We're going to be in Italy mid October. Is it better to fly from Naples to Catania (fast and cheap) or take the train Salerno to Catania? Would this 5+ hour train ride provide enough scenery to be worth the time?
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
The train ride is not particularly scenery and the ferry crossing takes a lot of time. If you can't/don't want to drive (as the A3 and the following A18 in Sicilia are the most stunning highways you will ever drive in Europe), you can take a flight (check with local low costs like Meridiana and so) or take a night-ferry, which is not fast, but can save the night (8 hours sailing).
Posted by
Los Angeles
425 posts
IF your point of origination is Naples or Sorrento and your final destination is Catania (or even Taormina or Siracusa), then flying is probably the best option, and the overnight car ferry the second best option. IF your point of origination is Salerno and your final destination is Catania or Siracusa (or especially Taormina), then taking the train could be a viable option.
Posted by
gaston, oregon, usa
842 posts
Carol, we did the night train from Naples to Messina, then took the bus to our final destination. Since our train was caught in the middle of a strike, we did much of the traveling in the daylight, and thought the scenery was great. But we have done the flight between Naples and Catania, and I think that the flight is best. The train trip is quite long. Don't forget to look at the overnight ferry from Naples!