Deep-dive

Getting around: tram, ATM buses and Strait ferries

One tram line (no. 28) runs through the city from south to north in about 40 minutes; the ATM bus network reaches the villages with a "comb" system. Ferries to Villa San Giovanni leave the Rada San Francesco 24 hours a day, Blu Jet fast ships also go to Reggio. To fly: trains to Catania airport or Reggio airport.

Sections: Arrival · Airports · Trains · Buses · Car & licence · Cycling · Accessibility

Tram and buses

Tram line 28, back in service since 2003, runs from the ZIR south terminus (Viale Gazzi) to the Museo north terminus (Viale Annunziata): about 7.7 km and 18 stops in about 40 minutes, along Viale San Martino, Piazza Cairoli and Viale della Libertà, passing the central station. ATM states it has 104 buses in service and a "comb" system strengthening links with the villages; line 1 "Shuttle 100" crosses the centre. There are park-and-ride car parks and tickets can also be bought in the ATM MovUp app.

Lines for the university

The university campuses are served by regular lines: the Policlinico by lines 9, 10, 12, 12 bis (car-park shuttle) and 36; Annunziata by 22, 22 bis, 23 and 23U; Papardo by 24, 31, 32 and 39; the rectorate by many central lines, including the Shuttle 100.

Strait, trains, airports

Caronte & Tourist ferries leave the Rada San Francesco for Villa San Giovanni every 40 minutes guaranteed, 24 hours a day, with a crossing of about 20 minutes (varying with weather and traffic); the freight route to Salerno leaves instead from Tremestieri. Blu Jet fast passenger ships (FS group) link Messina with Villa San Giovanni and Reggio Calabria, with timetables coordinated with some trains; the "Integrato dello Stretto" ticket also includes a Liberty Lines crossing to Reggio. Towards Catania airport, on weekdays 10 trains a day arrive from Messina at the Fontanarossa stop and 14 leave it for Messina.

Monthly transport pass

City figurePeriod: 2026Validsample unknown

Source: ATM Messina – Tariffe trasporto pubblico locale · Mensile tutte le linee; trimestrale 90 €, annuale 250 €

€35/ person·month