- 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
$132
Average price
$154
Fastest journey
9 h 35 m
Average duration
10 h 32 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
717 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Florence to Messina is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Florence to Messina will cost around $154 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $132.
Of the 7 trains that leave Florence for Messina on Fri, Jun 19, 2 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 trains cover the 717 km distance in an average of 10 h 32 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 35 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 11 h 7 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.
InterCityNotte 1963
InterCityNotte 1963
FRECCIAROSSA 9503+
Intercity 723
FRECCIAROSSA 9437+
InterCityNotte 1959
FRECCIAROSSA 9503+
Intercity 723+
Regionale 21693
FRECCIAROSSA 9503+
Intercity 723
FRECCIAROSSA 9325+
InterCityNotte 1955
FRECCIAROSSA 9503+
Intercity 723+
Regionale 21693
FRECCIAROSSA 9437+
InterCityNotte 1959
FRECCIAROSSA 9325+
Regionale 21681+
InterCityNotte 1955Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Florence to Messina among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 19m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $26, and a flight costs an average of $147.
Distance: 445 miles (717 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$126 Average price | $49 Average price Cheapest | $147 Average price | $238 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 43m Average total duration 9h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 32m Average total duration 13h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 19m Average total duration Fastest 2h 19m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions | 2.1 - 4.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 Florence to Messina:
A bus is $77 (€62) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Florence to Messina costing on average $126 (€102).
A bus is $97 (€79) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Florence to Messina costing on average $147 (€119).
Other travel options to Messina take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 13m.
Bus takes on average 13h 2m.
The journey is about 29m faster (9h 13m by train vs 9h 42m by car) and roughly $112 (€91) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($126 (€102) vs $238 (€193)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Intercity Notte, Intercity.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Florence to Messina trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FRECCIAROSSA 9503+ Intercity 723 | 6:00 AM Florence Santa Maria Novella | 9h35 | 3:35 PM Messina Centrale | 1 transfer | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9503+ Intercity 723+ Regionale 21693 | 6:00 AM Florence Santa Maria Novella | 10h41 | 4:41 PM Fiumara Gazzi | 2 transfers | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9325+ InterCityNotte 1955 | 6:59 PM Florence Santa Maria Novella | 10h16 | 5:15 AM Messina Centrale | 1 transfer | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9325+ InterCityNotte 1955+ Regionale 21681 | 6:59 PM Florence Santa Maria Novella | 11h07 | 6:06 AM Fiumara Gazzi | 2 transfers | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9437+ InterCityNotte 1959 | 9:48 PM Florence Santa Maria Novella | 11h02 | 8:50 AM Messina Centrale | 1 transfer | |
InterCityNotte 1963 | 12:12 AM Florence Campo di Marte | 12h33 | 12:45 PM Messina Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
InterCityNotte 1963 | 12:12 AM Florence Campo di Marte | 12h33 | 12:45 PM Messina Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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.
Trains from Florence to Messina run on average 8 times per day, taking around 9h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $57 (€46) but you can travel from only $26 (€21) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:26. The fastest train covers the 445 miles (717 km) distance in 9h 35m.
Distance 445 miles (717 km) |
Average train duration 9h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $57 (€46) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 9h 35m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:26 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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 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.
Official public transport app
Messina Centrale, Messina -> Piazza Cairoli, Messina
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Florence to Messina by train. 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 train, 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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