Naples to Sicily overnight train safety & rec for budget room near station

I don't have experience on that specific route but I have a hard time sleeping on trains, therefore personally I wouldn't do it. I don't think safety would be an issue especially if your are not traveling alone and someone can keep an eye on your luggage while you go to the bathroom (I presume you will be sharing a couchette compartment with some strangers, unless you pay a lot of money for a private bedroom car). If by safety you mean 'personal' safety, Italy is nowhere as violent as Chicago. So don't worry about that. The only risk is pickpockets and thieves who might steal your purse while you aren't looking.

Thanks for the reply Roberto. I have been to Naples before (and Italy on many occasions) so I am not concerned about crime other than pick-pocketing. (I wear a money belt and don't wear jewelry). I have never take a night train, however, and I've read contradictory information about their safety. The US state department travel advisory says "Well-organized, systematic robbery of passengers on trains along popular tourist routes is a problem. It is more common at night and especially on overnight trains." But the Man in Seat 61, whose website I rely on for train advice says night trains are safe. I was curious to see if anyone had personal experience. You're right, though, it can be hard to sleep on a train, so maybe we are better off on a day train. At any rate, there's probably a great view!

I avoid night trains because I find it hard to sleep on them. The train trip from Naples to Sicily is long, I've done it many times, so now I fly from Naples to either Catania or Palermo.

Thanks for the reply Zoe. Is there a good view from the train? It is indeed a long ride, but I'm so curious about the part where the train goes on a ferry!

I just returned from 3 weeks in Sicily. I found that I can fly very cheaply round trip from Rome or Naples to Palermo (which hasn't yet hit its stride as a tourist destination). It's a little more expensive to fly into Catania. The flying is so cheap and easy, just about the same price as a night in a hotel when you consider the cost of the room and transportation to/from the room from the airport and back to the train station. Check: cheapoair.com Al Italia is very pleasant and does not charge extra for baggage unless you really over-do it, unlike some of the really cheap airlines.

Thanks for the feedback Donna. Lucky you, three weeks in Sicily! Can you recommend any cheap (under 60 euro for a double ensuite) per night centrally located hotel rooms in any of the cities you stayed in there?

In my opinion, the 20-minute crossing the Straits of Messina is not worth the time it takes to load and unload the train on the ferry. The scenery is nice but not spectacular.

Cortile di Palermo B&B run by Luca is very inexpensive and centrally located. Breakfast is self-serve.

Thanks Zoe--very helpful!