Almost every holiday in Taormina begins at Catania Fontanarossa, the airport of eastern Sicily. From there, Taormina is about 65 kilometres away — a distance that looks simple on the map, but that in practice means luggage, a hilltop town with a restricted traffic zone and, often, a flight that lands late in the evening.
A private transfer from Catania airport to Taormina takes all of that off your hands. Your driver is waiting for you when you land, loads the luggage and takes you straight to your accommodation, at a price agreed in advance.
How our airport transfer works
- Book in advance through our transfer page, choosing the route and the number of passengers, and include your flight number.
- We follow your flight. If it is delayed, the driver adjusts: you will not be left waiting at the airport, and you will not have to call anyone.
- Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall and helps you with the luggage.
- You travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, without intermediate stops and without sharing the ride with strangers.
- You are taken to your door, or to the closest point allowed by the town’s traffic rules.
The journey takes about 50 to 60 minutes along the A18 motorway. In peak summer traffic it can take a little longer, and that is exactly when not having to find your way, a timetable or a parking space makes the difference.
Why a private transfer is the best way to reach Taormina
- Door to door. The historic centre of Taormina is a limited traffic zone (ZTL) and many hotels are on pedestrian streets. Our drivers know the permitted access points and take you as close as possible to your accommodation.
- Any time of day or night. Late arrivals are not a problem: the transfer is booked around your flight, not around a timetable.
- A fixed price per vehicle. You know the cost before you leave, and it does not change with traffic. Because the price is per vehicle and not per person, it becomes very convenient as soon as you travel as a couple, a family or a group.
- Families welcome. Child seats are available on request: just tell us the age of the children when you book.
- Space for everyone. Our vehicles carry up to 8 passengers with their luggage, ideal for families and groups of friends travelling together.
Transfer, bus, taxi or rental car?
There are other ways to cover the same distance, and it is fair to know what each one really involves:
| Private transfer | Bus | Taxi at the rank | Rental car | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waiting for you on arrival | Yes | No | No | No |
| Takes you to your accommodation | Yes | No, stops at the bus terminal below the centre | Yes | No, car parks outside the ZTL |
| Late-night arrivals | Yes | Limited evening service | Depends on availability | Yes |
| Price known in advance | Fixed, per vehicle | Per person | Set at the rank | Rental, fuel and parking |
| Luggage | Handled by the driver | Carried uphill on foot | Handled | Carried from the car park |
The bus is designed for those travelling alone and light, who do not mind timetables and the last stretch on foot. A rental car makes sense for touring the whole island, but in Taormina itself it means car parks and the risk of ZTL fines. For arriving relaxed, with luggage, as a couple or with the family, the private transfer is the solution that removes every problem.
How much does the transfer cost?
The price is per vehicle, with two bands: 1 to 4 passengers and 5 to 8 passengers. You can find the current fare for the Catania airport – Taormina route, and for all the other routes, on our transfer and shuttle service page, where you can also book directly.
For three or four people, the cost per person is often close to that of separate bus tickets plus a taxi for the last stretch — with the difference that you travel door to door, without waiting.
Not just Taormina
The same service covers Giardini Naxos, Letojanni, Castelmola and the main destinations of eastern Sicily, and works in both directions: we can also take you back to the airport on the day of your departure, timed around your flight.
Once you arrive
With the journey sorted, you can enjoy the town from day one. Our guide to Taormina in one day explains how to organise your visit to the Greek Theatre and the old town, and why the view from Castelmola is worth the climb.
From Taormina we also organise day trips with pick-up at your accommodation, such as the Godfather tour in the villages of Savoca and Forza d’Agrò, or the Taormina, Savoca and Castelmola tour. See all our excursions in Sicily.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the driver wait for me?
In the arrivals hall of Catania Fontanarossa airport, after baggage reclaim.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
Give us your flight number when you book: we follow the arrival and the driver adjusts to the new time.
Is the price per person or per vehicle?
Per vehicle, in two bands: 1–4 passengers and 5–8 passengers. The more of you there are, the lower the cost per person.
How long is the journey from Catania airport to Taormina?
About 50–60 minutes, a little longer in peak summer traffic.
Can I book a child seat?
Yes, on request. Tell us the age of the children when you book.
Can you take me back to the airport at the end of my holiday?
Yes. You can book the return transfer together with the outward journey, or at any time during your stay.
Ready to book? Choose your route on the transfer page, or contact us with your flight details: we will confirm everything within a few hours.
