by InTrieste
For many Sicilians living in northern Italy, returning home for Christmas often comes with a hefty price tag. But this year, a new initiative aims to change that with the debut of the Sicilia Express, a low-cost sleeper train linking Turin to Sicily just in time for the holidays.
Organized by FS Treni Turistici, the special rail service offers an affordable alternative to soaring holiday airfares. Departing from Turin Porta Nuova on December 21 at 3:05 p.m., the 18-hour journey will traverse Italy, making stops in major cities like Milan, Florence, and Rome before arriving in Messina the next morning at 9:45 a.m. The return trip is scheduled for January 5, giving travelers ample time to enjoy the festive season with loved ones.
The initiative was spearheaded by Sicily’s governor, Renato Schifani, who described it as a way to bring Sicilians living in the north closer to home. “We are taking every possible action to support all those Sicilians—workers or students—who, by choice or necessity, live in northern Italy and wish to join their loved ones for the holidays,” Schifani said. He expressed hope that similar services could be offered at other times of the year.
With 544 seats and two dining cars serving Sicilian specialties, the train promises not just affordability but also a taste of home. Travelers can bring pets aboard, and ticket prices start at €29.90 for a standard seat or €129 for a sleeping compartment. Tickets will go on sale December 3 through FS Treni Turistici and Trenitalia’s sales channels.
Adding a maritime touch to the journey, the Sicilia Express will board a ferry to cross the Strait of Messina. Upon arrival on the island, the train will split into two routes: one heading to Palermo in the northwest and the other to Siracusa in the southeast.
This project builds on a series of new tourist train routes launched earlier this year by FS Treni Turistici, connecting destinations like Rome to Puglia, Milan to Tuscany’s coast, and even Milan to the French Riviera. But the Sicilia Expressstands out for its focus on reconnecting families during a cherished time of year.
For many Sicilians in the north, the service is more than just transportation—it’s a lifeline to home and tradition.
