We are taking back to back tours - Southern Italy and Sicily and wonder about getting from Naples to Taormina Sicily (other than by air). Is it feasible to take the train to Southern Italy, then the ferry, and possibly another train or bus to Taormina? Would this be too complicated or take too much time? The So Italy tour ends in Naples on Sept 25 and the Sicily tour starts Sept 26, so we have one full day in between.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
There are two direct day trains and one direct night train from Naples to Taormina. (The train cars are loaded on a ferry.)
Leave Naples at 09:42 and arrive at Taormina at 16:43.
Leave Naples at 13:42 and arrive at Taormina at 20:32.
Leave Naples at 23:35 and arrive at Taormina at 07:39.
For timetables and fares go here.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Rhonda,
Given the fact that you've got a bit of time between the tours, the rail options suggested by Tim sound like the best idea (and the most scenic).
You could also take a budget flight from Naples to Catania, but you'd still have to get from there to Taormina. I believe Air Italy flies that route. With travel to and from each airport, security, check-in, etc., the travel time probably wouldn't be much different.
If you've taken a tour before, you'll know the "routine" on the tour-ending day. If you need further information, post another note.
Cheers!
Posted by
gaston, oregon, usa
842 posts
The train ride is absolutely beautiful. Make sure that you get a 1st class seat; a couple more bucks, but "oh so wonderful" for that long trip. And whatever you do, check ahead of time to see if there is going to be train strike. We got caught in one during that trip, and have a "memorable" experience to add to our collection. LOL!
There are also overnight ferries that go to Sicily, but not directly to Taormina.
What a great time to go! Enjoy!
Posted by
Seattle, Washington
682 posts
Hi Rhonda . . . We're also doing both of these tours, but our Southern Italy tour ends on Sept. 18. We have a week free and then will join your Sicily tour on the 26th. I was researching the travel options from Naples to Taormina right before I came upon your post. I'm trying to decide between the train and the ferry, so your post was most timely for me!
Posted by
OP
Pueblo, CO
31 posts
Nice to hear from you Nancy. We look forward to meeting you in September. Rhonda
Posted by
Los Angeles
425 posts
The plane and overnight ferry options both require "backtracking" from Catania to Taormina, which some may consider to be somewhat inefficient.
The train takes you right to Giardini-Naxos station, from where it's a 10-minute bus or taxi ride up the hill to Taormina.
The daylight IC trains have 2 first class and 8 second class railcars. Half the railcars go to Palermo, the rest to Siracusa. The trains divide at Messina.
For the best scenery, take the earlier of the two daylight trains. First class seats, while not really necessary, aren't a bad idea for this relatively long trip. Book in advance and you MAY qualify for the 15% or 30% discounts.
www.ferroviedellostato.it
www.alitalia.it
www.airitaly.it
www.tttlines.it (Naples/Catania ferry)
www.interbus.it (Catania/Taormina bus)