How to Get to Taormina from Catania: Complete Guide
If you are in Sicily and need to know how to get to Taormina from Catania, we have great news for you. You can drive there yourself, take a train or bus, and even go on an organized tour. With so many options, you will have no trouble visiting the city.
Taormina is one of the most popular destinations in Sicily and the whole of Italy. Catania is the largest city near Taormina. That’s why it makes sense to visit both on your trip. Since most flights to Sicily land in Catania, you will visit it first, and then go to Taormina.
We have been to both cities countless times. What can we say? Sicily is our favorite region in Italy. Nowhere else in the country you get to see lush green nature and incredible architecture. The island is truly special and Taormina is arguably its prettiest city. You are going to fall in love!
Trains from Catania to Taormina
It’s very easy to go from Catania to Taormina by train. Both cities are just 30 miles (50 km) apart. Trains leave from Catania Centrale Station and arrive at Taormina Giardini Station. The earliest train leaves Catania at 5:01 AM. The last train leaves Catania at 22:58 PM.
There are two types of trains servicing the route. The regular trains are called REG (regulare in Italian). The semi-fast ones are called RV (Regionale Veloce). Some regular trains have 4 stops and some have up to 12. Depending on the one you take, the journey takes 40 minutes to 1 hour.
Regional fast trains (RV) take a bit under 40 minutes. There are approximately 29 trains each day. You can buy online tickets here. That said, we’ve never had a problem going to the station and buying the ticket there, even in high season. There isn’t much of a price difference between trains.
Getting to / from the Train Stations
The vast majority of trains from Catania to Taormina depart from Catania Centrale. The station is next to the sea. You can walk from the center to the station in approximately half an hour. Depending on where you stay in the city, a taxi shouldn’t charge that much.
You can also take the metro from the center to the train station. The closest metro stop to Catania Centrale is Giovanni XXIII. The same applies to buses. Buy your tickets at tobacco shops and kiosks. Tickets are valid for 90 minutes. You can buy several.
Trains from Catania arrive at Taormina Giardini Station. The station is next to the sea, beneath the city. You can walk up the hill to the center in approximately half an hour. You can also take a bus right from the station. They run frequently, cost only 1.5 euros, and take less than 15 minutes.
Buses from Catania to Taormina
You can take a bus from Catania to Taormina. There are up to 5 buses per hour each day. Three companies operate the route. The fastest buses take a bit under an hour to reach Taormina, while the longest take almost two hours. Don’t worry, long buses have toilets.
There are simply too many buses to list here. The earliest buses leave at 7 AM, and the latest at 10 PM. Some buses leave from Michelangelo Buonarroti Square. Others depart from Giovanni Verga – Tribunale Square also in the modern center. The bus stop in the historic center of Catania is next to Paolo Borsellino Square.
All of the buses from Catania arrive at the same station in Taormina on Via Luigi Pirandello. Some buses stop at the train station. Do not go down and continue up the hill to the city. From there, you can walk to IX Aprile Square in 10 minutes.
Getting to / from the Bus Stations
Since there are several bus stops in Catania you need to ask your hotel in the city which one is the closest. If you are staying in the historic center, you will most likely take the bus from Paolo Borsellino Station. You can walk there or take a bus.
That’s why we strongly recommend buying several bus tickets in Catania. That way, you don’t have to waste time going to a kiosk every time you need to take a bus or the metro. Once you book your hotel in Catania, feel free to ask them which bus company to use.
Sicilians are lovely hosts and will be happy to assist you. Once in Taormina, you can walk to your hotel. However, if you have heavy luggage or don’t feel like walking, hop on a bus. Bus N10 goes through the entire city. Since the city isn’t big, a taxi to your hotel shouldn’t be that much.
Driving from Catania to Taormina
You can drive from Catania to Taormina in less than an hour. From the center of Catania, you have to drive to Road A18/E45. The access to this road is to the north of the city, next to the Dr. Andrea roundabout. Traffic in the city can be heavy, so plan accordingly.
Once on the road, follow the signs to Taormina. Remember to keep some cash to pay for the toll. You will get a ticket as soon as you enter the road, and you will have to show it when you exit in Taormina. It should be approximately 2 euros.
Parking in Taormina can be hard and expensive. There are 4 public parking lots. Lumbi, Porta Catania, and Porta Pasquale are in the city. Mazzaro parking is next to Isola Bella, beneath the city. There’s additional parking next to the train station. Expect to pay around 15 eur per 24 hours.
Private Tours from Catania to Taormina
If you are short of time, you can spend one day in Taormina. Going on a private tour of the city can save a lot of time. This tour departs from Catania and takes you to Taormina, Savoca, and Castelmola. The tour lasts some 9 hours.
You travel on a private small bus. It’s a comprehensive tour without a guide that includes brunch and wine. If you have less time, take this tour from Catania. It takes you to Giardini Naxos, Taormina, and Castelmola in approximately 5 hours. It does not include a guide or any food.
Another option is to go from Catania to Mount Etna and Taormina. It’s a 9-hour tour with a private bus but no guide. You get to see some pretty cool caves and craters. From Etna, you go to Taormina and spend the afternoon visiting the city’s highlights.
How to Get from Catania Airport to Taormina
You can take a bus directly from Catania airport to Taormina. There are several buses every day. The earliest bus leaves the airport at 7:15 AM and the latest at 21:45 PM. Buses depart approximately every half an hour. They take one hour and a half to reach Taormina.
As soon as you exit the terminal, you will see signs directing you to the bus stop. It’s super easy. You can buy your ticket at the counter. Buses arrive at the bus station up on the hill on Via Luigi Pirandello. Some buses stop in Giardini Naxos and others continue further north.
If you arrive late or don’t want to travel by bus, we suggest taking a Catania to Taormina transfer service. This one includes a 60 minute wait, all tolls, and direct drop off in your hotel. It’s good for up to 3 people. For a group of up to 8 people, we recommend this one.
Where to Stay in Taormina
The best places to stay in Taormina are in the center. Our favorite hotel is the Hotel Metropole. The 18th Century mansion is next to IX Aprile Square in the heart of the city. However, it is super quiet and private. It’s an elegant property with luxurious rooms and breathtaking views.
If you have the money to splurge, do so at the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo. The property hangs on a cliff next to the Greek Theater. Thus, it has epic views of the sea and Mount Etna. It has a massive pool, lovely gardens, and a full-size wellness center.
The Mazzaro Sea Palace is one of the best luxury hotels in Taormina. It’s got its own private beach. However, you can reach the center in no time. All rooms have a balcony and lovely views of the gardens or sea. The complimentary breakfast is delicious!
How Many Days in Taormina
Most tourists visit Taormina for the day. They leave Catania in the morning, walk about the city and go back or continue to other destinations. We believe this is a huge mistake. Some people even ask us: is Taormina worth visiting? Our answer is always a resounding yes!
Taormina is one of the nicest cities in the country. Simply put: there isn’t anything quite like it. Therefore, we strongly recommend spending at least 2 nights in the city. You will be able to see the city’s top attractions during the day without exerting yourself.
We have to be honest: Taormina can get super crowded during the day. What were you expecting? The city is fantastic! However, everything changes by late afternoon. Day tourists leave, and you can see the city in all of its glory illuminated at night. If you wake up early, you will avoid the crowds!
