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How to take the fabulous railway journey by day from Rome/Roma to Messina
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Roma / Rome to Messina by train
Europe's last remaining train ferry service is used by the direct trains as they cross from the Italian mainland to the island of Sicily.
Also once the train is south of Salerno, this becomes Europe's most stunningly beautiful coastal railway journey!
Though an alternative to taking the direct trains is to use a combination of a train and a fast ferry, and taking this option has become easier recently, thanks to an increase in the number of rail + sea connections.
Routes you can take to go from Roma / Rome to Messina
When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.
Choose one of the following options:
Looking for connections?
Route Information
Travel Time (approx)
8hr 4min (approx)
Frequency
Daily
Travel Info
r2 x trains per day
Is the journey from Rome to Messina direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.
Is the journey scenic?
Yes, south of Salerno this route is a contender for Europe's most stunning coastal rail journey
See the videos and images in the Journey Information.
What other tourist locations are along the route from Rome to Bologna?
Lamezia Terme.
When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Messina from Roma Termini on this journey option?
Around 15:35 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to travel on from the station in Messina?
Messina Centrale lives up to its name with a location on the eastern edge of the city centre
When is the usual approximate latest departure from Roma Termini to Bologna on this journey option
Before 11:30 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to get to the station in Rome?
Roma Termini is served by two lines of the Metro - see the Station Guide for more info, plus a choice of accommodation convenient for the station.
Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Rome to Messina trains?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.
Click on the 'Good to know info' to access a guide to how rail tickets are managed in Italy, plus step-by-step guides on how to make a booking with Trenitalia
How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Rome to Messina trains?
It can be up to 4 months ahead of the travel date; though the booking period will be typically be shorter when looking up journeys for travel after the second Sunday in December; and when looking up summer travel in March to May.
What are the child ticket terms for these Rome to Messina trains?
Children aged 4 -14 receive a 50% discount, though these 50% child rates are calculated against the full 'Base' ticket price.
But adult 'Super Economy' tickets can be discounted by more than 50%; so if these tickets are still available for your journey, it can be worth paying the adult rate for a child aged 4 - 14.
Does the ticket for these Rome to Messina trains include assigned seats?
Yes - See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train.
Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Rome to Messina trains?
They are mandatory between May and September inclusive and optional, but highly recommedded at other times of year - see the rail pass guide for Italy for info on the multiple booking options.
Is catering available on the Rome to Messina trains on this journey option?
These trains have now been fitted with vending machines which sell cold drinks and snacks.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.
What else is good to know about Italian rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Italy.
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