Driving Cost from Catania, Sicily to Agrigento, Sicily

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Catania, Sicily and Agrigento, Sicily: Gas Prices and Different Routes

Traveling from Catania, Sicily to Agrigento, Sicily can be an exciting adventure. However, if you are traveling on a tight budget, you might wonder what the cost of the trip will be. As of September 2021, the average gas price in Italy is €1.68 per liter, slightly higher compared to other European countries. But what are the costs of reaching your destination by different means of transportation? What are the best routes, and how much do they cost? In this article, we will discuss the different possible routes, highlight their cost and distance, and recommend the best option, so buckle up and read on.

Route 1: Highway A19

The first and the most direct route is the A19 highway, which connects Catania to the western part of the island, including Agrigento. The total distance between the two cities is approximately 170 km, which takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete. Driving along the A19, you can enjoy beautiful landscapes and scenery, especially between the towns of Enna and Caltanissetta. This route is straightforward and convenient, as it has no diversions until the final destination.

The A19 is a toll highway, and the total cost of tolls is about €10-12, which is steep, but worth it if you are short on time and want to reach your destination quickly. The gas cost also depends on the type of gas you use, your fuel consumption, and the traffic conditions. Suppose you have a small car that uses petrol or diesel, and the traffic is not heavy, then you will probably need around €30 to €40 for a one-way trip.

Route 2: SS117 and SS121

If you prefer to take a more scenic route, then the SS117 and SS121 might be a good option for you. The SS117 is an ancient road that connects Catania to Caltagirone, a beautiful town famous for its ceramics. From Caltagirone, you can take the SS121 to reach Agrigento. This route is longer than the A19 since it's about 230 km (around 3 hours and 30 minutes drive), but it allows you to see more of the Sicilian countryside.

The SS117 and SS121 are not toll roads, so there are no additional costs besides gas. A small car that uses petrol or diesel might need around €35-€45 for a one-way trip, depending on gas consumption, traffic, and type of fuel.

Route 3: Train

If you don't like driving or prefer a more comfortable journey without the hassle of traffic, you can take the train from Catania to Agrigento. Two companies provide train services, Trenitalia and InterCity:

Trenitalia

Trenitalia offers two types of trains, the Regional and the Intercity. The Regional train is the most affordable and makes frequent stops, while the Intercity train is faster with fewer stops. The cost of a one-way ticket for a Regional train is around €12 (second class), while the Intercity train's cost is around €20 (second class) or €30 (first class).

The duration of the journey varies depending on the chosen train and the number of stops. Generally, the Regional train takes around 4 hours and 20 minutes, while the Intercity train takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

InterCity

InterCity is a private rail company that offers faster and more comfortable trains than Trenitalia. The journey duration from Catania to Agrigento is around 2 hours and 30 minutes with no stops. InterCity charges a higher price than Trenitalia, with a one-way ticket costing around €24 (second class) or €40 (first class).

However, keep in mind that trains are not as flexible as private vehicles. You have to follow the train schedule, and sometimes, waiting times at the station can be frustrating.

Recommendation: Route 1

All three options have their advantages and disadvantages, but the best option would be the A19 highway, especially for those who :

  • Have a tight schedule and need to reach their destination quickly
  • Are comfortable with driving
  • Prefer to be flexible in terms of departure and arrival times
  • Want to enjoy beautiful landscapes and scenery

The A19 highway is a direct route that allows you to save time and effort. Even though it is a toll road and costs around €10-12, it's relatively cheaper than taking the train. Moreover, you have the flexibility to stop whenever you want, explore some towns along the way, and take some memorable photos.

Conclusion

Traveling from Catania to Agrigento can be a great adventure, but it's essential to plan your route wisely, taking into account the costs and the duration of the journey. The best option, as we concluded, is taking the A19 highway, as it is a direct route, takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete, and offers beautiful landscapes and scenery along the way. The toll fee for the A19 is around €10-12, and the gas cost for a small car that uses petrol or diesel will range from €30 to €40 for a one-way trip.