Catania Airport (CTA) – All You Need to Know
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, also known as Vincenzo Bellini Airport, is the busiest airport in Sicily and the sixth busiest in Italy.
It plays a crucial role in connecting eastern Sicily to numerous international destinations, serving around 12.35 million passengers annually.
While it operates year-round, the airport sees a surge in traffic during the summer months – travelers flock to popular destinations like Catania, Taormina, and Mount Etna.
For all the details about the airport, check out the rest of our guide!
Table of Contents
Catania Airport general information
IATA Code: CTA
ICAO Code: LICC
Number of passengers: ~ 12 million
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, also known as Vincenzo Bellini Airport, is the busiest airport in Sicily and the sixth busiest in Italy.
It is located about 4.3 km southwest of Catania’s city center and has two terminals – Terminal A and Terminal C.
Terminal A is fully operational, while Terminal C is currently used exclusively by easyJet for Schengen area departures.
How to get from Catania Airport to Catania
Getting from the airport to the city center is possible by several means of transportation. Below we have listed all the ways you can reach the vibrant city of Catania.
Airport Bus
The AMT Alibus shuttle service connects the Airport to the city center and the Central Train Station, offering a convenient transportation option for travelers. Buses run every 25 minutes from 4:40 AM until midnight.
From Catania Airport: Buses depart approximately every 25 minutes throughout the day.
From the Central Train Station: Buses follow the same schedule, providing easy access back to the airport.
Check the departures and book your tickets in advance to secure your spot.
Additional information about the Airport bus:
- The AMT Alibus can be found just outside the terminal building, about 50 meters from the entrance.
- Between the airport and the Central Train Station, the bus operates without scheduled stops. If you need to disembark en route, consult the driver.
- The journey takes about 20 minutes to the train station, but during peak travel times, particularly in summer, there may be longer waiting times.
Local Bus
There is a local bus service with regular departures to and from Catania-Fontanarossa Airport. Local bus line 457 runs between the airport and Catania city center, with departures every 20 to 30 minutes throughout the day. The bus stops at key locations, including the Central Train Station and Piazza Borsellino in the city center.
It’s important to note that this bus may not be the best option if you need to catch a train or long-distance bus from Catania.If you have a tight schedule, the AMT Alibus shuttle is a more reliable choice due to its direct route and shorter travel time.
Transfer to nearby cities
If you prefer a hassle-free journey directly to your accommodation, you can pre-book a transfer from CTA to any address in the city or nearby destinations. Transfers are available 24/7 and are especially convenient if you’re arriving late or travelling with extra luggage.
Taxi services
Taxis can be found just outside the airport terminal. To avoid confusion and any potential scams, make sure to agree on the price before entering the taxi.
Car hire
You also have the option to rent a car at Catania Airport, with several companies offering rental services, including Hertz, Europcar, and Avis.During the summer months, it’s recommended to book a car online in advance to avoid the crowds and secure the best rates. The easiest way to rent a car is to compare the prices on the following link, save time and book online.
Airlines
Vicenzo Bellini (CTA) is served by numerous airlines offering both seasonal and year-round flights.
Most routes connect Catania to major European cities, with popular destinations including Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Munich, and London Gatwick.
The airport continues to expand its network, making the city more accessible to travelers from Europe and beyond.
Following are the most important airlines offering departures and arrivals to and from the airport:
- Alitalia
- Ryanair
- easyJet
- Wizz Air
- Lufthansa
- Vueling
- Eurowings
- Air France
- British Airways
- Turkish Airlines
Facilities
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport offers a range of amenities to make your time at it more comfortable. Here are some of the services available:
- WiFi service
- Exchange Office
- ATMs
- Duty-free shops
- Restaurants and Caffe Bars
- Pharmacy
- Luggage storage
- Business Lounge
Acommodation near Catania-Fontanarossa Airport
Catania airport FAQ
Which airport is bigger, Catania or Palermo?
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport is the busiest airport in Sicily, handling over 12 million passengers annually, compared to Palermo Airport, which serves around 8 million. Catania also has a larger number of international connections and higher passenger traffic.
How far is Catania airport from city?
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport is located about 4.3 km southwest of Catania city center. The journey takes around 15-20 minutes by car, taxi, or airport shuttle bus.
How early should I arrive at Catania airport?
For domestic flights, it’s recommended to arrive at least 1.5 hours before departure. For international flights, arriving 2-2.5 hours in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons.
How many gates are at Catania airport?
Catania Airport has 22 gates across its terminal, handling both Schengen and non-Schengen flights. The airport has a single main terminal with facilities for both arrivals and departures.
If I arrive late at the airport, is it a problem to get to the city?
No, transportation is available even at night. The AMT Alibus shuttle runs until midnight, and taxis operate 24/7, providing easy access to the city center. Private transfers can also be pre-booked for added convenience.
If you’re looking for available accommodation units and hotels near Catania Airport, make sure to check out our map below:
Are there buses from Catania Airport to Syracuse and Catania on Sundays in October 2018?
Dear Lynne,
Buses from Catania Aiport to Catania run regularly every day (including Sundays) and the line Catania Airport-Syracuse also runs on Sundays (every 4 hours). This is currently valid, but it is unlikely that these lines will get cancelled in October, so You don’t have to worry.
Best regards,
Melani, GBB Team
Hello how do I get from Catania Airport to Palermo Central via Coach?
Do you have a link to buy tickets in advance
My apologies I meant on a Sunday at 8:00pm
Dear Yvonne,
You can buy ticket by going on our page Catania airport to Palermo
Best regards,
Melani, GBB Team
We would like to book a taxi from Catania airport to Ortygia . Is Radio Taxi Catania our best and cheapest option?
Thank you
Dear Mariza,
They are listed as the official taxi service on the official webpage of Catania Airport, so I think this is your best and safest option.
Best regards,
Melani, GBB Team
Hello ,
We need to go to Airport from Piazza Trento ( if possible) in 10.5.2018 and to be inAirport not late then 7.00 am.Is there any bus to?
Dear Ludmila,
If you check the timetable in the article (for the bus line 457) you can see that buses run from 04:40 every half hour and it stops on Piazza Trento as well.
Best regards!
Melani,
GBB Team
May be you can help me with another puzzle?
To get by bus from Milazzo to Taormina in 4.5 after 15.00? I have been trying to find it , but Interbus has a last bus at 15.00.
Thank you.
Ludmila.
Dear Ludmila,
The best option would be taking regional train from Milazzo to Taormina-Giardini station (with a layover in Messina).
Best regards!
Melani,
GBB Team
Dear Melani,
Can you please suggest the nearest bus stop to B & B l-Elefante in Via Etnea 228. We will be arriving in Catania at 22.30 and plan to take Bus number 457.
Thank you.
George
Dear George,
The bus number 457 passes through Via Etnea as You may see in the timetable linked in the article. There’s a bus stop near Your accommodation (around 100m from B&B) so I think this would be the best option for You.
Best regards,
Melani, GBB Team
HELLO
I plan to take AMT Alibus to Hotel la Ville(Via Claudio Monteverdi, 15, 95131 Catania). Which stop should I get off? Thank you.
Stella
Dear Stella,
What I suggest is that You contact the hotel directly (via e-mail or phone) and ask them for an advice as they will for sure know more about where to get off the bus.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Hi,
Does the AMT bus run on Easter Sunday as well?
Thanks,
Dear Eileen,
The buses run in accordance with flight schedules, so I assume there will also be buses on Easter as well if You have a scheduled flight.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Dear Melani,
Can you suggest the nearest bus stop to Holland International Rooms, Via Vittorio Emanuele II 8, please? We will be arriving in Catania at 21.50 and plan to take bus 457.
Grazie,
Julius
Dear Julius,
I suggest You exit at the bus stop on Piazza dei Martiri della Liberta’ (1 minute walk from Your accommodation).
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Hallo there,
I’d like to ask two questions, can we reach Mascali with a bus in the evening, because our plane lands around 9.30 PM? And if not and we stay in Catania and use the #457 bus from the Airport, do we get it again in front of the airport,because in the late night time-schedule I see this sign X?
Thanks a lot in advance.
Dear Bilyana,
You can reach Mascali from Catania Centrale (main train station), however, the last train departs around 8:30pm, so You’ll have to go next day. Regarding the bus 457 from the airport, the X sign does not refer to the airport, but the ferry port. It means it doesn’t enter ferry port in these hours marked with x, but it stops on the road nearby.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Hi Melani,
Can you tell me the best way to travel from the centre of Catania to Milazzo (we plan to get a boat to one of the islands from there).
Thanks so much!
Dear Katy,
The best way to reach Milazzo is by taking a regional train from Catania Centrale (train station) to Milazzo. You can check all departures on Trenitalia.com.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Dear Melani,
Thank you very much for the information.
Could you please tell me how can I reach the Catania center, using the public transport after we arrive at around 9:30PM?
We have to get to this adress: 5 Via Salvatore di Giacomo secondo piano Catania
And I’m not sure how exactly can we do that – google maps didn’t show any available public transportation?
Best regards,
Bilyana 🙂
Dear Bilyana,
As you may have seen in the link for the timetable, there’s a pdf of bus line map. If you click it You can see the bus route and where is the best stop to get off the bus. Here’s the link to the map of the route, just select the airport line from the menu –> https://www.amt.ct.it/mappa-delle-linee#
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Dear Melani,
As I wasn’t too clear in my previous question I just want to add – I want to know after we take the #457 bus – on which bus stop should we get off the bus, so that we could go to the address “5 Via Salvatore di Giacomo secondo piano Catania”
Which one is the nearest bus stop, so that we could go on foot to the address?
Best regards,
Bilyana
Dear Melani,
What would be the best way to go from the CTA airport to Nissoria? I will be arriving at 15 pm.
Thanks
Dear Nicolas,
Unfortunately, there is no direct bus from Catania Airport to Nissoria but you can take a bus to Sicilia Outlet Village (bus line Catania Airport – Palermo) and from there take a taxi. Sicilia Outlet Village is approximately 26 km away from Nissoria. Here’s the timetable for the bus line –> http://www.saisautolinee.it/servizi.htm
Best regards
Melani, GBB Team
Hello Melani and Bilyana,
Can you advise on public transport options from cantania airport to Taormina. Will be arriving on Sunday the 2nd of September 2018 around lunch time. Appreciate any help or info you can offer, thank you.
Dear James,
There’s a direct bus from Catania Airport to Taormina and it is operated by Etna Trasporti. On the following link You can check the timetable for the 2nd of September. –> https://goo.gl/7gRHBF
Best regards,
Melani, GBB Team
Hello Melani,
is there a connection between Catania Airport and Cefalu ?
Thanks
Sven
Dear Sven,
Unfortunately, there is no direct connection between Catania Airport and Cefalu. What I suggest is that You go to the Central Train Station by bus 457 and then take a train to Cefalu. You can find more details about train departures on Trenitalia.com
Best regards,
Melani, GBB Team
Dear Melanie,
I am arriving Catania Airport on Wednesday at 9.30pm, Please let me know how to take the public transport from the airport to Spiral Stone, 60 Via Fortino Vecchio, 95122 Catania, Italy.
Thanks
Dear Florence,
We only have insight in airport bus line 457 which unfortunately doesn’t pass through this street You named. You have a map of the bus route on the link in the article so You can check where is the best stop to get off the bus and maybe walk by foot to the place You need to go to.
Best regards,
Melani, GBB Team
Dear Melani,
I need to go to Noto from Catania airport – by bus seems to be the best way?
The last bus on 20th June departs at 20:15, how do I get the ticket? Buy before arrival in Catania? A return ticket would be useful, will be going back to Catania a few days later. Is this where the time table is to be found or are there any alternatives?
http://www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it:8080/default.aspx?id=1
Dear Mikaela,
It seems to me that there’s just one departure daily according to this timetable and the bus departs at 08:45. Try using http://www.interbus.it, they have more daily departures from Catania Airport to Noto.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Dear Melani,
I am staying in Siracusa and I would like to go to the shopping mall (Porte di Catania) close to the airport of Catania.
How do I get there?
And can you get to the airport from there?
Thanks in advance!
Regards Suzan
Dear Suzan,
There’s a direct bus line from Siracusa Bus Station to Catania Airport which departs every hour from Siracusa. First departure is at 06:30.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Dear Melani,
We arrive 18.40 on wednsday 10-10 what is the quickest way to go to Syracuse? Or is there no bus available than? I looked at Interbuss but can’t find one. And whats is an alternative?.
Kind regards
Helena
Dear Helena,
You can take regional train from Stazione Centrale (main train station in Catania) to Syracuse. To reach the train station you need to take shuttle bus mentioned in the blog post.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Hi Melani,
Where do i have to get off the shuttle to reach the Stazione Centrale? Is it easy to buy the tickets for the shuttle?
Dear Paulina,
The bus ticket can be bought on board. The last bus stop of the shuttle stops at the Main Train Station (or Stazione Centrale in Italian).
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hello, I am landing at Catania on Monday around 2100 hrs and need to catch a bus to the Art &Jazz Hotel (Via Alfonzetti, 84 Catania). Will this be possible at this time please? Any other information very much appreciated.
Dear Sarah,
yes it will be possible. Shuttle bus from the airport departs every 20 minutes till midnight. Your closest bus stop is called Liberta, in Via Liberta.
Safe flight!
Best regards,
Maja, GBB Team
Can I buy tickets for four days for the bus please, when I arrive at the airport fontanarossa?
Dear Joseph,
There’s a possibility of buying a Catania Pass, it gives you access to museums and unlimited use of public transport for 1, 3 or 5 days. You can see more info on their website.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Is there a bus from Catania Fontanarossa Airport to Catania International Airport Hotel?
Dear Christine,
There is a shuttle bus from Catania Airport to Catania International Airport Hotel and viceversa. It runs from 05:00 to 01:00 every 30 minutes from Departure Terminal.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Hello,
I’m trying to book 2 bus tickets online, from Catania to Taormina. I would like to catch the bus from the station near Via Archimede. However, the Interbus website says departure is from the Airport (even if I chose Catania as the departure); does the same bus stop at the Via Archimede station?
Your help will be very much appreciated.
Thank you.
Dear Marites,
It would be best to check the details directly with the customer support of Interbus since we don’t have that kind of information.
Best regards
Melani, GBB Team
Hello. Can you tell me if bus from airport to town runs on Easter Monday please?
Dear Joanna,
Buses run in accordance with flights, so I think they should run as well on Easter Monday.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
What is the cheapest way to get from Catania airport to the city center? I am seeing conflicting information on ine. We are traveling the beginning of April.
AMT Alibus? Local Bus 457?
Also what is cheapest way to get from Palermo city center to airport?
Thank you!
Dear Jennifer,
You can use either AMT Alibus or bus line 457 to get from Catania Airport to Catania. You can check how to get from Palermo city centre to Palermo Airport on the following link https://getbybus.com/en/blog/airport-bus-palermo/
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
Hello! I ll arrive on thuseday 26/2 in the airport, very early in the morning ( around 7). Which is the best and cheaper way to go to Syracusse? Is there a bus in the airport or I have to go to the central bus station? Also, do you think I have to buy a ticket online? Thanks a lot
Dear Artemis,
There are departures from Catania Airport to Syracuse every day (operated by AST company). The earliest departure is at 06:50 and then the next one at 07:40. Tickets can bought on board.
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
Hello,I am arriving on Catania airport tommorow, with my grendmother on a wheelchair. Ca we take the bus to the city center ?
Thanks for your answer and best regards.
Sabina
Dear Sabina,
Unfortunately, we are not familiar with this information. I suggest to contact directly the Alibus company which operates the shuttle bus.
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
Hello,
We are arriving in Catania airport around 12 pm. Is it true that the Ali bus will wait for the last flight before heading to the city?
Dear Ping,
The last bus departs at 12pm. I’m not really sure whether the bus will wait longer. I advise you to check with the info center of Catania Fontarossa Airport.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hi, Is there a bus stop near to la playa beach? We would like to go the airport directly from the beach on Thursday around 5 pm. Does not make any sence to go back to the city center. Can we get on the airport bus somewhere near to la playa? Or is it possible to walk? Is there a pedestrian road to the airport? Thanks
Dear Olga,
There’s no direct transport to the beach from Fontanarossa Airport and there’s no pedestrian road, you will have to circle around. I suggest going to the city center first.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hi!
I have an early flight on 26th this month, so I want to be at the airport at 5h30 at most. At what time can I get the bus and where, near the center of Catania?
Thank you very much, in advance!
Ana Pires
Dear Ana,
Please consult the timetable link given in the blog post, the earliest bus departs from the airport at 04:40 and then goes to Stazione Centrale and circles back to the airport, so the bus should be at 05:00 at Stazione Centrale and back at the airport around 05:20/25.
Best regard
Melani GBB Team
Hallo, we will arrive by air at 11:05am at Catania CTA on 15.10.2019. What is the cheapest way to go from CTA directly to Syracuse? I am aware there is bus line between the 2 cities, but may not run in October. If it runs, where can I get the time table? how much one way costs? and can I buy ticket onboard? Many thanks in advance.
Dear Eliza,
The bus from Catania Airport to Syracuse runs regularly every day and it is operated by AST local bus company. For more information, I suggest to consult the info desk directly at Catania Airport once you arrive.
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
Hi we are booked from the 14th of March till the 17th of March is there a direct bus that goes from catania fontanarossa airport to Taormina center please?
Thanks
Alison Galea
Dear Alison,
The best way to reach Taormina is either by Interbus from Catania Piazza Michelangelo or by train from Catania Centrale to Taormina-Giardini.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hello,
How do we order a child safety seat for a coach from Catania airport to Taormina for my 2year old?
Thank you?
Dear Lucia,
unfortunately, we don’t have that information, but we suggest you send an inquiry to the shuttle carrier AMT Alibus here.
Best regards,
Maja, GBB Team
Hi,
can we buy tickets for the airport shuttle online?
Thanks,
Aneta
Hi Aneta,
As far as we know, the tickets can be purchased directly at the airport or directly from the driver once you board the bus. However, there should also be some sites which offer the ticket purchase online – none that we’re aware of I am afraid.
If there’s anything else we can help you with, let us know.
Best regards,
Kristina, GetByBus
Hello, are there some public buses from Catania center to airport at about 3 or 4 AM, on 1st January 2022?
Dear Daniel,
according to the official holiday schedule, the first bus on the 1st of January departs at 04:40 am from the airport to the city centre, then returns to the airport.
The journey time to the city centre is about 20 minutes.
Best,
GBB Team
Dear service, could you tell me nearest bus station to Via Etnea 196, using public bus from the airport?
Tnx
Hi Zrinka,
the closest bus stations are Etnea Pacini on one side and Stesicoro on the other side of the street. Both are located about 2 minutes from Via Etnea 196.
Best,
GBB Team
I will take the bus from Syracuse to Catania-Fontanarossa. Could you please tell me how far is the airport from the bus stop?
Hi Nicholas,
if you’re taking a bus directly from the airport, then the bus station is located just outside of the terminal, about a minute walking from the airport.
Best,
GBB Team
Hi
When using Alibus from the airport to Catania centre I would like to know where to stop for Magione del Re, Via Plebiscito please?
Thanks
Hello Carmen,
You can leave the bus at the Piazza Stesicoro bus stop. It’s a 5min walk from the bus stop to your destination. Use the GPS to follow your exact location while in bus, or just ask the driver
to notify you about the stop.
Best,
GBB Team
Hi,
Can you please recommend an airport shuttle for us ( 2 adults and a 2-year-old child) from Catania airport to our hotel in Letojanni and back to the airport as well?
How much will it cost?
Thank you.
Regards,
Elvira
Hi Elvira,
you can take a shuttle bus described in the text. Board it at Taormina Via Leonardo Da Vinci and get off at Letojanni Via Marangoni.
Best,
GBB Team
Good afternoon. We are in need of reliable ground transportation from town to town as we travel around Sicily. Not a guided tour or anything fancy. We speak English only. We just need to get from point A to point B. We will shuttle from Palermo airport to city center in Palermo. We will have 3 night stays booked in each location. We need someone to take us from …
Palermo to Cefalu
Cefalu to Catania.
Catania to Syracuse etc. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Hi,
maybe you can consider booking a transfer for these routes. This way you can be taken directly to any destination, door-to-door.
Best,
GBB Team
We wish to take a bus from Catania airport to Duomo bus stop in Catania. We need to store luggage in the under carriage of the bus. I note the 457 Alibus stops there, does it allow baggage storage.?
Hi Michael,
such buses usually do accommodate luggage. You can check for further information here.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team
Does the Catania bus to Syracuse stop near the cruise port?
Hi Kate,
yes, the bus from Catania to Syracuse stops near the cruise port. The main stop for buses heading to Syracuse is at Piazza Paolo Borsellino (also known as Piazza Alcalà), which is about a 15-minute walk from the cruise terminal.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team