Transportation

1. Air

A number of national and international flights operate in Sicily flying mostly towards European locations from the Palermo International Airport. The other major airport that also keeps busy is the Catania-Fontanarossa Airport. Other minor national airports are located on the Lampedusa and Pantelleria islands and in Trapani. The Palermo International airport is also known as the Falcone-Borsellino Airport and Punta Raisi Airport due to its location in Punta Raisi, which lies 19 miles west of the capital city Palermo.

2. Bus

Bus services operate in most of the major cities including Palermo and Catania. Bus stations can be found near all the major railway stations. In Sicily buses of two colors operate. While the blue buses run between the different cities, the yellow buses operate locally. Buses in Catania depart from the station situated right across the square in front of the railway station. These buses run to various points including Taormina, the local airport and Palermo. Local bus tickets can be purchased from tobacco vendors, newsagents and even bars. It is advisable to get your ticket stamped once you are onboard which remain valid for 60 to 90 minutes from the time they have been stamped. Do not try to take the risk of boarding the bus without a ticket as it might cost you a fine of $30.

3. Car

One of the best ways to move around Sicily would be to travel in cars. Tourists can rent cars in airports and all downtown locations of the major cities. Cars hired at the airport would require a 14% tax. Avis, Hertz and Maggiore are some of the renowned car rental services in Sicily. All these services can be found in the Palermo International Airport. It is advisable to avoid drive less on the roads of the major cities and more along the regional roads, offering beautiful scenic views around.

4. Ferry

Ferry services abound in Sicily connecting it to various places such as Naples, Cagliani Sardinia, Tunisia, Genoa and Malta including the Sicilian island groups of Eloie, Lipari and Egadi. Ferries also ply between Sicily and the islands of Linosa, Pantelleria and Lampadusa.

5. Ship

Ships from Naples and Malta arrive at the ports of Palermo and Catania respectively. All the ports of Sicily can be found near the major urban areas.

6. Taxi

Taxis in Sicily are quite expensive and incur additional costs after 10pm. Tourists need to be aware that the taxi drivers tend to charge extra in case they find that the visitor does not speak or understand very good Italian.