From Catania Airport to Messina
Most international students arriving by plane will land at Catania Fontanarossa Airport, which is about 100 km from Messina.
SAIS Autolinee operates a direct connection from Catania Airport. The bus departs from the airport bus terminal and arrives in Messina at several stops, including Messina Central Station (Piazza della Repubblica) and Viale Boccetta. Tickets can be purchased online, through the SAIS app or at authorised ticket offices.
Alternative: train
You can also take a shuttle from the airport to Catania Aeroporto Fontanarossa railway station and then catch a regional train towards Messina. Keep in mind that the railway station is not directly inside the airport terminal: you need to take the airport shuttle to reach it.
Once you get to Messina Central Station, one of our volunteers may meet you there and accompany you to your accommodation. Check out our Pick-Up Service page for more information and to request your transfer.
Getting Around Messina
Getting around Messina is relatively easy thanks to the city's public transport network, operated by ATM – Azienda Trasporti Messina. The network includes buses connecting the city centre with residential areas, the university campuses and the northern and southern parts of the city.
Some routes are particularly useful for students travelling to the University of Messina's different campuses; for example, services connect the city centre with the Papardo area or Annunziata.
For trips outside the city, you will mainly use regional trains and buses. Messina's railway station is also an important connection point for travelling around Sicily. The ferry connection across the Strait of Messina is particularly useful when travelling to mainland Italy, with services connecting Messina with Villa San Giovanni and Reggio Calabria.
A few useful tips
Always check the route and timetable before travelling, especially in the evening, on Sundays and on public holidays, as services can differ. The ATM website provides current timetables, real-time arrivals and service updates. And don't worry if the network seems confusing at first: once you learn the few lines you use regularly, getting around Messina becomes much easier.
Useful links
ATM Messina – official website
ATM App and real-time information
MoveMe – public transport information