How to Get to Tropea: A Guide from Reggio Calabria and Lamezia Terme
Tropea, a charming town perched on the cliffs of Calabria, Italy, is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and historic center. Whether you're planning to relax by the sea or explore the narrow cobblestone streets of this picturesque town, getting to Tropea from nearby cities like Reggio Calabria and Lamezia Terme is relatively easy. The easiest ways to reach Tropea are by train or car from Reggio Calabria or Lamezia Terme. In this guide, I’ll break down the best transport options, journey times, costs, and my personal experience travelling to Tropea.
Table of Contents
- Getting to Tropea from Reggio Calabria
- How to Get to Tropea by Train
- Reggio Calabria Train Station
- Other Ways to Get to Tropea from Reggio Calabria
- Getting to Tropea from Lamezia Terme
- Train from Lamezia Terme Centrale to Tropea
- Other Ways to Get to Tropea from Lamezia Terme
- My Personal Experience in Tropea
How to Get to Tropea at a Glance
- Closest airport: Lamezia Terme International Airport
- Fastest way: Train from Lamezia Terme Centrale (40–60 minutes)
- Cheapest option: Regional train (€4–€8 one way)
- Best views: Train from Reggio Calabria (sit on the left-hand side)
- By car: 1.5–2 hours from Reggio Calabria via the A3 motorway
- Best overall option: Train from Lamezia Terme for speed and simplicity
- Important to know: There is no airport in Tropea – you must travel via Lamezia Terme or Reggio Calabria
- Worth noting: There isn’t a huge difference between taking the train from Lamezia Terme or Reggio Calabria – both are easy, affordable and scenic
Getting to Tropea from Reggio Calabria
Reggio Calabria, located at the southern tip of Italy’s mainland, is one of the closest major cities to Tropea. The journey from Reggio Calabria to Tropea takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car, making it a great base to visit the town, However personally I would recommend staying in Tropea or anywhere else for that matter. My opinion is that Reggio Calabria is dull and being almost 20 Italian trips deep, it was one of my least favourite places. (sorry and no offence to Reggio Calabria). that being said, Tropea is brilliant and so is the region of Calabria.
How to Get to Tropea by Train from Reggio Calabria
My favourite way to travel in Italy. Tropea is well connected by train, making this a convenient option for travellers arriving in Reggio Calabria or Lamezia Terme (below I will talk more about Lamezia Terme).
Route: You can take a direct train from Reggio Calabria Centrale to Tropea. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the type of train you take.
Train Tickets: Trenitalia offers frequent services between Reggio Calabria and Tropea. You can buy tickets at the station, online, or via the Trenitalia mobile app. I highly recommend you use the Trenitalia app. https://www.trenitalia.com/it/informazioni/acquista_con_smartphoneetablet.html Recently, it has become necessary to validate your train ticket, even if you purchased it via the Trenitalia app. Fortunately, the app makes this process easy by allowing you to validate your ticket directly within the app itself.
Reggio Calabria Train Station
The station is situated near the city center, making it easy to reach popular areas like the Lungomare (the seafront promenade), and it’s just a short distance from local attractions, shops, and restaurants. Reggio Calabria Centrale (the name of the station) has a number of amenities for travellers: Newsstands and Kiosks,
Souvenir Shops and a Convenience Stores.There are ATMs inside the station and Ticket Machines, In addition to the ticket counters, there are automated ticket machines available for purchasing and validating tickets.
The station has public toilets available for travellers. These are located near the main concourse, close to the waiting areas. There is often a small fee for using the toilets (around €1), which can be paid at the entrance.
The station is well-connected by local buses, and there are taxis available right outside the station. If you're looking to explore more of the city, public transportation is easy to access. On my return back to the airport at the end of my trip I took the bus on Line 28. It is also possible to take the train directly to the airport but this only comes every 2 hours. Another tip for taking the train from Reggio Calabria to Tropea is sit on the left hand side for the best views of the coast.
Other methods of getting to Tropea From Reggio Calabria
By Car
Driving is one of the most convenient ways to get from Reggio Calabria to Tropea. The distance is approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles), and the journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.Route: Take the A3 motorway heading north from Reggio Calabria. Follow signs for "Scilla," then take the exit for "Pizzo" and continue on SS18, which will lead you directly to Tropea.
Car Rental: Reggio Calabria’s airport (Aeroporto dello Stretto) and train station offer car rental services. If you're staying for several days, renting a car gives you flexibility to explore the surrounding areas.
By Bus
Taking a bus is another option, though it can be slightly slower than driving or taking the train. Several local bus services, such as those operated by SITA Sud, connect Reggio Calabria to Tropea.
Journey Duration: The bus ride typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.
Bus Station: Buses depart from Reggio Calabria’s central bus station, located near the train station. Check local schedules for departure times.
Train from Lamezia Terme Centrale to Tropea
Lamezia Terme Centrale is the main train station in Lamezia Terme, and it serves as a key transportation hub for the region. Whether you're traveling by train, bus, or car, getting from Lamezia Terme Centrale to Tropea is straightforward and takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the mode of transport you choose. Here's a breakdown of your options:
The train ride from Lamezia Terme Centrale to Tropea takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on whether you choose a regional or intercity train.
Cost: Train tickets cost around €4-€8 for a one-way trip.
Frequency: Trains run regularly throughout the day, with more frequent services during peak hours. Check the Trenitalia website or app for up-to-date schedules.
Lamezia Terme Centrale is the main railway station in Lamezia Terme, Calabria, and a key transportation hub for the region. Located about 3 kilometers from the town center, it serves both regional and long-distance trains, connecting Lamezia Terme to major cities like Rome, Naples, and Reggio Calabria, as well as local destinations such as Tropea and Vibo Valentia. The station features essential services including ticket counters, automated ticket machines, shops, and cafes, making it a convenient point for travelers. It also has easy connections to the Lamezia Terme International Airport via bus or taxi. The station's central location provides easy access to local buses and taxis
Other method of getting to Tropea From Lamezia Terme.
Buses from Lamezia Terme Centrale to Tropea are a budget-friendly option.Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours.Cost: €6-€8.Frequency: Regular service, more frequent in summer. Departure: From the bus station near the train station. Tickets: Available at the station, from the driver, or via bus company apps.By Taxi For a faster, more direct route, taxis are available at Lamezia Terme Centrale Costing €80-€100. Not an option I would consider.
Booking: Taxis are available at the stand or via apps like myTaxi. Renting a car provides flexibility to explore at your own pace.Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Cost: €30-€50 per day for a standard car. Take the A3 motorway south, exit at Pizzo or Vibo Valentia, then follow SS18 to Tropea.
My Personal Experience in Tropea
Earlier this year, I embarked on a short 4-day trip to Tropea, largely thanks to a great deal on flights from Manchester Airport. It felt almost like fate—how could I not go with such an affordable opportunity? (this is the kind of thinking that leads to endless trips). Ironically, I just missed an Italian friend of mine who had been in Tropea only a few days before me (perhaps he hasn’t fully forgiven me for dragging him up Snowdonia in the rain last year). Arriving in Reggio Calabria was a bit underwhelming. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the south of Italy, but sometimes the lesser-known cities can feel a bit boring and frustrating. That said, my experience in Calabria improved as soon as we settled into our seats on the train heading to Tropea.
As the train moved along, the views of the coastline and small seaside villages began to shift my mood. The stunning scenery, with its turquoise waters and rolling hills, had a calming effect. This was the Italy I had been craving, a perfect slice of blissful Mediterranean life. And let’s be honest, achieving that state of tranquility in Italy isn’t always easy. Take Naples, for example try driving a rental car there, and you'll know exactly what I mean. When we finally arrived in Tropea, I knew I had made the right choice. The town is small and charming, with narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and dramatic cliffside views overlooking the sea. After checking into our hotel, which had an absolutely incredible view, I was ready for a few days of relaxation, good food, and beach time. Tropea is known for its laid-back vibe, and it did not disappoint. The food was exceptional, with local specialties like ‘nduja (spicy sausage) which I just love and seafood pasta which I don't like so much, Im sorry I just don't really get the appeal of sea food.
if it’s your first time in Italy and you’re looking for a quick getaway, you might want to consider skipping Tropea in favor of somewhere with a bit more to do. However, if you’ve already ticked off the major Italian cities and are looking for a peaceful retreat, Tropea is the perfect place. It offers a wonderful balance of beautiful views, great food, and that serene Italian charm that can feel hard to find in the more crowded spots.
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In this guide, we’ll explore why Southern Italy is perfect for budget-conscious travellers and why Tropea, known as the “Jewel of Calabria,” might just be the perfect location for your next
