- Must visit
Museo Regionale Interdisciplinare di Messina (MuMe)
The city’s main museum, known for works by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina, plus archaeological finds and decorative arts from the wider province.
Cheapest price
$42
Average price
$63
Fastest journey
8 h 40 m
Average duration
9 h 50 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
487 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Rome to Messina is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rome to Messina will cost around $63 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
Of the 8 buses that leave Rome for Messina on Fri, Jun 19, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct buses cover the 487 km distance in an average of 9 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 40 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest buses will take 10 h 55 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
2125
FlixBus
FlixBus
4411
S201
FlixBus
FlixBus
2125
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Rome to Messina among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 38m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $21, and a train costs an average of $48.
Distance: 302 miles (487 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$42 Average price Cheapest | $86 Average price | $56 Average price | $163 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 50m Average total duration 9h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 42m Average total duration 8h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 38m Average total duration Fastest 1h 38m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Rome to Messina:
A bus is $14 (€11) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rome to Messina costing on average $56 (€45).
A bus is $44 (€36) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rome to Messina costing on average $86 (€70).
Other travel options to Messina take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 12m.
Bus takes on average 9h 20m.
Tickets start at around $42 (€34) compared to roughly $163 (€133) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $121 (€99). The journey takes 9h 20m versus 7h 22m 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, Autoservizi Salemi, BlaBlaCar, Salemi, Autoservizi Salemi Srl.
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 BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:10AM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 14h25 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Salemi | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 05:40AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $52 |
The table below shows live departures for Rome to Messina buses for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 8:55 AM Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina | 10h55 | 7:50 PM Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 0 transfersDirect | |
4411 | 4:25 PM Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina | 14h25 | 6:50 AM Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:15 PM Roma, Autostazione (Metro Anagnina) | 12h15 | 6:30 AM Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 1 transfer | |
2125 | 7:30 PM Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina | 10h15 | 5:45 AM Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 0 transfersDirect | |
S201 | 8:00 PM Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina | 8h40 | 4:40 AM Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:00 PM Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina | 9h30 | 6:30 AM Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:30 PM Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina | 11h40 | 11:10 AM Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, June 19 | |||||
FlixBus | 1:20 AM Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina | 9h50 | 11:10 AM 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 train, bus, and flight 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 Rome to Messina run on average 8 times per day, taking around 9h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) if you book in advance.
There are 6 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:35, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 302 miles (487 km) distance in 8h 40m.
Distance 302 miles (487 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 8h 40m |
First bus 12:35 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 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 works by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina, plus archaeological finds and decorative arts from the wider province.
Museum treasury linked to the cathedral, displaying liturgical objects and sacred artworks that help explain Messina’s religious and artistic history.
Contemporary art venue connected with the Horcynus Orca cultural foundation, often appreciated for exhibitions in a more alternative setting near the strait.
The symbolic heart of Messina, home to the cathedral, astronomical clock, and major monuments, making it the essential starting point for most visits.
The waterfront promenade is a popular walking area with harbour views, open space, and an easy way to experience the city’s relationship with the strait.
A panoramic viewpoint near the shrine of Cristo Re, especially popular for sunset photos over the harbour and the Strait of Messina.
Fried rice balls, usually filled with ragù, mozzarella, or butter and ham. A classic Sicilian street food widely loved in Messina.
A traditional Messina stuffed turnover, typically filled with escarole, tuma cheese, anchovies, and tomato, then baked or fried.
Messina’s signature focaccia topped with escarole, tomatoes, tuma cheese, and anchovies. It is one of the city’s most distinctive savory specialties.
A respected restaurant in Messina appreciated for refined Sicilian cooking, seafood specialties, and an elegant setting.
An established Messina seafood restaurant known for classic Sicilian dishes, polished service, and a traditional atmosphere.
Historic pastry and café venue famous for granita, cannoli, and classic Sicilian sweets in a lively, traditional setting.
Generally moderate by Italian standards. Cafes and casual meals are affordable, while seafront dining and summer stays cost more.
Service is often included or a coperto may apply. Tipping is not required, but leaving EUR 1-2 at cafes or 5-10% for very good restaurant service is appreciated. Round up taxis.
The daily bus services from Rome to Messina are different and include connections in the morning, afternoon and evening. The first departure is around 06:30, the last one around 23:15. Not all connections offered are direct: some, in fact, provide for a change in Naples or Sibari, Calabria.
Rome Messina direct buses are served by BusCenter, Sais Autolinee, Salemi and Flixbus companies. The latter company also serves connections that provide for a change of bus during the journey with a variable stopover time.
Rome Messina buses that make a direct connection to get to your destination take about 8 to 9 hours. The duration is different if there is an intermediate change in Naples or Sibari: in this case, the time required to travel the route well exceeds 10 hours, arriving around 11-12 hours of travel.
Depending on the day selected for departure, the number of connections available varies: on weekdays there are about 8 trips, on Saturdays two and on Sundays five. The total is 40 departures per week, distributed over all time slots, but mainly concentrated in the early morning or evening after 21:00.
Tiburtina Car Station:is located a few kilometers from the center to which it is connected by metro with a journey of about 20 minutes. The services offered are: permanent security, SOS columns, three ticket offices, toilets, parking for disabled and pregnant women, monitors with real-time indications of arrivals and departures and free wi-fi.
Piazza della Repubblica: the stop is located near the train station, where there are bars, luggage storage, shops, waiting room and toilets. The bus station is connected to the center, 0.9 km away, by several bus lines and taxis that reach the destination in ten minutes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rome 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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