I learned how the conductors not only check passengers tickets but also have to manually control the traffic lights. Giuseppe Mandolfo, one of my few fellow passengers, told me that he takes the train five days a week to complete his studies at the police academy. Drivers can be aggressive and/or sloppy in their driving habits. Trains. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187886-i343-k9498851-No_trains_Catania_Siracusa-Sicily.html. 2 weeks in Sicily- 2 in Ragusa & 3 in Agrigento or reverse. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75515838', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Sicily and that train delays happen more often. Secondly, do you think there is a better direction to take around the island from Palermo: east or west? 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. 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). The train along the northern coast between Palermo and Messina is notoriously delayed, and perhaps over an hour delayed at times. These top road trips will take you to the heart of the country. However, there are services departing from Roma Termini and arriving at Palermo Notarbartolo via Palermo Centrale. 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. I certainly enjoy researching holidays, so I will be planning carefully. Are trains in Sicily reliable? Campania Express: This tourist-oriented service runs four times a day between Naples and Pompei/Sorrento (March-Oct only). - Train to Taormina- 2 nights. 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. Spending seven days in Sicily without a car is perfectly doable if you can manage the train, buses, and local Taxis on Sicily Island. The speed limit in built-up areas off main roads is a mere 50km/h (approx 30mph). Use our map and learn more about the main destinations of the regional trains operated by Trenitalia. You might also like:15 things you cannot miss on your next trip to SicilyThe most scenic road trips in Sicily: volcanoes, baroque beauty and fabulous foodWhy Sicily is a year-round destination. There are plenty ofpublic transport options in Sicily,so it's easy enough to get around. The locals thought we were mad - there are few rail options left in Croatia - but it was a lovely journey. 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. 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. For example, Michael Portillo visited Gangi by train - but the nearest train station to Gangi is about an hour's drive away! The atmosphere of fading glory on the peeling buildings was reason enough to celebrate. The train system can accommodate wheelchair users, although it may require intervention on the part of staff. Need to get to Palermo Airport? Feeling slightly uncomfortable around them, I struck up a conversation with Giancarlo Zaccaria, a machinist with the train company. 16 | Fuel. However, you can still travel around the island on one of the regional trains operated by Trenitalia - a slower option, yet a great one to take in all the beautiful surroundings around you. See what is available to be visited by train and be satisfied. 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! Buses are more reliable than trains in Sicily. I imagine having a car is faster, but are there other considerations we should be aware of that make taking buses preferable? Avoid the temptation. Reservations are not necessary, but buying a ticket in advance can ease time-sensitive journeys such as those to an airport. When we visited Sicily the average price we paid for diesel was around EUR 1.55-1.60 a liter, compared to EUR 1.75-1.85 for petrol. Furthermore, pavements in Sicily are not suitable for trolleying suitcases. 2 weeks in Sicily- 2 in Ragusa & 3 in Agrigento or reverse? The speed limits are 130 km/h on . Need more inspiration to plan your train travel to Sicily? Immediately after he told me this, the train screeched to a halt. 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. - Train to Ragusa, 3 nights - time to explore and enjoy the views. Sicilian drivers may not be particularly considerate to riders, and with narrow roads and summertime heat, bike riding in Sicily can be challenging. Giancarlo Zaccaria, an engineer, aboard one of Sicilys regional trains, many of which are covered in graffiti. View all countries. 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. I see many posts and websites saying that buses are usually more reliable (i.e. My wife and I are comfortable with both modes of transportation (driving ourselves or taking the bus). Operators include Liberty Lines and Siremar. People rent (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? A web of secondary lines with much slower trains and more limited service covers some other parts of the island. 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. Check schedules and compare fares at Ferryhopper. But, I meant that with the exception of travel to Cefal on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Though I would never have expected to see so few trains on my regional train trip, I was nevertheless happy to proceed with my journey by bus, hopping on and off at the various stops, happy to glimpse so many old train stations along the regional outskirts of Sicily. One of the world's most revered cuisines, Italian food is a handy umbrella term for the country's cache of regional cuisines. 2023 My Guide. Is it better (and cheaper) to buy tickets for train at advance or is it a same price at the ticket. The main line runs east from Palermoto Messina and then south to Syracuse via Catania. Afraid Id get stuck again, I returned to Syracuse and opted to wait for the incoming Medicane, or Mediterranean cyclone, to pass. Please check for tariffs here, Ericeand Trapani are connected by cable car - a great and panoramic solution to visit charming Erice. tatami fightwear element gi. 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). 1. Arrive in Venice from Innsbruck (7hr 30min) on the BB Nightjet night train. - Train to Siracusa - 6 nights here - time to really explore Ortigia, where we will be staying. You can ride as far afield as Naples, Rome, Florence, and Milan without changing trains. A delay of 10-15 minutes is acceptable. 2 nights in Scicli will give us time to explore and soak up a bit of atmosphere. The trains are very often late, but only by 10-15 minutes. . A few lines run InterCity trains. more than 30 min) quite often (e.g. As I traveled with Trenoitalia at North Italy, they look reliable. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? The train along the northern coast between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There are several bus companies operating in Sicily, and for longer distances we consider taking a bus because they are generally the faster option for travel, are air conditioned and very pleasant to travel in. Hauptmen. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. But to reiterate; itinerary is doable, although I would use buses for some of your journey. 1. Sicilian highways are also generally in good shape and link all of the island's major cities, but some of the smaller roads through southern Sicily and the central mountains can be . Theres nothing quite like the restorative buzz from a dip in a proper thermal pool. Eventually I arrived in Gela, a coastal city whose train station was completely devoid of women. It's possible - but needs careful planning and thought. Even for a Dutch person, I am an outstanding planner. No with ambitions for travel to Rome later by train from Sicily across the straights at Messina do have its merit. - Train to Comiso (1 change) 1 night only, hotel near station allowing for a quick exploration in the morning. Be careful with time devoted to Taormina and Siracusa as you might need some of that time for getting other things done. For example, train seems quite a bit faster when traveling from Taormina to Siracusa (if I catch Intercity, even considering the less convenient location for the train stop) and Siracusa to Ragusa. You can get much accomplished with the limited train service in Sicily. And I use the train constantly. Also, by using local public transportation, you will see a different side of Sicily. Most flights serving Sicily use the airports in Palermo and Catania. Get on a Trenitalia train and visit Palermo or get to the famous Mount Etna with ease and comfort. Have you used the train app to make all these connections. more. If you need a taxi, you can usually find one in taxi ranks at train and bus stations. I have a similar question, except our choice for a 14-day tour of the island is between taking buses or (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Photo credit: Anna Lurye. Find out what you can see if you choose to travel Sicily by train. Most [] Once aboard, let the conductor know if you'll need assistance at your destination or arrangeit in advance by contacting Sala Blu. Take public transport in the larger cities. Welcome to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In the evening just hop onto a local bus back to your resort. 2. A train official completes paperwork at the station in Gela, a city along Sicilys southern coast. For the most part, Sicily is best explored by car. We've covered the types of train you can travel on, and who operates them. Catania Centrale. Away from the main coastal train routes, buses are generally the best way of getting around Sicily. The trainis a delightful way to travel on Sicily, although large swaths of the island are not served. Ustica Lines(operating all Sicily, Reggio Calabria and Naples), SMIV,SNAV &N.G.I. Not to mention another symbol of Sicilian cuisine, arancini, deep-fried rice balls that are usually filled with rag or butter. You don't have to worry too much about schedules, except on Sundays, because the trains along these routes are fairly frequent and reliable. Theres no right or wrong way, but there are many factors to consider when determining your approach to navigating Sicily. To discover those that can be considered the ten most beautiful places in Sicily. 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. In our opinion few more significant lengthy journeys by train might be as readily available for this type of adventure in southern Italy and Sicily. There are trains about every 2-3 hours (or 5-6 a day). Escape the worst of the cold this winter by heading to Europes southern reaches, where the wam sun shines year round. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-76077319', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Taormina to Catania arrived about 10 minutes late but arrived Catania on time. Travel these amazing routes of Europe for storied architecture, stunning coasts and some of the best eats in the world. How to book your Sicily train tickets with us, Learn more about train travel in Sicily and Italy. 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. Yes, we could occasionally change to buses. On the other hand, it can indeed be a lovely way to see the island. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 15 How much is the train in Sicily? 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. The timetables seem reasonable, but are trains often cancelled? Or. Everyone seems to hire a car, and all the advice seems to be against the use of public transport, especially trains. What side of the street do you drive on in Sicily? Thank you for your feedback. Trapani Station has the air of lost glories, with deserted offices and abandoned platforms with lifted tracks. Only children under the age of 4 can travel for free on trains in Sicily. A few lines run InterCity trains. We share your enthusiasm for train travel. And yet, despite the exceptionally bad weather, the regional railroads and the replacement bus services managed to get me around the island of Sicily for less than $100. 17 What is the prettiest . Are they reliable in Siciliy? In case you need to find a hotel, check here. Trains on these routes are fast and comfortable. There are no special road rules for cyclists, but you would be wise to carry a helmet and lights. And so it went for much of the trip. Important road rules when driving in Sicily include: Official taxis are white, metered, and expensive. 4 nights here - ferry to Favignana island + bike hire to explore; and perhaps a tour to the salt flats (Not sure how to do this yet). We're official agents for rail and bus operators in the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Only ever had one cancellation and one delay. I just came back home. The Sicilian railways network covers, with its 1400 Km lenght, the nine provinces of the island with stations in all main towns.