- Must visit
Museo Civico Castello Ursino
Civic museum inside Castello Ursino with medieval art, paintings, archaeology, and collections that trace Catania’s history from antiquity onward.
Flights from Palermo to Catania depart on average 14 times per day, taking around 2h 28m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at lei1151 but you can travel from only lei48 by bus.
The earliest flight runs at 04:00, the last at 17:50. The fastest flight covers the 103 miles (166 km) distance in 2h 25m. July is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 103 miles (166 km) |
Average flight duration 2h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price lei1151 |
Flights per day 14 |
Fastest flight 2h 25m |
First flight 4:00 AM |
Last flight 5:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 days |
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Palermo to Catania among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of lei79 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 3h 2m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of lei79, while a flight costs an average of lei1951.
Distance: 103 miles (166 km)
| Flight | Most popular Bus | Train | Ferry | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
lei1951 Average price | lei79 Average price Cheapest | lei117 Average price | lei309 Average price | lei201 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 28m Average total duration 2h 28m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 2m Average total duration Fastest 2h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 32m Average total duration 4h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 0m Average total duration 5h 0m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 2h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular ferry company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Palermo to Catania:
A bus is lei38 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Palermo to Catania costing on average lei117.
A bus is lei230 less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Palermo to Catania costing on average lei309.
A bus is lei1871 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Palermo to Catania costing on average lei1951.
Other travel options to Catania take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 32m.
Train takes on average 4h 2m.
Ferry takes on average 5h 0m.
Compare train, bus, flight, and ferry 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.
Discover the best of Catania — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Catania trip today.
Civic museum inside Castello Ursino with medieval art, paintings, archaeology, and collections that trace Catania’s history from antiquity onward.
Museum in Bellini’s birthplace with manuscripts, portraits, period furnishings, and exhibits dedicated to the celebrated Catanian composer’s life.
University museum combining displays on Etna, volcanology, zoology, and science, ideal for understanding the natural setting around Catania.
Catania’s main square and Baroque showpiece, framed by the cathedral, Elephant Fountain, and historic palaces, making it the city’s essential starting point.
Elegant Baroque street lined with churches and palaces, often considered one of Sicily’s most beautiful urban ensembles for a short historic walk.
Lively historic fish market area behind Piazza Duomo, famous for its sensory atmosphere, street life, and authentic glimpse of everyday Catania.
Crisp fried rice ball filled with ragù, peas and cheese. A Sicilian street food staple, especially iconic in Catania bakeries and bars.
Pasta alla Norma combines pasta with fried eggplant, tomato sauce, salted ricotta and basil. It is Catania’s signature dish, named after Bellini’s opera.
Fresh horse meat, often grilled as polpette or steaks. It is a long-standing Catania specialty, especially around the city’s traditional meat stalls.
Historic pastry and café stop famous for granita, cannoli and Sicilian breakfast. A classic casual venue with strong local identity.
Refined Sicilian dining in central Catania, serving seasonal local ingredients and polished regional recipes in an elegant setting.
Historic seafood restaurant by the fish market, known for ultra-fresh catch and classic Catania dishes in a lively traditional setting.
Moderate for Italy: stays and dining are usually cheaper than Rome or Milan, while tourist areas and summer rates raise hotel and restaurant prices. Local buses stay low-cost.
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants for good service, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes if served at table.
Official public transport app
Catania Fontanarossa Airport, Catania -> Catania Centrale, Catania
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Palermo to Catania by flight. 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 flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Catania, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Palermo to Catania flights use the Palermo Airport to Catania Fontanarossa Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Palermo and Catania airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Palermo Airport is 2 km from Palermo city centre. Public transport options include:
Palermo Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in the arrivals and departures areas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Palermo Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Palermo Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Catania Fontanarossa Airport is 4 km from Catania city centre. Public transport options include:
Catania Fontanarossa Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in the arrivals and departures areas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Catania Fontanarossa Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Catania Fontanarossa Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need