- Must visit
MArTA - National Archaeological Museum of Taranto
The city’s flagship museum, famous for Magna Graecia finds, gold collections, and artifacts that explain Taranto’s ancient importance in Southern Italy.
Cheapest price
$39
Average price
$46
Fastest journey
6 h 15 m
Average duration
6 h 39 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
292 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Messina to Taranto is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Messina to Taranto will cost around $46 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
Of the 4 buses that leave Messina for Taranto on Sat, Jun 20, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 292 km distance in an average of 6 h 39 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 15 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 7 h 5 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.
4412
4404
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
4412
4404
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Messina to Taranto among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 6h 26m. 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 $24, and a train costs an average of $45.
Distance: 181 miles (292 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$44 Average price Cheapest | $47 Average price | $74 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 56m Average total duration Fastest 6h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 57m Average total duration 8h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Messina to Taranto:
A bus is $3 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Messina to Taranto costing on average $47 (€38).
Other travel options to Taranto take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 27m.
Tickets start at around $44 (€36) compared to roughly $74 (€61) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $30 (€25). The journey takes 6h 26m versus 4h 45m 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 Itabus, FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, SAIS trasporti S.p.A. - Autolinee Giamporcaro.
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 08:05AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 20h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
The table below shows live departures for Messina to Taranto buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 1:25 PM Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 6h15 | 7:40 PM Taranto, Terminal Cimino | 0 transfersDirect | |
4412 | 11:50 PM Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 6h30 | 6:20 AM Taranto, Terminal Cimino | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
4404 | 9:35 AM Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 6h45 | 4:20 PM Taranto, Terminal Cimino | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:05 AM Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 7h05 | 5:10 PM Taranto, Terminal Cimino | 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 Messina to Taranto run on average 3 times per day, taking around 6h 26m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:06, the last at 23:56. The fastest bus covers the 181 miles (292 km) distance in 6h 30m.
Distance 181 miles (292 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€20) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 6h 30m |
First bus 12:06 AM |
Last bus 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Taranto — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Taranto trip today.
The city’s flagship museum, famous for Magna Graecia finds, gold collections, and artifacts that explain Taranto’s ancient importance in Southern Italy.
An underground archaeological site in the old city linked to ancient Spartan Taras, valued for its immersive look into early settlement layers below modern Taranto.
Although primarily a landmark, the internal exhibition route functions like a small interpretive museum about the fortress and Taranto’s military history.
The atmospheric old town on the island between two seas, full of narrow lanes, historic facades, and some of the city’s most photogenic corners.
The main waterfront promenade, ideal for strolling, sea views, and classic photos of bridges, naval buildings, and the Mar Grande.
A central square by the castle and bridge, often the starting point for sightseeing and one of the most recognizable urban spaces in Taranto.
Taranto's signature mussel dish, cooked in tomato, garlic, parsley, and chili. It reflects the city's long tradition of mussel farming in the Mar Piccolo.
A simple local favorite of mussels steamed with black pepper and lemon. It highlights the quality of Taranto's famous shellfish.
A classic Apulian baked dish with rice, potatoes, and mussels, often linked with the Ionian coast. Rich, rustic, and deeply traditional.
Historic and well-known pizzeria in Taranto, appreciated for classic pizzas and a long-standing casual local atmosphere.
Established seafood restaurant known for local fish dishes and traditional Apulian coastal cooking in a relaxed setting.
Recognized Taranto restaurant serving seafood and regional specialties, with a classic, welcoming dining room.
Generally cheaper than Rome or Milan. Meals and coffee are reasonable, while hotels vary by season and location.
Service is often included or modest. Tipping is not required, but leaving EUR 1-2 at cafes or 5-10% in restaurants for good service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Taranto Terminal Cimino -> Taranto Stazione Centrale
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Messina to Taranto 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 Taranto, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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