We are now thinking that this drive might be little long and have been thinking we should just take the train from Reggio di Calabria to Rome and then pick up our car in Rome. Has anyone taken the train between these two points and how did they find it? We would of course have to go on as foot passengers and then get to the train station. Might be a lot of work. If anyone has done a similar trip...please advise. I have read on trip advisor that the train system in southern Italy is not very reliable.
Thank you for the advice to stop in the little town of Matera. It sounds wonderful. If we do the train, we would have to miss this of course. Elizabeth
Posted by
Washington, DC
893 posts
My family has a little place in Calabria, and when they are looking to get to the north region, flying has turned out to be the best option. We fly out of Lamezia Terme, but I'm sure Reggio di Calabria airport could accommodate. Try Alitalia (I know that they have a poor reputation, but I have had pretty good experience with them).
And consider using taxis to get to the transport hub of your choice (e.g., train station, airport, etc.). Also, I just used the website www.whichbudget.com and it looks like you could get a flight for around 50 euros (check the restrictions carefully though). Good luck!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16235 posts
Fly Alitalia or Blue Panorama if you want to get to Rome fast. It's a long way by car or train. The train takes over 6 hours also. If you decide on the train, Freccia trains are just as good in the south as they are in the north. Don't listen to people who were in Italy last when Mussolini was still alive.
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
Trains on regional lines out there are somehow unreliable, as they go through slow mountainous/hilly lines or depopulating areas. Trains on the mainline, though, are the same as those which run up north, the line is modern, electrified and medium speed (high-speed after Salerno).
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
If you really want to go to Matera, consider flying from Reggio Calabria to Bari and taking the train to Matera from there.
Posted by
OP
Delta, B.C., Canada
4 posts
Taking the train to Bari is a possibility...but somewhere along the line...we have to rent a car...for the rest of our trip...as we are touring around Tuscany and then driving down the Adriactic coast...we just thought the train ride might be relaxing and scenic. Regards, Elizabeth
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16235 posts
There are no direct flights from Calabria to Bari. You would need to fly to Rome first. If you want to see Matera, you should drive the 400 km to get there (less than 5 hours). Any other option would take too long.