I rode a train that rolls aboard a ferry. For just $30, it was a unique way to see the beautiful Italian coast.
I went on a passenger train in Italy from Sicily to Naples that boarded a ferry to cross a strait.
The train ride wasn't very expensive at about $30 and our journey took almost six hours.
The views of the coast were amazing and the ferry ride was a special experience.
I enjoy riding around Europe via rail and have taken trains in Spain, France, Belgium, Bulgaria, Slovenia, and, recently, Italy.
Italy's rail system is immense and connects almost every corner of the country. I was recently even able to take a train to Naples from Sicily, which can be tough to access.
Sicily is separated from the mainland by the Strait of Messina, which is several miles wide and notoriously difficult to navigate.
Fortunately, state-owned railway company Trenitalia operates a train that goes through Sicily, crosses the Strait of Messina, then heads north to Rome.
Since there's no bridge connecting Sicily to the mainland, the train travels part of the way by ferry.
My journey began on land in Sicily.
I boarded my train at the platform of Messina Centrale in Sicily.
The train arrived in two segments, which passengers boarded separately.
Soon after leaving the station, the train rolled aboard a ferry.
My train had hardly left the station when it approached the waterfront and a special ferry.
It slowly crept down the pier and effortlessly rolled onto the ship, using tracks cut directly into the deck.
Once the train was secured, my journey continued.
After the train was secured on board, the ferry's engines rumbled and the vessel continued on its path across the notorious waterway.
The train doors opened and passengers were allowed to freely walk around the boat.
The ferry felt pretty standard.
Like other ferries in Europe and North America I've been on, this boat had plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, a small café serving snacks, and so-so bathrooms.
There were pleasant panoramic views during the ferry crossing.
Train passengers could stay in the car but I found the best part of the trip was taking in the views and fresh air from the outside deck.
The boat traveled through Messina Harbor then made a full turn, giving passengers impressive views of the towering seaside city.
The views continued for the rest of the trip.
It took us about 35 minutes to cross the waterway.
As we approached mainland Italy, an announcement asked passengers to reboard the trains. The ferry docked a few minutes later and the train cars slowly backed off the boat.
We stopped at San Giovanni station for about 20 minutes while the cars were reconnected. From there, we continued along the coast of Italy, passing long sandy beaches and the aquamarine Tyrrhenian Sea.
Eventually, after a few hours, I reached Naples — the end of my voyage.
It was cool to ride a train that goes on a ferry.
The train ticket from Sicily to Naples cost just under $30, which included carry-on luggage I could bring on board. In total, the trip took about six hours.
A flight from Sicily to Naples would've taken about an hour, though it'd likely cost more than double the price.
Plus, if I'd flown I would've missed this unique experience and views of so much of the gorgeous Italian coastline.
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