FAQ
The short version of everything in the guides — what people actually ask before they go.
The cable car climbs from the station at 1,920 m to 2,500 m. From there a 4x4 bus in summer (a snowcat in winter) continues to 2,800 m, and a short trek with a volcanological guide goes on to 3,000 m. The tours page compares the combinations.
No. Visits to the summit craters must be accompanied by qualified alpine or volcanological guides, and access changes with volcanic activity. The guided summit hikes include the guide.
It changes with eruptions. INGV reported a record 3,357 m in 2021, and in July 2024 measured the eastern rim of the Voragine crater at about 3,369 m, the greatest height ever measured on Etna.
Yes. An AST bus leaves Piazza Giovanni XXIII in Catania at 8:15 for Rifugio Sapienza and returns at 16:30, daily except 25 December, 1 January, 1 May, 15 August and Easter Sunday. A return ticket costs €6.60 and can be bought on the bus. Check the timetable before you travel.
The bus gives you one departure each way and stops at the Rifugio Sapienza area. Tours add pickup from Catania or Taormina, a guide and, on some, the 4x4 or the summit walk — and for the summit craters you need a guide anyway.
Wind, cloud and volcanic activity can close the upper slopes at short notice. Each product states its own cancellation and rebooking terms; read them before you pay.