Traveling from Catania to Taormina made easy
Your travel options connecting the popular Sicilian destinations
Want to know how to best get from Catania to Taormina?
I had the same question when planing our trip. My main concern were to avoid the tourist masses and parking problems within the popular city of Taormina.
After lots of research on our trip options, we decided on taking the car, parked in Castelmola and hiked down to Taormina. A great option if you are into hiking! Alternatively, I could have taken the train, bus or even joined a tour.
Keep reading to discover all your option and decide for yourself how you want to get from Catania to Taormina.
Catania to Taormina by car
Getting from Catania to Taormina by car seems to be the easiest way of traveling between the two cities. The distance is only 53km (33mi) which results in 45 minutes to 1,5hrs of driving time, depending on the traffic situation and the route you choose.
You do actually have 2 options on getting by car from Catania to Taormina:
- Highway (Autostrada A18): The fastest route (approx. 45min) is via the A18 motorway, which is a toll road with lots of tunnels. This route takes you along the coast, offering beautiful views of the Ionian Sea. Cost for the toll on A18 between Catania and Taormina is €1,70 for a regular car.
- Coastal Road (SS114): This coastal road connection is toll-free. This route is more scenic and allows you to pass through several beautiful small towns and villages along the coast. However, travel time will extend to approx 1,5hrs due to traffic and lower speed limits.
My Tip: Do not attempt to visit Taormina as well as the beautiful coastal villages along SS114 on the same day. I recommend planning another roadtrip from Catania for Giardini Naxos, Aci Castello, Aci Trezza and all other highlights along that stunning coastline.
Parking in Taormina
Once you arrive in Taormina, be prepared for limited parking options. The town is known for its narrow streets and little parking spaces.
I strongly recommend not to start searching for (free) parking upon arrival. Decide where you want to park your car, before arriving in Taormina. Here two options to consider:
- Parcheggio Porta Catania
Big parking lot with 7 floors
Cost: €3,00 – €5,00 per hour, depending on the season
- Parcheggio Lumbi
Over 900 parking spaces with free shuttle bus to the city center
Cost: €2,00 – €3,00 per hour, depending on the season
My Tip: We did park in Castelmola, the village above Taormina. Not only did we get a fantastic view but parking cost is lower and we did combine sightseeing with a little hike.
Catania to Taormina by bus
Using the public bus is in my opinion the best and easiest option when travelling from Catania to Taormina. Interbus and Etna Transporti are local services connecting both cities at once to twice an hour.
Travel time with Interbus is 1:55hrs with a ticket price of €4.60, while you are much quicker with Etna Transporti that need about 1:10hrs at a ticket price of €5.10 for the one-way trip.
All buses depart from the main Bus Terminal on Via Archimede, next to Catania Centrale train station. Once in Taormina, the bus stop is on Via Luigi Pirandello, just 5 minutes walk from the city centre.
Catania to Taormina by train
The other public transport option in order to travel from Catania to Taormina is the train. From Catania Centrale or Catania Europa there are trains nearly every 30 minutes to Taormina-Giardini, name of the station.
The first train departs around 5am and the last one leaves direction Taormina around 9pm. Last train for your return to Catania, departures Taormina-Giardini around 10:30pm.
Travel time, depending on connection, vary between 40-60 minutes for the scenic journey along the coast. Train tickets costs €5.50 per person, one-way.
Be aware that Taorminas train station is located right on the ocean front and not in the city center. You will need to walk 1,5km uphill (!) to reach down town. Alternately, you can take the bus to the Bus Terminal on Via Luigi Pirandello, at additional cost, which takes 10-15 minutes.
My tip: If you want to use public transport, why not take the bus for your journey to Taormina and hike down to the train station to ride back to Catania by train and right along the coast line.
Catania to Taormina day trip
If you decide to exploring Taormina with an organised tour, I do recommend adding one or two not as easy reachable element to the tour that makes it special.
Here are 2 suggestions on fantastic day trips including time in Taormina:
- Day Trip to Mount Etna and Taormina: A wonderful excursion on Etna, visiting extinguished craters and a lava cave before heading to Taormina for a relaxing afternoon. This tour does not go to the summit but offers some easy hiking on the volcano!
- Taormina, Savoca, & Castelmola Tour: Combine a visit of 3 medieval towns, each with its own charm. Including rich brunch and hotel pick-up.
Why visiting Taormina
Taormina may be one of the most visited towns and a reason why Sicily is widely known. The crowds are right, the town is absolutely beautiful with a stunning location on the top of a small hill overlooking the sea. Find here the main attractions Taormina has to offer:
Ancient Theatre of Taormina
This ancient Greek theater, later renovated by the Romans, is one of the most iconic and well-preserved structures in Taormina. It offers breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. Today, it hosts various performances and events.
Corso Umberto
The main street of Taormina, lined with boutiques, restaurants, and historic buildings, perfect for strolling and soaking in the town’s vibrant atmosphere.
Isola Bella
A small island near Taormina, connected to the mainland by a thin strip of beach. Known as the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea,” it’s a nature reserve with lush vegetation and clear waters, and very popular as an Instagram spot.
Giardini della Villa Comunale
These public gardens offer a peaceful escape with exotic plants, shaded paths, and stunning views of the sea and Mount Etna. The perfect place for a break and to hide for a moment from the buzz around and the tourist crowds.
Palazzo Corvaja
A historic palace that showcases a mix of Arab, Norman, and Gothic architecture. It houses the Museum of Art and Popular Traditions.
Cathedral of Taormina
Also known as the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, this fortress-like church dates back to the 13th century and features a blend of Gothic and Norman architectural elements.
Naumachie
A 122m long and 5m high, ancient Roman structure, brought to light only in 1943. This monument features a series of arches and was likely used for collecting water.
FAQ’s
How do I get from Catania to Taormina?
There are several options to get from Catania to Taormina. You can drive yourself, use public transport such as bus or train or take a taxi.
How much is taxi from Catania to Taormina?
A taxi ride from Catania to Taormina usually cost between €70.00 and €100.00, depending on the time of day and the size of the taxi.
How much is the train from Catania to Taormina?
The one-way ticket for the train does cost €5,50 per person.
How to get from Catania airport to Taormina?
In order to get from Catania airport to Taormina, I recommend taking the direct airport shuttle bus which only costs €8,00 per person and needs about 1,5hrs for that trip.
Conclusion
Many ways lead to Taormina and which one you choose, it will be worth it. Taormina offer lots of historical monuments, cultural highlights and all that set in a beautiful surrounding, with its location on the hill top.
The easiest and cheapest way of transport between Catania and Taormina is without a doubt the local bus, even if your rental car may be the most convenient option.
Additionally, it is stress-free as you avoid searching for parking onside and the special local driving style.
Do not forget some shoes you can walk in and your camera, you will need them both extensively for your day in Taormina.
