Avoiding Circumvesuviana en route to Pompeii?

Thank you Mike, Frank and Ron. Wow, you wonderful people (everyone who replied)! I appreciate it very much.
As far as "unsavory," to me that means someone that means harm to me or someone I love. I am convinced, now, to take the Circumvesuviana from Naples to Pompeii. Thanks for the courage! I am thankful for this Helpline and everyone here who is so nice with helpful replies. Actually, I was looking forward to riding the Circumvesuviana (I love the name) for the experience, but somehow I got the jitters. That said, I will be strong and travel on it after all. Ruth :)

Ruth,
It's not dangerous. Just watch your (hopefully limited) luggage, and you and your traveling companion (son?)watch out for one another. Wear your money belt and keep your passport, credit cards, most cash there. Some of the trains are actually quite new and nice, but none are worse than most big city busses. Be sure you get on the right train! It needs to say "Sorrento" on the front! You will be with lots of other tourists. Ciao!

Ruth, the circumvesuviana is not dangerous. I have never encountered the unsavory types you mention or been bothered by anyone. You can keep your luggage with you at the seat so you needn't worry about it. The platform in Naples can get crowded with people waiting for the train but I've never seen anyone attacked or bothered. I'm sure it happens occasionally but if you wear a money belt and keep your hands on your luggage you'll be fine. Donna

Thanks Laurel and Donna. Your words are comforting and helpful!
Ruth

Part of the fun of experiencing southern Italy is doing things like riding the Circumvesuviana. You will definitely see some "characters" on the train but I don't think they are unsavory. It is a commuter train, just like commuter trains in New York or Chicago. If you behave like a target you will be a target. It is a very convenient way to get from Naples to Pompeii.

The Circumvesuviana is really your only choice. You have to remember that "unsavory" is often in the perception of the individual. What you think is unsavory may not match what I think is unsavory. We have been on that train several times with no problems or unsavory characters. It would be much more unsavory getting to the harbor from the train station since the area around the station is a little rough.

We took the Circumvesuviana from Sorrento to Pompei, roundtrip, no problems. I suppose the experience you mentioned could happen anywhere.

Ruth, You've received lots of good advice on this topic! In terms of "unsavoury characters", it's not likely you'll encounter any that want to harm you, however there will likely be some that want to surreptitiously relieve you of any money or valuables they can get their hands on. You'll have to deal with that wherever you travel in Europe, so travel on the Circumvesuviana isn't unique in that regard. Be sure to wear a Money Belt and watch your luggage during the trip. While there may be some reductions in the number of trains per day, there will still be some trips as it's a widely used route for both commuters and tourists. Cheers!

Thanks very much, Ken!
Ruth

A little tip on buying tickets; in my experience, station shopkeepers tend to be much more honest when it comes to charging you the correct amount for tickets. The men working at the official train ticket counters always tried to rip me off. Remember to stamp your ticket before boarding.

Thanks, Chris, That information is good to know and much appreciated!
Ruth

I have ridden the Circumvesuviana several times, but last month when I rode it again, I paid attention to the other people on the train for the first time, and definitely saw so called "unsavory characters" just waiting to rip some unsuspecting tourist off. They were so obvious!
There were about 7-8 men who boarded at different stops, but always sat together. They didn't say much to each other because they were so busy watching the movements of the tourists and checking out everything about them. Constantly watching every move. Then after they had their target, they would follow them off the train at their stop. You just need to be aware.