Night train Rome to Siracusa in Sicily

I researched this a couple of years ago and never found one positive opinion. I know, it sounded like a heck of a lot of fun but nobody seemed to think so. The plane ride from Rome to Catania is not bad - just keep away from RyanAir. Double check for extra fees like baggage, seat selection, being inside the plane - these can double the ticket price. Stay on Ortigia - a most wonderful place! Am going back there for year 3. I recommend apartment rental over hotel. vrbo has some beautiful options.

That's true. Terrible reviews.

If you want to torture yourself for a 12 1/2 hour trip where you’ll see no scenery, get little if any sleep and generally be uncomfortable and bored, that’s your choice. The tracks and carriages used on that trip are sub-standard compared to the rest of Italy so knock out “smooth.”

Fly from either Rome or Naples to Catania, hop a bus to Siracusa and make sure you stay on Ortigia!

I took that train in 2015. I have no reason to think the trip has improved since then. It was an utterly miserable experience. I got not one wink of sleep because of the constant sharp jerking from left to right--not the typical motion you feel on a train. I was non-functional my first day in Sicily and napped away a good part of the day. The result was that I suffered from something akin to jetlag on my second in Sicily.

Hmmm!
Thanks.
I used to take the sleeper London to Edinburgh a lot in the 70's, so I imagine the ride is a bit like that and a bit bumpy!
Old rolling stock.
It just sounded a bit different.
Yes, we would stay in Siracusa or Ortigia for at least a few days.

If you fly to Catania, Interbus has frequent busses from CTA to Siracusa (approx 6 euros per person). Then. It's either a flat 20" walk or quick taxi ride to Ortigia. Check Interbus online for schedules.