The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 12h 22m. Sicily Buses and Trains Sicily's own bus and rail networks are generally affordable, reliable, and rapid, except on Sundays when the entire island slows down. Malpensa Express: The train between . Sicily railways The Sicilian railway network is 1,369 km long and covers the nine provinces of the island, including the train connections between Palermo airport and the city centre. Dont miss Palazzo dei Normanni, the residence of the Norman kings, whose interior is decorated with mosaics with naturalistic motifs, paintings and frescoes with mythological scenes. You don't have to worry too much about schedules, except on Sundays, because the trains along these routes are fairly frequent and reliable. Trains per day: 30. Re: How reliable are trains in sicily? However, depending on when you intend to travel, Trenitalia isn't running trains service between Catania and Siracusa this summer, and instead running a replacement bus service. There are some instances when train routes and travel by train are acceptable. Keeping all of the above points in mind, there are certain routes where it is quite easy to take the train in Sicily. It is possible to book wheelchair-accessible cabs with some taxi companies specify this when you call to book in advance. Hi, just tried to have a look at the Russo bus timetable from Palermo to Scopello in the beginning of June, but the website shows no results. As I traveled with Trenoitalia at North Italy, they look reliable. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-76077865', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Palermo and Messina is notoriously delayed, and perhaps over an hour delayed at times. To salvage the second leg of my trip, and since the trains were still running, I traveled to Syracuse and decided to take a short trip to the city of Noto, some 20 miles to the southwest, on a colorful and mostly empty one-wagon train. Don't rely too much on trains, in particular when you want to go from Palermo or Cefal to Taormina and Catania. The average journey time by train between Catania Centrale and Taormina-Giardini is around 49 minutes, covering a distance of 41 km. The only commercial flights within Sicily are those connecting the main island with smaller islands offshore. Theres no right or wrong way, but there are many factors to consider when determining your approach to navigating Sicily. Take public transport in the larger cities. tatami fightwear element gi. Otherwise, the schedule and travel time of trains do look more preferable for some of the routes I am planning. You have to change train in Messina, and if it is . We share your enthusiasm for train travel. We are planning to return to Sicily by train in September too. We plan to start and end in Palermo. Not to mention another symbol of Sicilian cuisine, arancini, deep-fried rice balls that are usually filled with rag or butter. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187886-i343-k9498851-No_trains_Catania_Siracusa-Sicily.html. And where can one find reliable. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Catania to Siracusa - Bus or private transport. Add your recommended places to visit by browsing the website and pressing the icon. Take one of the 72 regional trains operated by Trenitalia that connect Palermo central station to the airport every day. more. Hauptmen. Trenitalia organizes substitute buses when trains are out of service. Sicilys offshore islands are served by traghetti (ferries) and aliscafi (hydrofoils). Two expert travel writers make the case for choosing Sicily vs Sardinia for your next Mediterranean getaway. During the summer months theLinea Bluruns between Taormina Bus Terminal and Mazzeo. For anyone travelling between Catania and Siracusa this summer, there is no train service. Now, look at this map of Sicily and note where Ficarazzi is in relation to Acireale. Buses run from 5:30 in the morning until 11:30 in the evening, though it is hardly likely that you will see a bus after 10:30 at night. - fly in to Palermo and make our way to Trapani. Arrive in Venice from Innsbruck (7hr 30min) on the BB Nightjet night train. 2 weeks in Sicily- 2 in Ragusa & 3 in Agrigento or reverse. It's also useful to arrive at the station well in advance so as to coordinate any assistance needed getting on the train (accessibilityvaries widely across the Sicilian train network and trains). What side of the street do you drive on in Sicily? Motorcycles, motorbikes, and scooters are usually available for rent from local agents in resort areas. more than 1 in every 10 trips), that sounds like something to be avoided if possible. Are they reliable in Siciliy? My question is, how often do trains actually get delayed? Compare services online, using services like Omio. To the Naples jetty pier and get the ferry to isle of capri. 15 things you cannot miss on your next trip to Sicily, The most scenic road trips in Sicily: volcanoes, baroque beauty and fabulous food, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Helmets are required for riding all two-wheeled vehicles. Is it better (and cheaper) to buy tickets for train at advance or is it a same price at the ticket. Between the comfortable and scenic trains plus the comprehensive bus network, its possible to get around much of Sicily without your own vehicle. Simply take a train to Catania followed by an AST bus reaching the Sicilian volcano has never been so easy! On the other hand, it can indeed be a lovely way to see the island. Have you used the train app to make all these connections. Trainslink major towns in Sicily. Getting to Palermo by train is a worthwhile traveling adventure for what the city has for you to see there. Same could happen from Messina to Syracuse, being stuck in Catania. Operators include Liberty Lines and Siremar. Most flights serving Sicily use the airports in Palermo and Catania. Welcome back, and thanks for reporting back Aki N. Trains are often delayed, some routes more than others. 2 nights between Agrigento and Palermo? - Train from Taormina all the way back to Rome - looking forward to this one, with the train going on the ferry and then along the coast. Car rental does not measure or add up to the same experience. But if you have looked and the trains and they work for you then there is no reason to rent a car. There are some instances when train routes and travel by train are acceptable. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-76077865', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Palermo and Messina is notoriously delayed, and perhaps over an hour delayed at times. There are some instances when train routes and travel by train are acceptable. Soon the entire city seemed to shut down. For some people a 20 minute walk is a trek, for others, an hour's walk is entirely normal. Catania offers beautiful beaches with fine golden sand and dark volcanic rocks, unspoilt nature and a rich marine reserve. There are multiple daily departures between Palermo and the other towns in Sicily. My train from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. 16 How do you get from Florence to Tuscany? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-116345049', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cars because the railways are a bit limited in Sicily. For example, Michael Portillo visited Gangi by train - but the nearest train station to Gangi is about an hour's drive away! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe and one of the most visited places in the region. Afraid Id get stuck again, I returned to Syracuse and opted to wait for the incoming Medicane, or Mediterranean cyclone, to pass. Trains are often delayed, some routes more than others. Inside the central station there is a bus station, there are many buses that can take you everywhere, for example palermo to catania about 3 hours.Inside the central station ask for tickets shop, there are almost two of this shop that sell bus tickets for . Save. Please check on site. Otherwise you end up losing time that can not be easily retrieved. Prodded by EU and Italian legislation, transit on Sicily is becoming more accessible, although it still has far to go. With its awesome art, architecture and food, Italy has more sights than you could see in a lifetime. People rent (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Not entirely sure what you mean by "there are some instances when trains are acceptable" though. Not entirely sure what you mean by "there are some instances when trains are acceptable" though. No, there is no high-speed train operating in Sicily at the moment. However, depending on when you intend to travel, Trenitalia isn't running trains service between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Sicily has direct train connections to the major cities on the Italian mainland, with one or two trains running the long-distance routes every day. In rural areas services are sometimes linked to school hours and market opening times, which can mean leaving incredibly early or finding yourself stranded after mid-afternoon. - Train to Ragusa, 3 nights - time to explore and enjoy the views. The trip currently costs 13.50 in one direction. He steered the bus with impressive agility through flooded streets and curved alleys to reach the town of Rosolini. However, depending on when you intend to travel, Trenitalia isn't running trains service between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? However the hold is dark and boring, so if you have someone reliable to keep an eye on your luggage during the ferry crossing, it's worth leaving the carriage and making your . And I learned that most Italians do not want to rely on the trains, since they are often slow and unreliable. I asked different local people about the timeliness of trains and here is roughly what told me (and what I experienced). Train times Italy >. If you are interested in becoming a local travel partner for your territory and would like to find out more then click for more info about our Website Business Opportunity. Ferry hopper mentions only small bag can be taken, or should we book through a different . Explore Sicily by train and take in the stunning views of each city from the comfort of your seat. Are trains in Sicily reliable? However, there are services departing from Palermo Notarbartolo and arriving at Roma Termini via Palermo Centrale. All rights reserved. Tickets cost 3 - 8 and the journey takes 50 min. Away from the main coastal train routes, buses are generally the best way of getting around Sicily. Sicily by Train. Buses are incredibly reliable here. Welcome to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-116345150', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Palermo, I was actually inspired by an article written by a women (maybe published in the Guardian? If you need a taxi, you can usually find one in taxi ranks at train and bus stations. But which would be more hassle free, say, for the connections between towns that you list above? I imagine having a car is faster, but are there other considerations we should be aware of that make taking buses preferable? A train official completes paperwork at the station in Gela, a city along Sicilys southern coast. Places in Sicily You Can Travel By Train. Escape the worst of the cold this winter by heading to Europes southern reaches, where the wam sun shines year round. Feeling slightly uncomfortable around them, I struck up a conversation with Giancarlo Zaccaria, a machinist with the train company. Youll also find a very ancient Jewish ritual bath, which represents the oldest synagogue in Europe in its total integrity. 17 What is the prettiest . My husband and I are train lovers - slow, old, it doesn't matter. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. Consider airline schedules and fares, car rental locations, availability of accommodations, itinerary routing and its affect on the length of time at a destination, arrival and departure days, arrival times at destinations, events, feasts, markets, advantageous driving times, optimal public transport, holiday celebrations. Everything has to be factored to optimise and maximise your time. The chief problem is that many of the stations are not actually in the centre of the town - or at least not near where you would want to stay. Circumvesuviana: This service is your main train option to get from Naples to Pompei and Sorrento; fortunately, tickets between Naples and either Pompei or Sorrento only cost about $5. Don't rely too much on trains, in particular when you want to go from Palermo or Cefal to Taormina and Catania. Laughing at my bad luck, I lingered for another day in Ragusa, a beautiful place, spending much of the day in a stunning cemetery on the northern edge of town. Use our map and learn more about the main destinations of the regional trains operated by Trenitalia. We would like to hire bikes and cycle the Rossana Majorca cycle path. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75516459', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Catania and Siracusa this summer, and instead running a replacement bus service. Buses are the only form of public transportation serving many interior towns. Are they reliable in Siciliy? Hi there, Travelling from Naples main train station in June with teenage kids & luggage to Isle of Capri, should we:. Contents1 Can you travel by train from Rome to Sicily?2 How far is [] On Monday, though, I was thwarted again: The train had been canceled because of a religious holiday. But to reiterate; itinerary is doable, although I would use buses for some of your journey. And for one day it was exactly as Id imagined it to be: I slowly wound my way through breathtaking landscapes in an outmoded one-wagon train, the sun finally making its belated appearance. 2023 My Guide. In western Sicily, blessed with pleasant weather, my trip took a more predictable turn. A few years ago, we travelled from Split to Zagreb by train. In fact, it was a documentary about a train journey through Sicily that first drew us to planning our upcoming trip to Sicily. Get answers to your questions about Sicily, resources for planning small group travel, Recommendations day trips - staying in Trapani, Which beach should we go to in/nr Taormina. Keeping all of the above points in mind, there are certain routes where it is quite easy to take the train in Sicily. We werent going to do this as Taormina is probably too touristy for our tastes, but it is also very beautiful and we have to pass by anyway, so we decided to stop. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Her project on Sicilys regional trains was supported by a grant from Pictoright, an authors rights organization for visual creators in the Netherlands. To travel by bus or train, you'd have to purchase a ticket before travelling, which must be stamped in the machine when boarding. As stunning as the views from the windows were, I was at least as intrigued by the seemingly outdated diesel train, quaint and romantic, that shuttled us past lava fields and olive groves. From gentle Tuscan jaunts to mountain adventures, Italy was made for road tripping. I certainly enjoy researching holidays, so I will be planning carefully. Only really required if you have a very specific itinerary which goes well off the beaten track, which almost nobody ever has when visiting. There are no high-speed trains in Sicily. To narrow it down, here are Italy's top experiences. Trains & Subways in Sicily. There are no special road rules for cyclists, but you would be wise to carry a helmet and lights. As I traveled with Trenoitalia at North Italy, they look reliable. Answer 1 of 8: Hi all, I see many posts and websites saying that buses are usually more reliable (i.e. Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions, There are plenty ofpublic transport options in, Don't rely too much on trains, in particular when you want to go from, : if you dont want to spend a whole day in, in Giarre or Riposto in the morning. - Train or bus to Catania - 3 nights here. So, you've reached the end of our guide to travelling in and around Sicily by train. Consider airline schedules and fares, car rental locations, availability of accommodations, itinerary routing and its affect on the length of time at a destination, arrival and departure days, arrival times at destinations, events, feasts, markets, advantageous driving times, optimal public transport, holiday celebrations. Everything has to be factored to optimise and maximise your time. If you book a taxi by phone, you will be charged for the trip the driver makes to reach you. Also, by using local public transportation, you will see a different side of Sicily. Many services run year-round, although they are pared back considerably in winter and can be affected by adverse sea conditions. Buses offer faster, more direct service on certain intercity routes where train connections are inconvenient, such as Catania to Agrigento, Syracuse to Palermo, or Palermo to Trapani. A few lines run InterCity trains. I understand things do happen sometimes and I need to be prepared for it, but if trains experience substantial delays (e.g. This is a great way to visit our magnificent Baroque wonders - and your childrenwon't complain too much about the ever so boring sightseeing because they will love the ride on this historical train with a steam engine. https://italyjune2022.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-night-of-june-1-we-boarded.html, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Not wanting to lose another day to bad weather, I left my hotel the next morning, purchased the biggest umbrella I could find and hurried off to the railway station, operating under the wishful illusion that I could force my way through my itinerary. big breakfast near tampines. No, there is no direct train from Rome to Sicily. There are some instances when train routes and travel by train are acceptable. No with ambitions for travel to Rome later by train from Sicily across the straights at Messina do have its merit. 14 Are trains in Sicily reliable? We waited an hour for another train to arrive, hopped aboard and continued our journey. A delay of 10-15 minutes is acceptable. The journey time may be longer on weekends and during holiday periods. And prices on public transportation are very cheap, making it a great budget option. Check out our 52 Places list for 2022. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/30/travel/sicily-regional-trains.html. And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Read our Privacy Policy. You can ride as far afield as Naples, Rome, Florence, and Milan without changing trains. However, there are services departing from Roma Termini and arriving at Palermo Notarbartolo via Palermo Centrale. 16 What is the nicest beach in Italy? Therefore, if you're on a tight schedule relying on public transport can be a little bothersome.However, those with flexibility in their schedule will find that thelocal buses and trainsare an economical and great way to meet locals and see how they go through getting around! Use our map and learn more about the main destinations of the regional trains operated by Trenitalia. Can anyone, please, advise what bus companies operate between two cities? Put your travel marbles in the basket leading you to travel to Rome by train as you described in your preliminary announcements. In general, for ease of travel, if you are using the trains for exploring the island you . Its a challenge that I would recommend to anyone who wants to surrender to the charm of slow travel. Away from the main coastal train routes, buses are generally the best way of getting around Sicily. In addition, Palermo has a tram network and Catania has a metro. Hi, just tried to have a look at the Russo bus timetable from Palermo to Scopello in the beginning of June, but the website shows no results. But, I meant that with the exception of travel to Cefal on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We work with more than 100 partners to offer you the best prices on the market. The train is usually a . Welcome back, and thanks for reporting back Aki N. Trains are often delayed, some routes more than others. Giancarlo Zaccaria, an engineer, aboard one of Sicilys regional trains, many of which are covered in graffiti.Credit As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. And some stations, (famously Enna, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Palermos trams are accessible. But, I meant that with the exception of travel to Cefal on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I see many posts and websites saying that buses are usually more reliable (i.e. I see many posts and websites saying that buses are usually more reliable (i.e. Thanks Vagabonda. Answer 1 of 8: Hi all, I see many posts and websites saying that buses are usually more reliable (i.e. Almost all drivers can use licenses valid in their home countries. Car ferries run constantly between the Italian mainland and Sicily. The train system can accommodate wheelchair users, although it may require intervention on the part of staff. Check our tables and learn more about trains to Palermo and the train connections between the main towns of the region. I divided the 100-miles route into three travel days: one each for Castelvetrano, Marsala and Trapani. I was pacing impatiently in my hotel room on the Via Etnea, one of the main boulevards in the center of Catania. Buses offer faster, more direct service on certain intercity routes where train connections are inconvenient, such as Catania to Agrigento, Syracuse to Palermo, or Palermo to Trapani. Rail Europe sells tickets across Europe and our coverage is increasing all the time. Buses are the only form of public transportation serving many . Also, some hiking - perhaps a day trip to Anapo River Valley - will probably need to go with a tour if we dont have a car. There is no fast train service in Sicily. But which would be more hassle free, say, for the connections between towns that you list above? Hence, we will opt for the bus between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Avoid the temptation. A great experience though the Siracusa to Bari day was a bit too long for us. Perhaps hire a car in the countryside, or between towns, but whether you would hire a car would depend on your intended destinations, and the reliable public transport between towns, so if you don't intend to hire a car, then plan a route along reliable and frequent public transport.