- Must visit
Museo Regionale Interdisciplinare di Messina (MuMe)
The city’s main museum, known for important works by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina, plus sculpture and archaeology from the wider area.
Cheapest price
$89
Average price
$101
Fastest journey
15 h 45 m
Average duration
17 h 37 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
625 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Ancona to Messina is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ancona to Messina will cost around $101 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $89.
It's difficult to get from Ancona to Messina without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ancona to Messina among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $42. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 12h 29m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, and a train costs an average of $63.
Distance: 388 miles (625 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$86 Average price Cheapest | $113 Average price | $201 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 51m Average total duration 14h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 59m Average total duration Fastest 12h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Ancona to Messina:
A bus is $27 (€22) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ancona to Messina costing on average $113 (€91).
Other travel options to Messina take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 29m.
Bus takes on average 14h 21m.
Tickets start at around $86 (€70) compared to roughly $201 (€163) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $116 (€94). The journey takes 14h 21m versus 9h 37m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 17h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:25AM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 19h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 23h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 03:50AM | Duration 20h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 20h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 21h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 15h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:15PM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 17h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 19h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $134 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 20h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 17h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 19h25 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $78 |
The table below shows live departures for Ancona to Messina buses for today, Sunday, June 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:15 PM Ancona | 17h40 | 4:55 PM Messina | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:25 PM Ancona | 19h25 | 6:50 PM Messina | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, June 15 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:45 PM Ancona, Via Guglielmo Marconi / SS681 | 15h45 | 6:30 AM Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Ancona to Messina run on average 4 times per day, taking around 14h 21m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $42 (€34) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 388 miles (625 km) distance in 14h 55m.
Distance 388 miles (625 km) |
Average bus duration 14h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€34) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 14h 55m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Messina — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Messina trip today.
The city’s main museum, known for important works by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina, plus sculpture and archaeology from the wider area.
Cathedral treasury displaying liturgical art, precious objects, and ecclesiastical heritage linked to Messina’s religious history.
Contemporary art space connected with the Horcynus Orca Foundation, featuring exhibitions in a more alternative cultural setting.
Messina’s central square, home to the cathedral, bell tower, and Orion Fountain; the city’s essential starting point.
A scenic viewpoint beside the Cristo Re sanctuary, widely appreciated for sunset and Strait panoramas.
The northeastern tip of Sicily, famous for sea views, beaches, and dramatic scenery where the Ionian and Tyrrhenian waters meet.
Fried rice balls stuffed with ragù, mozzarella, or butter and ham. A Sicilian street-food classic widely loved in Messina.
Messina’s traditional half-moon fried turnovers, usually filled with escarole, anchovies, toma cheese, and sometimes tomato.
A local focaccia topped with escarole, tomatoes, anchovies, and tuma cheese. It is one of the city’s signature savory foods.
Elegant established restaurant known for refined Sicilian cuisine, seafood, and polished service in central Messina.
Well-regarded traditional osteria serving Sicilian and Messina dishes in a warm, classic setting near the historic center.
Established restaurant appreciated for carefully prepared seafood and regional dishes with a more contemporary style.
Prices are moderate by Italian standards. Cafes and casual meals are reasonable; seafront and tourist areas cost more.
Service is often included or covered by coperto. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving EUR 1-5 for good service is appreciated. Round up taxis.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ancona to Messina by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Messina, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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