Italy (Sicilia) - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services

Introduction

This list is based on the timetable in force from 10 December 2023. Although the timetable is shown as valid until 8 June 2024, most long-distance services are shown as operating only until March. Such trains are not indicated by note 'D' (for a service only running on certain dates), because it is a reasonable expectation that their period of operation will be extended or a similar service is provided instead. It is assumed that the timetable will continue to be updated and reissued regularly, as has been the case since summer 2020. Users are recommended to check the Trenitalia website to ensure they are using the latest version of the timetable.

Table numbers quoted here are from In Treno Tutt'Italia, the official Trenitalia timetable. Standard abbreviations are explained here.

Map references for each route entry are given in parentheses ( ). References prefixed "ERA-E" refer to the European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition) by M.G. Ball. References prefixed "ERA-R" refer to the European Railway Atlas (Regional Series: Book 2) by M.G. Ball. References prefixed "S+W", or in italic, refer to Atlante ferroviaro d'Italia e Slovenia by Schweers + Wall.

Two useful symbols exist which show the booked route for trains not calling at a station: in the middle of the train column, a vertical bar "|" means that the train passes through the station without stopping, whereas a middle dot "·" means that the train does not pass through that station but instead takes a different route.

Obscure services

Terme Vigliatore – Patti-S Piero Patti

[99] (ERA-E 88A4; ERA-R 168C5-168B5; S+W 103D2-104A2) IT23/201

There is a new section of main line between Terme Vigliatore and Patti-S Piero Patti, but the old route remains in use to serve intermediate stations. All trains use the new line except the relatively small number calling at intermediate stations between Terme Vigliatore and Patti-S Piero Patti. Note there is a significant grade separated junction at Terme Vigliatore.

Agrigento Bassa – Porto Empedocle Succursale

[386] (ERA-E 88B2; ERA-R 167C2; S+W 107C3) IT23/202

Trains usually run between Porto Empedocle and Agrigento Centrale in connection with the Sagra del Mandorlo in Fiore (almond blossom festival), which normally takes place late winter or early spring. The event was cancelled in 2020, 2021 and 2022 because of Covid-19 restrictions.

Trains operated between Agrigento Centrale and Porto Empedocle Succursale on 5, 11 and 12 March 2023.

There are occasional other excursions to and from Porto Empedocle Succursale.

Palermo Brancaccio - Palermo Guadagna

[99] (ERA-R 167B1; S+W 105C2) IT23/203

This curve allows trains to run between the Messina and Trapani lines without reversing at Palermo Centrale. The line is used by through trains between Milazzo or Cefalu and Punta Raisi at summer weekends, generally every two hours (not Saturday before 11:45).