How to get to Noto: complete transport guide

How to get to Noto by train

Noto is served by the Siracusa-Ragusa-Gela railway line, with a station in the lower part of town, about 15 minutes' walk from the baroque old town (Corso Vittorio Emanuele).

From Siracusa the journey takes about 30-35 minutes on regional trains (5-6 daily services). From Catania you reach Noto in about 1 hour 45 minutes with a change at Siracusa. From Ragusa the journey takes about 2 hours. From Palermo it takes 5-6 hours with several changes (the bus is recommended).

Practical tips

The Siracusa-Noto-Ragusa line has few services: always check timetables and plan ahead
From the station to the old town is uphill: take Via Principe di Piemonte
As an alternative to the train, AST buses from Siracusa to Noto are more frequent and stop in the centre
In summer the line may be modified with replacement bus services

How to get to Noto by car

The car is the most comfortable way to reach Noto and explore the Val di Noto:

From Catania: A18/E45 motorway to Siracusa, then SS115 to Noto (95 km, about 1 hour 15 minutes)
From Siracusa: SS115 towards Ragusa (32 km, 35 minutes)
From Ragusa: SS115 (60 km, about 1 hour)
From Palermo: A19 to Catania, then A18 and SS115 (280 km, about 3 hours)
From Agrigento: SS115 coastal road (200 km, about 3 hours on scenic route)

Parking

**Free parking** on Via Zanardelli (former Circumetnea station area): large, 5 minutes from the Corso
**Porta Reale car park** (Via Cavour): paid, closest to the old town entrance
**Free parking** along Viale Marconi, in the lower area
Corso Vittorio Emanuele is pedestrianised: you cannot drive in. Park at the city gates
In summer during the Infiorata and events, car parks fill early: arrive in the morning

How to get to Noto by plane

The nearest airports to Noto:

**Catania Fontanarossa** (90 km): Sicily's main hub with flights from all over Italy and Europe. From the airport take Interbus/AST bus to Siracusa (1 hour 15 minutes) then Noto, or rent a car (1 hour 15 minutes' drive)
**Comiso** (50 km): small airport with Ryanair flights from Rome and Milan. Then car or bus to Noto (45 minutes)

Car rental from Catania airport is the recommended choice: Noto is at the heart of the baroque Val di Noto and having a car allows you to also visit Modica, Ragusa Ibla, Scicli and the beaches.

How to get to Noto by bus

Buses are often more practical than trains in Sicily:

**AST (Azienda Siciliana Trasporti)**: frequent Siracusa-Noto line (45 minutes, services every 1-2 hours), stop in the centre (Piazzale Marconi/Porta Reale)
**Interbus**: Catania-Siracusa-Noto connections
**FlixBus**: seasonal services from Rome, Naples and other cities with a stop in Noto
**SAIS**: lines from Palermo via Catania

The main stop is in Piazzale Marconi, in front of the Public Gardens, at the entrance to the Corso.

Local transport in Noto

Noto's baroque old town is entirely walkable: Corso Vittorio Emanuele (the main axis) is just 700 metres long, from Porta Reale to the Church of Santa Chiara. The churches, palaces and baroque balconies are all along this pedestrian route.

To reach the beaches (Lido di Noto, Calamosche, Vendicari, San Lorenzo) you need a car: they are 7-15 km from the centre. In summer a shuttle service connects the centre to some beaches. For the Vendicari Nature Reserve you definitely need your own transport.