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

How to get to Trapani

Trapani is a fascinating city that juts into the Mediterranean like a sickle between two seas, the gateway to the Egadi Islands, Erice and the salt pans. Despite its location in the far west of Sicily, Trapani is well connected thanks to its own airport and motorway.

By train

**Trapani station** is the western terminus of the **Palermo-Trapani line** via Alcamo. From **Palermo Centrale**, regional trains take about 2 hours 30 minutes, with 6-8 daily services. The route crosses the Sicilian hinterland with evocative views.

From **Marsala** you arrive in about 30 minutes. From **Castelvetrano** (connection for Agrigento and Sciacca) about 60 minutes.

Note: there is no direct rail connection between Trapani and Catania or Syracuse. For these routes you must go via Palermo or use the bus.

The station is in the eastern part of the centre, about 10 minutes' walk from the port and old town.

Local tip

Trains to Trapani are not very frequent: check timetables in advance and book the first morning train from Palermo to have the whole day at your disposal.

By car

From **Palermo**, take the **A29 motorway** towards Trapani, about 100 km in 70 minutes. The A29 is toll-free in the final section. From **Agrigento**, the route is either the coastal SS115 or, faster, the A29 via Castelvetrano, about 170 km in 2 hours 30 minutes.

From **Catania**, take the A19 to Palermo then the A29, about 310 km in 3 hours 30 minutes. From **Messina**, the A20 to Palermo then the A29, about 280 km in 3 hours.

Parking

Trapani's old town is partly a ZTL. The **Parcheggio Comunale** in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele is central and convenient (about 1 euro/hour). The **port car park** is useful for ferry passengers. On peripheral streets there are free white-lined spaces. In summer, parking near Torre di Ligny fills quickly.

By plane

**Trapani-Birgi Vincenzo Florio Airport** (TPS) is about 15 km from the centre and is served by **Ryanair** flights to several Italian cities (Rome, Milan, Bologna, Turin) and some European ones. An **AST shuttle bus** connects the airport to the railway station and port in about 20 minutes (ticket about 5 euros). A taxi costs about 25 euros.

**Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport** (PMO) is about 100 km away and is the alternative with more international flights. From Palermo, a direct **Segesta** bus to Trapani takes about 2 hours.

Local tip

Birgi has few flights but often very low fares. Check dates: in winter some routes are suspended. If you land at Palermo, the direct bus to Trapani is more convenient than the train.

By bus

**AST** and **Segesta Autolinee** connect Trapani with Palermo (about 2 hours, frequent departures), Agrigento (about 3 hours), Marsala (30 minutes) and provincial towns.

The **bus station** is in Piazza Malta, near the port. Buses also depart from here for **Erice** (funicular or AST bus, 40 minutes), San Vito Lo Capo (60 minutes) and the Zingaro Nature Reserve.

**FlixBus** connects Trapani with Rome, Milan and Naples with overnight services.

By ferry

From **Trapani port**, ferries and hydrofoils serve the **Egadi Islands** (Favignana 25 minutes by hydrofoil, Levanzo 20 minutes, Marettimo 60 minutes) operated by **Liberty Lines** and **Siremar**. In summer services are very frequent.

**Tirrenia/GNV** ferries connect Trapani with **Pantelleria** (about 6 hours, including overnight) and occasionally with Tunis.

Local transport

Trapani's old town is narrow and elongated: you can walk its entire length in 30 minutes from Bastione Conca to Torre di Ligny. The main streets (Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Garibaldi) are pedestrianised.

**ATM** urban buses cover outer districts and hamlets. The **Erice funicular** departs from the Trapani Funicolare station (bus 21 or 23 from the station) and ascends to the medieval village in 10 minutes with breathtaking panoramas.

Taxis are available at the port and station.

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