We will be in Messina on a cruise. We want to take the train to Taormina and back. Has anyone been there when a cruise was in and if so do you think that the trains could fill up preventing us from getting back to the ship on time? We will be there on a wed.

Thanks

You should put angst to rest about getting on trains on that route - lots of trains and IME rarely fill up - the worst you could do would have to go first class and IMO that is what I would always suggest anyways - 2nd class on Italian trains is fine but first class much finer.

Just head to the station in Messina and get tickets right before the train - buy round trip to begin withl

For lots of great info on Italian trains check out htese fantastic IMO sites - www.seat61.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www/ricksteves.com. For schedules and prices go to www.trenitalia.com - the Italian national railways official site.

But do NOT worry about getting on trains to and fro Taormina.

Also take a look at the bus schedules, which may be more convenient since they take you directly into Taormina proper rather than to the train station down the hill along the coastline.

www.interbus.it

GAC - the OP did not mention on this thread that he is afraid of driving on the road to Taormina hence he wants to take the train and cable car.

for the energetic there is a steep footpath/staircase linking the seaside train station with Taormina, perched high above the sea.

There is no 1st and 2nd class on these trains as they are mostly the slow R trains. You might find an IC train or two per day, but wouldn't work for your time schedule

While the trains or buses may not fill up, there is always the chance of a strike or a breakdown in Italy -- which would delay your return to the ship. This may be a case for taking an excursion offered by your cruise.

And, yes, Taormina train station is down at Giardini Naxos. Most of us take a bus or a taxi up the rather steep hill. Great views up there though.

The Trenitalia regionale train between Messina Centrale and Taormina takes approximately 1 hour. Trains are frequent. From the Taormina train station, there is a frequent bus service up the hill to Taormina proper. Here are those schedules:

http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...3f16f90aRCRD#1


The Interbus bus between Messina and Taormina takes much longer than the train, but avoid the connection at the Taormina train station. Choose the solution which gives you the best schedules.