How to get to Modica: train, car, plane and bus

How to get to Modica

Modica is one of the jewels of Sicilian Baroque, a UNESCO World Heritage site hidden among the Hyblaean gorges in south-eastern Sicily. Reaching this enchanting city takes a bit of effort, but the spectacle that awaits you — with churches emerging from limestone canyons — repays every mile.

By train

**Modica station** is on the **Syracuse-Gela line** operated by Trenitalia. From **Syracuse**, regional trains take about 90 minutes, with several daily services. From **Ragusa** you arrive in about 20 minutes.

From **Catania Centrale** the journey is longer: about 3 hours with a change at Syracuse or Ragusa depending on the service. The line is single-track and trains are not very frequent (4-6 daily services), so checking timetables on Trenitalia is essential.

The station is in the lower part of the city (Modica Bassa), about 15 minutes' walk from the Cathedral of San Giorgio.

Local tip

The train is atmospheric but slow. If you are in a hurry, combine the train to Ragusa or Syracuse with a bus to Modica. If you choose the train, enjoy the landscape: the stretch between Ragusa and Modica crosses the Hyblaean countryside with memorable views.

By car

From **Catania**, take the **A18/E45 motorway** towards Syracuse, then the **SS115** or the **SP5/SP54** to Modica, about 170 km in 2 hours. From **Syracuse** the SS115 leads to Modica in about 80 km (70 minutes).

From **Palermo** the journey is longer: about 280 km (3 hours 30 minutes) via the A19 to Enna, then the A18 to Catania and continuing south. Alternatively, the A29 + SS115 via Gela is slightly shorter but slower.

From **Ragusa** it is just 15 km (20 minutes) along the SP10.

Parking

Modica is built across a series of canyons and the streets are narrow. The **Piazza Matteotti car park** in Modica Bassa is the most convenient for visiting the centre. The **ex Mercato car park** has low rates. There are also free spaces along the streets of Modica Alta, but then you walk down.

By plane

**Catania Fontanarossa Airport** (CTA) is the nearest and best-connected airport, about 170 km away (2 hours by car). From Catania you can take a **SAIS** or **Interbus** coach to Modica, or combine a bus to Syracuse/Ragusa and continue.

**Comiso Airport** (CIY) is the closest of all, about 25 km (20 minutes), but has few flights, mainly Ryanair to some domestic destinations. A taxi from Comiso to Modica costs about 30 euros.

Local tip

If you land at Catania, hiring a car is the best solution for exploring the Val di Noto: Modica, Ragusa Ibla, Scicli and Noto are all close to each other but poorly connected by public transport.

By bus

**AST** (Azienda Siciliana Trasporti) and **Interbus/Etna Trasporti** buses connect Modica with Catania (about 2 hours 30 minutes), Syracuse (about 90 minutes), Ragusa (20 minutes) and Noto (about 60 minutes).

From **Palermo** there are connections with a change at Catania or Enna. Modica's **bus station** is in Piazza Falcone-Borsellino in the lower town.

**FlixBus** runs seasonal connections with the main Sicilian cities.

Local transport

Modica is divided between **Modica Alta** and **Modica Bassa**, linked by narrow roads and steps. The centre is explored on foot, but be prepared for climbs: comfortable shoes are a must.

**AST** urban buses connect the different areas of the city, including the hillside hamlets. Service is limited in the evenings and on Sundays.

To reach the beaches (Marina di Modica, Sampieri, Pozzallo), seasonal shuttles run in summer, but a car remains the most convenient option.

For exploring the Baroque triangle of Modica-Ragusa Ibla-Scicli, a shared taxi or rental car are the best options.

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