Don’t feel like spending money on a rental car? Good idea for Catania.

Even though public transportation in Sicily is nothing like in other countries, the eastern coast is still easily explored by buses and trains.

1. Metropolitana di Catania (Metro)

Yes, Catania has a metro. I don’t own a car and don’t plan to buy one either. I use the metro in Catania every day. It only has one line and nine stations, but for me, it’s the perfect means of transportation. It’s also great for tourists who aren’t staying directly in the old town. At the moment, more stations are under construction. It’s useful for getting from the train station to the old town or from the old town to the promenade, for example. A 90-minute ticket costs only €1.

More info about the metro in Catania…

2. Alibus (Airport Bus)

The Alibus is the best option if you want to travel between the airport and the city, and vice versa. This service starts at 5 AM and runs until midnight. The bus departs from the airport every 25 minutes and reaches the city center in 10–15 minutes. A ticket costs €4 per person and can be purchased directly from the driver.

More info about the Alibus in Catania…

3. Ferrovia (Train)

In Catania, you can use the train directly from the main station. There are other stations in the city, but they aren’t relevant. You can easily reach other cities like Palermo or Syracuse by train from Catania. On Sundays and public holidays, the service is quite limited. So, if you want to use the train, I recommend checking the official “TRENITALIA” website for schedules.

4. Bus

Here, I’m going against the trend and writing about what I absolutely do not recommend: taking the bus! If you’re traveling within the city, go by foot or metro. I would really only consider taking the bus as a last resort. It’s always late, or it doesn’t show up at all—you never know. Long waiting times, hoping something will eventually pass by.

5. Coach Buses

Unlike city buses, coach buses are quite well organized. They are a very commonly used form of transportation for those who don’t own a car. With coach buses, you can easily travel from Catania to Etna, Taormina, Syracuse, or Palermo. The larger cities are fairly well connected. The main companies operating here are “Etnatrasporti,” “Interbus,” and “A.S.T.” Most of them depart from the main train station, and some also stop at Piazza Borsellino, which is just a three-minute walk from the cathedral square.