- 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
$141
Average price
$177
Fastest journey
17 h 30 m
Average duration
17 h 34 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
849 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Venice to Messina is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Venice to Messina will cost around $177 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $141.
Of the 3 trains that leave Venice for Messina on Fri, Jun 19, 3 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 849 km distance in an average of 17 h 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 17 h 30 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 17 h 41 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.






Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Venice to Messina among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $33. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 13h 54m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $33, and a train costs an average of $65.
Distance: 527 miles (849 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$130 Average price | $71 Average price Cheapest | $228 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 24m Average total duration Fastest 13h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 46m Average total duration 16h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Venice to Messina:
A bus is $59 (€48) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Venice to Messina costing on average $130 (€106).
Other travel options to Messina take longer:
Train takes on average 13h 54m.
Bus takes on average 16h 16m.
Tickets start at around $130 (€106) compared to roughly $228 (€186) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $98 (€80). The journey takes 13h 54m versus 12h 16m 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.
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 Venice 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 9405+ Intercity 727 | 7:26 AM Venice Santa Lucia | 12h09 | 7:35 PM Messina Centrale | 1 transfer | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9405+ Intercity 727 | 7:26 AM Venice Santa Lucia | 12h09 | 7:35 PM Messina Centrale | 1 transfer | |
Intercity 594+ InterCityNotte 1959 | 3:34 PM Venice Mestre | 17h16 | 8:50 AM Messina Centrale | 1 transfer | |
Intercity 594+ InterCityNotte 1959 | 3:34 PM Venice Mestre | 17h16 | 8:50 AM Messina Centrale | 1 transfer | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9431+ InterCityNotte 1955 | 4:26 PM Venice Santa Lucia | 12h49 | 5:15 AM Messina Centrale | 1 transfer | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9431+ InterCityNotte 1955+ Regionale 21681 | 4:26 PM Venice Santa Lucia | 13h40 | 6:06 AM Fiumara Gazzi | 2 transfers | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9431+ InterCityNotte 1955 | 4:26 PM Venice Santa Lucia | 12h49 | 5:15 AM Messina Centrale | 1 transfer | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9437+ InterCityNotte 1959 | 7:26 PM Venice Santa Lucia | 13h24 | 8:50 AM Messina Centrale | 1 transfer | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9437+ InterCityNotte 1959 | 7:26 PM Venice Santa Lucia | 13h24 | 8:50 AM Messina Centrale | 1 transfer | |
InterCityNotte 770+ Intercity 723 | 10:05 PM Venice Santa Lucia | 17h30 | 3:35 PM Messina Centrale | 1 transfer | |
InterCityNotte 770+ Intercity 723 | 10:05 PM Venice Santa Lucia | 17h30 | 3:35 PM Messina Centrale | 1 transfer | |
InterCityNotte 770+ Intercity 723+ Regionale 21693 | 10:05 PM Venice Santa Lucia | 18h36 | 4:41 PM Fiumara Gazzi | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Venice to Messina run on average 8 times per day, taking around 13h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $65 (€53) but you can travel from only $33 (€27) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:35, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 527 miles (849 km) distance in 12h 9m.
Distance 527 miles (849 km) |
Average train duration 13h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $65 (€53) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 12h 9m |
First train 12:35 AM |
Last train 10:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 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 Venice 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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