Just wondering if it's doable (and worth doing) to take a day trip via the train to Pompeii from Rome. Is the transfer in Naples difficult to handle? Also, would you recommend getting a guide upon arrival? Traveling with my family (3 kids, ages 16, 13, and 10) so would want to keep them interested. Thanks for your advice.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23791 posts
It can be a very long day. Transfer in Naples is easy. Go downstairs, follow the signs, maybe a hundred yards or so. There are plenty of guides available at the front door. Talk with a couple, check their English, see what they want to show you, get the hour rate. We used one for two hours - well worth it. Guides answer questions. Audio guides, ipads, etc. dont. There is absolutely no shade anywhere so it can be very hot.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
A very long day. You'll have to decide if the kids, and you, are going to enjoy it.
Posted by
Chicago
792 posts
Fast train from Rome to Naples= 1 hr 15 min
Circumvesuviana to Pompeii= 45 minutes ish.
When you factor in waiting for trains/walking to the site you are looking at a minimum 2.5 hours of travel time each way.
I really enjoyed Pompeii and I think kids would like it too but because of the travel it is a long day. That might be a lot for your 10 year old but you know your kids better than I do. There are Pompeii tours that leave Rome. It takes some of the fatigue out of the day if you don't have to coordinate the travel yourself and can sit on a bus.
I did not get a guide and I regretted it. The city is huge and I eventually got overwhelmed. But it was a great day. Wear sunblock and bring water! You are in direct sunlight the whole time....assuming it is sunny out.
Posted by
Sydney Australia
40 posts
My husband and I took our 8 year old grand daughter from Rome to Pompeii for a day trip in October 2014. I highly recommend Lucia Tizzano of Lucia Pompeii guide private tours. Lucia will give you detailed instructions on how to travel by train to Pompeii. It is an early start and can be a long day but well worth it. She will meet you at Pompeii and organise your tickets. I have booked her for a return trip in April. She can also organise a guide to take you on a tour of Naples.
We used Lucia for the morning tour of Pompeii and engaged Mondo Guides for a tour of Naples in the afternoon. It was a brilliant day.