BookaTaxiHow to book a taxi in Messina
Updated: July 12, 2026 · Province of ME
To book a taxi in Messina, call the radio taxi at 090 6505 or use the Wetaxi app. Taxis don't stop on the street: you book them or catch one at a taxi rank.
In Messina, the easiest way to find a taxi is to head to one of the staffed taxi ranks around the city, such as the one in front of Stazione Centrale, in Piazza del Duomo, or near Stazione Marittima, or to call the local radio taxi service Radio Taxi Jolli, the only cooperative of its kind operating in the Messina area since 1982, available 24/7. Alternatively, the Wetaxi app lets you book a ride with a guaranteed maximum fare shown before you set off, while Uber is only available through the premium Uber Black service (not the standard UberX). It's always advisable to check that the meter is switched on and to ask for an indicative quote for longer journeys, such as those to Catania airport or to the port for ferries to Villa San Giovanni and Reggio Calabria.
Apps to call a taxi in Messina
| Uber — In Messina, Uber is only available at the Uber Black level (premium car with NCC driver), not the standard UberX: fares are agreed in advance in the app, and the service does not replace the city's white metered taxis. | Available |
| FreeNow — FreeNow has extended its Sicilian coverage to Catania, Palermo and Cagliari, but Messina does not appear among the cities listed as active on the official website. | Not available |
| itTaxi — Messina does not appear on itTaxi's official list of covered cities; in Sicily the network is present in other provinces. | Not available |
| Wetaxi — Radio Taxi Jolli joined the Wetaxi network in 2021, together with the cooperatives of Palermo and Catania, making it possible to book a ride from the app with a guaranteed maximum fare shown in advance. | Available |
| appTaxi — Messina is not among the more than 60 cities listed on appTaxi's official coverage page. | Not available |
| BTaxi — BTaxi currently covers only Alessandria, Torino, Empoli, Bologna and Barcellona: Messina is not yet served. | Not available |
| InTaxi — The InTaxi network has more than 50 partner cities in Italy, but none in Sicily, including Messina. | Not available |
Taxi from the airport
Aeroporto di Catania-Fontanarossa (CTA) · ~97 km from the center
There is no fixed municipal taxi fare for this route, which is over 90 km: private transfers (NCC) to Catania airport cost roughly 130-160 EUR for 1-4 people, so it's always worth agreeing the price by phone before setting off. Geographically closer (about 30 km away, though it requires crossing by ferry or hydrofoil) is the Aeroporto dello Stretto "Tito Minniti" in Reggio Calabria, useful especially for Ryanair flights, but it remains a secondary airport compared to Catania for those traveling from Messina.
Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL)
In recent years Messina has introduced several limited traffic zones (ZTL) in the city center, managed by ATM S.p.A., with a dematerialized pass based on a license-plate whitelist for residents (since 2025, no more paper permit). As in almost all Italian cities, vehicles with a public service license (taxis) do not need authorization to enter the ZTL while on duty.
Practical tips
- The Duomo di Messina, with its famous astronomical clock (the largest mechanism of its kind in the world), marks midday with a chiming carillon: arriving by taxi shortly before 12 noon helps you avoid the crowds in Piazza Duomo.
- For ferries to Villa San Giovanni and Reggio Calabria, it's best to be dropped off at Stazione Marittima, just a short walk from Stazione Centrale; for Liberty Lines hydrofoils to the Isole Eolie, the boarding point is the port, also near the station.
- There is no fixed fare for Catania Fontanarossa airport (about 97 km, over an hour's journey): it's best to agree the price by phone before setting off, or consider the train and bus as cheaper alternatives.
- To reach Ganzirri, Torre Faro and Capo Peloro, scenic spots on the Stretto that are poorly served by city buses, taxi often remains the most practical option.
- In the city center, taxis can be found at the ranks in Piazza Duomo, Piazza Cairoli and in front of Stazione Centrale; the long-standing office of Radio Taxi Jolli is on Via Cesare Battisti.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a taxi from Catania airport to Messina cost?
There is no fixed fare: private transfers (NCC) cost roughly between 130 EUR and 160 EUR for 1-4 people, depending on the operator. A metered taxi over the same roughly 97 km route would cost much more and is rarely used for this distance; many people prefer the train or bus.
How do I book a taxi in Messina?
You can call Radio Taxi Jolli (090 6505, bookings also on 090 51513), book through the Wetaxi app with a guaranteed fare shown in advance, or simply get in at a taxi rank in the city, such as the one at Stazione Centrale or Piazza Duomo.
Does Uber work in Messina?
Yes, but only with Uber Black, the premium service with an NCC driver: the standard UberX with the city's white taxis is not available.
How do I get to the port of Messina for the ferry to Calabria?
The port and Stazione Marittima are just a short walk from Stazione Centrale: a taxi from the city centre usually takes 10-15 minutes.
Are taxis available at night in Messina?
Yes, Radio Taxi Jolli guarantees a telephone booking service available 24 hours a day, every day of the week, since 1982.
Nearby cities
Sources: radiotaxijolli.it · radiotaxijolli.it · uber.com · ittaxi.it · intaxi.it · apptaxi.it · free-now.com · comune.messina.it · comune.messina.it · it.wikipedia.org · normanno.com