Day trip from Rome to Pompei

Here's the confusing answer. There is a direct Trenitalia train from Rome to Pompei but the Trenitalia train stop at Pompei is not near the Pompei ruins. You most likely will need a taxi.

The most popular route is the take the Trenitalia train from Rome to Naples (about 2.0hrs or less) and then go downstairs to pick up the private Circumvesuviana train to the Pompei Scavi stop. This stop is next to the ruins. This same train will take you to Sorrento as well. The Circumvesuviana train is a local commuter train that runs between Sorrento and Naples. Note that if you have a Eurail pass, it won't get you on the Circumvesuviana train.

Thank you, that helps. Once I arrive in Sorrento, should I take a bus to the Amalfi coast or is it to hard to do that?

Nope. In fact, its quite easy. There is a fairly frequent SITA bus from Sorrento to Amalfi. If you want to go farther, you need to switch SITA buses at Amalfi and that one goes to Salerno. Or, you can take the ferry from Sorrento to Positano or Amalfi.

I've been to Pompeii three times but this year I finally made it to Ostia Antica (see RS book), the ancient port of Rome, and really loved it. It's only one hour and one Euro away. Go to www.ostia-antica.org and be wowed! I love taking the ferry when I'm in Sorrento. The water is beautiful and the towns cling to the cliffs so lovely.

I personally don't think that Pompei is worth the trip or the money. Across the street there is a great cameo factory. Most of the better ruins have been removed and taken to the museum in Naples. IMHO you should spend more time exploring the towns of Positano, Sorrento and Amalfi. Really dig deep into each city and watch the locals work near the fishing ports. Unless you are into history..skip Pompei. Also, think about taking a ferry over to the island of Capri..it's beautiful.

i'll second the opinion to go to Ostia Antica. My daughter and I loved it, she spent hours crawling around the ruins. 30 minute train ride from Termini