Catania · Italy
Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)
Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is situated approximately 4 km south of Catania in eastern Sicily. It serves as the main aviation entry point for eastern Sicily, comprising a primary terminal (Terminal A) for most flights and a secondary terminal (Terminal C) used for specific operations.
Terminals
- Terminal A
- Main terminal handling the majority of domestic, Schengen, and international non-Schengen arrivals and departures.
- Terminal C
- Auxiliary terminal dedicated primarily to specific low-cost airline departures and arrivals.
Arriving
Arriving passengers walk into the terminal or are transported by apron bus, proceeding through passport control if coming from outside the Schengen Area before reaching baggage reclaim and customs.
- Follow the overhead signage towards Arrivals upon leaving the aircraft.
- Passengers arriving on non-Schengen flights must present travel documents at Polizia di Stato passport control.
- Collect checked luggage from the designated carousel on the ground level of Terminal A.
- Pass through the customs clearance area managed by Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli.
- Exit into the main arrivals concourse for ground transport connections and terminal facilities.
Getting to the city
Bus
AMTS Catania
The Alibus links the airport directly with Catania Central Railway Station and key downtown stops, running at regular intervals throughout the day.
- Time:
- Roughly 20–30 minutes
- Typical cost:
- Approximately €4.00
Train
Trenitalia
A short shuttle bus connects the terminal to Catania Aeroporto Fontanarossa rail stop, where regular Trenitalia services run to Catania Centrale.
- Time:
- Roughly 10–15 minutes (plus shuttle link)
- Typical cost:
- Approximately €2.00–€3.00
Taxi
Official Catania Taxis
Licensed taxis wait at the designated rank directly outside arrivals; fares to central locations operate on set municipal rates or meters.
- Time:
- Roughly 15–25 minutes
- Typical cost:
- Typically €18.00–€25.00
Bus
SAIS Autolinee / Interbus / AST
Direct long-distance buses depart from the airport station area to regional hubs including Syracuse, Taormina, and Palermo.
- Time:
- Varies by destination (30–120 minutes)
- Typical cost:
- Typically €4.00–€10.00
Connections & transfers
Transferring between flights at Catania requires self-connecting passengers to reclaim baggage and re-clear security when changing carriers or terminals.
- Passengers on a single ticket with onward baggage checked through can follow international transfer signs where available.
- Transferring between Terminal A and Terminal C requires walking landside along the terminal pavement.
- Allow a minimum of 90 minutes to two hours for connections involving separate ticket bookings or non-Schengen immigration.
Wi-Fi & staying connected
Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout passenger terminal areas.
- Connect device to the official airport Wi-Fi network name.
- Complete the initial captive portal registration using an email or browser prompt.
- Coverage extends across arrivals halls, security gates, and departure lounges.
Money, cards & tipping
Euro (EUR) cash machines and exchange counters operate within the airport.
- ATMs are located on the ground floor near arrivals and in the departures area.
- Foreign exchange desks operate landside for converting major international currencies.
- Payment cards are accepted by public transport desks, taxi drivers, shops, and eateries.
Food & drink
Food outlets offer Sicilian coffee, pastries, light meals, and takeaway items before and after security.
- Landside cafes near arrivals provide quick refreshments, espresso, and baked goods.
- Airside departures feature dining options, snack bars, and regional food products.
- Food service operating hours mirror daily flight departures and arrivals.
Lounges & rest
A lounge facility is located airside in Terminal A for premium passengers and pay-per-use visitors.
- The VIP Lounge Bellini offers quiet seating, light refreshments, Wi-Fi, and flight updates.
- Entry is available to eligible airline ticket holders, lounge pass members, or via single-entry purchase at the door.
Airport hotels
While there are no hotels located inside the terminal buildings, several options exist within a short distance.
- Multiple hotels operate within 1–2 km of the airport perimeter along access roads.
- Some local accommodation providers offer pre-booked airport transfer shuttles.
- Hotels in central Catania are reachable within 20 minutes by taxi or Alibus.
Baggage & customs
Baggage claim carousels and lost property services are situated on the ground level of arrivals.
- Locate your flight number on information screens in the reclaim hall to identify the correct carousel.
- Report missing or damaged luggage immediately at the handling agent desk in the baggage area.
- Left-luggage storage facilities are available in close proximity to the main terminal area.
Family & accessibility
Standard family conveniences are located across the main passenger zones.
- Baby-changing tables are integrated into designated accessible toilets across the terminal.
- Pushchairs can be used up to the departure gate or security screening.
- First aid assistance is available in the terminal for minor medical needs.
Facilities
- Cash Machines (ATMs)
- Currency Exchange
- Car Hire Desks
- VIP Lounge
- First Aid Station
- Baby Changing Rooms
- Information Desk
- Duty-Free Shops
Emergency & safety
Local emergency number: 112 for all emergency services in Italy.
- 112 is the primary national emergency number in Italy for police, ambulance, and fire services.
- Lost passports or serious security concerns should be reported to the Polizia di Stato station inside the terminal.
- A dedicated first aid desk (Pronto Soccorso) provides immediate medical assistance at the airport.
Before you leave home
- Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
- Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
- Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
- Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
- Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
- Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
- Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
- Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.
Official sources
Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.
- https://www.aeroporto.catania.it/Official airport source
- https://www.poliziadistato.it/Government source
- https://www.adm.gov.it/Government source
- https://www.amts.ct.it/Official transit source
- https://www.trenitalia.com/Official transit source
- https://www.salute.gov.it/Government source
Guide last reviewed September 23, 2026
Airport information can change. Verify terminal assignments, schedules, fares, entry requirements and operating hours with the official provider before travel.
Land connected
Airport Wi-Fi is slow, time-limited and not private. A travel eSIM activates before you fly, so maps, ride-hailing and your booking emails work the second you switch off airplane mode.
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Build my trip planTravel information disclaimer: passport, visa and entry requirements change frequently and vary by nationality, route and purpose of travel. Everything published here is general guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements with the official government sources for your citizenship and your destination before booking and before travel.