Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) CTA: Departure times and transfers

Flying from/to Catania Fontanarossa Airport

If you are planning to fly to/from Catania Fontanarossa Airport, check out our tips on what’s the best way to travel between the airport and the city center. It’s always good to know, what’s the most convenient way to get to your destination. You can also find some data on the Catania Fontanarossa Airport facilities and some local tips on the airport itself.

Travel from Catania to Catania Fontanarossa Airport

Catania is the lively second city of Sicily, at the foot of the still-active Mount Etna volcano. The city's downtown area shows the signs of a place that's seen the consequences of living in the shadow of a volcano. Look out for the buildings and especially the many Baroque fountains that are constructed using black lava, a legacy of multiple eruptions. You'll know a fountain is Baroque because of excessive ornamentation. Travel to the city's airport, known as Catania Fontanarossa Airport, from the city center is relatively simple. There are regular buses on the local AMT network,  with "​Alibus Aeroporto" identification, which leave from central Catania and reach Catania Fontanarossa Airport in about 50 minutes.

What's the best way to get to the airport from the city center?

There's a quick and easy bus service to Catania Fontanarossa Airport. The distance is a short one, about four miles (6.4 kilometers), and even with local stops, the bus takes no more than 50 minutes. Travelers should look out for the "Alibus Aeroporto" signs on these airport buses. The buses originate in the city center, at the central train station. There's also a stop just outside Catania Cathedral​, known locally as the Duomo, which can be convenient for most of the city center hotels. These buses run at 20 minute intervals throughout the day.

How far is it from the city center to the airport?

It's not far from central Catania to Catania Fontanarossa Airport​. The distance is just over four miles (6.4 kilometers). The journey shouldn't take more than 20 minutes on the regular "Alibus Aeroporto" bus service, which stops directly outside the airport itself. Do prepare, however, for rush hour at the beginning at the end of each day and plan on taking an earlier bus than you might have otherwise. There are clear signs on all roads to the airport. Taxis to the airport are readily available and cost much more than the bus service. Taxis make the journey to Catania Fontanarossa Airport ​ in about 15 minutes.

What facilities are there at the airport?

Catania Fontanarossa Airport is the second largest in Sicily, after that in Palermo. The airport is also known as Vincenzo Bellini Airport,​​ after the classical composer Bellini who was born in Sicily. It's the busiest airport on the island with a full range of facilities to match. Parts of Catania Fontanarossa Airport​ date back to the 1920s but it's had a makeover in recent years, and now boasts at least some of the facilities that international travelers expect.  The departure terminal has a table service restaurant with full meals available as well as a coffee bar. There's additionally a self-service restaurant. A large choice of shops is available, including duty-free shops. The airport's automatic cash machine is available during office hours on weekdays only. The only free WiFi for passengers at the airport is in the VIP lounges which require an entry free.

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility?

Some of the buses which run on the Alibus route to Catania Fontanarossa Airport have wheelchair ramps, but not all of them do. Taxis are available which can carry wheelchairs. These taxis can easily be booked. At Catania Fontanarossa Airport ​all facilities are accessible to those with reduced mobility. The airport has a dedicated staff for those needing assistance, including with boarding the plane. These staff are on duty 24 hours a day. Elevators are available for those who are less able to use the airport's stairs.

Local tips: how to travel to the airport like a local

Locals generally use the local bus service to Catania Fontanarossa Airport ​because these buses run on the AMT network, like most other buses in Sicily. The "Alibus Aeroporto" service stops locally in Catania itself meaning that most people have a stop nearby. Tickets are relatively cheap and the service is also a quick one, taking no more than 50 minutes. Taxis are substantially more expensive but much quicker. Those traveling in a group may find a taxi to cost the same as a bus.