How to Get from Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) to Catania City Centre

Quick Answer

The best way to get from Catania Airport to the city centre for most travelers is the AMT Alibus (line 457) (20-30 minutes, €4/$4.40, every 25 minutes to Central Station and Via Etnea). It's reliable, has luggage space, and is easy to find. For door-to-door convenience: Official taxi with a fixed fare of €20-25 ($22-28) to the historic centre. For budget travelers: Local bus 524 (€1/$1.10, 40-60 minutes to various city locations). The metro is an option but requires a free shuttle bus to the station first. For late night arrivals, taxis are your only reliable option.

AMT Alibus Airport Shuttle (Line 457): The Best Overall Choice

The AMT Alibus (line 457) is the dedicated airport shuttle bus linking Catania Fontanarossa Airport with the city's key locations. It's operated by AMT, Catania's public transport company. For most visitors arriving at Sicily's busiest airport, this is the most balanced option combining affordability, convenience, and frequency. The bus has luggage compartments, runs regularly, and stops at the most important places: Via Etnea (the main shopping street), Piazza Stesicoro, and Catania Central Station.

Transport Option	Travel Time	Approximate Cost	Best For	Key Notes
AMT Alibus 457	20-30 minutes	€4 ($4.40) one-way	Most travelers, good value	Frequent, luggage space, cash only on board
Official Taxi (Fixed Fare)	15-25 minutes	€20-25 ($22-28)	Door-to-door, families, groups	Fixed fare to historic centre, confirm first
Local Bus 524	40-60 minutes	€1 ($1.10)	Solo budget travelers, light luggage	Cheapest, many stops, buy ticket before
Metro + Shuttle	30-45 minutes	€1 ($1.10)	Adventurous travelers, metro users	Two-step process, free shuttle to station
Private Transfer	15-25 minutes	€35-50 ($38-55)	Families, groups, luxury travelers	Pre-booked, meet & greet, no hassle

Finding and Taking the Alibus at Catania Airport

Upon exiting the arrivals hall at Catania Airport (CTA), follow signs for "Bus" or "Alibus". The stop is directly outside the terminal, a 1-minute walk. Look for the blue and white buses with "Alibus 457" displayed. Buses run from approximately 5:00 AM to midnight, every 25 minutes. The first bus is perfect for early arrivals, and the last one is crucial for daytime flights. I've taken it many times; the stop is impossible to miss.

Alibus Schedule and Frequency

The Alibus 457 operates with good frequency throughout the day: Every 25 minutes from 5:00 AM to midnight. During peak hours (7:00-9:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM), buses can get crowded but still maintain the schedule. The last departure from the airport is at midnight, and the first bus from the city back to the airport starts at 5:00 AM. During the summer tourist season (June-September), additional services are sometimes added.

Buying Alibus Tickets

You can buy tickets: 1. Onboard the bus: From the driver using cash only (exact change appreciated, notes up to €20). 2. At the airport: From the AMT ticket machine in the arrivals hall (cards/cash). A one-way ticket costs €4 (about $4.40). The ticket is valid for 90 minutes on all urban transport, but realistically you're just taking the Alibus. Keep your ticket until you exit, though checks are rare.

Why I Recommend the Alibus for First-Timers

Many travel forums overcomplicate Catania transport. For a straightforward, stress-free transfer from Catania Airport to downtown, the Alibus is the answer. Taxis are fine but 5-6 times the price. Local buses are cheap but confusing with luggage. The Alibus is the sweet spot: tourist-friendly, direct, and predictable. I've seen tourists struggle with the 524 bus while I boarded the Alibus and was downtown faster.

Taxi from Catania Airport to City Centre

Taking an official taxi from Catania Airport is the most convenient door-to-door option. The ride takes 15-25 minutes, but Catania traffic can be heavy – during rush hour (8-10 AM, 5-7:30 PM) it can take 30-40 minutes. The key is knowing the fixed fare system to avoid scams. The official set fare to any destination in the historic centre (Centro Storico) is €20-25 (approximately $22-28). This covers up to 4 passengers with luggage.

How to Get a Safe Taxi at Catania Airport

Exit the arrivals hall and walk to the official taxi rank directly outside. Only use the white taxis with the Catania city logo. Avoid any individuals inside the terminal offering "taxi" services; these are unlicensed and will overcharge. Join the queue. When it's your turn, clearly state your destination and ask "È tariffa fissa per il centro?" (Is it the fixed fare to the centre?). The driver should confirm "Sì, venti euro" (Yes, twenty euros). Only then get in.

Understanding the Fixed Fare & Extra Charges

The fixed fare (tariffa fissa) applies to destinations within the city's historic centre, including areas like Via Etnea, Piazza Duomo, and the port. It includes all supplements, luggage, and the ride. Legitimate extra charges: A €2-3 night surcharge (10 PM - 6 AM) and a small Sunday/holiday surcharge. The meter should not be running. If it is, you're not on the fixed fare. A common issue is drivers claiming your hotel is outside the fixed fare zone when it's not.

Late Night Taxi from Catania Airport

For arrivals after midnight (when the Alibus stops), taxis are your only public option. The official taxi rank operates 24/7. Expect the fixed fare plus the night surcharge. Wait times are usually short, but after the last flight lands, a queue can form. I arrived at 1:30 AM once; the wait was 15 minutes, and the fare was €23 to my B&B near Piazza Duomo. It felt safe and organized.

A Common Real-Life Mistake (The "Meter Scam")

You get in a taxi at the rank. The driver doesn't mention the fixed fare and starts the meter. You think it's normal. The route seems long. Upon arrival, the meter shows €35. The driver insists that's the correct price. You pay, frustrated. What happened? The driver took a longer route and used the meter instead of the fixed fare. How to avoid: Always, always confirm "tariffa fissa" before the ride starts. If the meter is on, ask to stop and get out.

Local Buses & Public Transport from Catania Airport

Catania has a decent public bus network. From the airport, the main local bus is the AMT bus 524, which goes to various city locations. It's the absolute cheapest option at €1 per ticket (about $1.10). However, I need to be honest: for most travelers arriving with suitcases, I do not recommend it. The buses are often crowded, have minimal luggage space, and the experience can be overwhelming after a long flight.

Taking the 524 Bus: The Reality

The bus stop is outside the airport terminal, near the Alibus stop. Buses run from around 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM, with frequency of 20-40 minutes. The ride takes 40-60 minutes depending on traffic and stops. The crucial detail: You cannot buy a ticket from the driver. You must purchase a ticket from a tabaccheria (tobacco shop) with a big "T" sign, a newsstand, or the airport ticket machine before boarding. Stamp the ticket in the machine onboard.

Other Bus Options from the Airport

Bus 524: Airport → Ospedale Vecchio → Piazza Giovanni XXIII → Porto → Stazione Centrale → Corso Italia.
Bus 524S: Express version with fewer stops.
Bus 442: Connects airport to southern suburbs (Nesima, Misterbianco).
The 524 is the most useful for tourists heading to the city centre.

Who Should Actually Take the Local Bus?

The 524 bus is suitable for: 1) Solo backpackers with one backpack. 2) Travelers on an extreme budget. 3) Those familiar with Catania's public transport. 4) People arriving during daylight hours. It is not suitable for: Families with children, travelers with roller suitcases, elderly visitors, anyone arriving after dark, or people in a hurry. For the sake of €3, the Alibus offers a vastly superior experience.

A Real-Life Scenario: The Struggling Bus Rider

You arrive tired, with a 20kg suitcase and a backpack. You find the 524 bus stop. After 30 minutes, a crowded bus arrives. You struggle to haul your suitcase up the high steps. There's no luggage area; you block the aisle. The bus makes 20+ stops. You anxiously watch for your stop, unsure when to get off. At Stazione Centrale, you wrestle your suitcase off the bus into the busy station. You saved €3 but wasted 40 minutes of stress and effort. Meanwhile, the Alibus rider arrived sooner, stored their luggage neatly, and stepped out refreshed.

Catania Metro from the Airport

Catania has a modern metro system, and there's a station called "Aeroporto Fontanarossa" on Line 1. However, there's a catch: the metro station is not at the terminal; it's about 2 km away. You need to take a free shuttle bus from the airport to the metro station, then take the metro into the city. This two-step process makes it less convenient than the Alibus for most travelers.

How to Use the Metro from Catania Airport

Step 1: Take the free shuttle bus from outside the arrivals area to "Aeroporto Fontanarossa" metro station. The shuttle runs every 15-20 minutes, 5:00 AM - 10:30 PM. Journey time: 10 minutes.
Step 2: At the metro station, buy a ticket (€1 valid 90 minutes) from the machine.
Step 3: Take the metro towards "Nesima" (south) or "Stesicoro" (north). For the city centre, you want "Stesicoro" (Piazza Stesicoro) or "Giovanni XXIII" (near the port).
Travel time: Shuttle (10 min) + Metro to Stesicoro (15 min) = 25+ minutes total.

Metro Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages: Cheap (€1), modern and clean, avoids traffic, scenic views of Mount Etna on parts of the route.
Disadvantages: Two-step process (shuttle + metro), limited operating hours (shuttle stops at 10:30 PM), not ideal with heavy luggage (stairs at stations), infrequent service (every 15-30 minutes).
I've used it when I had time and light luggage, but with suitcases, the Alibus is simpler.

Metro Line 1 Stops from Airport

From "Aeroporto Fontanarossa" station: Galatea → Giovanni XXIII (port area) → Stesicoro (Piazza Stesicoro, city centre) → Italia → Galatea → etc.
The metro is particularly useful if your hotel is near Stesicoro or Giovanni XXIII stations.

Private Transfer & Ride-Hailing Apps

Private Airport Transfer Services

Pre-booked private transfers offer a hassle-free door-to-door service. A driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign, helps with luggage, and drives you directly to your hotel. Prices range from €35-50 ($38-55) for a standard sedan. This is the best option for families with young children, groups of 3-4, those with lots of luggage, or travelers wanting absolute certainty. You can book online via platforms like Welcome Pickups, SunTransfer, or through your hotel.

Uber and Taxi Apps in Catania

Uber does not operate in Catania. Neither UberX nor Uber Black are available. Instead, you can use the Free Now app, which works with licensed local taxis. The app functions like Uber, allowing you to book and pay for official taxis. This is a good option for leaving the airport if you have data. You may need to walk a short distance from the terminal for pickup. Alternatively, just use the taxi rank.

When a Private Transfer Makes Financial Sense

While a private car seems expensive compared to a €20 taxi, consider: A taxi for 4 people with 4 suitcases might require a larger vehicle or two taxis. A pre-booked van transfer for €50 fits everyone comfortably. For a family of 4, that's €12.50 per person for a seamless, pre-paid experience. The internet says "just get a taxi," but after a long journey with kids, the value of a waiting driver is immense.

Detailed Bus & Metro Route Stops from Catania Airport

Understanding the exact stops helps with navigation, especially if your hotel is near one. Here are the detailed stops for the key airport transport routes.

AMT Alibus 457: Complete Stop List

1. Catania Airport (Aeroporto Fontanarossa) - The starting point, stop is outside Arrivals.
2. Via Etnea / Piazza Cavour - Main street in the city centre, near many hotels and shops.
3. Piazza Stesicoro - Important square with Roman amphitheatre, connection to metro.
4. Catania Centrale (Stazione Centrale) - Main railway station. Interchange for trains to Taormina, Syracuse, and other Sicilian cities.

Direction: The bus runs in both directions. From the city back to the airport, it makes the same stops in reverse order.

Local Bus 524: Key Stops to Know

The 524 bus follows a longer, local route into the city. Key stops include:

1. Aeroporto Fontanarossa (start) - Main airport terminal stop
2. Ospedale Vecchio - Near the old hospital
3. Piazza Giovanni XXIII - Port area, near the fish market
4. Porto - Catania port, for ferries to Malta
5. Stazione Centrale - Central railway station (40-60 minutes from airport)
6. Corso Italia - Main avenue in the newer part of the city
7. Viale Mario Rapisardi - Final stop in the northern suburbs

Most travelers should get off at Stazione Centrale for connections.

Metro Line 1: Airport Line Stops

From "Aeroporto Fontanarossa" station (after taking the shuttle):

1. Aeroporto Fontanarossa - Airport station (not at terminal)
2. Galatea - Residential area
3. Giovanni XXIII - Port area, near Piazza Giovanni XXIII and fish market
4. Stesicoro - City centre, Piazza Stesicoro, Roman amphitheatre
5. Italia - Corso Italia, modern city centre
6. Galatea - (different station from earlier)
7. Nesima - Terminal station, connection to bus network

Catania Airport to City Centre Route Map

The map below shows the primary routes from Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) to the city centre. The Alibus takes the most direct route along Viale Marco Polo and Via Etnea. The local 524 bus follows a more meandering path along the coast and through the port area.

View the route on Google Maps: View route from Catania Airport to City Centre on Google Maps

The distance from Catania Airport to the city centre (Piazza Duomo) is approximately 5 km (3 miles). The travel time is highly dependent on traffic, which can be heavy, especially during rush hour.

Ticketing, Fares & Transport Passes

Money & ATMs at Catania Airport

There are multiple ATMs in the arrivals hall (BancPost, UniCredit, etc.). Withdraw some Euros for taxi/bus. While cards are widely accepted in the city, having €20-40 in smaller bills (€5, €10, €20) is wise for taxis or small purchases. The Alibus accepts cash only on board. Avoid currency exchange counters at the airport for large amounts; rates are poor.

AMT Tickets and Passes

AMT (Azienda Mobilità e Trasporti) operates all public transport in Catania. The standard ticket (€1) is valid for 90 minutes on buses, metro, and trams. You must validate it on your first vehicle. Daily (€3.50), 3-day (€9), and weekly (€12) passes are available. For just airport transfer, a single ticket is sufficient.

Traveler Experience: Arriving at Catania Airport

Catania Fontanarossa is Sicily's busiest airport. After collecting baggage, you exit into the arrivals hall. The atmosphere is typically Mediterranean - lively, sometimes chaotic, especially in summer. Signs for transport are clear. The Alibus stop is directly outside to the left. The taxi rank is straight ahead. My first time, I was approached by unauthorized taxi drivers inside the terminal – ignore them and walk to the official rank outside.

First-Time Visitor Walkthrough

Follow the crowd out of baggage claim. Need cash? Use an ATM on your right. Walk straight out the doors. For Alibus: Turn left, look for blue/white buses with "Alibus 457". For Taxi: Walk straight to the orderly queue of white taxis. For Bus 524: Walk left past the Alibus stop a little further. The whole process from plane to transport takes 15-30 minutes.

The Reality of Catania Traffic

Catania traffic can be heavy, especially on the main roads into the city. Your transfer time can vary. An Alibus ride at 10 AM might take 20 minutes; at 5:30 PM, it could take 40. Factor this in, especially if catching a train or tour. Locals drive assertively but are generally competent. Just relax; the drivers know what they're doing.

A Common First-Timer Mistake: The Fixed Fare Confusion

You get in a taxi. The driver smiles and nods when you say "Centro". He starts the meter. You think it's fine. The meter hits €18, then €25, then €32 as he takes a long route. You arrive and argue, but you're tired and pay. The fixed fare was €20. I've heard this story many times. The fix is simple: say "Tariffa fissa? Venti euro?" and wait for a clear "Sì" before closing the door.

Best Option by Travel Scenario

• Solo Traveler with Backpack: Alibus (€4) for ease, or Bus 524 (€1) if on a tight budget.
• Couple with Suitcases: Alibus (€8 total) is perfect. Splitting a taxi (€10-12.50 each) is also good value for door-to-door.
• Family of 4 with Kids & Luggage: Taxi (€20-25 total) is the best value and least stressful. One taxi fits 4 with bags. Alibus would cost €16 anyway.
• Late Night Arrival (after midnight): Official Taxi (24/7, fixed fare + surcharge). Pre-book a transfer for absolute certainty.
• Early Morning Departure: From city to airport for a 6-7 AM flight: Pre-book a taxi via Free Now app or ask your hotel to book one the night before. The first Alibus (5:00 AM) should reach the airport by 5:30 AM.
• Traveler Connecting to Taormina: Take Alibus to Catania Centrale, then train to Taormina-Giardini. Or take direct coach from outside airport arrivals.
• Business Traveler: Taxi or pre-booked private car. The time savings and professionalism are worth the cost.
• Budget Backpacker: Bus 524 (€1) to Stazione Centrale, then walk or use a ticket for a bus to your hostel.
• Person with Mobility Issues: Taxi or Private Transfer. Buses require steps and lack dedicated spaces.
• Group of 5 or More: You'll need a larger taxi (max 4) or a van. Pre-book a private van transfer online to avoid hassle.
• Summer Arrival (June-Sept): Allow extra time for traffic and crowds. Alibus can be full; consider taxi if queue is short.
• Winter Arrival (Nov-Feb): All options work, but buses might be less frequent. Taxi is comfortable in rain.

Frequently Asked Questions: Catania Airport to City Centre