4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Rome to Sicily (Island)
Cheapest price
€78
Average price
€100
Fastest journey
11 h 14 m
Average duration
12 h 34 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
501 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Rome to Sicily (Island) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rome to Sicily (Island) will cost around €100 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €78.
It's difficult to get from Rome to Sicily (Island) without transferring at least once.
Intercity 723+
Regionale 55197:26 AM11h14Rome Termini6:40 PMEnna station€781One-way1 transfer- Intercity 723+Regionale 215217:26 AM12h44Rome Termini8:10 PMVillarosa station€801One-way1 transfer
FRECCIAROSSA 8525+
InterCityNotte 1955+Regionale 54918:55 PM13h45Rome Termini10:40 AMEnna station€1421One-way2 transfers
- Intercity 723+Regionale 55197:26 AM11h14Rome Termini6:40 PMEnna station€781One-way1 transfer
- Intercity 723+Regionale 215217:26 AM12h44Rome Termini8:10 PMVillarosa station€801One-way1 transfer
- FRECCIAROSSA 8525+InterCityNotte 1955+Regionale 54918:55 PM13h45Rome Termini10:40 AMEnna station€1421One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, flight, and ferry for Rome to Sicily (Island)
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Rome to Sicily (Island) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 23m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €18, and a train costs an average of €55.
Distance: 311 miles (501 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Ferry | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
€86 Average price | €57 Average price | €36 Average price Cheapest | €54 Average price | €61 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 58m Average total duration 10h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 23m Average total duration Fastest 3h 23m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 9h 51m Average total duration 9h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 12m Average total duration 14h 12m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 9h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular ferry company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Rome to Sicily (Island):
A bus is €18 less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Rome to Sicily (Island) costing on average €54.
A bus is €22 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rome to Sicily (Island) costing on average €57.
A bus is €51 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rome to Sicily (Island) costing on average €86.
Other travel options to Sicily (Island) take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 21m.
Train takes on average 10h 28m.
Ferry takes on average 14h 12m.
Tickets start at around €86 compared to roughly €61 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-25.33. The journey takes 10h 28m versus 9h 31m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Rome to Sicily (Island) train times
The table below shows live departures for Rome to Sicily (Island) trains for tomorrow, Thursday, August 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intercity 723+Regionale 5519 | 7:26 AM Rome Termini | 11h14 | 6:40 PM Enna station | 1 transfer | |
| Intercity 723+Regionale 21521 | 7:26 AM Rome Termini | 12h44 | 8:10 PM Villarosa station | 1 transfer | |
| FRECCIAROSSA 8525+InterCityNotte 1955+Regionale 5491 | 8:55 PM Rome Termini | 13h45 | 10:40 AM Enna station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Rome to Sicily (Island) by train, bus, flight, or ferry
Compare train, bus, flight, and ferry prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book Rome to Sicily (Island) trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Intercity?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Intercity, but also compare tickets for the likes of Intercity Notte, Italo, Frecciargento or Frecciarossa to find the best option for your trip from Rome to Sicily (Island).
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Intercity with all available travel options, which are train, bus, flight and ferry to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Rome to Sicily (Island).
Rome to Sicily (Island) by trainRome to Palermo by Train: An Overnight Journey to Sicily
By Estefanía Ojea
On one of my trips to Italy, I decided to travel from Rome to Palermo by train. While it is much faster going by plane, I did not have a lot of time to spare during the day, and besides, there is something rather magical about arriving at a train station in the evening and waking up the following morning in a completely new place.
Cliff view in Sicily
Route overview
The distance of the train ride from Rome to Palermo is approximately 427 kilometers, and the ride takes a little over eleven hours. There are several trains available for this route, and some of them are direct, meaning no need to change trains during the ride. I chose an Intercity night train for my ride. This type of train is usually less expensive, and since it’s a night ride, I figured I’d make the most of the time and take a nap on the way. One of the most unusual aspects of this trip is in southern Italy, where the entire train is put on a ferry, and it goes across the water to the island of Sicily. In fact, you can get off the train and walk around on the ferry while the train is crossing. There is something particularly evocative about watching the coastline of Sicily slowly come into view
Transportation experience
I got on the train at Roma Termini station in the evening and found my cabin for the night. It had a small bed, a sink, and some basic amenities like water and toiletries, and it was surprisingly comfortable for sleeping. As the train left Rome, the atmosphere in the carriage gradually became quieter. People settled in, stored their luggage, dimmed the lights, and the journey slowly turned into a shared overnight routine. I woke up early in the morning to the smell of coffee being brewed. The staff had started serving breakfast, and a strong Italian coffee was exactly what I needed after a night on the train.
Departure station
The journey starts at Roma Termini, the main railway station in Rome. It’s a large and busy station, but well organised, with plenty of services, shops, and clear signage, making departure relatively straightforward.
Arrival station
Later in the morning, the train arrives at Palermo Centrale. The station is quite large and slightly old-fashioned, but it has the vibrant atmosphere of a busy southern Italian city. As soon as you step outside, the change in climate is noticeable. The heat can be intense, and the area around the station is full of small cafés and street food vendors.
Schedule & frequency
There are several trains operating daily between Rome and Palermo, including direct options. The journey takes around eleven hours, and overnight trains are a particularly convenient choice, allowing you to travel while you sleep.
Onboard experience & services
The onboard experience depends on the type of ticket you choose, but cabins on the Intercity night train offer a comfortable setup for sleeping, with basic amenities included. Staff provide simple breakfast service in the morning, and overall, the experience is practical rather than luxurious, but well-suited for an overnight journey.
Ticketing advice & budget breakdown
Ticket prices on this route vary depending on when you book and the type of accommodation you choose. Booking in advance usually helps keep the price lower. On this trip, my overnight Intercity ticket cost about €82. Here’s roughly what my travel costs looked like:
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €82 |
| Food & drinks | €5 |
| Travel to departure station | €2 |
| Travel from arrival station | €2 |
| Total | € 91 |
Top tips & recommendations
- Book overnight trains in advance if you want the best prices.
- Cabins make long journeys much more comfortable if you plan to sleep.
- Bring something light to read or watch during the evening part of the trip.
- Don’t miss the ferry crossing between mainland Italy and Sicily.
- Arrive hungry in Palermo — the street food near the station is worth trying.
Conclusion
The train ride from Rome to Palermo is a long one, but it is also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have in Italy. Going to bed in Rome and waking up in Sicily, having literally crossed the sea on a ferry, is a unique way to travel. When I arrived, the smell of freshly fried arancine in the streets around the station was impossible to ignore, so that ended up being the first thing I did in Palermo.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Rome to Sicily (Island)
ItalyItaly
Trains from Rome to Sicily (Island) run on average 5 times per day, taking around 10h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €55 but you can travel from only €18 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 04:50, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 311 miles (501 km) distance in 10h 35m.
Distance 311 miles (501 km) |
Average train duration 10h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price €55 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 10h 35m |
First train 4:50 AM |
Last train 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 56 days |
Train companies: Intercity, Intercity Notte, Italo, Frecciargento, Frecciarossa from Rome to Sicily (Island) trainsIntercity, Intercity Notte, Italo, Frecciargento, Frecciarossa trains will get you between Rome and Sicily (Island) from €18. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Intercity
Intercity Notte
Italo
Frecciargento
Frecciarossa
Traveling by train from Rome to Sicily
Traveling between Rome and Sicily is a delightful experience, thanks to the efficient train connections available. The journey can be conveniently made with providers such as Intercity, Italo, and Frecciargento. These services offer comfortable seating options and scenic views of Italy's beautiful landscapes along the way. Whether you're heading for a quick getaway or an extended stay in Sicily, these trains provide a reliable means of transportation that allows you to relax while enjoying the ride.
Train Connection: Rome to Sicily
The train journey from Rome to Sicily takes approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes, with a total of 1 connection per day. This route is not direct, requiring an additional transfer during the trip.
Rome to Sicily Train Connection
The first daily journey from Rome to Sicily departs at 05:00 AM, allowing early risers to start their adventure. The last train of the day leaves at 08:25 PM, providing a convenient option for those who wish to travel later in the evening.
Train Ticket Prices from Rome to Sicily
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Rome and Sicily is €50. The average ticket price typically hovers around €89, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore this beautiful region of Italy.
Exploring Sicily: A Journey Through History and Nature
Welcome to the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases some of the best-preserved ancient Greek ruins outside of Greece itself. This archaeological marvel dates back to the 5th century BC and offers a glimpse into Sicily's rich history as part of Magna Graecia, where you can admire stunning temples dedicated to gods like Concordia and Hera. What makes this site truly unique is its breathtaking setting on a ridge overlooking olive groves and distant sea views, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your exploration.
As we make our way towards Mount Etna, you'll discover Europe's most active volcano, which has been shaping Sicilian landscapes—and cultures—for thousands of years. Its eruptions have not only created fertile soils but also inspired myths and legends throughout history; today it stands as both a natural wonder and an adventure playground for hikers seeking panoramic vistas from its summit craters. The distinct feature here is its diverse ecosystems ranging from lush forests at lower elevations to barren lava fields near the top—each offering unique flora and fauna waiting to be explored.
Finally, let’s visit Palermo Cathedral—a magnificent blend of architectural styles reflecting centuries of cultural influences in Sicily's capital city. Originally built in 1185 as a Norman church, it has undergone numerous renovations over time that showcase elements from Gothic to Baroque design while housing royal tombs including those belonging to Emperor Frederick II. One standout feature is its striking façade adorned with intricate mosaics that tell stories steeped in religious significance—making this cathedral not just a place of worship but also an artistic treasure trove worth experiencing firsthand.
FAQs: Trains from Rome to Sicily (Island)
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rome to Sicily (Island) by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Sicily (Island), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
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