How to get to Sicily by air and sea
Sicily is well connected to mainland Italy, Europe, and even North Africa through a network of **airports, ferries, and cruise routes**. Whether you prefer to fly, sail, or arrive by train-ferry combo, getting to Sicily is straightforward and scenic.
- Visit Sicily
- 3 min read
How to Get to Sicily by Air and Sea
✈️ Arriving in Sicily by Air
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Sicily. The island has four main airports, all offering international and domestic connections:
1. Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO)
- Located about 35 km west of Palermo.
- Serves as the main gateway to western Sicily, including destinations like Trapani, Cefalù, and Erice.
- Major airlines: ITA Airways, Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air, Lufthansa.
2. Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)
- The busiest airport in Sicily and the entry point to eastern destinations like Taormina, Mount Etna, and Syracuse.
- Serves both low-cost and full-service airlines.
- Well connected by bus and train to the city center and other parts of Sicily.
3. Trapani–Birgi Airport (TPS)
- Smaller airport mainly used by low-cost carriers like Ryanair.
- Ideal for visiting the Egadi Islands, Marsala, and western coastal areas.
4. Comiso Airport (CIY)
- Serves southern Sicily, particularly the Baroque towns of Ragusa, Modica, and Noto.
- Limited but growing flight options from major European cities.
🧭 Tips for Flying into Sicily
- Direct flights operate from many European capitals (London, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, etc.).
- From mainland Italy, flights from Rome or Milan take about one hour.
- Book early during summer and holidays for the best fares.
🚢 Traveling to Sicily by Sea
Sicily is a major ferry and cruise destination, with routes connecting it to the Italian mainland and other Mediterranean ports.
⛴️ Ferry Routes from Mainland Italy
- Naples → Palermo (10–11 hours, overnight): operated by Grimaldi Lines and Tirrenia.
- Naples → Catania (12 hours): comfortable cabins available.
- Salerno → Messina (9–10 hours): convenient for travelers driving from the Amalfi Coast.
- Villa San Giovanni (Calabria) → Messina (20–30 minutes): frequent car and passenger ferries cross the Strait of Messina.
⚓ International and Island Connections
- Malta → Pozzallo or Catania: fast catamarans (90–120 minutes) run several times a day.
- Tunisia → Palermo: weekly ferry service connecting North Africa to Sicily.
- Aeolian Islands ferries: from Milazzo, Messina, or Palermo to Lipari, Vulcano, and Stromboli.
🚆 Train and Ferry Combination
Trains from mainland Italy travel directly onto ferries across the Strait of Messina — a unique experience! Passengers stay aboard during the 30-minute crossing before continuing to Messina, Catania, or Palermo.
🧭 Summary
- Fly for speed and convenience — especially from Europe or northern Italy.
- Sail for scenic routes or car travel — ferries connect to multiple Italian ports.
- Combine train and ferry for a memorable journey across the Strait of Messina.
Whichever way you choose, arriving in Sicily is part of the adventure — a fitting introduction to an island where every journey begins with the sea.