My wife and I are headed for Sorrento from Napoli and want to stop at Pompeii from late morning into afternoon - on a Sunday. Is it best to buy tickets online on the Circumvesuviana line days or weeks in advance or just buy them when we arrive in Napoli on Trenitalia?
We plan to check our bags at Pompeii Scavi or at the Pompeii entrance, then continue on the C. line to Sorrento late afternoon.
Posted by
Rick Steves Europe
353 posts
Hi David,
You can just buy Circumvesuviana tickets on the spot when you arrive in Naples. It's a private line, so you can't buy them through Trenitalia. The trains run every 30 min. so there's no need to buy ahead.
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
Have a look at the "Campania Express" tourist service train from Naples to Pompeii. It is more expensive, 6 euro pp, but will be more comfortable, faster (only 2 stops between Naples and Sorrento) and less crowded. From Pompeii to Sorrento you could either get a normal train or the Express again. Timetable etc below. There is no charge to check your luggage at the site entrance.
Posted by
Chicago
8102 posts
the circumvesuviana is a local commuter line so no need to think ahead; just get tickets when you arrive.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15607 posts
It's not quite straightforward to get to the Circumvesuviana from the high speed trains. If memory serves, I used the directions in the RS Italy guide and asked once or twice as well. You buy tickets, then descend to the platform. Be sure to ask which track and don't be afraid to ask other passengers if the approaching train goes to Pompeii. There are other lines using the tracks and you don't want to end up on the wrong one. The cars are like subway cars, not train cars, so few seats and lots of standing room.
To make it a little easier when you arrive in Sorrento - you go down a few steps from the train, then turn to your left to find the elevator (instead of the stairs) down to street level. Taxis are expensive and there's a one-way road system, so expect to pay a lot and don't worry if you seem to be taking the scenic route to your hotel.
Posted by
Chicago
8102 posts
LOL on the scenic route to the hotel. Our first trip to Sorrento we took a cab from the train station and it was long and expensive and our hotel ended up being maybe 500 yards downhill from the train station. It was ridiculous. So google map your lodging from the train station so you can just walk if it is a reasonable distance.
Posted by
Chicago
8102 posts
LOL on the scenic route to the hotel. Our first trip to Sorrento we took a cab from the train station and it was long and expensive and our hotel ended up being maybe 500 yards downhill from the train station. It was ridiculous. So google map your lodging from the train station so you can just walk if it is a reasonable distance.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area
5697 posts
Further to what Jane said -- Sorrento streets and sidewalks all seem to be cobbled, so it feels twice as long when you're hauling bags. But if you're staying near the center of town, it's walkable even with bags..