Traveling by train and bus in Sicily

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to spend about ten days in Sicily (in September if possible), and instead of renting a car, I’d like to get around by train and bus. Is this a practical option or not? Thanks for your tips and advice! 😉

Hello,

If you scroll down below your message, we’ve already answered this question... 😛

I just realized it, I'm sorry, thanks

Yes, I traveled around Sicily without a car. I recommend the Aeolian Islands, and possibly the Egadi Islands—the car question doesn’t even come up there.

Hi,

Usually, on my previous trips, I rent a car that I pick up at the airport. But given the bad reviews I’ve heard about car rental companies in Italy (my daughter had a bitter experience in Sardinia), I’ve been thinking about trains and buses instead. That said, I’d need to rethink how I travel (a bit more like a nomad...) and organize myself around train schedules. It’s definitely a different way to travel. All great tips and advice are welcome! 😉

Hello,

Usually, on my previous trips, I rent a car that I pick up at the airport. But given the bad reviews I’ve heard about car rental companies in Italy (my daughter had a bitter experience in Sardinia), I’ve been thinking about trains and buses. That said, I’d need to rethink my way of traveling (a bit more like a nomad...) and organize myself around train schedules. It’s definitely a different way to travel. Any great tips or advice is welcome 😉

Hey,

All those who complain about car rental issues: 1) aren’t the majority of customers. 2) often didn’t choose their rental company carefully. 3) didn’t read the terms (credit card requirements, for example). 4) Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, or Spain don’t have a monopoly on scammers (it happens "back home" too!).

So if this convenient way of traveling on the go works for you, just rent a car but stay vigilant!!!

PS for your Sicily trip, you can click here:

https://blogs.crespel.me/sicile/

See you

You know perfectly well how to visit Sicily without a rental car.

Michel

and above all, they were attracted by low prices; as my grandmother used to say, "the cheapest isn't always the best deal." So if someone offers you a price lower than French prices, look elsewhere!

Hello everyone,

I'm considering spending about ten days in Sicily (in September if possible), and instead of renting a car, getting around by train and bus. Is this a practical solution or not? Thanks for your answers and advice. 😉

Hi there, So how was your trip to Sicily without a car? We're also planning 12 days in Sicily in May without a car. Arriving in Palermo by plane. We'd cover the west side. And what did you do? Thanks for your feedback! Françoise and Jacqueline

Hi Françoise,

For trains, you can find the active lines and schedules on the Treinitalia website. For buses, several companies (whose names you can easily discover via an internet search) share the market depending on the destinations.

Be aware that due to ongoing track work, some trains are replaced by buses. In this case, Treinitalia sells the tickets, and the bus stops in front of or near the station. It follows the same route and roughly the same schedule.

For buses, tickets are purchased near the bus station in kiosks, large or small offices, a nearby gas station, etc.—it varies. The best thing is to ask other passengers at the stop. Sometimes, drivers refuse to sell tickets if there’s an office designated for that purpose. So, it’s better not to arrive at the last minute. It’s customary to handle your own luggage and put it in the hold.

On-site, the tourist offices are efficient. That’s the case in Palermo, where we were welcomed in French.

For your other questions, it’s impossible to recommend people without knowing their interests. But since everyone should taste Sicilian sweets, here’s an unusual spot in Palermo.

Happy researching! Véro

hi Véro thanks for your reply

Hello Françoise, For trains, you can find the active lines and schedules on the TreinItalia website. For buses, several companies (whose names you’ll easily discover via an internet search) share the market depending on the destination.

Be careful, due to ongoing track work, some trains are replaced by buses. In this case, it’s TreinItalia that sells the tickets, and the bus stops in front of or near the station. It follows the same route and roughly the same schedule.

For buses, tickets are bought near the bus station in kiosks, large or small offices, a nearby gas station, etc.—it varies. The best thing is to ask other passengers at the stop. Sometimes drivers refuse to sell tickets if there’s an office designated for that. So it’s better not to arrive at the last minute. It’s customary to handle your own luggage and put it in the hold.

On-site, the tourist offices are efficient. That’s the case in Palermo, where we were welcomed in French.

For your other questions, it’s impossible to recommend people without knowing their interests. But since everyone should taste Sicilian sweets, here’s an unusual spot in Palermo.

Happy researching Véro