How to get to Reggio Calabria: train, plane, car and ferry

How to get to Reggio Calabria

Reggio Calabria, overlooking the Strait of Messina with views of Mount Etna, is the gateway to authentic Calabria. Getting there is easier than you might think, thanks to a city airport, direct rail connections and a motorway running the length of the peninsula.

Getting there by train

Reggio Calabria Centrale station is served by Trenitalia and Italo trains. Frecciarossa high-speed trains connect Rome Termini to Reggio Calabria in about 5 hours and 30 minutes, with intermediate stops at Naples and Salerno. From Milan, the high-speed journey takes about 7-8 hours with a change at Rome or Naples.

Intercity trains connect Reggio Calabria to Taranto, Bari and the main cities of Southern Italy. For those arriving from Sicily, trains cross the Strait on railway ferries, a truly unique experience.

Reggio Calabria Lido station, further south, is convenient for those heading to the seafront and the National Museum of Magna Graecia, home to the famous Riace Bronzes.

Practical tips

• Book early for Economy or Super Economy fares on Frecciarossa trains
• Regional trains connect Reggio to Scilla, Tropea and the Violet Coast at affordable prices
• Centrale station is just a few minutes' walk from the historic centre

Getting there by plane

Tito Minniti Strait Airport (REG) is located in Ravagnese, about 4 km from the city centre. It has direct flights to Rome Fiumicino, Milan Linate and Bergamo Orio al Serio, operated mainly by Ryanair and ITA Airways.

From the airport, you can reach the centre in about 15 minutes by Atam shuttle bus connecting the airport to Centrale station and the Museum. Alternatively, taxis have fixed fares to the centre.

For those arriving from European destinations without direct flights to Reggio, Lamezia Terme Airport (SUF) offers many more international connections. From Lamezia, direct trains reach Reggio Calabria in about 2 hours.

Getting there by car

The A2 Motorway (formerly the A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria) connects the city to the rest of Italy. From Rome it is about 680 km and takes 6-7 hours; from Naples about 480 km and 5 hours.

The motorway has been extensively renovated in recent years, with modern tunnels and good road surfaces. Watch out for single-lane sections during any remaining works between Cosenza and Lamezia.

Parking

• Lungomare Falcomatà car park: convenient for visiting the centre and museum
• Centrale Station car park: useful as a base for getting around by public transport
• Restricted traffic zones in the historic centre are clearly signposted

Getting there by bus

FlixBus connects Reggio Calabria with Rome, Naples, Cosenza and several northern Italian cities. Journey times are longer than by train, but fares are often very competitive, especially when booked in advance.

The main long-distance bus stop is near Centrale station. Regional Ferrovie della Calabria bus services connect Reggio to the Aspromonte and Locride areas.

Getting there by sea

Reggio Calabria is connected to Sicily by ferries and hydrofoils. Bluferries and Liberty Lines operate frequent crossings to Messina (about 20 minutes by hydrofoil, 40 minutes by ferry). The port is right in the centre, steps away from the Museum and Corso Garibaldi.

Getting around the city

Atam runs the urban bus network. The Lungomare Falcomatà, described by D'Annunzio as "the most beautiful kilometre in Italy", is perfect for walking. To explore the Violet Coast (Scilla, Bagnara Calabra) and the Ionian riviera, a car or regional trains are the best choice.

Taxis are available at the station and airport. To reach the Aspromonte mountains and inland villages like Gerace and Stilo, having your own car is recommended.

Discover Reggio Calabria

Now that you know how to get there, plan your stay with our guides:

• Where to stay in Reggio Calabria for finding the perfect accommodation
• What to see in Reggio Calabria in 2 days for a complete itinerary
• Where to eat in Reggio Calabria to discover Calabrian flavours