By train

Sicily is linked to the rest of the continent with long distance trains.

Although the trains are direct, they are taken across the Straits of Messina on ferries adding substantially to the length of the journey. Most of the main towns in Sicily have railway stations. Trains in Sicily are inexpensive but infrequent and often train journeys can require several changes. For this reason, buses are often a better option. (The SAIS, AST and Interbus companies offer efficient services linking all the main towns). Some stretches of the railway line, although rather slow, are very scenic, such as the line between Messina and Palermo that follows the northern coast of Sicily or the Circumetnea, a small gauge railway line linking the towns and villages of Etna with Catania.

For further information:

• Trenitalia www.trenitalia.com
• Ferrovie Siciliane www.ferroviesiciliane.it
• Circumetnea www.circumetnea.it