Passing through Reggio Calabria Airport? A layover in Reggio Calabria is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 60 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Before heading into Reggio Calabria, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Italy vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Reggio Calabria is roughly 60 minutes from REG via ATAM Bus. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in EUR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Reggio Calabria from the Airport
From REG, the ATAM Bus gets you to Reggio Calabria in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the ATAM Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to Do With Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at REG may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Reggio Calabria’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Quick budget math for your Reggio Calabria layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$11 |
| Meal | ~$22 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$43 |
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
For a layover visit to Reggio Calabria, we’d suggest Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Reggio Calabria and Lungomare FalcomatÃ. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Worth checking out if your schedule allows. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
If you’d rather stay inside REG — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Shopping for Calabrian Delicacies
- Relax at the Airport Bar/Cafe
Best Bites Near REG
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Reggio Calabria: A’ Camisa and Ghiotto Reggino. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Bar Pasticceria L’Etoile or L’Etoile Express. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at REG, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Reggio Calabria itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Italy that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Need a Nap? Options at REG
Long overnight layover? Your options at REG include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Italy also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Reggio Calabria exploring the streets or relaxing at REG, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.