04/01/2016
Welcome to Trapani Airport (TPS), also known as Vicenzo Florio Airport or Trapani-Birgi Airport, Sicily's third-largest air transport hub. Situated approximately 15km (9.2 miles) from the historic city of Trapani and a similar distance from Marsala, this airport serves as a vital entry point for travellers eager to explore the wonders of Sicily. While the airport itself doesn't boast an integrated train station, a convenient network of transport options awaits to whisk you away to your Sicilian adventure. From budget-friendly buses connecting you to crucial railway hubs to scenic cable car rides and maritime journeys, your Sicilian exploration begins the moment you step off the plane.
Airport Facilities and Initial Steps
Upon arrival on the ground floor of the single, easily navigable terminal, you'll find essential information services and facilities readily available. The exit from the arrivals area leads directly to the various transport modes. While a taxi rank is present outside the terminal, offering a direct route to Trapani's railway station, bus services are often the more economical choice for reaching this vital transport link. These bus services are your first step towards connecting with Sicily's extensive rail network and reaching further afield destinations.
Bus Services: The Direct Link to Trapani and Palermo
Two primary bus companies facilitate your onward journey from Trapani Airport: Terravision and AST (Azienda Siciliana Trasporti). These services are crucial for connecting passengers to the Trapani railway station, officially known as Stazione di Trapani and located at Piazza Umberto I 19. The bus journey to the station typically takes around forty minutes, with tickets conveniently available for purchase online. Terravision specifically caters to passengers arriving on low-cost carriers, such as Ryanair, ensuring a seamless transition.
Once at Trapani train station, you unlock a significant portion of Sicily's rail connectivity. The primary line links Trapani with Palermo, the island's vibrant regional capital situated on the northern coast. Another significant route heads south, serving the charming towns of Marsala, Mazara del Vallo, and Castelvetrano. These train services are operated by the Italian State Railways, known as Ferrovie dello Stato (FS). For those aiming directly for Palermo, Terravision offers a direct bus service from Trapani Airport to Palermo Centrale railway station. This journey is approximately 90 minutes, with a single ticket priced at €10.60 and a round-trip ticket at €21.20. Children aged four and under travel for free on this service.
Exploring Trapani and Beyond: The Cableway to Erice
Upon reaching the city of Trapani, a unique and picturesque mode of transport awaits: the cableway to the medieval hilltop town of Erice. This modern cableway boasts a track length of 3,099 metres, following the path of an older system from the late 1950s. Its cabins are equipped with adequate lighting, allowing for operation even at night. The service is also fully accessible for individuals with reduced mobility, ensuring everyone can enjoy this scenic ascent.
The cableway's operating hours are generally as follows:
| Day | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Mondays | 12:00 - 01:00 |
| Tuesdays to Fridays | 07:45 - 01:00 |
| Weekends & Public Holidays | 08:45 - 02:00 |
Please note that these times are subject to change throughout the year.
Ticket prices for the cableway are:
| Ticket Type | Price (One Way) | Price (Round Trip) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | €3.50 | €6.00 |
| Children (up to 17) | €2.50 | €4.00 |
| Residents | €1.60 | €2.60 |
| Children (2 and under) | Free | Free |
For the most up-to-date information on the cableway service, consult www.funiviaerice.it.
Maritime Connections: Exploring Sicily by Sea
Sicily's island nature makes maritime travel a highly popular and scenic option. The port of Trapani serves as a bustling hub for ferryboats and hydrofoils connecting to various destinations. During the summer, nightly services operate to the remote Pantelleria island, and weekly trips extend to Tunisia, offering an international dimension to your travels. More frequently, boats depart for the stunning Egadi Islands, a must-visit for any traveller to the region. Additionally, ferries are available for journeys to Naples and Cagliari in Sardinia.
The principal ferry operators include:
- Siremar (www.siremar.it)
- Tirrenia (www.tirrenia.it)
- Ustica Lines (www.usticalines.it)
- Grimaldi Lines (www.grimaldi-lines.com)
On the opposite side of the island, the Strait of Messina is a crucial transit point, with frequent ferries operating at least every half an hour. These ferries are notable for their ability to carry trains, offering direct rail connections to mainland Italy. Trains board the ferries at Villa San Giovanni and disembark at Messina. From Messina, trains continue south towards Catania and Syracuse, or west towards Palermo. Passengers do not need to leave their seats during the crossing, though they are welcome to move to the deck to enjoy the views.
Palermo Centrale: A Major Rail Nexus
Palermo Centrale railway station, located at Piazza Giulio Cesare, is the main train station in Palermo and a cornerstone of Sicily's rail infrastructure. It is considered one of the most important FS stations in Italy, playing a pivotal role in regional connectivity alongside stations in Catania, Messina, and Syracuse. Palermo Centrale is strategically situated on the Messina-Palermo and Palermo-Trapani lines. It also serves as the terminus for the Palermo-Catania and Palermo-Agrigento lines.
The station is well-served by a variety of train services. InterCity and Express trains provide faster, long-distance connections to major Italian cities such as Rome, Turin, Milan, and Venice, and even extend to Paris. Complementing these are local trains, which, while generally slower due to frequent stops at smaller stations, offer a comprehensive way to explore various destinations across Sicily. These local services include different types such as 'Diretto', 'Espresso', and 'Interegionale'. While currently not served by Eurostar trains, there is potential for future integration.
Connecting to the Wider Sicilian Network
Even without a direct train connection from the airport, Trapani Airport (TPS) offers efficient and comfortable bus links to the region's key railway stations. These services ensure that passengers can easily access the extensive rail network that crisscrosses this beautiful island. For detailed information on Sicily's train services, the official Trenitalia website (www.trenitalia.com) is an invaluable resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the quickest way to get from Trapani Airport to Trapani city centre?
A: Bus services are the most frequent and economical option, taking approximately 40 minutes to reach Trapani's main train station.
Q2: Can I take a train directly from Trapani Airport?
A: No, there is no direct train station at Trapani Airport. You will need to take a bus to Trapani or Palermo train station first.
Q3: How much does the bus to Palermo cost?
A: A single bus ticket from Trapani Airport to Palermo costs €10.60, and a round-trip ticket is €21.20.
Q4: Is there a taxi service available at Trapani Airport?
A: Yes, there is a taxi rank outside the terminal building, offering direct transport to various destinations.
Q5: What are the main ferry connections from Trapani port?
A: From Trapani port, you can take ferries and hydrofoils to the Egadi Islands, Pantelleria, Tunisia, Naples, and Sardinia.
Embark on your Sicilian journey with confidence, knowing that a variety of accessible and efficient transport options are available from Trapani Airport to help you discover the rich culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes of this enchanting island.
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