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The intercity and most urban buses terminal in Siracusa is located on Via Rubino/Corso Umberto, almost opposite the train station, in the lower part of the city. This is the starting and ending stop for all intercity buses and SAIS urban lines, which either stop here or pass through. Generally, buses run from 4:30 am to 10:00 pm. The historic center of Ortigia can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes or via a shuttle bus.
Intercity buses to and from Siracusa
Currently, intercity services are provided by Interbus and AST lines. Tickets can be purchased at the terminal ticket office, at affiliated bars and newsstands, directly on the bus, or online. There are direct connections to all towns in the province of Siracusa (including major tourist destinations like Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, or Marzamemi), various locations in the province of Ragusa, Catania, the Catania airport, and the capital Palermo. In the past, a seasonal direct service to Taormina was also available. All buses are equipped with air conditioning, a luggage rack for hand baggage, and a luggage compartment. Buses to and from Rome and Puglia also stop at the terminal.
Buses from Siracusa to "V. Bellini" Fontanarossa Airport and Catania
The Siracusa - Airport - Catania route is the busiest, offering the highest number of trips (usually one every hour during peak times), while fewer runs are scheduled on Sundays and holidays. Both Interbus and AST operate on this route. During peak hours, especially when commuters or university students travel (like Monday mornings and Friday afternoons), the bus may be full. At the Catania airport, the bus from Siracusa stops in front of the departures area on the upper level, while the bus from Catania to Siracusa stops near the arrivals area on the ground floor.
In Catania, stops are made at Piazza Falcone - Borsellino (formerly Piazza Alcalà), a few steps from Piazza Duomo, Via Etnea, and the historic center, or at the terminal opposite Catania Centrale train station.
The service we recommend most is provided by Interbus, as AST has experienced some disruptions recently due to company restructuring. A ticket from Siracusa to Catania Airport costs just over €6 and can be purchased online using the link below.
Via Rubino represents the terminal for arriving and departing buses, but all lines also make several other stops within the city, depending on whether the destination is north or south of Siracusa. For the airport bus to Catania, the following additional stops are made within Siracusa:
- Corso Gelone (2 stops)
- Via Von Platen
- Viale Tica (2 stops)
- Viale Teracati - Bar della Gioventù
- Viale Scala Greca (2 stops)
Insider tip: When boarding at the Catania airport or if you are headed to Catania with a stop at the airport, always check any baggage loaded in the hold. Although security has improved in recent years, this is a busy stop, and occasionally, fake travelers have taken bags from the hold, leaving before the bus departs.
Other direct connections to the northern area
There are also direct connections to various towns north of Siracusa, including Priolo Gargallo, Augusta, Melilli, Sortino, Franfonte, Lentini, and Carlentini. Many tourists consider taking the intercity bus to reach Sortino and then the Pantalica Necropolis. However, this is not feasible as the town is several kilometers from the reserve entrance, and currently, there are no local shuttle services.
Connection to Taormina
A seasonal connection to Taormina is available, while all year round, Sicily’s "Pearl" can be reached via Interbus with a bus change in Catania.
Connection to Palermo
Daily connections to Palermo are also available. The ticket price is approximately €15, and updated schedules can be viewed and booked on the following page.
Buses from Siracusa to the baroque cities of the southeast
The baroque cities: Noto south of Siracusa, Palazzolo Acreide, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy inland, and Ragusa and Modica have been "discovered" and loved by many tourists over the past decade. On our site, you can find tips for itineraries and must-sees in articles dedicated to southeastern Sicily. These cities can be reached directly from Siracusa, though some factors should be considered:
- Travel time: Some trips make stops in several towns, which means the travel time is relatively long compared to taking a rental car.
- Return trip schedules: If you're planning a day trip, check the afternoon bus schedules, as there are generally few trips after lunch.
- Distance from the historic center: In some cities like Noto and Palazzolo, the historic center is within walking distance from the terminal, while in places like Ragusa, the terminal is in Upper Ragusa, far from the Ibla historic center.
Information on intercity routes and updated schedules of buses to and from Siracusa
Through this page, you can view bus schedules for the major intercity routes, which we update monthly for your convenience. We still advise consulting the schedules a few days before departure using the official online tools of Interbus and AST linked below: