How to get to Agrigento: complete transport guide
Practical guide to reaching Agrigento in Sicily: Palermo and Catania airports, trains, buses, car and transfers. All connections to the Valley of the Temples.
How to get to Agrigento: all the ways to reach the city of Temples
Agrigento, on the southern coast of Sicily, is famous for the Valley of the Temples and its beaches. It is not the easiest city to reach, but connections have improved over the years. Here are all the options for getting there.
Nearest airports to Agrigento
Agrigento does not have its own airport, but two Sicilian airports serve the area.
Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO)
Located about 130 km away, this is the most convenient airport for Agrigento. From the airport, you can reach Palermo Centrale by the Trinacria Express train (about 50 minutes) or by bus. From Palermo Centrale, trains and buses depart for Agrigento.
Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)
About 160 km away, this is an alternative with many low-cost flights. From the airport, you reach Catania Centrale by bus and from there continue to Agrigento by bus or train (changing at Caltanissetta).
Comiso Airport (CIY)
A small airport in the Ragusa area, about 130 km away, with few flights but sometimes useful for those arriving from certain northern Italian cities.
By train
Agrigento Centrale station is on the Palermo-Agrigento line.
From Palermo
Direct regional trains connect Palermo Centrale to Agrigento Centrale in about 2 hours. The frequency is 6-8 trains per day. The route passes through the Sicilian hinterland with evocative landscapes.
From Catania
The rail connection from Catania requires a change at Caltanissetta Xirbi and is rather long (about 3-4 hours). The bus is generally preferable.
From other Italian cities
From mainland cities, you arrive in Palermo by train (with an FS ferry from Villa San Giovanni to cross the Strait), then continue to Agrigento. The journey from Rome takes about 12 hours total.
By bus
The bus is often the most practical means of reaching Agrigento from eastern Sicily.
From Palermo
Cuffaro and Sal buses connect Palermo to Agrigento in about 2 hours with frequent departures from the bus station at Piazzetta Cairoli. Convenient and often more punctual than the train.
From Catania
SAIS buses connect Catania to Agrigento in about 2 hours and 30 minutes, faster than the train. Departures from the bus station near Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII.
From Palermo Airport
Direct buses from Falcone Borsellino airport to Agrigento (about 2 hours and 30 minutes) are operated by Sal Autolinee. Check timetables as they are not very frequent.
By car
Driving offers the most freedom to explore the province of Agrigento and the surrounding beaches.
From Palermo
Take the SS189 (Palermo-Agrigento), a fast-flowing road of about 130 km. The journey takes about 2 hours.
From Catania
Take the A19 Catania-Palermo motorway to the Caltanissetta exit, then the SS640 to Agrigento. About 160 km in 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Car hire
Hiring a car at Palermo or Catania airport is the best choice for those who want to explore the south coast and the Valley of the Temples with flexibility. All major car hire companies are present at the airports.
Transfers and taxis
From Palermo airport, you can book private transfers to Agrigento (about 100-130 euros for 1-3 passengers). The service is convenient for those arriving on evening flights when buses are less frequent. Taxi from Agrigento station to the Valley of the Temples: about 10-15 euros.
Practical tips
- Palermo airport is the most convenient for Agrigento
- The bus from Palermo is often preferable to the train for punctuality
- Hire a car if you want to explore Scala dei Turchi, Realmonte and the coast
- Trains in Sicily can be delayed: plan with a margin
- The Valley of the Temples is about 3 km from the centre: you need urban buses or a taxi
- In summer, book a hire car well in advance
