How to Get to Scilla, Italy Without a Car: Airports, Trains & Ferries

Wondering how to get to Scilla, Italy without a car? This beautiful little fishing town in Calabria is surprisingly easy to reach by public transport, whether you’re arriving at a nearby airport, traveling down from Naples or even crossing over from Sicily.

I visited Scilla during my first solo trip around southern Italy, flying into Reggio Calabria Airport and traveling everywhere by bus and train. I spent two nights in Scilla before continuing along the coast to Tropea, and I didn’t need to rent a car or book an expensive airport transfer.

In fact, getting around Calabria was one of the easiest parts of my trip.

From Reggio Calabria Airport, I caught a local bus into the city before taking a regional train to Scilla. The whole journey was straightforward and incredibly cheap.

But Reggio Calabria isn’t your only option. You can also fly into Lamezia Terme, travel south by train from Naples or Rome, or visit Scilla from Sicily using the ferry across the Strait of Messina.

In this guide, I’ll explain each route, including approximate journey times, transport costs in US dollars and some practical tips from my own experience of visiting Scilla without a car.

Getting to Scilla, Italy at a Glance

Scilla is located on Calabria’s western coastline, just north of Reggio Calabria and Villa San Giovanni.

It has its own railway station, making it a particularly convenient destination for anyone traveling around Italy without a car.

Journey times are approximate planning allowances, including connections where appropriate. Actual times depend on the service and travel date.

Map of Scilla: Train Station, Castle and Beach

Before explaining the different transport routes, I thought it would be helpful to share this street map I photographed during my visit.

One thing that’s difficult to appreciate until you arrive is how Scilla is built on different levels. The beach and train station are down by the coast, while Piazza San Rocco and much of the residential area sit higher up.

The map shows Marina Grande beach on the left, Ruffo Castle and the upper town around the middle, and the streets leading towards Chianalea on the right.

You can also see the railway line near the beachfront and some of the main roads connecting the different parts of town.

Scilla is a relatively small place, but I’d recommend looking at this map before choosing accommodation, particularly if you’re arriving by train with luggage.

You’ll find it much easier to get around if you understand the relationship between the beach, the upper town and the public lift.

1. How to Get from Reggio Calabria Airport to Scilla

If you can find suitable flights, Reggio Calabria Airport (REG) would be my first choice for visiting Scilla.

It’s the nearest major commercial airport, and the journey is very straightforward using public transport.

This is also the route I personally took during my solo trip around Calabria.

I found return flights from Manchester for just £28.40, which worked out at approximately $38 at October 2026 exchange rates. It was such a bargain that I decided to finally book the Calabria trip I’d been thinking about for ages.

My flight arrived early in the morning, giving me plenty of time to explore Reggio Calabria before continuing to Scilla.

Step 1: Reggio Calabria Airport to the City Center

After arriving at Reggio Calabria Airport, I headed outside the terminal and caught the local number 28 bus towards Reggio Calabria Centrale railway station.

The bus was waiting just outside the airport, and the journey took approximately 15 minutes.

When I traveled, the bus cost €1.50, approximately $1.70.

It was a really easy journey, even though I’d never visited Calabria before.

The airport is relatively small compared with Italy’s major international airports, so I found it straightforward to get my bearings.

ATAM bus routes 27 and 28 connect the airport with Reggio Calabria Centrale. Published fares can change, so allow approximately $2 for the bus journey.

You can also purchase an integrated train and airport bus ticket through Trenitalia by selecting Reggio Calabria Aeroporto Bus as your starting point or destination.

There’s another option too. The airport operates a complimentary shuttle connecting the terminal with Reggio Calabria Aeroporto railway station, where you can check onward train connections.

However, I personally used the bus into Reggio Calabria Centrale and found that route very easy to follow.

Check the official Reggio Calabria Airport bus and train information.

Step 2: Reggio Calabria Centrale to Scilla by Train

Once you reach Reggio Calabria Centrale, you can catch a regional train directly to Scilla.

I actually spent a few hours exploring Reggio Calabria before heading to Scilla, which worked really well because I’d arrived early and couldn’t check into my accommodation straight away.

When I was ready to leave, I returned to the railway station and caught the train along the coast.

My journey took approximately 20 minutes, and the ticket was incredibly cheap at around €1.70 during my visit, approximately $1.90.

Current fares may differ, so check the price for your date before traveling.

The train follows the coastline, and it’s a lovely introduction to this part of southern Italy.

For me, this is definitely the easiest route to Scilla if you can find affordable flights into Reggio Calabria.

2. How to Get from Lamezia Terme Airport to Scilla

Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF) is another option worth considering, particularly if you’re arriving from another European country or connecting through a larger airport.

It’s located further north in Calabria and generally offers a wider choice of international flights than Reggio Calabria.

Although I didn’t use Lamezia Terme Airport on my own trip, getting to Scilla from here is straightforward using the airport shuttle and railway network.

Step 1: Lamezia Terme Airport to the Train Station

After arriving at the airport, take the Lamezia Airlink shuttle to Lamezia Terme Centrale railway station.

This is the main railway station serving the airport and is located a short bus journey from the terminal.

The airport shuttle costs approximately €1.50–€1.80, or around $1.70–$2 one way, depending on the current published fare.

Trenitalia allows you to purchase the airport bus and train journey together by selecting Lamezia Terme Aeroporto as your starting point or destination.

Check the official Lamezia Airlink information.

Step 2: Lamezia Terme Centrale to Scilla

From Lamezia Terme Centrale, take a train south towards Scilla.

There are direct regional services on this route, although some journeys may require a change depending on the departure time.

The quickest trains take approximately one hour, while other journeys can take longer.

Regional train tickets can start from around €8.50, approximately $9.50 one way, although fares vary according to the service.

The journey follows Calabria’s beautiful Tyrrhenian coastline, passing seaside towns and offering lovely views along parts of the route.

If flights to Reggio Calabria are expensive or inconvenient, I’d definitely compare Lamezia Terme before ruling out a trip to Scilla.

3. How to Get from Naples to Scilla by Train

If you’re already visiting Naples or the Amalfi Coast, you can also travel south to Scilla by train.

This could be a great option for international visitors planning a longer itinerary through southern Italy rather than flying directly into Calabria.

Italy’s railway network connects Naples with the Calabrian coastline, and it’s possible to travel down without renting a car.

One particularly convenient option is the high-speed Italo train from Napoli Centrale to Villa San Giovanni.

Naples to Villa San Giovanni

Italo operates high-speed services between Napoli Centrale and Villa San Giovanni, with its fastest advertised journey taking approximately 4 hours 10 minutes.

Advance tickets can start from €19.90, which is approximately $22.

Villa San Giovanni is just south of Scilla, so once you arrive, you’re only a short regional train journey away.

Check Naples to Villa San Giovanni train prices with Italo.

Villa San Giovanni to Scilla

From Villa San Giovanni, take a regional Trenitalia service north to Scilla.

The journey takes approximately 7–12 minutes, and tickets generally cost just a few dollars.

Make sure you check your arrival and departure times before booking, as you’ll need to allow enough time to change trains.

I’d also recommend searching directly from Napoli Centrale to Scilla on Trenitalia before booking separate tickets.

Depending on the service and timetable, you may find a convenient connection through another Calabrian station without needing to travel all the way to Villa San Giovanni first.

If you’re flying into Naples Airport, you’ll first need to travel to Napoli Centrale railway station. Allow extra time for this airport transfer before starting your train journey south.

4. How to Get from Rome to Scilla

Rome is another useful starting point, particularly for visitors arriving from the United States.

If you’re flying internationally into Rome Fiumicino Airport, you have two main choices: take a domestic flight to Reggio Calabria or travel south by train.

Option 1: Fly from Rome to Reggio Calabria

ITA Airways operates domestic flights between Rome Fiumicino and Reggio Calabria, although frequencies and schedules can change.

This would probably be my preferred option if I was arriving in Rome after a long international flight and wanted to get to Scilla as quickly as possible.

Once you’ve landed in Reggio Calabria, follow the local bus and train route I’ve explained earlier.

Option 2: Take the Train from Rome

Alternatively, you can travel from Roma Termini towards Calabria using the Italian railway network.

There are long-distance trains to Villa San Giovanni, with some direct journeys taking around five to six hours.

Italo currently advertises its quickest Rome to Villa San Giovanni journey at approximately 5 hours 21 minutes.

Promotional fares start from around €24.90, approximately $28, although cheaper tickets are limited and prices vary according to availability.

From Villa San Giovanni, Scilla is another short regional train ride away.

Again, I’d recommend searching Roma Termini to Scilla as a complete journey before booking separate tickets.

While it’s a longer journey than flying, taking the train is a lovely option if you enjoy traveling through Italy by rail and want to see more of the country along the way.

Compare Rome to Villa San Giovanni trains with Italo.

5. Domestic Flights to Reggio Calabria from Other Italian Cities

One thing worth knowing about Reggio Calabria Airport is that its flight network has expanded considerably in recent years.

For a long time, it was a relatively small airport with limited connections, but additional domestic and international routes have made this part of Calabria easier to reach.

Domestic flights are particularly useful if you’re already visiting another part of Italy and want to add Scilla to your itinerary.

During 2026, scheduled domestic connections have included several Italian cities:

• Rome Fiumicino: ITA Airways.
• Milan Linate: ITA Airways.
• Milan Malpensa: Ryanair.
• Milan Bergamo: Ryanair, scheduled from late October 2026.
• Bologna: Ryanair.
• Turin: Ryanair.
• Venice: Ryanair.
• Pisa: Ryanair.
• Parma: Ryanair.

Not every route operates every day, and schedules can change between the summer and winter seasons, so always check which flights operate for your dates.

If you’re planning a wider Italian itinerary, it may be possible to fly into one city, explore several destinations and then catch a domestic flight down to Reggio Calabria.

For example, you could spend time in Rome or Milan before flying south and continuing to Scilla by train.

I’d also recommend comparing flights into Lamezia Terme, as the best option will depend on where you’re starting your journey.

Check Reggio Calabria Airport’s official website for current flight information.

6. How to Get from Sicily to Scilla by Ferry and Train

If you’re visiting Sicily, you might be surprised to learn how close Scilla is to the island.

The Strait of Messina separates Sicily from mainland Italy, and you can travel between the two using regular passenger ferries.

I’ve personally traveled from Reggio Calabria to Messina as a foot passenger and have also spent time exploring Messina and Taormina.

However, if you’re heading specifically to Scilla, Villa San Giovanni is generally a more convenient ferry terminal than Reggio Calabria.

Step 1: Messina to Villa San Giovanni by Ferry

From Messina, take the Blu Jet passenger ferry across the Strait of Messina to Villa San Giovanni.

The crossing takes approximately 20 minutes and costs around €2.50, or $2.80 one way.

You don’t need a car for this crossing. It’s a passenger ferry, so you can simply travel on foot.

I’d recommend allowing time to reach the ferry terminal and checking the departure timetable before setting off.

Check the Messina to Villa San Giovanni ferry timetable.

Step 2: Villa San Giovanni to Scilla by Train

Once you arrive at Villa San Giovanni, take a regional train north to Scilla.

The journey is incredibly short, taking approximately 7–12 minutes, and tickets cost just a few dollars.

Allow around 45–90 minutes for the complete ferry and train journey from Messina, depending on connections and walking time.

This makes Scilla a possible day trip from Sicily without a car, although I’d personally recommend staying overnight if you want to enjoy the town properly.

What About the Train That Goes onto a Ferry?

One of the most unusual things about traveling between mainland Italy and Sicily is that certain long-distance trains are actually loaded onto special railway ferries!

At Villa San Giovanni, some Trenitalia Intercity and Intercity Night services are moved aboard ships fitted with railway tracks.

The carriages cross the Strait of Messina on the ferry before being unloaded on the Sicilian side and continuing their journey.

It’s a fascinating experience, particularly if you enjoy train travel.

However, this is different from the ordinary passenger ferry you’ll normally use when traveling between Messina and Scilla.

If you’d specifically like to experience a train being transported by ship, look for a suitable through Intercity service between mainland Italy and Sicily.

7. Arriving at Scilla Train Station: What to Expect

One thing I particularly liked about visiting Scilla was how conveniently the railway station is located.

Scilla station sits down near Marina Grande beach, so you can start exploring almost as soon as you arrive.

It’s a relatively small station, and I found arriving here straightforward during my solo trip.

From the station, you can walk towards Marina Grande beach, the promenade and the lower part of town.

However, there’s something important to know before booking accommodation.

Scilla is built on several levels, and some hotels and apartments are located much higher above the beach.

When I visited, I stayed in Blue Jolie, a spacious apartment with a beautiful balcony overlooking Ruffo Castle and Chianalea.

Although the apartment was in the upper part of town, getting there from the train station was actually surprisingly easy.

Using the Public Lift in Scilla

From Scilla station, I walked towards Marina Grande and reached the public lift in less than 10 minutes.

The lift connects the lower part of Scilla with the upper town, near Piazza San Rocco.

When I visited, the lift cost €1, approximately $1.10, and I could pay by cash or card.

From the upper exit, it was only around another five minutes on foot to my apartment.

So despite staying above the beach, the journey was much easier than I’d expected.

However, the lift has different operating hours depending on the season.

During my visit in May, it closed earlier in the evening than I’d anticipated, which made getting back from dinner a little more complicated.

Taxis weren’t particularly easy to find either.

I’d strongly recommend checking the lift timetable when you arrive, particularly if you’re staying in the upper town.

Taking a photograph of the displayed timetable is a good idea.

What If You’re Traveling with Large Suitcases?

I traveled with just a backpack, which definitely made getting around Scilla easier.

Although the town is small, you’ll find steep streets, cobblestones and steps, particularly around Chianalea and the upper residential areas.

Before booking accommodation, check the exact walking route from the station or public lift.

A property might look close on a map but involve more climbing than you’d expect.

If you’re arriving with large suitcases, I’d choose accommodation close to Marina Grande, Chianalea or the public lift, depending on your plans.

It’s also worth looking carefully at the street map near the beginning of this guide, as it gives you a better idea of where the different areas sit in relation to each other.

Where to Stay in Scilla Without a Car

After spending two nights in Scilla, I think choosing the right area to stay is particularly important when you’re visiting without a car.

I absolutely loved my apartment at Blue Jolie, particularly the huge balcony overlooking Ruffo Castle and Chianalea.

But if I visited again as a solo traveler or with my husband, I’d probably stay in Chianalea instead.

That way, I could enjoy the waterfront restaurants in the evening without having to worry about the lift closing or finding a taxi.

Principe di Scilla would be my first choice for a future visit because of its lovely location in Chianalea.

I’ve written a full guide comparing the different areas of Scilla, including the apartment I stayed in and the hotels I’d consider next time.

Read My Where to Stay in Scilla Guide

My Tips for Traveling Around Calabria by Train

I’ve traveled around Italy by train quite extensively, both with my family and on solo trips, and I think it’s one of the easiest ways to explore the country.

During my Calabria trip, I used regional trains to travel between Reggio Calabria, Scilla and Tropea, and I found the whole experience straightforward.

There are a few things I’d recommend knowing before your first journey.

• Use Trenitalia: The official website and app are useful for checking timetables, buying tickets and planning connections.
• Check the exact station name: Scilla, Villa San Giovanni, Reggio Calabria Centrale and Lamezia Terme Centrale are separate stations.
• Allow connection time: Particularly when combining airport buses, trains and ferries.
• Understand ticket validation: Single paper regional tickets generally need validating before boarding. Trenitalia’s Digital Regional Tickets are automatically validated at the scheduled departure time.
• Travel light if possible: A backpack made exploring Calabria much easier for me, especially around Scilla’s hills and cobbled streets.
• Check your final return connection: Don’t assume late-evening trains, ferries or the Scilla public lift will operate at the time you need.
• Download your tickets: I’d recommend having your tickets available on your phone, particularly if you’re changing between different services.

You can check train timetables and book tickets through Trenitalia or compare long-distance high-speed services with Italo.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to Scilla

What is the closest airport to Scilla, Italy?

Reggio Calabria Airport (REG) is the closest major commercial airport to Scilla. You can reach Scilla using a local bus to Reggio Calabria Centrale followed by a regional train. This is the route I personally used during my visit.

Can you fly directly to Scilla?

No, Scilla doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest major commercial airport is Reggio Calabria, while Lamezia Terme is another option with a wider selection of international connections.

Can you get to Scilla from Naples by train?

Yes. There are long-distance train connections from Naples towards Calabria. One option is to travel from Napoli Centrale to Villa San Giovanni, then take a short regional train to Scilla. Depending on the timetable, other connections may also be available.

How long is the train from Reggio Calabria to Scilla?

My regional train journey from Reggio Calabria Centrale to Scilla took approximately 20 minutes. Other services can take longer, so check your exact train before traveling.

Is Scilla easy to visit without a car?

Yes. I visited Scilla entirely without a car and found it very easy to reach by public transport. The train station is close to Marina Grande beach, and the public lift makes accessing the upper part of town much easier during operating hours.

Can you visit Scilla from Sicily?

Yes. Take the passenger ferry from Messina to Villa San Giovanni, then catch a regional train to Scilla. The ferry crossing takes around 20 minutes, followed by a short train journey.

Should I fly into Reggio Calabria or Lamezia Terme?

I’d choose Reggio Calabria if flights are convenient and reasonably priced, as the onward journey to Scilla is shorter. However, Lamezia Terme is worth checking because it has a wider range of international connections and is also linked to Scilla by public transport.

Is Scilla train station close to the beach?

Yes. Scilla train station is located close to Marina Grande beach, making it easy to explore the lower part of town on foot. If you’re staying higher up, check the location of the public lift and its operating hours before arriving.

My Recommendation for Visiting Scilla Without a Car

Having traveled around Calabria without a car myself, I really wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.

Before my trip, I’d wondered whether getting around southern Italy would be more complicated than the northern Italian destinations I’d visited previously.

But in reality, using the local buses and regional trains was straightforward, inexpensive and gave me the freedom to explore at my own pace.

If I was booking another trip to Scilla, I’d start by comparing flights into Reggio Calabria and Lamezia Terme.

Reggio Calabria would still be my preferred option because the transfer is so convenient, particularly if you’re only visiting for a few nights.

However, if you’re planning a longer southern Italy itinerary, I’d also consider arriving by train from Naples or Rome and continuing along the Calabrian coastline.

And don’t forget that Scilla is a beautiful destination in its own right, not just somewhere to pass through on the way to Sicily.

I’ve put together a separate guide covering the best things to do in Scilla, including Chianalea, Ruffo Castle, Marina Grande beach, a transparent boat tour and some fantastic nearby day trips.

Read My Things to Do in Scilla Guide

Transport information researched in October 2026. All fares are approximate adult one-way prices, converted to US dollars at around €1 = $1.12. Promotional fares may be limited, and timetables, routes and prices can change. Always confirm your journey with the transport operator before traveling.