All the major towns and villages in Sicily--including the regional capital, Palermo, and the cities of Catania, Messina and Syracuse--have rail links. If you are traveling from mainland Italy, you can catch a direct service to Palermo from Naples or Rome; the train is loaded onto a ferry to cross the Straits of Messina.
There are several classes of train operating in Sicily. The slow stopping train services are known a Diretto, Espresso and Interregionale, while the fast, modern service is known as Intercity (IC).
Trains in Sicily are operated by the Italian State Railway, Ferrovie dello Stato (FS), and fares are typically affordable for most travelers. However, savings can be made via a Trenitalia Pass, or Trenitalia Pass Saver (if you are traveling with a partner or companion). Travelers should be aware that Sicilian trains can become crowded on weekends and during holidays, so advanced booking is advisable at these times.
