- 5 days in Palermo (day trips using trains or bus), then on to Enna (maybe bus for this leg); - Enna 2 nights, just for the sheer pleasure of the views. But which would be more hassle free, say, for the connections between towns that you list above? Jan 27, 2023, 2:00 AM. Some long-distance trains or airport transfers are usually guaranteed on weekdays and public holidays. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. No with ambitions for travel to Rome later by train from Sicily across the straights at Messina do have its merit. Immediately after he told me this, the train screeched to a halt. The journey time may be longer on weekends and during holiday periods. timely) than trains when traveling between cities in Sicily and that train delays happen more often. Do not pass this up. Stefano Giluno, the bus driver, was happy to see me, his lone passenger. The trains are very often late, but only by 10-15 minutes. 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. Just another site are trains in sicily reliable Theres also an array of supplementary charges for night-time/Sunday rides, to/from the airport, extra luggage, etc. How reliable are trains in Sicily? Annarita Cordaro, a conductor who works along the line between the city of Trapani and the towns of Cinisi and Terrasini. Clockwise or counterclockwise Whats the best way to navigate Sicily? It is possible to book wheelchair-accessible cabs with some taxi companies specify this when you call to book in advance. But if you have looked and the trains and they work for you then there is no reason to rent a car. Thanks Vagabonda. You can tick Comiso off in one hour. Compare services online, using services like Omio. 2 nights between Agrigento and Palermo? The speed limit in built-up areas off main roads is a mere 50km/h (approx 30mph). 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Contents1 Can you travel by train from Rome to Sicily?2 How far is [] In 2020, punctuality for long-distance trains was 88.6% and commuter train punctuality was 96.6%. 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. It's mostly regionale trains, so no need to purchase tickets in advance. Sicily adventure by train. There are small bus companies operating between bigger (second to Sicilian standards) towns and the villages of the region, and in between towns. Generally buses are more reliable than trains in Sicily. 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. I certainly enjoy researching holidays, so I will be planning carefully. There are local transit systems in Sicilys larger cities that operate comprehensive local bus services. It's possible - but needs careful planning and thought. The trainis a delightful way to travel on Sicily, although large swaths of the island are not served. In fact, it was a documentary about a train journey through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. A train official completes paperwork at the station in Gela, a city along Sicilys southern coast. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 12h 22m. He steered the bus with impressive agility through flooded streets and curved alleys to reach the town of Rosolini. Are they reliable in Siciliy? 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 scenic train journeys along the coast to navigating public transportation within cities, here are some top tips for how to travel around Sicily Starcevic / Getty Images, The best ways to get around Sicily: scenic train rides and countryside drives. Are you ready for your next adventure by train? Have a walk around Piazza Duomo, another important World Heritage site, and admire the beauty of the different Baroque buildings there. Malpensa Express: The train between . 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. There are some instances when train routes and travel by train are acceptable. You don't have to worry too much about schedules, except on Sundays, because the trains along these routes are fairly frequent and reliable. And if you want to enjoy a town that combines amazing natural scenery with a rich artistic, historical and cultural heritage, head down to Catania Centrale and take an Intercity train to Taormina. Everyone seems to hire a car, and all the advice seems to be against the use of public transport, especially trains. 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. The trip currently costs 13.50 in one direction. Drivers can be aggressive and/or sloppy in their driving habits. What side of the street do you drive on in Sicily? You mean, even if the schedule and travel time of train looks better, trains are unreliable enough that you may still recommend buses? Not to mention the Archaeological Museum Paolo Orsi, one of the most important museums in Europe, with its vast archaeological collection ranging from prehistory to the classical era. Sundays can be a problem - particularly in the South East - as the service is severely restricted (or even non-existent). Almost all drivers can use licenses valid in their home countries. Catania to Siracusa - Bus or private transport. Not entirely sure what you mean by "there are some instances when trains are acceptable" though. Is it better (and cheaper) to buy tickets for train at advance or is it a same price at the ticket. My question is, how often do trains actually get delayed? 17 What is the prettiest . hinata and kageyama anime / nadal vs murray abu dhabi 2021 / are trains in sicily reliable. A delay of 10-15 minutes is acceptable. by | Jul 2, 2022 | american savings bank | Jul 2, 2022 | american savings bank With its awesome art, architecture and food, Italy has more sights than you could see in a lifetime. Don't rely too much on trains, in particular when you want to go from Palermo or Cefal to Taormina and Catania. 15 How much is the train in Sicily? 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. . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-76087348', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');renting a car. Only children under the age of 4 can travel for free on trains in Sicily. However, depending on when you intend to travel, Trenitalia isn't running trains service between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. 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 some stations, (famously Enna, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. A typical working-class neighborhood in Syracuse. There are multiple daily departures between Palermo and the other towns in Sicily. Your train journey in Sicily cant be over without visiting Siracusa, Archimedess birthplace. Most [] Day trip - would like to take the train which goes around Etna from here. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. 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. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. For us, I think these difficulties are more than compensated for by lack of stress with driving. 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. Can anyone, please, advise what bus companies operate between two cities? Catania Centrale. Help! View all countries. But if you are able to pack you belongings in a backpack (as opposed to a suitcase) and prepared for a bit of a hike from the station then it is all perfectly doable. My question is, how often do trains actually get delayed? I will be traveling before June 20th, and I checked with the trenitalia website, so it seems like I will be OK! Keeping all of the above points in mind, there are certain routes where it is quite easy to take the train in Sicily. Heres our complete guide to the Sicilian railway network, including the most popular routes and our top travel tips. To travel by bus or train, you'd have to purchase a ticket before travelling, which must be stamped in the machine when boarding. - Train to Ragusa, 3 nights - time to explore and enjoy the views. Add your recommended places to visit by browsing the website and pressing the icon. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Local men gathered and gambled at the bar. Certain places not in as great abundance as might be needed or requested by other tourists are served by trains - northern coastal area west of Messina to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Soon the entire city seemed to shut down. Theres no right or wrong way, but there are many factors to consider when determining your approach to navigating Sicily. Using a combination of buses, trains, boats, one bicycle and your own two feet, you'll be able to see spectacular churches (like the one in Noto, above), breathtaking beaches (my favorite was on the island of Favignana) and charming medieval towns. I made my way back to the station and, soon enough, a big travel bus pulled up in front. I have a similar question, except our choice for a 14-day tour of the island is between taking buses or (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Certain places in the western coastal cities might have a train line to take you places. 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. Are they reliable in Siciliy? Uber in Sicily only operates in Syracuse. Some factors are subjective, preferences and what appeals, but some factors are practicalities. Don't rely too much on trains, in particular when you want to go from Palermo or Cefal to Taormina and Catania. 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. Circling Sicily on Its Regional Trains. - Slow train back to Palermo (one change, I know). We are now in 120+ Destinations and Growing. Heres what she saw. There are some instances when train routes and travel by train are acceptable. Based on train timetables, I built an itinerary and booked hotels in places I didnt know existed. Hi there, Travelling from Naples main train station in June with teenage kids & luggage to Isle of Capri, should we:. Hauptmen. Thank you for your feedback. Alternatively, Interbus operates a bus from Taormina - Via Luigi Pirandello to Catania via Archimede every 4 hours. In addition, Palermo has a tram network and Catania has a metro. So, you've reached the end of our guide to travelling in and around Sicily by train. 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. We waited an hour for another train to arrive, hopped aboard and continued our journey. Sunday schedules are often meager at best. The train along the northern coast between Palermo and Messina is notoriously delayed, and perhaps over an hour delayed at times. Enter your departure and arrival stations of choice into either our App or Journey Planner at the top of the page. 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. Tickets are only valid for a short time after stamping. And there is one I believe on Sundays that is supposed to be special, too. 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. You have to change train in Messina, and if it is delayed it could be that you are stuck for a night in Messina. 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. This slow train serves mainly to children who are living in thevillages and small townsat the slopes of Mount Etna, bringing them to school and back. I see many posts and websites saying that buses are usually more reliable (i.e. Answer 1 of 8: Hi all, I see many posts and websites saying that buses are usually more reliable (i.e. Part of this, of course, is that many Sicilian towns are built on hilltops. Anyone can read what you share. Our Complete Website Solution frees up the time, cost and technical expertise required to build and operate your own successful online travel business. 13 Is English widely spoken in Sicily? Buses are more reliable than trains in Sicily. Immerse yourself in the historical treasures of Sicily! They can be late by 30 minutes every now and then, but longer delays (> 1 hour) is unusual. Train times Italy >. 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). Palermo, Messina and Catania are the main station hubs - you can . 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. In general, for ease of travel, if you are using the trains for exploring the island you . Deciding whether to begin in a large city or a resort town is only one aspect of what to consider. How far is it from Sorrento to Sicily? 20 What is the best way to get to Sicily? As I traveled with Trenoitalia at North Italy, they look reliable. Thanks for your words of encouragement. Travel these amazing routes of Europe for storied architecture, stunning coasts and some of the best eats in the world. Most roads are in good condition and some cross-country strade statali (state roads) roads actually seem over-engineered with extraordinary amounts of concrete used in their construction. Otherwise, the schedule and travel time of trains do look more preferable for some of the routes I am planning. Two expert travel writers make the case for choosing Sicily vs Sardinia for your next Mediterranean getaway. I will be traveling before June 20th, and I checked with the trenitalia website, so it seems like I will be OK! Train onto a ferry is definitely a unique experience. The train system can accommodate wheelchair users, although it may require intervention on the part of staff. Ortigia was fantastic, amazing ambience especially at night. To discover those that can be considered the ten most beautiful places in Sicily. Select Page. They are run by Ferrovie dello Stato and schedules can be checked online here. Secondly, do you think there is a better direction to take around the island from Palermo: east or west? 14 Are trains in Sicily reliable? Can anyone, please, advise what bus companies operate between two cities? Spending seven days in Sicily without a car is perfectly doable if you can manage the train, buses, and local Taxis on Sicily Island. Staying at accommodation that includes parking can offer great relief when youre worn out from a day of driving. Trains on these routes are fast and comfortable. A few years ago, we travelled from Split to Zagreb by train. Reservations are not necessary, but buying a ticket in advance can ease time-sensitive journeys such as those to an airport. If you need a taxi, you can usually find one in taxi ranks at train and bus stations. 16 How do you get from Florence to Tuscany? Our little train could be a bit dirty, and is maybe not heated in winter, but a ride is an excellent and cheap opportunity to get to know the region around Mount Etna. Are the train systems reliable? A delay of 10-15 minutes is acceptable. Eventually I arrived in Gela, a coastal city whose train station was completely devoid of women. 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. Catania offers beautiful beaches with fine golden sand and dark volcanic rocks, unspoilt nature and a rich marine reserve. As far as Comiso gods, it is just a matter of practicality. Check out our map and discover where else trains in Sicily can take you, or if you want to view the most popular routes in Italy, head to our Italy train map page. Places in Sicily You Can Travel By Train. We've shown you must-visit destinations, popular routes and how to book your train tickets online with us. 14 How long is train ride in Sicily? When in Sicily, treat your taste buds and try some delicious Sicilian dishes. Lonely Planet staffers share the movies and TV shows that inspire their wanderlust. Our little train could be a bit dirty, and is maybe not heated in winter, but a ride is an excellent and cheap opportunity to get to know the region around Mount Etna. Drive or bus from catania airport to modica . I see many posts and websites saying that buses are usually more reliable (i.e. 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. You have to change train in Messina, and if it is . Lack of left luggage facilities is certainly an unavoidable issue as we won't have a TV crew following us around with a vehicle to park our bags in. Here is our tip for people stayingin the area of Taormina, Letojanni and Giardini-Naxos: if you dont want to spend a whole day in Cataniaand would like to see something of the magnificent landscape aroundMount Etna, take the first train ofCircumetneain Giarre or Riposto in the morning. 2 weeks in Sicily- 2 in Ragusa & 3 in Agrigento or reverse. The train along the northern coast between Palermo and Messina is notoriously delayed, and perhaps over an hour delayed at times. For the most part, Sicily is best explored by car. dancing dashboard figures So, we hope to spend 4 weeks in Sicily in September/October and to travel by train as much as possible. Some factors are subjective, preferences and what appeals, but some factors are practicalities. 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. This slow train serves mainly to children who are living in the, at the slopes of Mount Etna, bringing them to school and back. Trapani Station has the air of lost glories, with deserted offices and abandoned platforms with lifted tracks. Declared a World Heritage Site, the city of Palermo is characterized by the Arab-Norman style, which unites the Arab (Muslim) and Norman (Catholic) worlds: churches with colourful Byzantine mosaics and Arab ornaments and palaces in large parks with ponds and marble floors are just some of the examples of this exclusive style of Palermo.