Train Naples or Rome to Sicily

Tell me why not fly both ways.

In 2019 my wife and I took a day train from Sicily to Naples. From our trip report (https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/italy-2019-sicily-sorrento-amalfi-pompeii-rome-orvieto-tuscany-siena-florence-cinque-terre-milan ):

On Aug 23 (Fri) we left Sicily by day train for Naples/Sorrento. One reason we chose to go by train was the opportunity to ride the only train ferry remaining in the world; it was fun to go on-deck for the 30-minute ride across the Strait of Messina. We chose to ride second class, which was plenty comfortable. It was a fun ride, and the Italians sitting with us changed as we travelled north, some of whom we were able to converse with. TIP: It is about a 7-hour ride and food is not served on-board, so one needs to bring a lunch. Before leaving Taormina to catch the 9:19am train, a grocery store near our lodging made us simple yet very delicious sandwiches to go.

Fun! Thanks GeoffB. I've enjoyed your original TR, really wonderful details about your trip, thanks.

Train ferry = definitely very cool. We were only in a car and that was cool.

I just wondered if the 7+ hour train trip itself from Naples to Taormina or Catania was a big part of why they want to take the train or if it was more about being on the ferry. I'm told it's very scenic, but when we did that route by car I was as sick as a dog with food poisoning and had to go to the hospital in Scilla.

Just now, I looked into whether Taormina to Villa San Giovanni by train was doable as a day trip --- it's 2 hours each way but you'd get to cross the strait twice.

We took the train from Naples to Taormina, Sicily a couple of years ago. It was very straightforward and I was glad we did it. My recollection is it was between 6 and 7 hours, we left around 1030 and got to Taormina close to 5. As mentioned there is no food on the train, so pack a lunch.
We travelled in April and it was quite quiet on the train.

I know that theoretically the plane is faster, but I have to say, we flew back from Palermo to Rome and spent as much time getting to the airport, through security, and then waiting for a delayed plane. We did also look at the overnight ferry, but it did not fit into our itinerary.

Geoffb,

Hi thank you for your reply. I am however confused regarding the 30 minute vs 7 hours. Can you clarify?

Lorie

7 hours = the whole train trip

30 minutes = the time spent on the ferry

Geoffb,

Hi thank you for your reply. I am however confused regarding the 30
minute vs 7 hours. Can you clarify?

The answer is what nancys8 wrote:

7 hours = the whole train trip

30 minutes = the time spent on the ferry

I’ve taken the train from Naples to Palermo several times. It is a long, but pleasant ride. I’ve also taken the train to Reggio Calabria, and after visiting there a few days, went on the Palermo. The ride from.the ferry to Palermo is very slow but not bad.

Hi Becky,
To Reggio Calabria from where?