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Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento

Posted by on

We are traveling from Rome to Sorrento in a couple weeks, and unfortunately, the Campania Express (which I know is best for tourists/baggage) does not fit our Naples arrival until 3 hours later. We can take it on our way back, but may need to take the Circumvesuviana train instead from Naples to Sorrento (we do not need to visit Naples again).

I want to know if is a big deal if we only have carry-on size luggage to take on the Circumvesuviana train between Naples and Sorrento.

Also, how does it work if we decide to get off the train to visit Herculaneum for a couple hours (hopefully our carry-on luggage isn't too big for them to check in), then get back on a train that is on its way to Sorrento? Do we buy separate tickets from Naples to that station, and another from there to Sorrento? I am not sure if we can get off and on within a certain timeframe with tickets to Sorrento.

Otherwise perhaps a ferry to Sorrento without seeing the ruins? I am not sure how long it takes to walk to the ferry port from the Naples train station.

Posted by
8129 posts

No big deal.
If you get off at Herculaneum you need to buy another ticket.
In Naples just buy separate tickets all at once

Posted by
3551 posts

Leave plenty of time for your off train, taxi to Heraculeum and back. Realize the train station is gritty with unsavory types hanging around, heads up. Best not be there either in evening hours.
Secure your personal belongings well. I truly love Naples but safety is no. 1.

Posted by
15773 posts

It's fine. Just be a little more careful and vigilant than normal.

Think of the Circumvesuviana (CV) as a metro (that's what the train's like too). You get off the train from Rome at street level, then descend a couple of levels to the CV, where you buy your tickets. If you want to get off for a couple hours, you need to buy another ticket. Tickets are not expensive.

In Herculaneum is about a 10-15 minute walk downhill from CV to the excavations, so it's uphill back to the CV. There are a few lockers, I don't know how big they are. There's no guarantee that there will be empty ones available for you.

Sorrento topography. The center of town is perched on a cliff. The CV station is about a 10 minute uphill walk from the center. From the ferry pier, it's either a lot of stairs up to the center, or a bus (circuitous route) or maybe the elevator (costs €1-2 each) and is usually in operation in tourist season.

Posted by
1005 posts

There are no ticket machines for the Circumvesuviana and the lines can be long at the ticket windows. I'd buy my ticket at a newsstand in the main train station before going downstairs to the CV. If you are concerned about pickpockets on the train, try riding in the first car where the driver sits. Sometimes the station signs on the platforms are covered with graffiti (Pompeii is usually clear, but Herculaneum can be problematic), so be sure you know where you want to get off and ask your fellow passengers if you're confused.

Don't walk from the train station to the ferry terminal in Naples--it's too far. Either take a taxi or take the Metro to the Municipio stop.

And yes, take the Campania Express back from Sorrento--it's worth the cost to have fewer passengers and working air-conditioning.

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