Getting to Taormina From Catania: Fastest, Safest and Cheapest Route

Dreaming of Taormina? Yeah, same. I had that dream in the summer of 2025, and let me tell you… Taormina is so worth the trip.

I started my trip to Sicily by flying into Catania (like most tourists), then heading up to Taormina for a couple of days.

It was a solo trip, and since I was traveling alone, I really cared about cost, safety, and getting there fast, since I didn’t have unlimited PTO.

So, if you’re looking for some insight on getting to Taormina from Catania, I’ve got you covered.

Fastest Way to Get to Taormina from Catania

Technically, the fastest way to get to Taormina from Catania is to drive. If there’s no traffic (ha!), you can make it in just under an hour.

Now, keep in mind: traffic along Sicily’s coast can get wild during peak season (May–October). That said, I traveled in June and it wasn’t too bad. The only slowdown was right as I got close to Taormina. If you leave early in the morning (like 7 am), you’ll avoid the worst of it.

Is It Safe to Drive?

Well, let me tell you…driving in Sicily (honestly, Italy in general) can be a little… chaotic. Catania, especially, feels like the Wild West. I literally saw a car accident because someone just turned into traffic without looking.

BUT, once you’re out of the city, it’s actually pretty chill. The roads are in decent shape, and the coastal drive is beautiful. If you’re confident behind the wheel, go for it. (If not, maybe skip it.)

Want more details? Check out my full guide to renting a car in Sicily to decide if you’re up for it.

Pros and Cons of Driving to Taormina

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Pros:

• Total freedom
• Can stop along the way
• Might save time depending on traffic

Cons:

• Driving in Catania is intense
• Parking in Taormina is a pain (especially in summer)
• Rental car + tolls = extra costs

Best Paid Parking in Taormina:

• Lumbi (biggest lot, free shuttle to town)
• Porta Catania
• Porta Pasquale

Cheapest Option for Getting from Catania to Taormina

If you’re traveling solo like I usually do, the cheapest way to get to Taormina from Catania is by bus. It costs around €5.10 each way (check for updated prices just to be safe).

Etna Trasporti operates the bus, and I genuinely enjoyed the ride! You’ll catch it across the street from the train station (Terminal Bus Città di Catania), not directly in front of it, which threw me off at first.

You can buy tickets at the station or on the Trainline app (I’ll drop a screenshot below). I couldn’t find them on Trenitalia, and the main website doesn’t offer English translation, which is annoying.

Is It Safe to Take the Bus?

Totally. Walking from Via Etnea to the station took me about 17 minutes. It felt a little sketchy, but I didn’t run into anything unsafe. The station itself was fine.

Heads-up: you’ll need to store your luggage underneath the bus. As someone who panics about people stealing bags mid-route, no, it didn’t happen, but I kept my valuables with me just in case.

As a woman traveling solo, I felt safe the whole time.

Bus Schedule (subject to change)

Here are the current departure times (but always double-check before your trip!):

07:00, 07:30, 08:00, 08:30, 08:45, 09:00, 09:15, 09:30, 09:45, 10:00, 10:15, 10:30, 10:45, 11:00, 11:15, 11:30, 11:45, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:15, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 16:30, 17:00, 17:15, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00, 19:30, 20:00, 21:00, 22:00

Most Scenic Route from Catania to Taormina

If you’re into pretty views (who isn’t?), the train from Catania to Taormina is a solid option and still pretty fast.

But there’s a catch: the train drops you at Taormina-Giardini station, which is at the bottom of the hill. The old town of Taormina is waaay up top.

You’ll need to wait for a bus or take a taxi. I got impatient and paid €25 for a 10-minute cab ride (rookie move).

So yeah, the views from the train are great, but honestly, the bus is easier overall.

Tickets for the train are purchased on the Trenitalia app, which I highly recommend you download!

Can You Uber from Catania to Taormina?

Technically, yes, but I don’t count on it.

Before I went, I read that Sicily had Uber. Not really. When I checked, there were barely any available, and the one time I saw one, it was ridiculously expensive for a 20-minute ride.

If you’re considering a taxi from Catania to Taormina, expect to pay around €100.

My recommendation? Just book a private transfer instead. I love using Welcome Pickups; they’re reliable, and the communication is top-notch.

Getting to Taormina from Catania Airport

Coming straight off your flight and wondering how to get to Taormina from Catania Airport? You’ve got a few options, some way better than others, depending on your budget, patience level, and how much you’re carrying.

Bus: Best Bang for Your Buck

If you’re trying to keep it cheap and simple, the bus is hands down the best option. It’s run by Interbus (Etna Trasporti) and picks you up right outside the arrivals terminal at Catania Airport. No crazy transfers, just a direct ride to Taormina.

It costs around €6–€8, and the journey takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes, depending on traffic.

You can buy tickets right there at the airport or in advance here. If you want peace of mind, I’d grab a seat ahead of time, especially during the busy season.

Just know: buses don’t run super late, so if your flight gets in at night, you might need a Plan B.

Private Transfer: Easiest (But More €€€)

If you’re feeling fancy (or just really over it after a long flight), a private transfer is the chillest way to go. Someone will be waiting for you with a sign, no dragging bags around or trying to find the bus stop.

It’ll cost you around €90–€100, but honestly? If you’re traveling with someone or have a lot of luggage, it might be worth the splurge. I personally love Welcome Pickups, always great communication and super reliable.

Rent a Car: Great if You’re Road-Trippin’

Thinking of exploring more of Sicily? Renting a car at the airport could be a good move. The drive to Taormina is scenic and straightforward, just know that parking in Taormina (especially in summer) can be rough and expensive.

And driving out of Catania can be a little stressful, people kinda just… do what they want. So keep that in mind.

Taxi / Uber: Not the Best Call

Yeah… don’t count on Uber in Sicily. I barely saw any drivers on the app. And if you do find one, it’s gonna be wildly expensive.

A regular taxi from the airport to Taormina will run you around €100+, and honestly for that price, you’re better off booking a private transfer where someone’s actually waiting for you and it’s all set up.

What About the Train?

So technically you can take a train to Taormina, but I wouldn’t recommend it from the airport. It’s a bit of a hassle.

Here’s why:

• You’ll need to take a bus or taxi from the airport to Catania Centrale train station first.
• Then hop on the train to Taormina-Giardini, which drops you at the bottom of the hill.
• From there, you still have to take another local bus or taxi up to the old town (where you actually want to be).

So yeah, unless you’re really into trains or trying to rack up scenic views, skip it.

Is Taormina Better as a Day Trip?

If you’re short on time, visiting Taormina as a day trip is actually a great call. You can hit all the highlights, the views, the cute streets, the ancient theater, without needing to figure out lodging or deal with parking. It’s an easy way to see the town in one go, no stress.

👉 I recommend this day trip the most. It includes brunch and stops in Savoca, and Castemola!

I’ve done it both ways, and honestly, if you’re solo, a day trip is kind of ideal. Being there with a group or a tour means you’re not just wandering around alone, and there’s always someone nearby to share a meal or take your photo.

Also… staying in Taormina overnight? It’s expensive. Like, surprisingly expensive. If you’re trying to save money, doing a quick visit and heading back in the evening makes way more sense.

If you’re trying to figure out how much you can actually do in just a few hours, I shared my full breakdown of how to spend one day in Taormina. And for anyone wondering about the vibe or solo travel safety, I also wrote about how safe Taormina felt, especially if you’re going it alone.

Final Thoughts on Getting to Taormina from Catania

So there you have it, a full breakdown of the fastest, safest, and cheapest ways to get to Taormina from Catania (including straight from the airport).

Whether you’re on a backpacker budget or rolling in with your luggage and travel playlist ready, there’s a route that works for you.

My honest take? If you want easy and affordable, the bus from the airport is the move. If you’re in a rush or want that smooth ride experience, go for a private transfer.

Just skip the train unless you’re really committed to the long way around.

Wherever you’re coming from, just know: once you’re in Taormina, it’s all worth it. Sun, sea, cannoli, you’re gonna love it.

Got more questions about the route or planning your Sicily trip? Send me a message, I’m happy to help!