How to Get to Syracuse, Sicily

Do You Really Need to Rent a Car in Sicily?

This is a more complex question than it might seem — let's start from the beginning.

Most people arriving from outside the island land at Catania Airport. Inside the terminal, all the major car rental companies are waiting for you, and for a fairly high price you can drive off in your own vehicle. Renting a car makes sense if you suffer badly in the heat or if you plan to visit more than one city across the island. But if Syracuse — and its surroundings — is your main destination, the story is different. The best way to get around locally is a small scooter or an e-bike, but we'll get to that later. First, let's get you from Catania Airport to Syracuse.

From Catania Airport to Syracuse by Bus

The simplest and most affordable option is the Interbus coach service, which connects Catania Airport directly to Syracuse for around €7 per person. Buses run from approximately 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM from the airport. In the other direction — Syracuse to Catania Airport — on weekdays the first departure is around 4:30 AM, with the last at 11:00 PM. On weekends, the schedule is reduced: roughly 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM.

You can check timetables and buy your ticket directly on the Interbus website:

→ Buy your Interbus ticket here

Step One: Finding Your Bus at Catania Airport

Once you've landed and collected your luggage, head to Terminal A. The exit might not be immediately obvious — walk as far right as possible, past the cafés (tempting as they are, that's not your way out). No escalators needed. Keep going right until you reach the Terminal A exit. Outside, you'll find the Interbus stop where your coach to Syracuse will be waiting.

Here's what the terminal exit and the bus stop area look like:

Which Stop Should You Get Off At?

This depends on where you're staying in Syracuse. Here's a quick guide:

Staying in Ortigia or the lower part of Borgata? Your stop is Syracuse – Corso Gelone, 50 (Ortigia). This is the most central drop-off point for the island of Ortigia and the seafront area.
Staying in the upper part of the city (Epipoli area)? Choose either Greek Steps 394 or Greek Steps 240 — the latter is closer to the city centre.
Need to reach the train station? Get off at Syracuse – Corso Umberto, 196.
Corso Gelone (Archaeological Park) — this stop drops you right at the entrance to the Archaeological Park, which is absolutely worth a visit. However, there are very few accommodation options nearby, so if you're staying in Borgata or Ortigia it's better to get off at Corso Gelone 50 and walk — it's a short and pleasant stroll.

In the next article we'll cover the best ways to get around Syracuse once you've arrived — including our favourite local option, the e-bike.