I know the bus from Palermo to Siracusa takes 3 hours 20 minutes... so I have my "basic needs" questions! Do long distance buses in Sicily usually have a bathroom on there, or do they stop somewhere for a quick bathroom break?! Also, are those buses air conditioned and at least somewhat comfortable? For lots of reasons, we will not be renting a car on our trip. As always, thanks for your help!

WHAT ABOUT TAKING THE TRAIN from Palermo to Siracusa instead of bus?

I thought I read that the train took 6 to 8 hours on that particular segment.
I do have another qst about busses that I forgot to ask. I've read some trip reports in which the bus didn't leave from where it was supposed to; the bus came early and left early, etc. I have no sense of whether that's pretty common, or just flukes that we all experience once in a while with public transport.

According to trenitalia.it there aren't a lot of trains per day but most of them take four hours with one change.

oops. Now I see the 4 hr train schedule.It allows 10 min. to change at Catania Centrale. Although I generally prefer trains to busses, I think I'd worry about not making that connection. But it's another option to consider, for sure. thanks.

We took several long distance buses in Sicily and did not encounter any facilities on buses. There were also no comfort stops. We had no problems with schedules. Be prepared to ask questions to make sure you are waiting in the correct place.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...n-november.cfm

Don't count on bus toilets.
Trains are fine. If there is no connecting train at Catania, you will most probably find a bus. Catania bus Terminal is close to the railway station.

neckervd, thanks for the "plan B." that would work okay.