Sicily – Getting there and around

Sicily lies off the southern tip of Italy and is separated from the mainland region of Calabria by the 5km-wide Straits of Messina.

Getting there
The most convenient route is to fly from Rome into Palermo, located in the north of the island, or Catania, located on the east coast and gateway to Mount Etna and the resort town of Taormina. You can also choose from any number of long distance trains that operate to and from Rome, Milan, Venice and Naples.

From Australia: The most convenient 1-stop flights to Rome are on Singapore Airlines via Singapore, on Malaysian Airlines via Kuala Lumpur, on Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong and on Emirates via Dubai.

From New Zealand: The most convenient 1-stop flights to Rome are on Singapore Airlines via Singapore, Malaysian Airlines via Kuala Lumpur and Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong.

From the UK: From London Gatwick, EasyJet offers daily direct flights to Palermo and British Airways offers daily direct flights to Catania.

From the USA: Meridiana flies direct from New York Kennedy to Palermo. Alitalia, and Delta Air Lines offer direct flights to Rome from New York Kennedy Airport. Alitalia offers 1-stop flights from Los Angeles via Rome.

Flight time to Sicily, Italy
From Rome to Palermo is 1 hour, direct flight
From Rome to Catania is 1 hour 15 minutes, direct flight

From London to Palermo is 2 hours 50 minutes, direct flight
From New York to Palermo is 8 hours 55 minutes, direct flight

Flight time to Rome, Italy
From Brisbane to Rome is 24 hours 50 minutes, with connecting flight
From Sydney to Rome is 21 hours 55 minutes, with connecting flight
From Melbourne to Rome is 22 hours 45 minutes, with connecting flight
From Perth to Rome is 19 hours 40 minutes, with connecting flight

From Auckland to Rome is 27 hours 15 minutes, with connecting flight
From London to Rome is 5 hours 36 minutes, direct flight
From New York to Rome is 8 hours 20 minutes, direct flight
From Los Angeles to Rome is 11 hours 50 minutes, direct flight

Flying in – Palermo Airport (also known as Falcone-Borsellino Airport and Punta Raisi Airport) is located at Punta Raisi, 35km northwest of Palermo.

Catania-Vincenzo Bellini Airport is located 4km southwest of Catania.

Leonardo da Vinci Airport is located 30km south-west of central Rome.

Entry requirements 
A passport valid for at least six months beyond intended period of stay, a return/onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.

Getting around Sicily
Hiring a car offers the most freedom to get off the beaten track, while the public bus and train systems offer an inexpensive way to explore the island. Taxis are available but expensive. Bikes are usually available for hire.