How to get to Reggio Calabria

Located at the very "toe" of the Italian Peninsula, Reggio Calabria is a colourful port city with a rich historical heritage and a magnificent promenade overlooking Sicily. If you have decided to visit this picturesque region of Italy, you will find a developed transport infrastructure at your service, including air connections, railways, and convenient motorways. When planning how to get to Reggio Calabria, you can easily select the optimal route, whether it be a quick flight or an exciting journey by car.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the destination is to fly directly to Tito Minniti Airport (IATA code: REG), also known as the "Airport of the Strait". It is located just a few kilometres from the city centre, allowing you to save time on transfers. The air hub receives regular flights from Rome, Milan, and Turin, ensuring convenient connections for international travellers.

If suitable tickets are not available, many tourists choose to fly to neighbouring major aviation hubs. One of the most popular options is the international airport of Lamezia Terme (SUF), located approximately 130 kilometres to the north; it serves many flights, including low-cost carriers. You can also consider the airport of Catania in Sicily: although it is located on the island, the distance to the city is less than 100 kilometres, and the journey includes a short and scenic ferry crossing over the Strait of Messina.

Contrary to outdated beliefs, getting to Reggio Calabria by rail is very simple and convenient. The city is served by the major station Reggio di Calabria Centrale, which receives direct services from many metropolises. You will not have to worry about complicated connections: comfortable night and day trains run regularly from Rome and Naples.

For those who value time, high-speed trains (such as Frecciarossa or Frecciargento), connecting the region with the centre and north of the country, are the ideal choice. A journey on such a train from the capital will take about 5–6 hours. Furthermore, the trip itself will provide aesthetic pleasure: the railway line stretches along the picturesque coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, allowing you to admire beaches and mountains directly from the carriage window.

Bus services are an excellent alternative for those who want to enjoy the views of southern Italy without unnecessary transfers. Regular routes connect Reggio Calabria with Catania in Sicily: a journey of about 120 kilometres takes 2.5–3 hours and often includes a scenic ferry crossing. The route from Sigonella is also convenient, allowing you to reach your destination in approximately the same amount of time.

For travellers heading from the north of the region, the optimal choice would be a direct bus from Cosenza. Comfortable coaches cover the distance of 180 kilometres in an average of 2.5 hours via the expressway. This is a reliable and budget-friendly way to reach the coast of the Strait of Messina while watching the changing mountain and sea landscapes from the window.

Travelling by car from the island of Sicily to Reggio Calabria is a picturesque voyage that necessarily includes a short ferry crossing over the Strait of Messina. The road from Catania, spanning about 130 kilometres, will take approximately 2 hours, while the journey from the town of Sigonella (150 km) will require about 2.5 hours, allowing you to enjoy views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea coast.

From the mainland side, for example from Cosenza, the modern A2 del Mediterraneo motorway leads to the "toe" of the Italian boot. The distance of 185 kilometres can be comfortably covered in just over 2 hours whilst admiring the mountain landscapes. The cost of an intercity taxi or private transfer on such routes usually starts from 150–180 euros one way.

To ensure your trip to Reggio Calabria is as comfortable as possible, it is worth learning about some local features in advance. We have prepared a list of useful recommendations that will help you easily navigate southern Italy and avoid awkward situations.

1. Clothing and Essentials: It is very hot here in summer, so prefer clothing made of light natural fabrics, and definitely bring headwear and sunglasses. In winter, the climate is mild but humid and windy due to the proximity of the sea, so a windproof jacket will be useful. Comfortable shoes are mandatory for walks along the promenade and the historic centre.
2. Transport: The city centre is compact enough for walking. If you need to reach remote districts, use the ATAM company buses, but remember: tickets should be bought in advance at tobacco kiosks (Tabacchi) or newsstands; drivers often do not carry them.
3. Finances: The official currency is the Euro. Although Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most restaurants and hotels, small shops, coffee houses, and markets often accept only cash. Always carry small notes and coins with you.
4. Health and Safety: The city is generally safe for tourists, but as everywhere, you should keep an eye on your bags in crowded places. Pharmacies are easily recognised by the sign with a green cross; duty pharmacies operate around the clock. Tap water is considered safe to drink, but its taste quality is inferior to bottled water.
5. Communication: Locals speak Italian, and English is not understood everywhere, especially by the older generation. Learn a few basic phrases ("Buongiorno", "Grazie", "Quanto costa?"), as this is very appreciated by the Calabrians.
6. Local Etiquette: Italians are expressive and welcoming. It is customary to greet people when entering any shop or café. If you plan to visit churches, please observe the dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered, and men should remove their headwear.
7. What to Avoid: Do not plan important business or shopping between 13:00 and 16:00. This is the time of the siesta when almost all shops and institutions close. Also, avoid ordering a cappuccino after lunch — here it is considered exclusively a morning drink.
8. Additional Tip: Reggio Calabria is famous for bergamot. Be sure to try products made with this citrus fruit: from tea and confectionery to perfumes. This will make an excellent souvenir and a way to experience the unique aroma of the region.

Following these simple rules will help you adapt faster and feel at home in this sunny corner of the Mediterranean. Enjoy Calabrian hospitality, delicious food, and stunning views without unnecessary worries!