- Must visit
Museo Regionale Interdisciplinare di Messina
Messina’s main museum preserves major Sicilian artworks, including masterpieces by Caravaggio and Antonello-linked treasures, essential for art lovers.
Cheapest price
$107
Average price
$148
Fastest journey
13 h 35 m
Average duration
16 h 53 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 $148 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $107.
Of the 3 buses that leave Ancona for Messina on Fri, Jul 31, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 31 the direct buses cover the 625 km distance in an average of 16 h 53 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 13 h 35 m .
On Fri, Jul 31 the slowest buses will take 19 h 25 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
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 $62.
Distance: 388 miles (625 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$85 Average price Cheapest | $112 Average price | $199 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 $112 (€91).
Other travel options to Messina take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 29m.
Bus takes on average 14h 21m.
Tickets start at around $85 (€70) compared to roughly $199 (€163) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $114 (€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 Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $184 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:25AM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 19h25 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $154 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 23h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 21h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 20h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 15h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 13h35 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 25h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:15PM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 17h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 19h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
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 Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 19h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
The table below shows live departures for Ancona to Messina buses for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:15 AM Ancona | 20h35 | 4:50 AM Messina | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:15 PM Ancona | 17h40 | 3:55 PM Messina | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 31 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:15 AM Ancona, Via Guglielmo Marconi / SS681 | 17h40 | 5:55 PM Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, July 30 | |||||
![]() | 10:25 PM Ancona | 19h25 | 5:50 PM Messina | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 31 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:25 AM Ancona, Via Guglielmo Marconi / SS681 | 19h25 | 7:50 PM Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 11:15 PM Ancona | 17h40 | 4:55 PM Messina | 0 transfersDirect | |
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.
Messina’s main museum preserves major Sicilian artworks, including masterpieces by Caravaggio and Antonello-linked treasures, essential for art lovers.
A church museum displaying liturgical art, silverwork, and historic objects tied to Messina Cathedral and the city’s religious heritage.
A small local gallery and exhibition space used for cultural displays, suitable for visitors seeking contemporary community art in Messina.
Messina’s main cathedral square is the city’s ceremonial heart, ideal for seeing the Duomo, fountain, and clock tower together.
This scenic viewpoint area beside Cristo Re offers one of the best panoramas over Messina, the harbor curve, and Calabria beyond.
This central piazza is dominated by Orion Fountain and elegant facades, making it one of the city’s most photogenic public spaces.
A layered baked pasta timbale with ragù, eggplant, cheese, and sometimes meatballs. A festive Sicilian classic closely tied to family Sunday meals.
A crisp fried rice ball, usually filled with ragù, peas, and cheese. A beloved Sicilian street food found in bars and bakeries across Messina.
Soft sweet brioche served with granita, especially for breakfast. In Messina it is a warm-weather ritual and a signature part of Sicilian café culture.
Refined Michelin-starred dining with creative Sicilian seafood and tasting menus in an elegant setting inside Hotel Messenion.
Historic pastry café famed for granita, brioche, gelato, and Sicilian breakfast classics. A traditional stop with a strong local reputation.
Well-known seafood restaurant serving swordfish, shellfish, and classic Sicilian fish dishes in a polished but welcoming atmosphere.
Moderate for Italy. Rooms and meals are often cheaper than in Rome or Milan, while local buses and ferries stay reasonably priced for tourists.
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave €1-2 at cafes, 5-10% in restaurants for good service, and round up taxi fares.
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.

Most Ancona to Messina buses use the Ancona, Via Guglielmo Marconi / SS681 to Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) station pair. Use this guide to compare Ancona and Messina bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need