Local Transport
Rental Car — The Best Option
A rental car is the most flexible way to explore Sicily — especially for the west coast, the interior, and smaller towns. The highways (A19 Palermo–Catania, A29 Palermo–Trapani, A18 Catania–Messina) are toll-free and in good condition. Country roads vary — some are excellent, others an adventure of potholes and missing guardrails.
Prices: From 20€/day (small car, low season) to 60€/day (station wagon, high season). Comprehensive insurance is strongly recommended. Caution: Driving in Palermo and Catania is adventurous — chaotic traffic, creative interpretation of traffic rules, and parking as an extreme sport. In the old towns, it's best to leave the car and walk or take the bus. ZTL zones (access restrictions) in many old towns — fines of 80–100€ without a permit!
Buses (AST / SAIS / Interbus)
Sicily's bus network is better than its reputation — the main connections between the major cities are reliable and affordable:
| Route | Provider | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catania → Palermo | SAIS | 2.5h | 14€ |
| Catania → Taormina | Interbus | 1.5h | 5€ |
| Catania → Syracuse | Interbus | 1.5h | 6€ |
| Palermo → Agrigento | Cuffaro | 2h | 9€ |
| Palermo → Trapani | Segesta | 2h | 10€ |
For smaller towns and beaches, connections are patchy — in the Baroque region of Val di Noto (Noto, Ragusa, Modica), a rental car is practically essential.
Train (Trenitalia)
The main routes (Palermo–Catania, Catania–Syracuse, Palermo–Agrigento, Catania–Taormina–Messina) are reliable and affordable. Tickets from 7€ on trenitalia.com. The route along the east coast (Catania–Taormina–Messina) offers spectacular sea views.
