Sicily may seem like somewhere you can only fly to from the UK, but actually it’s easily doable by train! Even from up here in Scotland. But why would you go by train rather than fly? Well one of the main reasons we chose to go by train is to take the last train ferry in the world, from mainland Italy across to Messina on Sicily. It’s worth the trip just for that!
But it’s also worth considering the environmental impact of train travel and the fun there is going overland and getting to visit more countries!
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UK Trains, Including Scotland to London
From The UK you simply need to travel to London to catch the Eurostar. There are other ways of getting across to mainland Europe, including the ferry options to Netherlands, but it’s not as quick a journey choosing that route.
So for the purpose of getting to Sicily I highly recommend booking Eurostar tickets and travelling across to Paris.
In the UK seat reservations are free. You will be given seat reservations on any applicable trains when you buy tickets. However, if you are using an Interrail pass you can book free seat reservations (the interrail pass is your ticket) via GWR.com. Simply log into your account (you can make one for free), click on ‘my journeys’ and then ‘make a reservation’ should pop up below the menu. Book your seat reservations and you are ready to go!
Interrail Pass Or No Interrail Pass?
Deciding whether to do this trip on an Interrail pass or not will involve working out which is more cost effective. Plan the ideal route and then check the cost of tickets without a pass using Rail Europe, then the cost of a pass and any seat reservations required. Seat reservations are not often needed for regional trains, but for high speed trains you probably will need them.
As travelling to Sicily can be a longer journey, it may be worthwhile getting an Interrail pass. Especially if you are travelling with kids 11 years of age or under as their pass is free! Also look out for discounted Interrail passes, often around Black Friday or early in the year.
I was travelling alone with my two children who were 11 and under at the time. So it made more sense for me to travel on an Interrail pass. I also like the freedom of it, as you can decide to get an earlier or later train at last minute (providing it doesn’t require seat reservations), only toggling the journey as the train arrives. You can find out more about how to use an Interrail Pass here.
Travel Day 1 – UK to Paris
So, how do you travel from the UK to Sicily? First you have to leave the UK and from those near London this is really simple and quick, in fact you can manage to do both day 1 and day 2 on the same day! Catch an early Eurostar from London to Paris, then change stations from Paris Gare du Nordic to Paris Gare du Lyon and catch the afternoon high speed train to Milan. This is also possible from Scotland if you are willing to catch the Caledonian Sleeper (expensive) from Scotland, arriving early in London.
However, if you are a bit further away from London, such as Scotland, Northern England or Cornwall, you will want to do this in 2 days. Take a morning train to arrive in London around lunchtime. Leave a few hours between arrival in London and your Eurostar train departure. Just in case your train is late and also to give time to check-in and go through security at the Eurostar terminal.
Take the Eurostar to Paris and stay overnight in the capital of France. If you stay in the centre near the Eiffel Tower, it’s worth going to see it lit up and sparkling at night!
Travel Day 2 – Paris to Milan
Catch the TGV leaving from Paris Gare du Lyon to Milan Garibaldi station in the morning. It’s a beautiful journey through the Alps and the train has a cafe with plenty of food and drink options.
Definitely book a window seat for this one! It also requires a seat reservation, so make sure you book one if you are using an Interrail pass.
Travel Day 3 – Milan to Rome
Leave Milan on a Frecciarossa train in the morning and you can either head straight to Sicily in 1 day (via a sleeper train) or stop off along the way. As it’s already been a busy couple of days, I recommend stopping off for a couple of days in Rome. There is a lot to see in the city, plus you can even visit the world’s smallest independent city state – The Vatican.
We chose to stay at Eurocamp site just outside Rome to give the kids some pool time whilst visiting the city, it worked well as there is a nearby metro station allowing half a day in the city and half a day in the pool. I’d also recommend a Rome food tour with kids, it was one of the highlights of our visit!
Travel Day 4 – Rome to Sicily
From Rome you can take the train to Sicily, either a daytime Intercity train leaving Rome at 7.26 or 11.26am, arriving in Sicily the same day. Or take the overnight sleeper leaving at 20.16 or 23.30 from Rome, arriving the following morning. We used the overnight sleeper as it was easier for our plans.
Which meant we were on the train ferry around 5.30am and then in Taormina station on Sicily just before 7am! Collected by the hotel taxi from the station and swimming in the sea by 8am. Seems like the perfect start to a holiday by the sea?!
Read more about our other travels through Italy:
- Find out the best way to tour the vast ancient city of Pompeii.
- Take the train from the UK to Sicily, using the world’s only remaining train ferry!
- Learn more about what to expect from the Rome to Sicily sleeper train.
- Enjoy the best of both worlds with Rome Eurocamp on the outskirts of the famous city.
- Find out if a food tour around Rome is worth it with kids.
- Follow our tips and hacks on visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa with kids.
- Embrace the tranquility of Tuscany at Villa Pia, an excellent family holiday!
- Find out 5 great things to do with kids in Tuscany.
- The 10 best places to visit in and around Venice with kids.
- Visit Italy from the comfort of a family friendly cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas.
Other European Travel Posts You May Enjoy
Pin The Complete Guide – UK to Sicily by Train
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