Quick Answer: Best Way from Reggio Calabria to Lamezia Terme Airport
Best overall option: Train + Airport Shuttle — balancing cost, reliability and speed. Total time: about 2 hours (1h30min train + 15min shuttle + connection time). Total cost: €16.50–€28.00 ($18–$30 USD) depending on train type. Key transfer point: Lamezia Terme Centrale station, where you switch to the airport shuttle train or bus. If you prioritize lowest cost, take a direct bus (from €9.99). If you need speed and door-to-door convenience, a taxi or private transfer (€80–€130, 1h15min) is your best bet — ideal for groups or late arrivals.
🚆 Train + Airport Shuttle: The Recommended Way
The most popular and well-balanced option is taking a train from Reggio Calabria Centrale to Lamezia Terme Centrale, then transferring to the airport shuttle. Below we break down every detail.
Step-by-Step Journey
- Board a train at Reggio Calabria Centrale heading north toward Lamezia Terme, Naples or Rome. Trains run frequently — roughly every 30–60 minutes depending on type.
- Alight at Lamezia Terme Centrale — the main railway station of the city. Journey time varies by train type (see table below).
- Transfer to the airport shuttle: At Lamezia Terme station, follow signs for "Aeroporto" or "Shuttle". You have two choices:
- Shuttle train (Treno Navetta): Direct platform-to-platform connection. Departs every 30–60 minutes. Takes 10 minutes. Cost: €2.00.
- Shuttle bus: Departs from the station forecourt. Takes 15 minutes. Cost: €2.00. Often more frequent during peak hours.
Train Types Compared
| Train Type | Duration (to Lamezia Terme Centrale) | Price (€) — 2nd class | Price (USD) approx. | Frequency | Comfort & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regionale (local) | 1h25min – 1h45min | €12.50 – €15.00 | $13 – $16 | Every 30–60 min | Basic, no reservation needed, bike allowed, frequent stops. |
| Intercity (IC) | 1h10min – 1h25min | €18.50 – €22.00 | $20 – $24 | 5–7 per day | Reservation recommended, air conditioning, dining car. |
| Frecciarossa (high-speed) | 55min – 1h05min | €25.00 – €35.00 | $27 – $38 | 3–5 per day | Reservation mandatory, best comfort, power sockets, quiet car. |
| Italo (high-speed, limited) | 55min – 1h05min | €24.90 – €34.90 | $27 – $38 | 1–3 per day | Similar to Frecciarossa, slightly lower base fare. |
Prices are indicative for a one-way ticket purchased online in advance. Same-day ticket counters may charge a small premium.
Total Door-to-Door Time & Cost (Train + Shuttle)
- Cheapest combo: Regionale (€13.50 avg) + Shuttle (€2.00) = €15.50 total ($17 USD), about 2h00–2h15.
- Fastest combo: Frecciarossa (€30.00 avg) + Shuttle (€2.00) = €32.00 total ($35 USD), about 1h30–1h45.
- Best value: Intercity (€20.00 avg) + Shuttle (€2.00) = €22.00 total ($24 USD), about 1h40–1h55.
Luggage & Seating Tips
All trains have overhead racks and luggage areas near doors. Frecciarossa and Italo have dedicated luggage spaces. If you have large suitcases, avoid peak commuter hours (7:30–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM) when trains are crowded. The shuttle train to the airport is usually less crowded than the mainline trains.
Where to Buy Tickets
Trenitalia tickets: Official website Trenitalia.com or the app. Italo tickets: ItaloTreno.it. You can also buy at station vending machines and ticket counters. For the airport shuttle, purchase a separate €2.00 ticket from the vending machine at Lamezia Terme Centrale — Trenitalia tickets with "Aeroporto" as destination may include the shuttle, check before buying.
Reliability & Strikes
Italian trains are generally punctual, but occasional strikes (sciopero) can disrupt schedules. Check Trenitalia strike calendar before travel. Buses and taxis are not affected by rail strikes.
Verdict: Train + shuttle is the best balance of cost, speed and dependability for most travelers. Choose Regionale for budget, Frecciarossa for speed.
🚌 Bus: The Most Economical Choice
If saving money is your top priority, the direct bus is hard to beat. Several operators connect Reggio Calabria to Lamezia Terme Airport with no transfers required.
Operators & Routes
- FlixBus: The largest operator. Usually departs from Reggio Calabria (city centre near Piazza Garibaldi or the train station) and arrives directly at Lamezia Terme Airport terminal. 1h50min – 2h15min. Fares from €9.99 to €17.99 ($11–$19 USD) when booked in advance.
- Local operators (e.g., Ferrovie della Calabria, Autolinee Federico): Regional services with similar times and slightly lower prices (€8.00–€14.00). Stops may be more local.
Sample Timetable (FlixBus — indicative)
| Departure (Reggio Calabria) | Arrival (Lamezia Terme Airport) | Duration | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06:30 | 08:35 | 2h05min | €11.99 |
| 09:15 | 11:20 | 2h05min | €13.99 |
| 13:00 | 15:10 | 2h10min | €10.99 |
| 17:45 | 19:50 | 2h05min | €15.99 |
Schedules change seasonally. Always check the FlixBus official site for real-time departures.
Booking & Boarding Tips
- Book online — prices rise as departure approaches. FlixBus app is convenient.
- Check luggage allowance: Usually one large suitcase (up to 20–23 kg) + one carry-on. Excess luggage may be charged.
- Arrive 15 minutes early — buses leave promptly. The bus stop in Reggio Calabria is often near the train station; confirm the exact location on your ticket.
- Free Wi-Fi & power outlets on most FlixBus coaches, but not guaranteed on local operators.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Cheapest option — as low as €9.99 one-way.
- ✅ No transfer needed — direct to airport terminal.
- ❌ Slower than train + shuttle in most cases.
- ❌ Less frequent — 3–5 buses per day versus many trains.
- ❌ Traffic risk — delays possible on A2 highway, especially in summer.
Verdict: Best for budget travelers, students and those with flexible schedules. Book early to lock in the lowest fare.
🚕 Taxi & Private Transfer: Fastest & Most Convenient
For door-to-door speed, especially with heavy luggage, in a group, or during late/early hours, a taxi or private transfer is the premium choice.
Cost Breakdown
| Service Type | Estimated Price (€) | Estimated Price (USD) | Duration | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard taxi (metered) | €80 – €110 | $86 – $118 | 1h15min – 1h30min | 4 passengers |
| Private transfer (pre-booked) | €90 – €130 | $97 – $140 | 1h15min – 1h30min | 4–8 passengers (minivan available) |
| Executive car (Mercedes E-class, etc.) | €120 – €160 | $129 – $172 | 1h15min – 1h25min | 3 passengers |
Prices include tolls on A2 highway. Tips are not mandatory but 5–10% is appreciated for good service.
When to Choose Taxi / Private Transfer
- Late-night or early-morning arrivals (before 6:00 AM or after 10:00 PM) when trains and buses are limited.
- Groups of 3–4 people — cost per person becomes comparable to train tickets.
- Heavy or bulky luggage (sports equipment, musical instruments, multiple large suitcases).
- Business travelers prioritizing time and comfort.
- Mobility concerns — door-to-door service avoids stairs and platform changes.
How to Book
Reliable providers: Welcome Pickups, GetTransfer, or local companies like NCC Calabria and Taxi Lamezia Terme. Always confirm the fare upfront — fixed price is better than metered for this route. Book at least 24 hours in advance for best rates.
Warning: Avoid unlicensed taxis at the station or airport. Use official taxi stands or pre-booked services.
Verdict: Ideal for speed, comfort and convenience. Not budget-friendly for solo travelers but great value for groups.
✈️ Flight from Reggio Calabria to Lamezia Terme Airport — Why It's Not Recommended
You might wonder: why not fly directly? After all, both cities have airports. Reggio Calabria Airport (REG) — also known as Aeroporto dello Stretto — and Lamezia Terme Airport (SUF) — Aeroporto Internazionale di Lamezia Terme — are only 115 km apart by road. No commercial airline operates a direct flight on this route because the distance is too short to be viable.
What About Connecting via Rome or Milan?
Some travelers consider flying from REG to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Milan Linate (LIN), then catching a connecting flight back to SUF. Let's look at the numbers:
| Route | Flight Time | Layover | Total Time (door-to-door) | Cost (€) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REG → FCO → SUF | 1h10min + 1h05min | 2–4 hours | 5–7 hours | €150 – €280 | $162 – $302 |
| REG → LIN → SUF | 1h25min + 1h20min | 2–4 hours | 5.5–8 hours | €180 – €340 | $194 – $367 |
| Direct train (comparison) | — | — | 1h45min – 2h15min | €15.50 – €32.00 | $17 – $35 |
As the table shows, flying via a hub takes at least 3 times longer and costs 5–10 times more than the train. It's simply not a sensible option.
When Might Flying Make Sense?
- If you are already at Reggio Calabria Airport and need to reach Lamezia Terme Airport to catch an international flight, a taxi (1h15min, €100) is far quicker and cheaper than any air route.
- If you have a private plane or helicopter — a 30-minute private flight could cost €800–€1,500 ($864–$1,620). Only for extreme urgency or luxury travel.
Verdict: For 99% of travelers, flying is not a practical option. Stick to train, bus or taxi.
🚗 Self-Drive: Maximum Flexibility
Renting a car or driving your own vehicle gives you complete freedom of schedule. The route is straightforward: take the A2 Autostrada del Mediterraneo (formerly A3) north from Reggio Calabria toward Salerno, exit at Lamezia Terme / Aeroporto.
Route Details
- Distance: Approximately 115 km (71 miles).
- Driving time: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes in normal traffic.
- Road conditions: The A2 is a modern dual carriageway in good condition. Scenic coastal views for the first 30 km.
- Tolls: €5.50 – €7.00 ($6–$8) depending on entry/exit points. Pay by card or cash at toll booths.
- Fuel cost: Approx. €15–€18 ($16–$19) for a standard car (petrol).
- Total cost (one-way): €20.50 – €25.00 ($22–$27) including tolls and fuel.
Parking at Lamezia Terme Airport
The airport has several parking options:
- P1 Short-stay: €2.00/hour, max €16.00/day.
- P2 Long-stay: €1.50/hour, €12.00/day, €60.00/week.
- P3 Economy: €1.00/hour, €8.00/day, €45.00/week (free shuttle to terminal).
Book online via Lamezia Airport official parking page for discounts.
Car Rental Tips
If you rent a car in Reggio Calabria and drop it at Lamezia Terme Airport, major companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt) offer one-way rentals. Expect a one-way fee of €30–€60 ($32–$65) on top of the daily rate. Book at least 3–4 days in advance for better availability.
Verdict: Best for road trip lovers, families with lots of gear, or those wanting to explore Calabria further. Not the cheapest or fastest for a simple point-to-point transfer.
💰 Complete Cost & Time Comparison — All Options at a Glance
Use this table to quickly compare every transport mode from Reggio Calabria to Lamezia Terme Airport.
| Transport Mode | Total Time | Cost (€) — one way | Cost (USD) — one way | Transfers Needed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Train (Regionale) + Shuttle | 2h00 – 2h15 | €15.50 – €17.00 | $17 – $18 | 1 (at Lamezia Terme station) | Best overall value |
| Train (Intercity) + Shuttle | 1h40 – 1h55 | €20.50 – €24.00 | $22 – $26 | 1 | Good balance speed/cost |
| Train (Frecciarossa) + Shuttle | 1h30 – 1h45 | €27.00 – €37.00 | $29 – $40 | 1 | Fastest train option |
| 💰 Bus (FlixBus / local) | 1h50 – 2h30 | €9.99 – €17.99 | $11 – $19 | 0 (direct) | Cheapest option |
| 🚕 Taxi / Private Transfer | 1h15 – 1h30 | €80 – €130 | $86 – $140 | 0 (door-to-door) | Fastest & most convenient |
| Self-Drive (own car) | 1h00 – 1h15 | €20.50 – €25.00 | $22 – $27 | 0 | Flexibility, road trip |
| Self-Drive (rental one-way) | 1h00 – 1h15 | €60 – €120 (incl. one-way fee) | $65 – $130 | 0 | One-way rental convenience |
| ✈️ Flight (via Rome/Milan) | 5 – 8 hours | €150 – €340 | $162 – $367 | 2+ | ❌ Not recommended |
Prices are for a single adult traveler. Children, seniors and group discounts may apply. All data as of 2025.
🔍 Bottom line: For most travelers, the Regionale train + shuttle (€15.50–€17.00, about 2h) is the sweet spot. If every euro counts, take the bus. If time is critical, take a taxi.
🧳 Traveler Tips & Local Insights — Make Your Journey Smoother
Based on local knowledge and frequent traveler feedback, here are practical tips to avoid common hiccups on this route.
1. Luggage Strategy: Travel Light or Use Deposito Bagagli
Italian trains have limited luggage space, especially on Regionale trains. If you have more than two large suitcases, consider using Deposito Bagagli (left luggage) at Reggio Calabria Centrale station (€6–€8 per bag for 24 hours) and travel light if you're exploring before your flight. Alternatively, ship luggage via Spedizione Bagagli — Trenitalia offers a door-to-door luggage delivery service (from €25 per bag), though it's less common than Japan's Takkyubin. Book at Trenitalia baggage services.
2. The Lamezia Terme Station Transfer: Watch the Signs
When you arrive at Lamezia Terme Centrale, follow the "Aeroporto" signs. The shuttle train platform is usually Platform 1 East or a dedicated bay. If the shuttle train is delayed (rare but possible), the shuttle bus stop is just outside the station entrance. Pro tip: Buy your shuttle ticket from the vending machine before leaving the main station — the machine accepts cash and cards. Do not try to buy a ticket on the shuttle itself; fines apply.
3. Peak Season & Holiday Warnings
- Summer (July–August): Trains and buses fill up early. Book Frecciarossa and Intercity tickets at least 1–2 weeks in advance. Buses can sell out 3–4 days ahead.
- Christmas & Easter: Expect crowds and potential strikes. Check the Trenitalia strike calendar before booking.
- Weekend travel: Friday evening and Sunday afternoon trains are most crowded. If you have flexibility, travel Tuesday–Thursday.
4. Avoiding Scams & Unofficial Services
At Reggio Calabria Centrale, only use official taxis waiting at the designated taxi rank (look for the white "Taxi" sign). Avoid drivers who approach you inside the station. For private transfers, use reputable platforms like Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer. Never pay a taxi driver before the ride.
5. Mobile Connectivity & Apps
Download the Trenitalia app (for train tickets and real-time updates) and the FlixBus app (for bus tickets and tracking). Both work well on Italian mobile networks. Free Wi-Fi is available at Reggio Calabria Centrale and Lamezia Terme Airport, but not always reliable on trains or buses.
6. Food & Drink on the Go
Reggio Calabria Centrale has a bar/tabacchi and a small supermarket for snacks and water. On Frecciarossa and Italo trains, you can order food and drinks to your seat via the app or the onboard trolley. Regionale trains have no food service — bring your own. At Lamezia Terme Centrale, there is a bar near the main entrance if you need a quick coffee before the shuttle.
7. Accessibility Information
Trenitalia offers assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. Book assistance at least 48 hours in advance via Trenitalia accessibility page. All Frecciarossa and most Intercity trains have wheelchair-accessible carriages. Regionale trains have limited accessibility — check the specific train type. The airport shuttle train is step-free, and the shuttle bus is wheelchair-accessible.
💡 Final pro tip: If your flight departs from Lamezia Terme Airport before 10:00 AM, consider traveling the night before and staying at an airport hotel (like Hotel La Rada or B&B Lamezia Airport) to avoid early-morning stress. The first train from Reggio Calabria arrives at Lamezia Terme Centrale around 6:30 AM, giving you a comfortable connection for flights after 9:00 AM.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a direct train from Reggio Calabria to Lamezia Terme Airport?
No, there is no direct train that goes into the airport terminal. You must take a train to Lamezia Terme Centrale station, then transfer to the airport shuttle train (10 minutes) or shuttle bus (15 minutes). The combined journey is smooth and well-signposted.
How long does it take to get from Reggio Calabria to Lamezia Terme Airport?
Total travel time ranges from 1 hour 45 minutes (by taxi or car) to 2 hours 15 minutes (by Regionale train + shuttle). By direct bus, expect 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes depending on traffic and operator.
What is the cheapest way to get from Reggio Calabria to Lamezia Terme Airport?
The cheapest option is the direct bus (FlixBus or local operators), with fares starting from €9.99 ($11 USD) when booked in advance. The Regionale train + shuttle combo is also very affordable at around €15.50 ($17 USD) total.
What is the fastest way to get from Reggio Calabria to Lamezia Terme Airport?
The fastest way is by taxi or private transfer, taking about 1 hour 15 minutes directly from your location to the airport terminal. Cost ranges from €80 to €130 ($86–$140 USD). Driving yourself takes about the same time.
How much is a taxi from Reggio Calabria to Lamezia Terme Airport?
A metered taxi costs approximately €80–€110 ($86–$118 USD). A pre-booked private transfer is €90–€130 ($97–$140 USD) depending on vehicle type and company. Always confirm the fare before departure — fixed-price booking is recommended.
Is there a bus from Reggio Calabria to Lamezia Terme Airport?
Yes, FlixBus and several local operators (Ferrovie della Calabria, Autolinee Federico) run direct buses from Reggio Calabria to Lamezia Terme Airport. The journey takes 1h50m–2h30m and fares start from €9.99. Check the FlixBus app or FlixBus.com for schedules.
Can I use regional passes or discount cards for this route?
Yes. Trenitalia regional passes and Interrail/Eurail passes valid in Italy cover Regionale trains from Reggio Calabria to Lamezia Terme Centrale. The airport shuttle train is also included in most passes — but check the specific pass terms. No passes cover the bus options. Discount cards like Cartafreccia (Trenitalia loyalty) or Young Card (under 30) can save 10–30% on ticket prices.
What is the best time to travel from Reggio Calabria to Lamezia Terme Airport?
Early morning (before 8:00 AM) or mid-afternoon (2:00–4:00 PM) are the most comfortable windows with fewer crowds and lower risk of delays. Avoid Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons when trains and buses are packed with weekend travelers. During summer (July–August) and holiday periods (Christmas, Easter, Ferragosto), book tickets at least 1–2 weeks in advance and expect possible strikes.