The three of us would like to go directly to Siracusa from Rome this June. Easyjet goes from NAP to CTA, while RyanAir goes from FCO to CTA. So we would have to take local transport to get to Siracusa. We have small bags but not small enough to get the cheapest tickets, so going by air isn't real convenient or that cheap. Any advise about taking the train? Perhaps the night train with a 3 person compartment? Or any other ideas would be great.
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7050 posts
I'm sorry to say, but a train is just not a viable option for that distance (and given that Sicily is an island, the train has to go through the strait of Messina - it would take > 10 hours altogether). Take a flight - it's still a heck of a lot more convenient when you factor in your time. A Ryan Air flight can cost as little as $48 - even double that ($100) to account for luggage, the cost is still cheap. Then, once you land in Catania, it is very easy and inexpensive to take a bus from Catania Airport to Siracusa. The buses and ticket kiosk are right outside the airport exit. They run at least once hourly.
Posted by
Paris
7041 posts
I have never taken that night train but it could be an interesting experience if you aren't a light sleeper. The excellent Seat 61 website will have English info - check the Italy page. The train gets shunted on a ferry to cross into Sicily, which must be quite the experience.
I think there are two trains per night, probably one of the last places in Europe where this is the case.
However I don't think you'll save much, if anything at all, since first class sleepers tend to be fairly expensive. It might even cost more.
Posted by
Washington DC
27401 posts
No, no, no! Not the night train! I have done that; do not repeat my mistake. The rails must be really rough; the carriage jerked from side to side constantly. It was not the typical motion you have on trains. I did not get one minute's sleep the entire night, so I was a zombie the next day and spent much of it asleep. It messed up my body-clock badly.