our first visit to Catania we took this Street Food tour. A local expert guide takes you around the city to taste local specialties. Now, our favorite tour from Catania is this one to Mount Etna. You can go early in the morning or to catch the sunset.
How to Get to Catania Airport from Palermo
Catania’s airport is the largest in Sicily. Most flights from Europe and beyond arrive and depart from there. As mentioned above, you can take a bus from Palermo directly to Catania airport. The bus that leaves from Palermo’s center to Catania stops at Catania’s international Airport.
If you take the train from Palermo to Catania, you have to go from Catania Centrale Train Station to the Airport. There is a direct bus that leaves from the station and takes you there in half an hour and departs every 20 minutes.
You can also take a train from Catania Centrale to the airport. We believe it’s better to buy your ticket once you arrive at the train station. If the bus leaves before, take it. If not the train. You shouldn’t have a problem.
Where to Stay in Catania
The best places to stay in Catania are in the center. The city is not that big so you can walk to most attractions in no time. Besides, you can go to the train station or the airport super-fast. We always stay at the Palazzo Marletta Luxury House Hotel.
The lavish 18th-century baroque palace is centrally located on the main square. If you have the money to splurge, book a superior room. These are huge and come with authentic wooden ceilings and balconies offering unforgettable views. The service is exceptional.
We stayed twice at The Habitat Hotel, meters from Teatro Bellini. This historic palace has been transformed into a gorgeous hotel. The Habitat boasts a delightful garden where you can rest after a day of city exploration. The rooms have modern furniture but traditional Sicilian ceramic tiles. The complimentary breakfast is delicious.
How Many Days in Catania
Catania is one of our favorite places in Italy. We once spent two weeks in the city and never had a dull moment. The city is packed with attractions and the vibe is simply delightful. However, we all have limited resources and time and a huge world to discover.
Thus, you may be wondering how many days are needed in Catania to cover the basics. We believe you should spend at least 3 days in Catania. You will have to rush a bit, but you will have enough time to enjoy the city.
If you have an extra day, go to Taormina, arguably the prettiest town in Sicily. In fact, we strongly recommend spending at least one full day in Taormina. If you have another extra day, go to Syracuse. The fishing town is straight out of a movie! Do yourself a favor and spend a night there too.
