Catania to Naples by Night Train: Any experiences?
 

I'm planning a trip next March that includes getting from Catania to Naples. My two viable options appear to be a mid-day Alitalia flight for about €35 apiece for the two of us (plus, of course, at that price, a baggage fee, and airport transfers), or the overnight train that leaves around 11 PM and arrives in Naples at about 7 AM. For a 2-person sleeper compartment, it appears to be a bit more expensive than flying, but of course eliminates a night of lodging.

But if it doesn't work out well, it could also eliminate a night of sleeping, so I'm interested to know if anyone has made the trip that way. Since it involves the entire train being shifted onto barge to cross the Straits, I'm particularly interested in whether that's a sleep-killer, or if it's interesting enough to postpone sleep until across the water.

Thanks for any information or suggestions!

Is an overnight ferry an option? I took an overnight ferry from Milazzo (easily reached from Catania) to Naples back in May 2007, and was glad I did. My cabin was, shall I say, "efficient" (read "tiny"), but it suited my needs -- and the really nice parts were the views, most of which I enjoyed from the decks: I saw the Aeolians as the sun set, and woke to the sun rising by the Fariglioni Rocks off Capri, enjoying gorgeous views of Mt. Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples before an early morning arrival. Might be worth investigating.

There are also ferries from Catania to Naples
http://www.tttlines.com/

It's a real Italian experience, and indeed a world experience, one of the few remaining places anywhere in the world that trains go onto ferries.

As long as your expectations are realistic - real train for real travellers, not a deluxe tourist experience - it can be great fun. See the sleeper & comfort couchette photos here: http://www.seat61.com/Italy-trains.h...ernight_trains

Don't expect catering, so bring along a picnic and bottle of wine (yes, it's allowed, you are treated as an adult on a train, not like a naughty child as on a plane!)

Always book a couchette or sleeper, not just a seat of course - and make sure you use www.trenitalia.com or www.italiarail.com

Booking ahead you should find cheap prices, far cheaper than a flight plus baggage fees plus airport transfer costs plus a hotel night.