Circumvesuviana with luggage

Rick: Thank you for the confirmation that the conditions were still about the same. I had already checked out the train schedules and I have used a money belt when traveling to Europe for at least 10 years.

Robert It will be a long day, but you can do it. Rome to Naples. 1H20m fast train. Naples to Pompeii 30M. Pompeii to Sorrento 30M. The Circumversuviana train do not have room for your luggage. It is like a local bus. With one roller bag and one carry on, you can carry with you. I did it last time, no problem. Use money belt.
Have a good trip.

I've done the Circumvesuviana solo with luggage for years. Don't wear jewelry, you'll be fine.

My experience with trying to use the Circumvesuviana train with luggage in tow is quite different from the others. We attempted to take the Circumvesuviana from Naples to Sorrento in early September this year and there was NO way we could get on it with luggage. It was SO crowded and everyone rushed the train when it arrived and we couldn't get on at all. My husband and I each had a check-in piece of luggage & a carry on & while we stood as close to the front of the platform as possible, everyone rushed and pushed around us when the train arrived and by the time we got to the entrance, it was completely full. It was standing room only on the train and we quickly realized that getting on the train was going to be an exercise in futility so we aborted that plan and went upstairs and got a taxi instead. My experience could have been due to the fact that I was traveling during peak season. You didn't state what time of year you'll be there so this might make a big difference. When it came time to travel back from Sorrento to Naples (& on to Rome), we didn't even attempt to use the Circumvesuviana; we hired a private driver and while it was definitely expensive, it was a much better experience. It was hot when we were in that region and the train is not air conditioned and with everyone packed in like sardines, it would not have been a comfortable train ride! We're glad we hired a private driver as it was much more relaxing. Have a great trip!

One more thing Bob! We toured the Archaeological Museum in Naples with Pina Esposito for 2 hours and she was a wonderful guide. If you're interested in a tour of the museum, let me know & I'll find her e-mail address for you. We only had 2 hours to spend in the museum as we were en route to Rome and she helped focus our time on the most important pieces of art.

As you will be traveling off rush hour, there should be no problem. We did it around noon and train was only half full. This train is similar to the SEPTA trains in our area. It will be a long day but it is okay if you leave Rome early. Just be aware with Pompeii, their closing hours are different depending on season,I seem to remember in winter, it is five pm. Last entry about hour and half before closing, something to be aware of for your travels. From Naples, be sure to get off the correct Pompeii stop, I think it is the second one but can't remember. If this schedule is too tight, you can always go o to Sorrento and then visit Pompeii the next day. When in Sorrento, be sure to take the bus down the coast for great views, sit o side of bus away from driver. Enjoy.

The train stop is Pompeii Scavi. Five minute walk to Pompeii.

when you head out of Sorrento, if you still pass by Naples maybe you should save the museum on your way out. to do the museum and Pompeii on the same day is very exhausting, Pompeii is far bigger than what I expected, and Naples is very interesting to walk a little bit after the museum, so if you can, try to split them into 2 days. the commute train is fine, don't get too scared. if you're really concerned you can take the speedboat instead. but I bet you once you walk Naples a few blocks, the train is like a walk in the park.