I rode a train that rolls aboard a ferry. For just $30, it was a unique way to see the beautiful Italian coast.

I boarded my train at the platform of Messina Centrale in Sicily.

The train arrived in two segments, which passengers boarded separately.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.