Messina is a practical city to visit once you understand the transport network. The strait defines everything here: ferries run every 20-30 minutes to mainland Italy, hydrofoils connect to the Aeolian Islands, and trains and buses link the city to the rest of Sicily. Here are the essential travel tips for Messina, covering transport, safety, costs, and practical answers to the questions travellers ask most often. Messina weather by month. best time to visit Messina. things to do in Messina. Messina events and festivals. Messina neighborhoods guide. where to stay in Messina.
Messina Travel Tips: Getting There
By Air
Messina does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest is Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), 95 km south. A direct bus (SAIS Autolinee) runs from the airport to Messina Centrale station, taking 1 hour 30 minutes and costing EUR 9.50. Buses depart roughly every 2 hours from 06:00 to 20:00. Alternatively, you can take a train from Catania Centrale to Messina Centrale (1.5 hours, EUR 8-15 depending on train type), but you will need to get from the airport to the station first (Alibus, EUR 4, 20 minutes). The other option is Reggio Calabria Airport (REG), directly across the strait in mainland Italy. From there, take a 10-minute taxi to the Reggio Calabria ferry terminal and cross to Messina (20 minutes, EUR 2.50). This route works well for flights from Rome and Milan on ITA Airways, which serve Reggio Calabria daily.
By Ferry
The Villa San Giovanni to Messina ferry is the busiest ferry route in Italy, with Caronte & Tourist and Bluferries operating crossings every 20-30 minutes around the clock. Pedestrian tickets cost EUR 2.50 one-way and the crossing takes 20 minutes. Car ferries run from Villa San Giovanni to Messina’s main port (Via della Libertà) and to the Tremestieri terminal further south. Buy tickets at the port ticket office or on board. For the Aeolian Islands, Liberty Lines hydrofoils depart from the dedicated hydrofoil terminal near Via Vittorio Emanuele II. Tickets cost EUR 25-40 one-way depending on the island, and summer schedules run 3-4 times daily.
By Train
Messina Centrale is the main railway station, located on Piazza della Repubblica at the southern edge of the historic centre. Direct trains run to Palermo (2.5-3 hours, EUR 13-18), Catania (1.5 hours, EUR 8-15), and Syracuse (2.5 hours, EUR 12-16). Long-distance trains to Rome (8 hours, EUR 50-90) and Milan (11 hours, EUR 70-120) cross the strait by train ferry ; the entire train is loaded onto a ferry and carried across. The train ferry operation adds about 45 minutes to any journey. Booking ahead at trenitalia.com gets you the best fares, especially on the InterCity and Freccia trains to the mainland.
Messina Travel Tips: Getting Around
The Messina MetroTram is a single 7.8 km tram line running north-south from Annunziata (near the museum) to Capo Peloro (the northeastern tip). Trams run every 10-15 minutes from 06:00 to 22:00. A single ticket costs EUR 1.50 and is valid for 90 minutes. Buy tickets at tabacchi (newsagents with a T sign) or ticket machines at stops. The tram covers most of the areas visitors will need: the centre, the Viale San Martino shopping district, and Capo Peloro beaches. Buses fill the gaps, but service can be irregular on Sundays and after 20:00. Taxi fares within the city centre run EUR 8-15; there are taxi ranks at Piazza Duomo, the train station, and the ferry terminal. Uber does not operate in Messina.
Messina Travel Tips: Practical Information
Money and Costs
Italy uses the euro (EUR). Messina is cheaper than Taormina or Cefalu for accommodation and dining. A typical meal at a mid-range trattoria costs EUR 15-25 per person for two courses with wine. A granita with brioche at a cafe costs EUR 3-5. Hotel rates range from EUR 40 (budget B&B) to EUR 120 (four-star). ATMs (bancomat) are plentiful on Via Garibaldi and Corso Cavour. Most restaurants and hotels accept credit cards, but small cafes and market stalls may be cash-only. Tipping is not expected but appreciated: leave EUR 1-2 per person at a trattoria, round up at a cafe.
Safety
Messina has a lower crime rate than Palermo or Catania. The historic centre is safe to walk at night, with the main streets well-lit until midnight. The area around the train station can feel sketchy after 22:00, but violent crime against tourists is very rare. Standard precautions apply: keep valuables out of sight, use the hotel safe for passports, and avoid the industrial southern suburbs after dark. The biggest practical hazard is crossing the broad avenues (Via Garibaldi, Viale San Martino): wait for pedestrian signals and watch for scooters running red lights.
Language
Italian is the official language, but many Messinesi speak Sicilian dialect (Sicilianu) among themselves, particularly older residents. English is less widely spoken than in Taormina or the Aeolian Islands. Hotel staff and younger people in cafes usually speak some English, but in smaller trattorias, markets, and on buses, Italian phrases will help. Key phrases: “un biglietto per…” (a ticket to…), “quanto costa?” (how much?), “dov’e il bagno?” (where is the bathroom?). Download Google Translate with the Italian offline pack before arriving.
Tap Water and Food
Tap water in Messina is safe to drink, though locals often prefer bottled water (EUR 0.50-1 per litre at supermarkets). Restaurants serve bottled water by default. The local cuisine centres on seafood: swordfish (pesce spada), sardines, anchovies, and shellfish from the Ganzirri lagoon are the staples. The Messina-style granita is denser and creamier than the slushy versions found elsewhere in Italy ; try lemon (limone) or coffee (caffe) with a brioche for breakfast. Arancini (fried rice balls) are available throughout the city; the local variation uses butter and ham rather than ragu. Street food stands near the ferry terminal sell pidoni, deep-fried dough turnovers filled with tomato, mozzarella, and anchovies (EUR 2-3 each).
Internet and SIM Cards
Free WiFi is available in Piazza Duomo and Piazza Cairoli via the municipal network (register with an email address). Most hotels and many cafes offer free WiFi. For mobile data, buy an Italian SIM card at the TIM, Vodafone, or WindTre shops on Viale San Martino. A tourist plan with 30-50 GB of data costs EUR 10-20 and requires your passport for registration. If you are travelling from another EU country, your home plan’s roaming allowance applies.
Messina Travel Tips: Suggested Hotels in Messina
If you are staying overnight in Messina, here are three hotels at different budget levels, all centrally located and well-reviewed.
Hotel Royal Palace: A four-star hotel in a Liberty-style building 200 metres from the Duomo, with a rooftop terrace and strait-view breakfast room. Best for couples and sightseeing-focused travellers. Check rates and availability
Hotel Sant’Elia: A three-star hotel on a quiet side street 300 metres from Piazza Duomo, with air-conditioned rooms and a ground-floor cafe serving excellent granita. Best for solo travellers and short stays. Check rates and availability
B&B Opera: A budget bed and breakfast on Via I Settembre 15 with six simple rooms, free WiFi, and a communal kitchen. No lift. Best for backpackers. Check rates and availability
Messina Travel Tips: Quick FAQ
Is Messina worth visiting?
Yes, for 1-2 days. The astronomical clock and Caravaggio paintings are world-class attractions, and the city gives you a more authentic Sicilian experience than the heavily touristed Taormina. Most visitors are passing through to the Aeolian Islands, which means the attractions are uncrowded.
Can you swim in Messina?
Yes, at Capo Peloro (Torre Faro beach). The water is clean and tested regularly from June to September. Currents in the strait are strong, so swim only in designated areas. The beach is sandy with some pebbles.
How long is the ferry to mainland Italy?
20 minutes from Messina port to Villa San Giovanni. Ferries run every 20-30 minutes, 24 hours a day. Pedestrian ticket: EUR 2.50.
Do I need to book accommodation in advance?
In August (Ferragosto period) yes, book 2-3 months ahead. Outside of August, you can typically find rooms on the day, though booking a day ahead is recommended for the best choice.
Is Messina safe for solo female travellers?
Yes. The historic centre is well-lit and busy until midnight. Standard precautions apply. Catcalling is occasional but less common than in Catania or Palermo.
