Excursion Details Crater Express: Bus + Etna Cable Car + 4×4 Bus + guide

Your Etna journey begins at Catania. Our Crater Express bus will bring you from Catania City Center (Near Piazza Duomo) to Rifugio Sapienza – Etna South. Once you arrive at Rifugio Sapienza (1920 meters), you get priority at the ticket office, so you don’t have to cue up!

After getting the passes for the excursion, you will board the modern Etna cable car. In about 12 minutes the Etna cable car brings you up to an altitude of 2500 meters. From the cable car you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the volcanic landscape and the surrounding region. The cable car offers a smooth and scenic ride, providing a unique perspective of Mount Etna’s slopes.

Upon reaching 2500 meters, you will transfer to special 4×4 buses designed for off-road conditions. These buses will take you further up to the Torre del Filosofo area at approximately 2900 meters. Here, you will be surrounded by the awe-inspiring landscape of recent lava flows and craters.

One of the guides will walk you up the Barbagallo crater at almost 3000 meters. During this walk he will explain you about the fascinating geology and history of Mount Etna. You have time to take pictures during this walk and you can ask your questions to the guide. This walk takes in total around 45 minutes (roundway).

Details Highlights

• Etna Crater Express: Transfer service from Catania City Centre to Rifugio Sapienza – Etna South.
• Etna Cable Car Ride: Ascend from 1920 meters to 2500 meters with spectacular panoramic views.
• 4×4 Bus Adventure: Continue from 2500 meters to approximately 2900 meters in robust 4×4 buses.
• Guided Exploration: Learn about the volcanic activity and history of Mount Etna from knowledgeable guides.
• Breathtaking Landscapes: Witness the stunning vistas of lava fields, craters, and the Sicilian coastline.

• Meeting point Catania City Centre
• Total Duration 6 Hours
• Meeting time 8:30 am
• Departure time 9.00 am
• Return time: 3 pm
• Maximum altitude 2900 Meters

Price and availability

• Adults: € 95,00 per person
• Children 5-10 years: € 65,00 per person
• Children 0-4 years: € 10,00 per person

You can pay at the ticket office of the Crater Express bus on the day of the excursion. This can only be paid with card!! NO cash payments possible.

We do not ask for any payment, because we work on the basis of trust (we respect you, you respect us). You can pay for the transfer and excursion the morning itself, but you need to be there at 08.30 hour. If you are not there within 08.45 hour, they can give your places to other people cueing up there!

Start time and availability

The Crater Express is operating from the 1st of May till the end of September. The departure is from Piazza San Placido in Catania at 09.00 hour sharp. This means you need to arrive there at 08.30 – 08.40 hour. You will arrive around 10.30 hour at Rifugio Sapienza.

Around 13.30 hour the bus goes back to Catania. You arrive at 15.00 hour at Piazza San Placido in Catania again.

The Etna excursion (Cable car + 4×4 bus + walk with the guide) takes more less 2,5 hours in total, depending on the group, de number of questions for the guide and the weather. This means you still have 30 minutes free time when you get back. This way you can eat or drink something, buy a souvenir or visit the Silvestri Craters.

Including and Excluding

What to bring?

Depending on the time of year for this tour, the temperature can be very low. In May, for example, at 2900 meters, you should expect 8 degrees. Often it is the wind that makes it feel cold.

Therefore, be sure to wear layered clothing and a good windproof jacket. A hat and scarf are also helpful! If you do not have a hat, consider a hoodie, for example. It is also advisable to wear good closed shoes. For example, hiking boots or sports shoes with good grip.

Keep in mind that even in high season the temperature at the summit drops. We therefore always recommend to bring a jacket!

This tour is suitable for everybody*! This tour is ideal for those who are time-constrained, who may need to leave from Catania airport in the late afternoon or early evening.

Luggage storage
Do you have luggage? We can provide luggage storage. This can be either at the office, or on the bus (depending on the bus). Ask us about the possibilities, this service is by reservation only!

• Layered clothes
• Sportshoes
• Backpack
• Windjacket
• Hat or cap
• Water
• Powerbank
• Sunscreen
• Snacks

FAQ