Best Way to Travel Around Southern Italy
- Lili
- Mar 20
- 8 min read
Are you planning your trip to southern Italy and wondering what is the best way to get around between cities? We know how this choice can make all the difference in your itinerary! If you've already checked out our 15-day itinerary for southern Italy, now it's time to understand the best transportation options to make the most of each destination.
In this guide, we will explore the most practical and comfortable alternatives—such as trains, cars, and ferries—so that you can decide what best fits your travel style. We will talk about distances, travel times, and everything you need to know to ensure that your travels are as incredible as the destinations themselves. Let's get started!
How to Get Around Southern Italy
Traveling around southern Italy can be a wonderful experience, but the region has its peculiarities when it comes to transportation. The coastal roads, with their beautiful views, can be winding, and traffic in tourist areas, especially during peak season, can be a challenge. Therefore, planning your movements between cities is crucial to ensure a stress-free trip.
If you're looking for an easy way to explore the scenic beauty of the Amalfi Coast or other coastal areas, GetYourGuide offers a variety of guided tours that can help you discover the highlights without worrying about the details. Book now to make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. You can also check out options for day trips in southern Italy, from visiting the ancient streets of Matera to relaxing by the shores of Lecce.
Tips for Purchasing Tickets and Making Reservations in Advance
If you plan to travel by train or ferry around southern Italy, especially during peak season, it's essential to book your tickets in advance. During the peak months, train and ferry trips can sell out quickly. Use platforms like Trenitalia, Italo Treno, and Liberty Lines to secure the best prices and available schedules. Booking in advance also avoids surprises, such as sold-out seats, and allows you to better organize your trip to make the most of each destination.
Apps and Websites to Make Your Travel Easier
When planning your trip, using specialized tools and apps can further optimize your experience. Here are some useful platform suggestions:
Trenitalia and Italo Treno: Perfect for checking schedules and booking train tickets between cities like Naples, Matera, Lecce, and Tropea.
Rome2Rio: To plan your entire route, combining car, train, and ferry, helping you choose the fastest or most scenic option.
Direct Ferries: Ideal for booking ferry trips between Sicily and the mainland, such as the crossing between Messina and Reggio Calabria. Book your ferry tickets now and enjoy the stunning views as you travel.
Moovit: Excellent for getting around by bus or public transport in cities like Lecce or Catania, with updated schedules and more efficient routes.
GetYourGuide: Explore a variety of day trips and guided tours across southern Italy. Whether it's a tour through Pompeii, a visit to Mount Etna, or a scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast, GetYourGuide has all the options to make your travels unforgettable. Check tours here and plan your next adventure with ease.
These websites and apps are powerful tools to ensure that your trip is well-planned and free of any setbacks.
Key Distances and Travel Times
Here are the details about distances and travel times, with more information to help you plan your journey:
From Naples to Matera
By car: Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic. The trip is mostly by road, crossing the Campania region to Basilicata. Along the way, you'll pass through charming villages, so it's worth making quick stops to enjoy the scenery.
By train: About 4 to 5 hours, with transfers in cities like Bari. There is no direct train line between Naples and Matera, but the train journey is a comfortable way to travel, even though it takes a little longer.
From Matera to Alberobello
By car: About 1h15 to 1h30. The trip is relatively short, with well-marked roads passing through charming villages like Locorotondo, famous for its circular streets.
By train: There is no direct line between Matera and Alberobello. The option is to take a train from Matera to Bari (about 1h30 to 2h), and from there, a train to Alberobello (about 1h to 1h30). This route is a bit longer, but it allows you to enjoy the landscape while traveling.
From Alberobello to Lecce
By train: The train ride between Alberobello and Lecce takes about 1h30 to 2h, depending on the type of train. No train changes are required; the line is direct (operated by Ferrovia Appulo Lucana - FAL)
By car: If you prefer, the car trip takes about 1h15 to 1h30, passing through some of the most beautiful landscapes of Puglia, with ideal stops for photos in cities like Ostuni, "the white city."
From Lecce to Tropea
By car: About 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic conditions. The journey passes through the coastal landscapes of Calabria, with stunning views of the Ionian Sea. The route also passes through small villages and beaches that can be great stops for a break.
By train: About 5 to 6 hours. This is a comfortable option, but the travel time is longer than by car. If you choose to travel by train, take the opportunity to relax and enjoy the view of the coast.
From Tropea to Taormina (Sicily)
By car + ferry: About 3 to 4 hours, including the crossing of the Strait of Messina. The ferry option offers a beautiful sea view and a pleasant break during the journey.
By train + ferry: About 5 to 6 hours, as it involves a train and ferry connection. Although the time is a bit longer, this is an interesting option for those who want to explore the train route and then enjoy a ferry ride.
From Catania to Mount Etna
By car: The trip from Catania to Mount Etna takes about 1h to 1h30, depending on the station you want to visit (e.g., Rifugio Sapienza). Some stations are located at higher altitudes, so the time may vary depending on the route you choose.
By train: There is a train service from Ferrovia Circumetnea (FCE) that offers a scenic journey around Mount Etna. The trip takes about 1h to 1h15 to a lower station, where you can take additional transport, such as a bus or funicular, to the higher points of the volcano. This option is popular among tourists who want to explore the area around the volcano.
Ferries and Other Means of Transportation
From Catania to the Mainland (by Ferry): Ferries between Sicily and Calabria (such as between Messina and Reggio Calabria) take about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the ferry line. When planning ferry trips, it's important to check the schedules in advance, especially during peak season. You can easily book ferry tickets through Direct Ferries, offering a variety of options for your trip.
Ferry between Sicily and Sardinia: Ferries are also available for longer trips, such as between Catania and Cagliari in Sardinia. These trips can take between 5 to 8 hours, depending on the type of ferry chosen. Check ferry schedules and book tickets for an easy and scenic crossing between the islands.
Important Tips
Coastal Roads: The Amalfi Coast and other coastal areas can have winding and narrow roads, like Strada Statale 163. It is important to drive carefully and attentively. During the summer, traffic can be intense, so plan ahead.
Ferries: When planning ferry trips, such as between Calabria and Sicily, it is advisable to check the schedules and book tickets in advance, especially during the high season. Additionally, ferry crossings can be an excellent way to enjoy the landscape while traveling.
Public Transportation: Public transportation alternatives, such as trains and buses, work well between some cities, but they can be slower than traveling by car. However, they are economical and efficient options, providing a way to see the region from a local perspective.
Traffic and Parking: Traffic in tourist areas, especially on the Amalfi Coast and in large cities, can be intense, especially during the summer months. Parking can be a challenge in some cities, so check parking options in advance.
Alternatives to Long Car Journeys
If you don't want to face long car journeys, here are some alternatives:
Train: The railway network in the region is well-developed, with trains connecting cities like Naples, Matera, and Lecce. Trains are a comfortable and efficient option, though it takes a little longer than driving.
Bus: There are several bus routes between cities in Puglia, Calabria, and Sicily, which can be a more economical but generally slower option.
Ferry: For the Amalfi Coast and other coastal areas, the ferry is a fantastic way to enjoy the scenery while traveling from one city to another.
Accommodation and Car Rentals in Southern Italy
Whether you're staying in Sicily, Calabria, or the Amalfi Coast, you can easily book your accommodation through Expedia. Whether you prefer luxury hotels, cozy bed and breakfasts, or affordable hostels, you'll find a wide range of options in southern Italy to suit every budget.
For those who prefer exploring at their own pace, renting a car in southern Italy is a great option. Expedia offers car rental services, so you can drive along the beautiful coastline of Calabria or explore the charming villages of Puglia at your own convenience. Book your car rental now and enjoy a seamless experience across this stunning region.
Duration of Journeys
Southern Italy is vast and diverse, and some of the distances between destinations can be considerably long. When planning your itinerary, be sure to factor in the time needed for travel, so you don't feel rushed during your trip. Plan your stops and make the most of each destination.
Ready to Explore Southern Italy?
When planning your adventure in southern Italy, it's essential to consider both the travel times and the available means of transport to make the most of each destination. If you've already checked out our 15-day itinerary for southern Italy, you are now ready to explore the best way to get around and ensure each leg of your journey is unforgettable. Whether by car, train, or ferry, each means of transport offers a unique discovery experience of this stunning region.
Now, we want to hear from you! Have you been to southern Italy? Share your transport tips and experiences in the comments below and help other travelers plan their journey more efficiently. Let's create a community of passionate travelers to Italy and exchange all the best tips!
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