samia17

Help - I am going to Sicily this summer and I am trying to figure what would be the best way by train to Taormina from Termini Imerese. Should I go the Catania route or Messina route? I hear the Messina route is nice so I think I would prefer a scenic route along the coast. From there should I take a bus or hop on the train to Giardini Naxos and take the bus up to Taormina? Any suggestions would be helpful. Also, should I buy my tickets in advance online from Trenitalia?

PalQ

Yes to what your instincts have told you. The inland Catania route may be a bit quicker but the coastal route more scenic. buses are often more convenient in Sicily if there are not main train lines and the inland route by rail is sideline with probably a change of trains enroute. In any case if going by rail investigate the bargain Sicily railpass sold locally at stations.

chiarachiara

Yes - do the scenic route to Messina but from there I would take the bus (terminal is next to the train station) to Taormina. You will be dropped at the bus terminal in Taormina and will not have to change again from train to bus in Giardini Naxos.

Pilates

I agree with ChiaraChiara. It'll be more direct and less confusing to take the bus the rest of the way. We met some people who had taken the train to Giardini Naxos and were upset because they had to wait forever for a bus or a taxi to show up.

After your bus climbs up the hill and you disembark, it's a short walk up the hill to the village of Taormina.

Re: Train tickets: I've always bought my train tickets there without any problem. Have fun!!

samia17

Thanks for everyone's comments!!