Traveling from Ortegia/Siracusa to Agrigento, Sicily

I'll be interested in the responses you receive since I'm doing the same trip in June as a solo traveler. I researched getting from Ortigia to Agrigento last year, hoping for a 'day trip', but kept running into schedules that just were not friendly. This year I've started my investigation early and am not having any real success. So, it's rental car for me. There are rental agencies in Siracusa which would make driving close to the coastline an interesting trip. The more I researched that the less interesting it became - sights yes, roads no. Cars were also cheaper at the Catania airport (and I could get an automatic shift). From Catania you would cross inland to Agrigento. If you look at viamichelin.com it shows that there are 3 recommended routes, each with a few places that might make interesting stops for sightseeing. It also says the direct trip is only a couple of hours. Renting a car seems to be the way to go for me and it will open up much of the south and west coast of Sicily. As always, the RS forum is the place to go for discussions and answer possibilities. Come on, gang! Some insights, please!

The only other obvious possibility would be a private transfer. With three people in your group, it would probably be affordable. Someone posted fairly recently about having used such a service in Sicily. Maybe she will see this thread and respond.

In the meantime, you might check the website of MyDayTrip. It's a company that allows travelers to connect with local drivers.

If I were arranging a private transfer and had any time flexibility at all, I would detour to Piazza Armerina to see the Villa Romana del Casale.

Thank you for your quick replies. I found the same to be true in my research concerning public transportation and/or driving routes by car for southern Sicily.
I like to work on these little puzzles for our travel, but this one is surprising. It seems there would be a need for public transportation in that area, between these two cities, that is direct. But right now, it doesn't exist.
I looked at possibly taking a 'day tour' out of Siracusa to Agrigento and just staying in Agrigento. But renting a car might be easier in the long run.
I'll be curious to see what other suggestions come thru this forum.
And Mille Grazie to all who respond.

Strumfamily,
I traveled from Agrigento to Siracusa via public transportation last year, however, I spent a couple of nights in Piazza Armerina en-route. Piazza Armerina is a good base for visiting the amazing Villa Romana del Casale.

You don't mention your complete itinerary, but you may consider switching your itinerary (if possible), and travel counterclockwise by starting in Palermo.
If you cannot switch your itinerary, then I suggest you consider traveling from Siracusa to Piazza Armerina before heading to Agrigento. You can travel this route via Interbus with a change in Catania (city or airport)

When you check Interbus bus schedules, choose Siracusa (departure) and Piazza Armerina (arrival), but you'll first need to make sure you change from "dirette/direct" to "1 cambio/change" under "typo/type" . You'll also need to to check the small box that reads:
"Ho letto e accetto le condizioni per l'utilizzo del servizio web"

Finally you'll click on "Cerca" (search)

Here is my trip report in case you're interested: My trip to Sicily...In Zoe's memory...

I'd be happy to answer any other questions that may come up during your trip planning!

Enjoy!

What you don’t see on the map is the terrain. The route you would be taking is the autostrada that runs from Siracusa, past Catania, then through the plain between Etna and the hills to the south, towards the center of Sicily and onward towards Palermo. This is, in fact, the most efficient and direct way, and virtually all major transport from the east coast runs through this corridor. Even by car, this is a long drive. I day tripped from Piazza Armerina which is much closer, and that was too much in a day for me.

I would highly recommend an overnight in the area of Agrigento if you’re traveling this far. Valley of the Temples is a big, engrossing sight that best seen at a decent pace, as opposed to running in and out of there. If you have a group, a car for this would be worthwhile. The route is not too complicated via the autostrada, and it opens up some options for accommodation.

Just a side note: Imho the museum at Valley of the Temples really suffers by comparison to the excellent Museo di Orsi in Siracusa. If you see Orsi, you can really skip it. It was kind of a pain to get to.

Hi, Strumfamily. I did a great deal of research on this very question at the beginning of this year, planning a two-week trip in Sicily, and wanting to use public transportation from Agrigento to Siracusa (the opposite direction that you plan to travel, but same bus companies). I got the same results that you have gotten. I found no easy way at all to make this trip by bus (there is no train on this route). My sister-in-law and I finally decided to book a private one-day transfer. We started out early with an 8:00 am pickup at our b&b in Agrigento, and made stops at Villa Romana (mosaics), Piazza Armerina (beautiful museum with Greek artifacts returned from the Getty Museum), & Caltagirone (ceramic shopping). We also stopped for lunch, and arrived at our hotel in Ortigia at about 6:00 pm. It was a very full and fabulous day. We arranged for the day with Roberto Sapone (mentioned in RS' s Sicily guide) www.robertosapone.wixsite.com/centralsicily, and he was fantastic. Yes, it was the most expensive day of our trip, but it was totally worth it. Roberto lives in Piazza Armerina, I believe, and so can pick up and transport all over Sicily. If you really want to stick to public transportation, Priscilla's suggestion of stopping for the night in Piazza Armerina is a great one. FYI, here's my full trip report: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/sicily-trip-report-april-2019-2-weeks-2-sisters-part-1-trapani-erice

Mille grazie to all who responded. I'll take a careful look at all your suggestions and then make a decision about the best fit for us to travel.
I really appreciate your time and suggestions.
We are lucky to have this forum to connect to each other with Rick Steves' guidance long the way. Its given us the power and courage to span out and have deep rich travel experiences.
I will check back to see if anyone else comments.
In the meantime, Buon Viaggio to all fellow travelers.

Piazza Armerina and the Villa Romana Casale should be a stop between Ortigia and Agrigento.