- Must visit
Museo Mandralisca
Cefalù’s main museum, set in the Mandralisca palace, with archaeology, coin collections, and Antonello da Messina’s celebrated Portrait of an Unknown Man.
Cheapest price on Sep 15
$16
Average ticket price on Sep 15
$17
Fastest journey on Sep 15
2 h 1 m
Average journey duration on Sep 15
2 h 2 m
Trains on Sep 15
33
Distance
135 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Messina to Cefalù is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Messina to Cefalù will cost around $17 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $16.
On Tue, Sep 15, we found 33 trains from Messina to Cefalù, including 18 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 15 the direct trains cover the 135 km distance in an average of 2 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 1 m .
On Tue, Sep 15 the slowest trains will take 2 h 4 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 12885 · Regionale 21887
Regionale 12885 · Regionale 21887
Regionale 12903 · Regionale 12911
Regionale 5351
Regionale 5361
Regionale 5359
Regionale Veloce 5363
Regionale Veloce 5363
Regionale 5359
Regionale 5369Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Messina to Cefalù among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $17 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 44m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $17, while a ferry costs an average of $56.
Distance: 83 miles (135 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Ferry | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$17 Average price Cheapest | $56 Average price | $44 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
2h 44m Average total duration Fastest 2h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 10m Average total duration 4h 10m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 1h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Messina to Cefalù:
A train is $40 less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Messina to Cefalù costing on average $56.
Other travel options to Cefalù take longer:
Ferry takes on average 4h 10m.
Tickets start at around $17 compared to roughly $44 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $27. The journey takes 2h 14m versus 1h 54m 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 Cefalù trains for today, Monday, September 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Regionale 12903 · Regionale 12911 | 6:05 PM Messina Centrale | 3h07 | 9:12 PM Cefalù station | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 12903 · Regionale 12911 | 6:05 PM Messina Centrale | 3h07 | 9:12 PM Cefalù station | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, September 15 | |||||
Regionale 5351 | 4:49 AM Messina Centrale | 2h06 | 6:55 AM Cefalù station | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 5351 · Autobus SM103 | 4:49 AM Messina Centrale | 2h29 | 7:18 AM Cefalù | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 5351 | 4:49 AM Messina Centrale | 2h06 | 6:55 AM Cefalù station | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12853 · Regionale 12863 | 5:01 AM Messina Centrale | 2h36 | 7:37 AM Cefalù station | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 12853 · Regionale 12863 · Autobus SM105 | 5:01 AM Messina Centrale | 3h17 | 8:18 AM Cefalù | 2 transfers | |
Regionale 12853 · Regionale 12863 | 5:01 AM Messina Centrale | 2h36 | 7:37 AM Cefalù station | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 5353 | 6:38 AM Messina Centrale | 2h14 | 8:52 AM Cefalù station | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 5353 · Autobus SM107 | 6:38 AM Messina Centrale | 2h40 | 9:18 AM Cefalù | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 5353 | 6:38 AM Messina Centrale | 2h14 | 8:52 AM Cefalù station | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 5355 · Autobus SM111 | 7:56 AM Messina Centrale | 3h22 | 11:18 AM Cefalù | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 5355 | 7:56 AM Messina Centrale | 2h16 | 10:12 AM Cefalù station | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 5355 | 7:56 AM Messina Centrale | 2h16 | 10:12 AM Cefalù station | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 5359 | 10:43 AM Messina Centrale | 2h01 | 12:44 PM Cefalù station | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 5359 · Autobus SM115 | 10:43 AM Messina Centrale | 2h35 | 1:18 PM Cefalù | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 5359 | 10:43 AM Messina Centrale | 2h01 | 12:44 PM Cefalù station | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 5361 | 12:27 PM Messina Centrale | 2h11 | 2:38 PM Cefalù station | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 5361 · Autobus SM121 | 12:27 PM Messina Centrale | 3h16 | 3:43 PM Cefalù | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 5361 | 12:27 PM Messina Centrale | 2h11 | 2:38 PM Cefalù station | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 12885 · Regionale 21887 | 12:32 PM Messina Centrale | 2h38 | 3:10 PM Cefalù station | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 12885 · Regionale 21887 | 12:32 PM Messina Centrale | 2h38 | 3:10 PM Cefalù station | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 12885 · Regionale 21887 · Autobus SM121 | 12:32 PM Messina Centrale | 3h11 | 3:43 PM Cefalù | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce 5363 | 2:37 PM Messina Centrale | 2h01 | 4:38 PM Cefalù station | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale Veloce 5363 · Autobus SM123 | 2:37 PM Messina Centrale | 3h01 | 5:38 PM Cefalù | 1 transfer | |
Regionale Veloce 5363 | 2:37 PM Messina Centrale | 2h01 | 4:38 PM Cefalù station | 0 transfersDirect | |
Intercity 723 | 4:00 PM Messina Centrale | 2h12 | 6:12 PM Cefalù station | 0 transfersDirect | |
Intercity 723 | 4:00 PM Messina Centrale | 2h12 | 6:12 PM Cefalù station | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 5369 | 5:14 PM Messina Centrale | 2h04 | 7:18 PM Cefalù station | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale 5369 · Autobus SM125 | 5:14 PM Messina Centrale | 3h04 | 8:18 PM Cefalù | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 5369 | 5:14 PM Messina Centrale | 2h04 | 7:18 PM Cefalù station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, ferry, and bus 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 Cefalù run on average 19 times per day, taking around 2h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 if you book in advance.
There are 14 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:50, the last at 22:17. The fastest train covers the 83 miles (135 km) distance in 1h 55m.
Distance 83 miles (135 km) |
Average train duration 2h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 |
Trains per day 19 |
Direct trains 14 |
Fastest train 1h 55m |
First train 4:50 AM |
Last train 10:17 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Cefalù — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cefalù trip today.
Cefalù’s main museum, set in the Mandralisca palace, with archaeology, coin collections, and Antonello da Messina’s celebrated Portrait of an Unknown Man.
Small diocesan museum linked to the cathedral complex, displaying sacred art and objects that illuminate Cefalù’s ecclesiastical history.
Exhibition spaces within the cathedral towers and roofs, offering historical interpretation and memorable elevated views over the old town and sea.
Long sandy beach beside the historic center, ideal for classic views of La Rocca and the cathedral skyline. A signature walking and sunset area.
Main historic square in front of the cathedral, framed by steps and old buildings. It is the natural starting point for exploring central Cefalù.
Rocky headland above town with walking paths, archaeological remains, and sweeping panoramas. It is Cefalù’s essential hike and viewpoint area.
Pasta with sardines, wild fennel, pine nuts and raisins. A classic Sicilian mix of sea and land, widely loved on the north coast.
Rice balls stuffed with ragù, peas and cheese, then breaded and fried. A beloved Sicilian street food found across Cefalù.
Thick chickpea fritters, often served in a roll or as a snack. A simple Palermo-Sicilian specialty popular across the region.
Refined Michelin-starred restaurant known for elegant Sicilian tasting menus and polished service in Cefalù’s historic center.
Popular casual venue for Sicilian pastries, granita, coffee and light meals, ideal for breakfast or an afternoon stop.
Well-known seafood restaurant by the seafront, appreciated for fresh fish, pasta and a classic coastal atmosphere.
Moderate for Sicily: rooms rise sharply in summer, but dining and local trains stay reasonable versus Amalfi or major Italian art cities.
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants for good service; taxis are usually rounded up; small change at cafes is enough.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Messina to Cefalù 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 Cefalù, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Messina to Cefalù trains use the Messina Centrale to Cefalù station pair, with some services arriving at Cefalù, Hotel Santa Lucia. Use this guide to compare Messina and Cefalù train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Cefalù, Hotel Santa Lucia is 2 km from Cefalù city centre. Public transport options include:
Cefalù, Hotel Santa Lucia has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Nearby dining options available.
Wi-Fi is available at Cefalù, Hotel Santa Lucia. ATMs are available at Cefalù, Hotel Santa Lucia.
Ticket office support is available at Cefalù, Hotel Santa Lucia.
Available at Cefalù, Hotel Santa Lucia: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cefalù, Hotel Santa Lucia.
Cefalù, Cefalu' Ospedale is 1 km from Cefalù city centre. Public transport options include:
Cefalù, Cefalu' Ospedale has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cefalù, Cefalu' Ospedale. ATMs are available at Cefalù, Cefalu' Ospedale.
Ticket office support is available at Cefalù, Cefalu' Ospedale.
Available at Cefalù, Cefalu' Ospedale: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cefalù, Cefalu' Ospedale: The station is accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need