- Must visit
Museo Regionale Interdisciplinare di Messina (MuMe)
The city’s main museum, known for important works by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina, plus archaeology and sculpture collections that explain local history.
Cheapest price
$50
Average price
$81
Fastest journey
7 h 55 m
Average duration
8 h 20 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
344 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bari to Messina is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bari to Messina will cost around $81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.
Of the 2 buses that leave Bari for Messina on Sat, May 30, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, May 30 the direct buses cover the 344 km distance in an average of 8 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 55 m .
On Sat, May 30 the slowest buses will take 8 h 45 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.
4411
FlixBus
4411
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bari to Messina among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 7h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $25, and a train costs an average of $25.
Distance: 213 miles (344 km)
Most popular Bus | Train |
|---|---|
$42 Average price Cheapest | $61 Average price |
7h 53m Average total duration 7h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 46m Average total duration Fastest 7h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Bari to Messina:
A bus is $18 (€15) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bari to Messina costing on average $61 (€49).
Other travel options to Messina take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 16m.
Bus takes on average 7h 23m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 13h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 12h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $102 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 12h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 17h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $147 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
The table below shows live departures for Bari to Messina buses for today, Friday, May 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4411 | 10:55 PM Bari, Via Capruzzi (Terminal Bus Bari) | 7h55 | 6:50 AM Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, May 30 | |||||
FlixBus | 9:10 AM Bari, Via Capruzzi (Terminal Bus Bari) | 8h45 | 5:55 PM Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Bari to Messina run on average 3 times per day, taking around 7h 23m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $25 (€20) but you can travel from only $25 (€20) by train.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 213 miles (344 km) distance in 7h 55m.
Distance 213 miles (344 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 (€20) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 7h 55m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 70 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 archaeology and sculpture collections that explain local history.
A historic early-20th-century gallery valued for its architecture and elegant interior. It is often visited as both a cultural stop and a photogenic city landmark.
A contemporary exhibition space in a historic fortification area, occasionally hosting art and cultural displays with strong views over the harbor.
The city’s main square and the best place to experience the cathedral, clock tower show, and some of Messina’s most important monuments together.
The scenic northeastern tip of the city where the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas meet, popular for coastal views, photography, and social-media-friendly scenery.
A pleasant waterfront promenade for walking, sea views, and watching ferry traffic across the Strait, especially popular in the evening.
Stuffed rice balls, usually filled with ragù, ham and cheese, or butter and mozzarella, then breaded and fried. A Sicilian street-food classic found throughout Messina.
A traditional Messina stuffed turnover, typically filled with escarole, tuma cheese, anchovies, and tomato, then baked or fried. It is one of the city’s signature savory foods.
Thin rolls of meat stuffed with breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, then grilled. This is a beloved local specialty often served in homes and traditional trattorie.
Recognized seafood-focused restaurant with contemporary Sicilian cooking, especially local fish and swordfish, served in a modern atmosphere.
Established fine-dining restaurant known for refined Sicilian seafood dishes, elegant presentation, and a polished atmosphere in central Messina.
Well-known traditional restaurant popular for classic Messina and Sicilian specialties, including seafood and hearty local pasta dishes, in a casual setting.
Prices are moderate by Italian standards. Cafes and casual meals are reasonable, while seafront dining and summer stays cost more.
Service is often included or covered by coperto. Tipping is not required, but leaving EUR 1-2 at cafes or 5-10% for great restaurant service is appreciated.
The Bari Messina route is served by two bus companies that offer only direct services that depart in the morning, in the afternoon or at night. The highest number of departures is recorded in the early morning and evening. The timing of the trip varies depending on the time of departure, also bearing in mind the fact that the journey involves boarding the bus on the ferry that, from the port of Villa San Giovanni, Calabria, leads to the port of Messina.
Buscenter.it and Flixbus are the two companies that serve the route with buses Bari Messina organizing direct trips. Alternatively, the bus company Federico Autolinee offers a connection to the port of Villa San Giovanni, where you can embark independently on the ferry to Messina.
The direct route from Bari to Messina, including boarding at Villa San Giovanni and navigation on the ferry, has a duration that varies depending on the date and time of departure selected. The fastest transfer is organized by Flixbus which takes just over 6 hours. In general, the schedule ranges from 6 hours and 30 minutes to 7 hours and 45 minutes.
The trips available every day to reach Messina from Bari are about 6 and become 8 if you add those that lead to the port of Villa San Giovanni. On average there are 56 connections with the island per week.
Bari Bus Station: the buses Bari Messina depart from the stop in Via Giuseppe Capruzzi, which is located in front of the entrance to the train station and near the local bus stop 01, 03, 13, 19, 50 and 53 that lead to the center in about 15 minutes. A bar is available near the bus stop.
Messina bus station: located in Piazza della Repubblica, in front of the train station and near the tram stop 28 that leads to the center in 30 minutes. Inside the station there are a waiting room, shops, toilets, ticket office, bar, luggage storage and police station.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bari 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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