1map logoGo to main page

Rome, Lazio to Messina, Sicily from $24: 13 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Rome, Italy
to
Messina, Italy

How to Get from Rome to Messina: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$24 by busBest price
489 kmDistance
3h 56m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Rome to Messina with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Train
Drive
Average Duration
6h  24m
Estimated price
$35-130
Recommended
Company
Autoservizi Salemi S201
Bus
Average Duration
8h  40m
Estimated price
$24-40
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 489 km
Duration: 3h 56m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
8h  40m
Estimated price
$26-40
Company
Trenitalia Intercity
Train
Average Duration
8h  11m
Estimated price
$36-54
Company
various
Train
Drive
Average Duration
6h  47m
Estimated price
$38-168
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  56m
Estimated price
$38-244
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
8h  44m
Estimated price
$54-352
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
10h  20m
Estimated price
$350-351
Company
BlaBlaCar
Rideshare
Average Duration
8h  32m
Estimated price
$353-353
Company
various
Drive
Drive
Average Duration
7h  14m
Estimated price
$354-355
Company
various
Train
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
4h  35m
Estimated price
$356-261
Company
various
Plane
Train
Drive
Average Duration
7h  7m
Estimated price
$357-358
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
7h  10m
Estimated price
$359-1300

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $10 $11 $13 $12 $11 $12 $10
Train $40 $36 $38 $41 $42 $41 $38
Fly $85 $81 $83 $91 $94 $95 $84

Traveling From Rome to Messina

The journey from Rome to Messina offers a striking contrast between the bustling, historical streets of Italy's capital and the vibrant, laid-back charm of Sicilian coastal life.

Best Neighbourhoods in Messina

Messina is a city rich in culture, history, and stunning views.

Centro Storico
• Home to beautiful Baroque architecture.
• Bustling markets and lively street life.
Piazza Cairoli
• Ideal for people-watching and café hopping.
• Close to major attractions like the Cathedral.
Viale San Martino
• Excellent shops and dining options nearby.
• Scenic views of the Strait of Messina.

Best Times To Visit Messina's Attractions

Timing your visits to Messina's attractions can dramatically enhance your experience.

Messina Cathedral
Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and better light.
Fountain of Orion
Mid-morning offers a peaceful atmosphere and good photography opportunities.
Torre della Campana
Weekdays around noon allow for a more intimate experience with stunning views.

Messina Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Messina enjoys a Mediterranean climate, offering hot summers and mild winters, making it inviting throughout the year. Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting, as the pleasant temperatures enhance your exploration of the city's beautiful sights.

Dining in Messina: A Culinary Contrast

For a taste of Sicily, try the arancini from a charming local eatery like 'Trattoria L'Incontro,' where the rich flavors of saffron and a variety of fillings create a delightful contrast to Rome's pasta-centric dishes. The vibrant atmosphere, combined with fresh local ingredients and a focus on traditional recipes, makes dining in Messina a truly memorable experience.

Rome - Messina operators

Explore transport companies operating between Rome and Messina, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+39 06 68475475
Website
https://www.trenitalia.com/

Train from Roma Termini to Messina Centrale

Average Duration
8h 11m
Estimated price
36-54

Train from Roma Termini to Villa S.Giovanni

Average Duration
8h 52m
Estimated price
36-54
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
(+39) 0923 98.11.20
Website
https://www.autoservizisalemi.it

Bus from Rome Tiburtina Bus Station Largo Guido Mazzoni to Messina Piazza della Repubblica

Average Duration
8h 40m
Estimated price
24-40

Bus from Roma Tiburtina TiBus to Messina Centrale Station

Average Duration
8h 40m
Estimated price
26-40
Plane Show flights
Website
ryanair.com

Plane from Rome (FCO) to Catania (CTA)

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
1305-13020

Plane from Rome (FCO) to Palermo (PMO)

Average Duration
1h 6m
Estimated price
1308-1301

Plane from Napoli (NAP) to Catania (CTA)

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
1306-1307
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228
Website
https://www.blablacar.com

Other from Rome to Messina

Average Duration
Estimated price
0-0

Rome to Messina: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Rome and Messina offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Experience the picturesque drive from Rome to Messina, allowing you to soak in the stunning Italian countryside views as you travel towards the southern coast of Sicily. 🚗 Consider using Blablacar's convenient carpooling service for a budget-friendly and eco-friendly ride option, whether you're looking to socialize with locals or simply enjoy a comfortable journey without the hassle of public transport. 🚗 Embrace the freedom and flexibility of a road trip as you navigate the scenic route from Rome to Messina, immersing yourself in the rich culture and history of Italy with each passing mile.
🚆 Traveling by train from Rome to Messina is a convenient option, with direct services departing from Roma Termini and arriving at Messina Centrale. Services run twice daily, making it easy to plan your journey. The travel time for this scenic route is approximately 8 hours and 11 minutes. 💰 Ticket prices for the train between Rome and Messina can range from €37 to €55, offering affordable options for your travel budget. Whether you're looking to explore the ancient ruins of Rome or relax by the beautiful beaches of Messina, this train journey provides a hassle-free way to navigate between these two vibrant Italian destinations.
Departure Point
Roma Termini station
Arrival Point
Messina Centrale station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for the train from Rome to Messina primarily include catering options by the Trenitalia service, where you can enjoy a selection of snacks, light meals, and beverages available for purchase. You will find a dining car on most services, and there may be seat service for First Class passengers.
• The trains on this route typically offer three seating options: First Class (executive seating with more spacious arrangements and complimentary services), Business Class (comfortable seating with some added amenities), and Economy (standard seating). Trenitalia provides these selections, and you can choose based on your comfort and budget preferences.
• For your journey, Trenitalia (trenitalia.com) and Italo (italotreno.it) are the main operators on this route. Make sure to check their websites for schedules, ticketing options, and special offers. Additionally, you can find local transport schedules and tips on navigating Messina at the official Messina transport site (atmmessina.it).
• Upon arriving at Messina Centrale station, you will find facilities such as luggage storage, able to store your bags securely for a few hours. Restrooms are available, but showers are not provided. To navigate the station easily, look for the information desk if you have questions.
• The fastest way to get from Messina Centrale to the city center is to take the bus services, specifically bus number 1, which runs frequently and will take you directly into the heart of Messina. Check the local bus schedule to ensure quick connections.
🛫 Experience a quick and convenient journey from Rome to Messina by taking a direct flight from Rome Airport to Catania Airport, which only takes 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Departure Point
Rome Airport
Arrival Point
Catania Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Opt for an early morning flight to enjoy smoother air travel and potential lower fares when flying from Rome to Catania, the closest airport to Messina.
• Upon arrival at Catania Airport, be prepared for a short 1.5 to 2-hour journey to Messina by bus or train; purchasing tickets in advance can save you time—check out the schedules at the Catania Airport website (aeroporto.catania.it) for the latest updates.
• If you prefer a taxi from Catania Airport to Messina, expect to pay approximately €90-€110, depending on traffic, and consider using the app MyTaxi (now FreeNow) for possible discounts on services.
🚌 The bus journey from Rome to Messina takes approximately 8 hours and 40 minutes, with services departing twice daily from Rome Tiburtina Bus Station Largo Guido Mazzoni and arriving at Messina Piazza della Repubblica. 💰 Prices for a bus ticket between Messina and Rome range from €25 to €41, offering an affordable and convenient transportation option for your travels within Italy.
Departure Point
Rome Tiburtina Bus Station Largo Guido Mazzoni
Arrival Point
Messina Piazza della Repubblica station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Rome to Messina.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Rome and Messina is approximately 304 miles. The typical travel time by train is 8 hours and 9 minutes. Alternatively, if you take a combination of train and car ferry, the travel time is around 5 hours and 44 minutes. Lastly, the bus journey from Rome to Messina takes approximately 8 hours and 40 minutes.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Rome to Messina is by bus, specifically taking a night bus. This option costs between €26-€41 and takes approximately 10 hours and 25 minutes. If you are looking for a quicker option, flying and then taking a bus is the most time-efficient choice. This option costs between €25-€244 and takes around 5 hours and 2 minutes.
The prices for a train journey from Rome to Messina range from €36 to €50. On the other hand, the prices for a bus journey from Messina to Rome vary from €24 to €77. It's worth noting that these prices can fluctuate depending on factors such as the time of travel and class of service chosen. It is recommended to check with the specific transportation providers for the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information.
If you prefer not to use public transportation, you can consider using BlaBlaCar's carpooling service to get from Rome to Messina. BlaBlaCar offers rideshare options where you can find other travelers driving the same route. It's a convenient and cost-effective option, especially if you don't have a driver's license or want to avoid public transport. Just browse the available rides on the website or app, choose a suitable driver, and arrange your trip with them.
To travel from Rome to Messina without a car, the best way is to take a train and then a car ferry. This journey takes approximately 5 hours and 44 minutes and the cost can vary between €36 and €172, depending on the type of ticket and class of service you choose. Taking the train provides a convenient and scenic option, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey before transferring to the car ferry to reach Messina.
Yes, there is a direct link between Rome and Messina. The Trenitalia Intercity train operates twice daily from Roma Termini station to Messina Centrale, with a travel time of approximately 8 hours and 9 minutes. Additionally, there is a direct bus service provided by Autoservizi Salemi Srl, departing from Rome Tiburtina Bus Station and arriving at Messina Piazza della Repubblica. The bus journey takes around 8 hours and 40 minutes.
The flight between Rome and Messina typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. The quickest and most convenient option is to book a direct flight from Rome Airport to Catania Airport. The cost of the flight may vary depending on the airline and time of booking, but generally, prices can range from $50 to $150 per person for a one-way ticket. It is advised to check with different airlines and travel websites for the most up-to-date prices and availability.
There are plenty of accommodation options in Messina. With over 842 hotels to choose from, travelers will have a wide range of choices to fit their budget and preferences. Prices for hotels in Messina start as low as €19 per night, making it accessible for all types of travelers. Whether you're looking for a luxury hotel, a cozy bed and breakfast, or a budget-friendly hostel, there's something for everyone in Messina.