Compare services online, using services like Omio. We arrived in Ragusa from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 2023 My Guide. Only really required if you have a very specific itinerary which goes well off the beaten track, which almost nobody ever has when visiting. 13 Is English widely spoken in Sicily? Ragusa Ibla was terrific too, Il Bettola was a good restaurant there. Arrive in Venice from Innsbruck (7hr 30min) on the BB Nightjet night train. 135 miles (3 hrs by car). Taormina town is reachable from Mazzar (Taormina Mare) in 5 minutes by cable car. My train from Siracusa to Noto departed on time, but made some unexpected stops in-between stations along the way (there was announcement in Italian, which I don't understand, so not sure what happened) and arrived 12 minutes late at Noto. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-116345097', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cars because a lot of people are used to driving absolutely everywhere all the time. are trains in sicily reliable - kwestfinancial.com 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. I understand things do happen sometimes and I need to be prepared for it, but if trains experience substantial delays (e.g. For example, a 90-minute ticket is 1.40, but it is also possible to pay 1.80 on the bus itself to save yourself time. Italy by train from $109 | Italy Train Routes | Eurail.com Campania Express: This tourist-oriented service runs four times a day between Naples and Pompei/Sorrento (March-Oct only). And Modica is the 'town of sweets' - tell them (it's holiday time - a little corruption is okay). How reliable are trains in sicily? - Tripadvisor Train tickets in Europe - Search & Book on Rail Europe The other problem is left-lugagge. Get the train to Sorrento, then the ferry from Sorrento to isle of capri.. 16 What is the nicest beach in Italy? Re: How reliable are trains in sicily? Immerse yourself in the historical treasures of Sicily! Lonely Planet staffers share the movies and TV shows that inspire their wanderlust. more than 1 in every 10 trips), that sounds like something to be avoided if possible. 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. Don't rely too much on trains, in particular when you want to go from Palermo or Cefal to Taormina and Catania. Is it better (and cheaper) to buy tickets for train at advance or is it a same price at the ticket. However, there are services departing from Palermo Notarbartolo and arriving at Roma Termini via Palermo Centrale. I guess what Im askIng for is commentary on the feasibility of my plan, given that we dont mind spending half a day on a train watching the world go by. Deciding whether to begin in a large city or a resort town is only one aspect of what to consider. Sicily's train network runs throughout the island, with the main lines running between Palermo and Messina and between Catania and Siracusa (Syracuse). Renting a Car in Sicily in 2023 - Tips & Advice Straight From Italy Be the architect of your own trip as you discover the best things to do in Italy through insider tips, suggested itineraries and handy maps. 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. Day 2: Monreale and Cefal - Two cool places to visit in Sicily by rental car. Are trains in Sicily reliable? - 2022 They are run by Ferrovie dello Stato and schedules can be checked online here. My question is, how often do trains actually get delayed? My train from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? As I traveled with Trenoitalia at North Italy, they look reliable. You cant go to Sicily without stopping in Catania, the youngest and most dynamic city of the region. . Take one of the 72 regional trains operated by Trenitalia that connect Palermo central station to the airport every day. 2 weeks in Sicily- 2 in Ragusa & 3 in Agrigento or reverse? But, I meant that with the exception of travel to Cefal on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Trains link major towns in Sicily. Parking in cities and towns can be very difficult, with few available spots. And I use the train constantly. Reservations are not necessary, but buying a ticket in advance can ease time-sensitive journeys such as those to an airport. For anyone travelling between Catania and Siracusa this summer, there is no train service. There are plenty ofpublic transport options in Sicily,so it's easy enough to get around. You can ride as far afield as Naples, Rome, Florence, and Milan without changing trains. I was pacing impatiently in my hotel room on the Via Etnea, one of the main boulevards in the center of Catania. Trains are often delayed, some routes more than others. He steered the bus with impressive agility through flooded streets and curved alleys to reach the town of Rosolini. 2 nights between Agrigento and Palermo? more. Youll arrive at your destination in only 39 minutes! Keeping all of the above points in mind, there are certain routes where it is quite easy to take the train in Sicily. Virail >. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187886-i343-k9498851-No_trains_Catania_Siracusa-Sicily.html. Id imagined a trip where Id hop on and off the regional trains, visiting rural villages with beautiful Italian names and experiencing the charm of regional train travel at this southern edge of Europe. Id arrived here on the eastern coast of Sicily earlier in the day, planning to complete a 2.5-week trip to document the Italian islands culture of regional train travel, but the weather didnt look promising. From June to September the Treno del Barocco, also called Treno Montalbano, connectsSyracusetoRagusa- with stops inNoto,ScicliandModica. You can take a train from mainland Italy to Sicily. Car rental does not measure or add up to the same experience. are trains in sicily reliable. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Do not pass this up. Circling Sicily on Its Regional Trains - The New York Times People use (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Disabled assistance at stations, including for people in wheelchairs, is provided by Sala Blu, a branch of the state railway company. Something about his mannerisms reminded me of what I loved about my time around the regional trains the shoestring mentality, the informality. 20 What is the best way to get 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. I see many posts and websites saying that buses are usually more reliable (i.e. A delay of 10-15 minutes is acceptable. How to book your Sicily train tickets with us, Learn more about train travel in Sicily and Italy. Vendors from the local fish market take a break in the shade of the railway overpass in Catania. So, we hope to spend 4 weeks in Sicily in September/October and to travel by train as much as possible. We share your enthusiasm for train travel. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75516737', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Sicilys northern coast, travel between Messina/Taormina/Catania/Siracusa, travel from Palermo to Agrigento, travel from Trapani to Marsala and Castelvetrano, and travel between Ragusa and Gela, buses are much preferred in Sicily. There are some instances when train routes and travel by train are acceptable. DAT flies to Lampedusa and Pantelleria in well under an hour from Sicilys main airports (ferries take anywhere from a little over two hours to seven hours for these trips). Another reason for not hiring a car is that we drive on the other side of the road in Australia . No, there is no direct train from Rome to Sicily. Discounts are often available on fast trains for advance purchases, same-day return, or for groups of three or more. I cant remember.) 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. Giancarlo Zaccaria prepares to operate a train from Gela to Syracuse. Top 5 (+1) Ways to Travel in And Around Palermo See what is available to be visited by train and be satisfied. Make the most of your time in Italy with Lonely Planets range of travel guides and phrasebooks. Trains & Subways in Sicily. It's mostly regionale trains, so no need to purchase tickets in advance. I have a similar question, except our choice for a 14-day tour of the island is between taking buses or (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? However, depending on when you intend to travel, Trenitalia isn't running trains service between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Call (435) 214-6631. Otherwise, the schedule and travel time of trains do look more preferable for some of the routes I am planning. How long is ferry from Sorrento to Sicily? Getting to Palermo by train is a worthwhile traveling adventure for what the city has for you to see there. Now, look at this map of Sicily and note where Ficarazzi is in relation to Acireale. . There are local transit systems in Sicilys larger cities that operate comprehensive local bus services. Are you looking for train times for regional trains in Sicily? We work with more than 100 partners to offer you the best prices on the market. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-116345358', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Palermo is standard gauge, not narrow gauge, operated (in 2018,) by FS using their oldest diesel railcars as far as the junction with the electrified section from Punta Raisi to Palermo. Another reason for not hiring a car is that we drive on the other side of the road in Australia and its quite stressful making that change, never mind what the driving and parking might be like in Sicily. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Many services run year-round, although they are pared back considerably in winter and can be affected by adverse sea conditions. But I soon learned that I would only experience the charm of infrequent and slow train travel if I was willing to let go of my overly fastidious schedule. Check out this and many more places with a train to Siracusa. Answer 1 of 8: Hi all, I see many posts and websites saying that buses are usually more reliable (i.e. . 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. There are small bus companies operating between bigger (second to Sicilian standards) towns and the villages of the region, and in between towns. 14 Are trains in Sicily reliable? Heres our complete guide to the Sicilian railway network, including the most popular routes and our top travel tips. 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. Tickets for Frecce trains, the high-speed trains that run between Italy's major cities, can usually be bought within four months of your travel date. 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. Get on a Trenitalia train and visit Palermo or get to the famous Mount Etna with ease and comfort. Can you take a train from Rome to Sicily? - 2023 940. Answer 1 of 16: Hi, I will visit Sicily very soon. Also called "the pearl of the Mediterranean Sea". About three and half hours later you will arrive in Catania. Take public transport in the larger cities. You have to change train in Messina, and if it is . From the cliff-hanging trails of Amalfi to the colossal granite spires of the Dolomites, Italy is made for hiking. You have to change train in Messina, and if it is delayed it could be that you are stuck for a night in Messina. Yes, we could occasionally change to buses. Two expert travel writers make the case for choosing Sicily vs Sardinia for your next Mediterranean getaway. 2 weeks in Sicily- 2 in Ragusa & 3 in Agrigento or reverse. Keeping all of the above points in mind, there are certain routes where it is quite easy to take the train in Sicily. Explore Sicily by train and take in the stunning views of each city from the comfort of your seat. There are some instances when train routes and travel by train are acceptable. Making use of my rusty Italian, I found that buses had been scheduled as replacements on some of the routes on my list. You mean, even if the schedule and travel time of train looks better, trains are unreliable enough that you may still recommend buses? How far is it from Sorrento to Sicily? I also hoped to capture portraits of the people I encountered daily commuters and train operators who populated this corner of southern Italy, which is poorer and less developed than the countrys comparatively wealthier north. Buses are the only form of public transportation serving many interior towns. Take public transport in the larger cities. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Some factors are subjective, preferences and what appeals, but some factors are practicalities. 15 How much is the train in Sicily? The only commercial flights within Sicily are those connecting the main island with smaller islands offshore. Places in Sicily You Can Travel By Train. big breakfast near tampines. How long does it take to get from Rome to Sicily by train? Passengers traveling between the towns of Mazara del Vallo and Marsala. 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. While the state-owned Trenitalia operates all regular trains on Sicily, those that circle the base Mt Etna are run by the private Ferrovia Circumetnea. Trenitalia operates a train from Taormina-Giardini to Catania Centrale hourly. Nobody will put you in the penalty box for missing areas not served by trains. Trains will transport you to certain places. We recommend requesting a diesel car when picking up from your rental car company as diesel is less expensive than petrol in Sicily. Can anyone, please, advise what bus companies operate between two cities? But if you have looked and the trains and they work for you then there is no reason to rent a car. Standard Italian sleeping-car on the Milan-Sicily train, with 12 compartments, each configurable as 1st class Single, 1st class Double or 2nd class 3-berth. We are planning to return to Sicily by train in September too. 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. Here's what she saw . Posted on July 1, 2022 by 18650 battery charger module The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 12h 33m.The distance between Rome and Sicily is 500 km. You can tick Comiso off in one hour. Assuming that you are patient, have time, can live with the fact that trains and buses could be delayed or sometimes even cancelled, and that time tables serve only as a rough orientation to passengers and are hard to understand even for locals. The Sicilian railways network covers, with its 1400 Km lenght, the nine provinces of the island with stations in all main towns. Some night trains and daytime fast trains serving the lines to Palermo and Syracuse use the train ferry at Messina to link up to the rail network on the mainland. A delay of 10-15 minutes is acceptable. The speed limit in built-up areas off main roads is a mere 50km/h (approx 30mph). To discover those that can be considered the ten most beautiful places in Sicily. When in Taormina I had planned to sample the delights of the Circumetnea Railway, which does what it says in the name: makes a circuit of the towns at the base of the volcano, but I never quite got round to it. Theres no right or wrong way, but there are many factors to consider when determining your approach to navigating Sicily. Try Siculish for great pizza and excellent friendly service. We found Modica didn't offer anything much different than Ragusa and it's much steeper climbing there so we preferred Ragusa Ibla. There are trains about every 2-3 hours (or 5-6 a day). Besides the regional network which is served only by Trenitalia trains, there are also the Circumetnea train, a local line which connects the towns around Mt. The whole train goes onto a ferry from the mainland, and you can reach a few cities by train once on the island, including popular beach resort towns like Taormina. Part of this, of course, is that many Sicilian towns are built on hilltops. My Guide Sicily is part of the global My Guide Network of Online & Mobile travel guides. You can take a train from mainland Italy to Sicily. Most [] Find out what you can see if you choose to travel Sicily by train. People are on the move today in search of basic needs, just as the family of my grandparents was swept up in a wave of migration in 1914. (You can also board the train at Modica, one stop east of Ragusa, which has slightly more frequent service and trims about 30 minutes off the journey.) The train system can accommodate wheelchair users, although it may require intervention on the part of staff. Train services are not plentiful or in abundance in many locations . As far as Comiso gods, it is just a matter of practicality. Circling Sicily on Its Regional Trains. A web of secondary lines with much slower trains and more limited service covers some other parts of the island. You don't have to worry too much about schedules, except on Sundays, because the trains along these routes are fairly frequent and reliable. Sanne Derks is a Dutch freelance photojournalist and anthropologist. I have a similar question, except our choice for a 14-day tour of the island is between taking buses or (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Secondly, do you think there is a better direction to take around the island from Palermo: east or west? The train along the northern coast between Palermo and Messina is notoriously delayed, and perhaps over an hour delayed at times. To the Naples jetty pier and get the ferry to isle of capri. To get your ticket, you can either buy a ticket online from . Almost all drivers can use licenses valid in their home countries. The follwing ferry lines connect Sicily to its islands: (operating all Sicily, Reggio Calabria and Naples). They can be late by 30 minutes every now and then, but longer delays (> 1 hour) is unusual. Answer 1 of 8: Hi all, I see many posts and websites saying that buses are usually more reliable (i.e. 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). Making the citys setting even more unique is the volcano Etna, which stands like a king in the background. Motorcycles, motorbikes, and scooters are usually available for rent from local agents in resort areas. Palermo, Messina and Catania are the main station hubs - you can . Train times Italy >. The king of the Sicilian bakery is of course cannoli, deep-fried pastry tubes with ricotta cheese filling and pistachios, candied fruit or chocolate chips. Clockwise or counterclockwise Whats the best way to navigate Sicily? dancing dashboard figures Tips for renting a car:Major international car rental firms can be found at airports, city centers, and tourist areas. 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. Immerse yourself in the historical treasures of Sicily! How reliable are trains in sicily? - Sicily Forum - Tripadvisor For the most part, Sicily is best explored by car. I will be traveling before June 20th, and I checked with the trenitalia website, so it seems like I will be OK! And if you want to continue your journey immersed in nature, you cant miss Gole dellAlcantara, the cliffs that formed after lava flows cooled in the icy water of river Alcantara. A delay of 10-15 minutes is acceptable. Welcome back, and thanks for reporting back Aki N. Trains are often delayed, some routes more than others. Hi there, Travelling from Naples main train station in June with teenage kids & luggage to Isle of Capri, should we:. Catania Centrale is one of the most important train stations in Sicily - about 12 million passengers pass through the station every year.