Hello,
My husband and I will be traveling from Rome to Sorrento in late May. I have read the horror stories about catching the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Sorrento, but find that there is now a Campania train that caters more to tourists. I'm wondering whether anyone has used this train and what your experience was. Also, would like recommendations on whether it is preferable to go by train, ferry, hydrofoil or even bus!
Thanks as always for your wisdom and guidance!
There is a ferry, and it is cool. We took it the other way on our last Italy visit.
And we've never had a problem with the Circumvesuviana. Well, a ticket seller ripped me off once, but no trouble on the train itself.
No personal experience with the Campania Express train but it's not as busy as the Circ., has air conditioning, and is reported to be more comfortable overall. The drawback is that it has far, far fewer daily runs than the Circumvesuviana - only 4 from Garibaldi - so there's quite a gap between trains.
https://www.sorrentoinsider.com/en/campania-express-train-schedule
The drawback for the ferry is that it involves a transfer from Centrale to the port, and then another transfer in Sorrento from marina up to the main part of the town (if that's where you're staying). It's also no fun in rain: been there; done that.
https://www.sorrentoinsider.com/en/ferry-schedule?from=napoli&to=sorrento#
(this is the current winter schedule)
While the Circ is a battered, no-frills thing, it has frequent departures from a station (Garibaldi) connected to Napoli Centrale, where your train will arrive from Rome. It's also very inexpensive. Trains arrive in the main, upper part of Sorrento possibly within walking distance of your accommodation, as was true for us.
Current Circ. schedule:
https://www.sorrentoinsider.com/en/naples-to-sorrento-train-schedule
Kathy, when we went from Sorrento to Naples on the ferry, we just walked from our hotel to the port.
Jane, If it's Sorrento where you walked from hotel to marina, you might remember that Marina Piccola sits at the bottom of the cliffs. It's the main picture (top of page) on the Sorrento tourism website:
https://www.sorrentoinsider.com
It's a pretty steep climb down and a steep climb back up to the main part from there (I've done it) unless staying at one of the hotels near the port. There is a public elevator (fee) but most folks take transport if dealing with luggage.
https://www.sorrentoinsider.com/en/getting-around-sorrento-italy#section-getting-around-08
Thanks to all who replied. I have less apprehension now about the Circumvesuviana which does indeed have far more daily runs than the Campania. At one point, I did read something about a bus that was available or am I misremembering?? Wondering how that compared.
Take the Circumv...... It is a commuter train. As someone else posted -- no worse or better than the NY subway. We have been on it a number of times with no problems. However, you should take some reasonable precautions against pickpockets (in our six or eight times on the Circumv.. have never seen a pickpocket or someone who might be) in the same manner as you would anywhere in Italy when using public transit.
Thanks, Frank. One question: we will have a couple of suitcases. How difficult is that to handle on the Circum?
At one point, I did read something about a bus that was available or
am I misremembering??
There is the Marozzi bus from Piazza Tiburtina in Rome but it has even fewer runs than the Campania Express: only once or twice per day at 7:00 and/or 15:00, depending on the date/season.
The website is only in Italian but not too difficult to figure out:
https://www.marozzivt.it/home?awc=9508_1553024723_a8bb6df50f6ee441fe2ff464d4e4413a
I think this is the current winter schedule:
https://www.sorrentoinsider.com/en/rome-to-sorrento-bus-schedule
.... couple of suitcases. How difficult is that to handle ..... Depends on size and numbers. A couple of 50 lb, 29" suitcase is a problem but two carry-on size rolling bags is easy. Seating is pretty open so you just put your bag by your feet and a day bag in your lap. If you have to stand, then you stand over your bag. There will be other tourists with bags so you are not alone. If late in the day it can be very crowd so you just grab a spot and hang on. We don't think it is a big deal --- BUT --- with kids in Chicago and New York we have lots of experience with the "L" and subway.
There is a dedicated bus, Currieri, from Naples airport to Sorrento.
There is a dedicated bus, Currieri, from Naples airport to Sorrento.
There is. Except that the OP is coming from ROME and not from Naples airport.
