How to get to Modica: train, car, plane and bus
Complete guide to reaching Modica by train, car, plane and bus. Station on the Syracuse-Gela line, Catania airport, A18 motorway and local transport in the Val di Noto.
Foto: Davide Mauro (CC BY-SA 4.0) — Wikimedia Commons
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.
Discover Modica
Practical info
| Where | Sicily, Italy |
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