How to travel from Palermo to Catania, Italy

The distance between Palermo and Catania is around 207km (129 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 2h 20m.

3 routes found

We've found 3 different ways to get from Palermo to Catania by bus, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out CataniaPalermo if you're planning a return trip.

💰 Cheapest
1
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Catania Fontanarossa Airport Departure Terminal.

  • Duration2h 30m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    €16($16)
Operated by

Sais Regional

+ 1 others
2
train
+

Train

Take the train to Catania Aeroporto Fontanarossa.

  • Duration2h 55m
  • Departsevery 4 hours
  • Typical cost
    €21($21)
🚀 Fastest
3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Catania.

  • Duration2h 20m
  • Distance212km (132 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Palermo and Catania

There are several options for getting from Palermo to Catania by bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around €16 ($16) and will take around 2h 30m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 2h 20m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately €32 ($32).

The distance between Palermo and Catania is around 207km (129 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 167km (104 miles)

It takes around 2h 30m to get from Palermo and Catania by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 2h 20m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Palermo to Catania is to drive which takes around 2h 20m and will set you back approx €32 ($32).

The cheapest way to travel between Palermo and Catania, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around €16 ($16) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Palermo and Catania. It typically takes around 2h 55m and departs every 4 hours.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Palermo and Catania with no changeovers required. The train runs every 4 hours and takes 2h 55m.

Trenitalia run train services between Palermo and Catania. Trains depart every 4 hours and will take around 2h 55m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Palermo and Catania. It typically takes around 2h 30m and departs every 2 hours.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Palermo and Catania with no changeovers required. The bus runs every 2 hours and takes 2h 30m.

Sais Regional run regular bus services between Palermo and Catania. Buses run every 2 hours and take around 2h 30m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Palermo to Catania. We recommend that you take the bus to Catania Fontanarossa Airport Departure Terminal. instead which will take 2h 30m.

The closest major airport to Catania is Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) (CTA) which is approximately 4km (2 miles) from Catania. Comiso Airport (CIY) (CIY) and Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF) (SUF) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Palermo and Catania. The distance is around 212km (132 miles) by road and it will take around 2h 20m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Palermo to Catania is to take the bus which takes, on average, 2h 30m and will usually cost around €16 ($16).

How do I get from Palermo to Catania

Compare travel optionsbetween Palermo and Catania

Transport options from Palermo to Catania
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Bus
2h 30m
€16($16)
hourly207km (129 miles)
Train
2h 55m
€21($21)
every 4 hours236km (147 miles)
Drive
2h 20m
€32($32)
on demand212km (132 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Palermo and Catania

Bus companies

Train operators

Airports near Catania

The following major airports near Catania offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Italy and internationally.

CTA
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)
International Airport
Distance
4km (2 miles) from Catania
CIY
Comiso Airport (CIY)
Domestic Airport
Distance
70km (44 miles) from Catania
SUF
Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF)
International Airport
Distance
186km (116 miles) from Catania