Catania's Fontanarossa airport, named after Vincenzo Bellini, is Sicily's busiest airport and Southern Italy's main hub. Located a few kilometers from Catania's center, it offers breathtaking views of Mount Etna during takeoff and landing phases.
It represents the essential gateway for those wishing to visit the eastern coast of the island, from Taormina to Syracuse. Thanks to recent expansions, the airport manages a vast network of national and international flights, confirming itself as a vital economic engine for the entire Sicilian region.
How to get to Catania Fontanarossa Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to CTA
Parking near Catania Fontanarossa Airport
Official SAC parking: P1 and P2 for short stays, P4 for long stays. Numerous low-cost private parking lots nearby with free 24-hour shuttle service.
Approximately SAC parking P1-P2 costs €2–3 per hour, while official long-stay P4 starts at around €10 per day. Numerous low-cost private parking lots in the vicinity offer rates often lower (starting from €3–6 per day) with free 24-hour shuttle, but always check recent reviews, fencing and surveillance presence before leaving your car for your entire Sicilian vacation.
How to get to Catania from CTA
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Sicily Catania Airport: Bus Transfer to and from Taormina
Catania International Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Syracuse
Sicily: Catania Airport Bus Transfer to Giardini Naxos
Catania International Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Taormina
From CTA to the most sought-after destinations
| If you want... | Choose | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Spend less | Alibus to Central Station | 4€ |
| Reach Taormina | Direct intercity bus, faster than a train change | approximately 6-8€ |
| Flexibility to explore eastern Sicily | Car rental at the airport | from around 30€/day, variable by season |
Catania → City center
Alibus connects to Central Station every 25 minutes, the most economical and direct solution.
Catania → Taormina
Direct intercity buses are available, generally faster than a train connection with a change.
Car rental at Catania Fontanarossa Airport
Car rental counters are located on the ground floor of Terminal A. Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Sicily by Car are available.
Operating hours generally follow flight schedules. During peak season queues may lengthen: online pre-registration speeds up vehicle pickup. Always verify the fuel policy before returning the vehicle.
Basic documents are a driving license, passport, and credit card, plus an International Driving Permit in most cases.
Hotels near Catania Fontanarossa Airport
Fontanarossa airport area
About a km from the terminal, reachable in a few minutes on foot or with the property's transfer on request.
Best for: travellers with a dawn flight or a night layover who don't want to move around
- The terminal can be reached in a few minutes even without a taxi
- Designed for those leaving very early or arriving in the middle of the night
- A peripheral area among warehouses and through-roads, nothing for the evening
- Those who don't book a transfer still need to rely on a car
Recommended hotels
- Airport Tourist's House A km from the terminal, it welcomes arrivals at any hour with free parking on site. View availability
- Bed and fly Aeroporto Fontanarossa About 8 minutes by car from the terminal, soundproofed rooms despite the proximity to the runways. View availability
- Airport Bedroom House A few minutes from the airport, with an airport shuttle on request and for a fee. View availability
San Giovanni La Punta
By car or taxi, roughly 25-35 minutes along Catania's ring road; there are no direct buses to the airport.
Best for: travellers wanting a halfway base between the airport, Catania and Etna
- Closer to the slopes of Etna than to the traffic of the centre
- Properties with free parking, convenient for those travelling by car
- A car or a taxi is always needed for every trip
- In the evening the town offers little besides local restaurants
Recommended hotels
Zafferana Etnea, at the gates of Etna
About 44 km and 45 minutes by car from the airport; there are no direct public connections, a car or taxi is needed.
Best for: travellers adding an excursion on Etna before or after the flight
- A convenient starting point for the trails on Etna's southern slope
- Panoramic views over the coast, away from airport noise
- Too far for those with a same-day flight and little time
- Every trip requires your own transport
Recommended hotels
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The airport has two terminals: Terminal A (main) and Terminal C (dedicated mainly to some EasyJet flights).
Yellow signage indicates Departures, blue signage indicates Arrivals, a standard common to most Italian airports: follow it to navigate between the two terminals connected by a covered pedestrian walkway.
From check-in to the farthest gate generally takes 10–15 minutes of walking, including any connection between the two terminals. Security controls are the most congestion-prone point during peak summer season hours.
It is one of easyJet's main bases in southern Italy, in addition to being served by numerous other carriers and low-cost airlines to domestic and European destinations.
Map of Catania Fontanarossa Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. How much does the Alibus from Catania Central Station cost?
Around 4 euros one-way, valid for 90 minutes on the other AMTS urban lines too, with departures roughly every 25 minutes.
Q. Is Catania Fontanarossa convenient for Taormina?
It's the closest airport, with direct intercity buses; for greater flexibility exploring eastern Sicily, it's still worth renting a car.
Q. Is it worth arriving well in advance for a flight from Catania in high season?
Yes, between June and September passenger traffic is very high, due to both tourism and Sicilian residents returning home: arriving 2-2.5 hours in advance is recommended.
Q. Does Catania Airport offer views of Mount Etna during takeoff?
Yes, depending on the runway in use and weather conditions, many flights offer a close-up view of the volcano during takeoff or landing.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
