- 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.
Cheapest price
€10
Average price
€10
Fastest journey
1 h 19 m
Average duration
1 h 20 m
Trains per day
44
Distance
87 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Messina to Catania is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Messina to Catania will cost around €10 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €10.
Of the 44 trains that leave Messina for Catania on Sun, Aug 23, 44 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 23 the direct trains cover the 87 km distance in an average of 1 h 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 19 m .
On Sun, Aug 23 the slowest trains will take 1 h 22 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.
Regionale 5385
Regionale 22107
Regionale 22109
Regionale 22081
Regionale 12993
Intercity 721
Intercity 721
Regionale 5397
Regionale 5397
Regionale 5385Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Messina to Catania among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 32m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €6, and a ferry costs an average of €46.
Distance: 54 miles (87 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Ferry | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€9 Average price | €7 Average price Cheapest | €48 Average price | €20 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 2m Average total duration Fastest 1h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 13m Average total duration 1h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 10m Average total duration 4h 10m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 1h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Messina to Catania:
A bus is €2 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Messina to Catania costing on average €10.
Other travel options to Catania take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 44m.
Tickets start at around €10 compared to roughly €20 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €10. The journey takes 1h 36m versus 1h 18m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Regionale, Intercity.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Messina to Catania trains for today, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Regionale 12969 | 11:53 AM Messina Centrale | 2h04 | 1:57 PM Catania Ognina | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12969 | 11:53 AM Messina Centrale | 2h17 | 2:10 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12969 | 11:53 AM Messina Centrale | 2h04 | 1:57 PM Catania Ognina | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12969 | 11:53 AM Messina Centrale | 2h17 | 2:10 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 21687 · Regionale 12973 | 12:37 PM Fiumara Gazzi | 3h02 | 3:39 PM Catania Centrale | 1 transfer | |
Regionale Veloce 5395 | 1:20 PM Messina Centrale | 1h23 | 2:43 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale Veloce 5395 | 1:20 PM Messina Centrale | 1h23 | 2:43 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12973 | 1:35 PM Messina Centrale | 1h52 | 3:27 PM Catania Ognina | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12973 | 1:35 PM Messina Centrale | 2h04 | 3:39 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12973 | 1:35 PM Messina Centrale | 2h04 | 3:39 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12973 | 1:35 PM Messina Centrale | 1h52 | 3:27 PM Catania Ognina | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 21686 · Regionale 12977 | 1:46 PM Fiumara Gazzi | 2h08 | 3:54 PM Catania Ognina | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 21689 · Regionale 12981 | 1:52 PM Fiumara Gazzi | 2h26 | 4:18 PM Catania Ognina | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 21689 · Regionale 12981 | 1:52 PM Fiumara Gazzi | 2h40 | 4:32 PM Catania Centrale | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 12977 | 2:12 PM Messina Centrale | 1h57 | 4:09 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12977 | 2:12 PM Messina Centrale | 1h42 | 3:54 PM Catania Ognina | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12977 | 2:12 PM Messina Centrale | 1h42 | 3:54 PM Catania Ognina | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12977 | 2:12 PM Messina Centrale | 1h57 | 4:09 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12981 | 2:35 PM Messina Centrale | 1h43 | 4:18 PM Catania Ognina | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12981 | 2:35 PM Messina Centrale | 1h43 | 4:18 PM Catania Ognina | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12981 | 2:35 PM Messina Centrale | 1h57 | 4:32 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12981 | 2:35 PM Messina Centrale | 1h57 | 4:32 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 21688+ Intercity 721 | 2:56 PM Fiumara Gazzi | 2h13 | 5:09 PM Catania Centrale | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 21691 · Regionale 12983 | 3:25 PM Fiumara Gazzi | 2h51 | 6:16 PM Catania Centrale | 1 transfer | |
Intercity 721 | 3:50 PM Messina Centrale | 1h19 | 5:09 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Intercity 721 | 3:50 PM Messina Centrale | 1h19 | 5:09 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12983 | 4:18 PM Messina Centrale | 1h58 | 6:16 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12983 | 4:18 PM Messina Centrale | 1h58 | 6:16 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12983 | 4:18 PM Messina Centrale | 1h46 | 6:04 PM Catania Ognina | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12983 | 4:18 PM Messina Centrale | 1h46 | 6:04 PM Catania Ognina | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 21690 · Regionale 5397 | 4:44 PM Fiumara Gazzi | 1h51 | 6:35 PM Catania Centrale | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 5397 | 5:15 PM Messina Centrale | 1h20 | 6:35 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 5397 | 5:15 PM Messina Centrale | 1h20 | 6:35 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12987 | 5:46 PM Messina Centrale | 1h48 | 7:34 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12987 | 5:46 PM Messina Centrale | 1h48 | 7:34 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 21692 · Regionale 12989 | 5:48 PM Fiumara Gazzi | 2h27 | 8:15 PM Catania Centrale | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 12989 | 6:30 PM Messina Centrale | 1h45 | 8:15 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12989 | 6:30 PM Messina Centrale | 1h45 | 8:15 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12991 | 7:34 PM Messina Centrale | 1h41 | 9:15 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12991 | 7:34 PM Messina Centrale | 1h41 | 9:15 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 22117 | 8:15 PM Messina Centrale | 1h48 | 10:03 PM Catania Ognina | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 22117 | 8:15 PM Messina Centrale | 2h00 | 10:15 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 22117 | 8:15 PM Messina Centrale | 1h48 | 10:03 PM Catania Ognina | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 22117 | 8:15 PM Messina Centrale | 2h00 | 10:15 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12995 | 10:17 PM Messina Centrale | 1h33 | 11:50 PM Catania Ognina | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12995 | 10:17 PM Messina Centrale | 1h45 | 12:02 AM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12995 | 10:17 PM Messina Centrale | 1h45 | 12:02 AM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12995 | 10:17 PM Messina Centrale | 1h33 | 11:50 PM Catania Ognina | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, August 23 | |||||
Regionale 22109 | 5:10 AM Messina Centrale | 1h23 | 6:33 AM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 22109 | 5:10 AM Messina Centrale | 1h23 | 6:33 AM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 22107 | 5:24 AM Messina Centrale | 1h58 | 7:22 AM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 22107 | 5:24 AM Messina Centrale | 1h45 | 7:09 AM Catania Ognina | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 22107 | 5:24 AM Messina Centrale | 1h58 | 7:22 AM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 22107 | 5:24 AM Messina Centrale | 1h45 | 7:09 AM Catania Ognina | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12957 | 6:52 AM Messina Centrale | 2h02 | 8:54 AM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12957 | 6:52 AM Messina Centrale | 2h02 | 8:54 AM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 22081 | 7:52 AM Messina Centrale | 2h00 | 9:52 AM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 22081 | 7:52 AM Messina Centrale | 2h00 | 9:52 AM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 22081 | 7:52 AM Messina Centrale | 1h46 | 9:38 AM Catania Ognina | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 22081 | 7:52 AM Messina Centrale | 1h46 | 9:38 AM Catania Ognina | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 5385 | 9:15 AM Messina Centrale | 1h22 | 10:37 AM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 5385 | 9:15 AM Messina Centrale | 1h22 | 10:37 AM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 22115 | 10:50 AM Messina Centrale | 1h34 | 12:24 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 22115 | 10:50 AM Messina Centrale | 1h34 | 12:24 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 22111 | 11:46 AM Messina Centrale | 1h54 | 1:40 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 22111 | 11:46 AM Messina Centrale | 1h42 | 1:28 PM Catania Ognina | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 22111 | 11:46 AM Messina Centrale | 1h42 | 1:28 PM Catania Ognina | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 22111 | 11:46 AM Messina Centrale | 1h54 | 1:40 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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.
Trains from Messina to Catania run on average 44 times per day, taking around 1h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €9 but you can travel from only €6 by bus.
There are 33 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:09, the last at 22:20. The fastest train covers the 54 miles (87 km) distance in 1h 23m.
Distance 54 miles (87 km) |
Average train duration 1h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price €9 |
Trains per day 44 |
Direct trains 33 |
Fastest train 1h 23m |
First train 3:09 AM |
Last train 10:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 70 days |
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Messina to Catania 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 Catania, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Messina to Catania trains use the Messina Centrale to Catania Centrale station pair. Use this guide to compare Messina and Catania train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Catania, Aeroporto di Catania-Fontanarossa (Capolinea Sais) is 3 km from Catania city centre. Check local transport options before travel.
Catania, Aeroporto di Catania-Fontanarossa (Capolinea Sais) has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Catania, Aeroporto di Catania-Fontanarossa (Capolinea Sais).
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need