Our tour of South Italy in May ends in Naples. We were originally scheduled for a flight from Naples to Zurich and then to the US. Swiss Air has cancelled our flight from Naples to Zurich. Orbitz was not able to give me any information today (Sunday), but I am starting to panic. I don't know what happens now. If we're not able to follow our original itinerary, I am wondering if it is hard to get from Naples to Rome by train (how long it takes, how much it costs, etc.) I imagine there are more travel options to the US from Rome. However, I'm not sure what the airline and/or Orbitz responsibility is here, and I wonder if I can just change departure cities, how it might affect rates, etc. Anyone have experience with either of these issues?
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
180 posts
Naples to Rome is a very easy train ride. The regular train is about 3 hours, the high speed is about 1.5 hours. The busiest trains are first thing in the morning and early evening. Prices start at about 25 euros for the slowest trains and cheapest seats.
Posted by
Baudette, MN, United States
163 posts
Is it necessary to book these trains ahead of time, or would waiting until that day (or a day or two before) be OK?
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Barbara, I suggest that you go to the source and call Swiss Air's US number: 1-877-359-7947.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Jodi, unless you're traveling on a holiday, you should have no trouble buying a ticket on the day of departure for the train of your choice. However, the advantage to buying a day or two ahead of time is that you may be able to get Amica fares (20% discount) on fast trains. If any of the allotted seats are still available, Amica fares are sold up until midnight of the day before departure. No Amica fares are sold for regional trains, but the regular fares are very cheap.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32363 posts
Barbara,
I was on the South Italy tour last May, so can probably offer a few tips.
Have you received the list of Hotels yet? If you'll be staying in the same Hotel we were, there's a Travel Agent about a block up the street where you can buy rail tickets. However, keep in mind that they have a "siesta" in the afternoon, but they're open later in the evening.
As the others have said, the trip via rail to Rome is very easy. I'd suggest the EuroStar Italia, even though the cost will be a bit higher. When you reach Roma Termini, it's an easy 30 min. trip to Fiumicino on the Leonardo Express.
Again, if your trip is the same as mine, you won't have to worry about getting to the station on the morning the tour ends. Your Guide will take care of all that for you (you may have to share a Cab if other members of your group are heading to the station at the same time).
One note to mention regarding Naples station - you might encounter a "helpful individual" wearing what looks like a railway uniform who will offer to "help" get your luggage onto the train. They are not railway employees AFAIK, and of course they will expect to get paid. I will be more "blunt" next time I encounter them, as I can get my own Pack onto the train without their help.
Happy travels!
(I wish I was returning this year, the tour was fantastic!)
Posted by
OP
Seminole
82 posts
Thanks to all of you who have replied. To those of you who sent private messages, I was not able to open even one of them! What's the secret? I clicked on the highlighted words and went nowhere. As far as my travel problem, it's finally solved today. I spent a total of about six hours on the phone with Orbitz. The only thing Swiss Air wanted to do was to substitute a trip which had us taking four different planes from Naples to Zurich before heading to the States. Orbitz let me cancel the entire trip with no penalty, and I had to rebook the whole trip. The bad news is that we are leaving Naples very, very early in the morning. The good news is that the trip is costing us about $350 less than when I booked it before the economy tanked. Thanks again everyone.
Barbara