🕒 Duration:
The duration of a private transfer from Sorrento to Messina is approximately 7.5 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
€/$ Pricing Starting at 275€ per person for a party of 6
The Best Way to Get from Sorrento to Messina
The best way to get from Sorrento to Messina depends on your preferences for comfort, time, and cost. Here are the main options, including flights and ferries:
Private Transfer (Most Comfortable & Direct)
A private transfer is the most convenient and relaxing option. A professional driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Sorrento and take you directly to Messina in a luxury, air-conditioned vehicle. The journey typically takes 7.5 to 8 hours, offering a smooth ride with scenic views along the way. This is the best choice for those who want a hassle-free, comfortable journey without the need for multiple transfers.
Train, Ferry & Bus (Affordable, Multiple Transfers)
Another option is to take the Circumvesuviana train from Sorrento to Naples (about 1 hour), followed by a high-speed Frecciarossa or Italo train to Villa San Giovanni (approximately 4.5-5 hours). From there, take a ferry (about 30 minutes) across the Strait of Messina to Messina. This option is more affordable, but it involves several transfers and waiting times for the ferry.
Flights (Fastest Option)
For a quicker journey, you can fly from Naples International Airport to Catania Fontanarossa Airport. Flights typically take about 1 hour. After arriving in Catania, you can catch a train or bus to Messina, which will take about 1 hour. While this is the fastest option, it’s important to factor in time for airport transfers, security checks, and waiting for flights.
Ferry from Naples to Messina
A ferry option exists for travelers who prefer a more scenic route. Ferries operate from Naples to Messina, but this is a longer option, taking around 9 to 10 hours depending on the specific ferry schedule and route. These ferries generally carry both passengers and vehicles, and they offer a leisurely trip across the Tyrrhenian Sea to Sicily.
Rental Car (Flexible Option)
If you prefer flexibility, you can rent a car in Sorrento and drive to Messina. The drive typically takes 7.5 to 8 hours, depending on traffic conditions. However, you'll need to take a ferry from Villa San Giovanni to Messina, or from Naples to Messina if you’re traveling with a vehicle.
Best Choice: Private Transfer
A private transfer is the best option for a direct, comfortable, and hassle-free journey. It allows you to relax and enjoy the scenic Italian countryside while traveling from Sorrento to Messina.
What is a private transfer?
A private transfer is a transportation service that you hire in advance. The driver will take you directly to your destination without making any additional stops. Private transfers offer a personalized service and a seamless connection from one place to another.
What is the best way to get to Sicily?
Sicily is well-connected with other parts of Italy and is easily reachable by ferry, plane or train. If you want to travel to Sicily from the south of Italy, all you have to do is reach Villa San Giovanni and Reggio Calabria and then take the ferry to Messina.
What is the best airport to fly into to go to Sicily?
Catania-Fontanarossa airport – It is the main Sicilian airport and the first mayor one of southern Italy. This airport has a high volume of international air traffic from/to European and extra-European destinations. It is located 4.3 km southwest of Catania.
Is Messina Sicily worth visiting?
Remaining as it does in the shadow of other Sicilian tourism magnets like nearby Taormina and the atmospheric Palermo, Messina's sights, panoramic viewpoints, and seafront bars are relatively uncrowded, making it a pleasant place to spend a day.
Is Messina Sicily expensive?
Messina, Sicily, is pretty easy on the wallet, and the cost of living in this city is quite low compared to other locations in Italy and Europe. Generally, Sicily can be expensive in many touristy areas or during peak season, but Messina stays pretty affordable.
How much to tip for a private transfer?
The standard tip for a private driver is typically 15-20% of the total hourly cost of the ride, which is consistent with the general tipping practices and rule of thumb in the service industry
