Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and lies off the southern tip of Italy – separated by the 5km-wide Straits of Messina from the mainland region of Calabria.
The most convenient route to Sicily is by air to Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO), located about 35km (21mi) northwest of central Palermo in the northwest region of Sicily.
By rail, several long distance trains operate to Palermo and Catania from Rome, Milan, Venice and Naples.
Alternatively, you can fly to Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), also known as Vincenzo Bellini Airport, located about 4km (2.6mi) southwest of Catania – the second largest city in Sicily, and gateway to Mount Etna as well as the resort town of Taormina.
A shuttle bus service provides transport into Catania city centre. Scheduled bus services to other parts of the island are also available from the airport.
We answer the most commonly asked questions (FAQs) about how to get to Sicily.
The following are the most convenient and quickest routes to Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport(PMO), Sicily.
From United Kingdom: British Airways and easyJet offer the most convenient scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO), Sicily, as does Ryanair from Manchester.
London to Sicily is 2 hrs 55 min, direct flight
Manchester to Sicily is 3 hrs 10 min, direct flight
From France: Transavia France and easyJet offers the most convenient scheduled flights to Palermo Airport (PMO), Sicily.
Paris to Sicily is 2 hrs 20 min, direct flight
From Germany: Ryanair and Lufthansa offer the most convenient flights to Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO), Sicily.
Berlin to Sicily is 2 hrs 35 min, direct flight
Dusseldorf to Sicily is 2 hrs 40 min, direct flight
Frankfurt to Sicily 2 hrs 25 min, direct flight
Munich to Sicily is 2 hrs, direct flight
Hamburg to Sicily is 4 hrs 30 min, connecting flightˆ
From United States: Alitalia, Delta Air Lines, Iberia, Air France, Lufthansa, American Airlines and United Airlines offer the most convenient scheduled flights to Palermo Airport (PMO), Sicily.
Atlanta to Sicily is 12 hrs 20 min, connecting flightˆ
Boston to Sicily is 10 hrs 15 min, connecting flightˆ
Chicago to Sicily is 11 hrs 25 min, connecting flightˆ
Dallas-Fort Worth to Sicily is 11 hrs 25 min, connecting flightˆ
New York to Sicily is 10 hrs 40 min, connecting flightˆ
Los Angeles to Sicily is 13 hrs 55 min, connecting flightˆ
San Francisco to Sicily is 15 hrs 25 min, connecting flightˆ
From Canada: Alitalia, Air Canada, Air France, Lufthansa and Swiss Air offer the most convenient scheduled flights to Palermo Airport (PMO), Sicily.
Toronto to Sicily is 10 hrs 35 min, connecting flightˆ
Montreal to Sicily is 9 hrs 45 min, connecting flightˆ
Vancouver to Sicily is 13 hrs 15 min, connecting flightˆ
From Australia: Qatar Airways, Emirates, Flydubai, Singapore Airlines, Etihad and Alitalia offer the most convenient scheduled flights to Palermo Airport (PMO), Sicily.
Adelaide to Sicily is 25 hrs 25 min, connecting flightˆ
Brisbane to Sicily is 24 hrs 55 min, connecting flightˆ
Sydney to Sicily is 24 hrs 25 min, connecting flightˆ
Melbourne to Sicily is 24 hrs 15 min, connecting flightˆ
Perth to Sicily is 21 hrs 50 min, connecting flightˆ
From New Zealand: Qatar Airways and Aegian Airlines offer the most convenient scheduled flights to Palermo Airport (PMO), Sicily.
Auckland to Sicily is 28 hrs 15 min, connecting flightsˆ
From Singapore: Singapore Airlines and Meridiana offer the most convenient scheduled flights to Palermo Airport (PMO), Sicily.
Singapore to Sicily is 15 hrs 30 min, connecting flightˆ
(ˆincludes transfer time.)
Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO) is located about 35km (21mi) northwest of Palermo.
Taxi: Taxis (tel: +39 091 6878 or +39 091 8481) are available a short distance from Arrivals. Journey time to central Palermo is about 40 minutes, with the fare approximately €45).
Bus: The Airport Bus (tel: +39 091 586 351; www.prestiacomande.it) runs from 0400-2230 daily, with a journey time of 50 minutes and fare around €6.30.
Buses also operate from the airport to Trapani, Sciacci, Ribera, Menfi, Catania, Messina and other towns in Sicily.
Rail: The Trinacria Express rail service (tel: +39 892 021; www.trenitalia.it) runs from the airport's Punta Raisi station to Palermo Centrale station every 30 minutes, taking about 32 minutes (depending on train). The single fare is €5.50.
Services run from about 0500-2000 daily. Tickets can be booked from the airport ticket office (tel: +39 091 704 4007).
Car hire agencies at the airport include Avis, Europcar, Goldcar, Hertz, Maggiore and Sixt along with several local operators. The car hire centre is a short shuttle ride from the terminal.
Money: ATMs are available in the check-in area and in Departures. There is a bank counter on the first floor, and a bureau de change at check-in.
Food: A choice of bars and restaurants are located in Arrivals and Departures.
Shopping: Shops include a newsagents, women's fashion stop and a confectioner. An outlet selling Sicilian crafts and souvenirs is located in the check-in area. Duty-free is available in Departures.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi internet access is available in the departures area of Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport, along with the VIP room. Charging points for mobile devices are available in the departures area.
Public telephones can be found throughout the terminal. A post office is located in the check-in area.
Other: Other facilities at Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport include baby-changing rooms, a pharmacy and a first-aid facility. A baggage wrapping service is also available.
The airport is fully accessible to disabled passengers, with lifts and disabled toilet facilities. Designated disabled parking is available immediately opposite the terminal entrance.
Any passengers who may require additional assistance are advised to contact their airline before travelling.
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.
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.
Latest update: How to get to Sicily: 8 September, 2025
Advertising