Getting to Pompeii from Naples (Trenitalia or...)

The Garibaldi station is just downstairs at Centrale
No need for a taxi

Well, hell. Google AI is leading me astray. ha Thank you!

I'm curious, since the Circum can't sell out I wonder how can "getting a ticket at the counter" be irritating? Even if you stumbled upon the most obnoxious employee in railway history, it's a 15-seconds relationship after all.
Anyway note that the Circumvesuviana trains depart from Piazza Garibaldi station, too. Just follow the signs: https://www.agendaonline.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/stazione-di-piazza-garibaldi-napoli.jpg

I just read that the ticket machines are confusing at the lines can be long at the counter. Course, it depends on day of the week and time of day. I rather not wait in a line. Trenitalia has an easy app to order tickets.

The Naples central train station connects to the Trenitalia regional train inside a concourse, just follow the signs, no need to even go outside, let alone take a taxi. We walked from one to the other, maybe a 10 minute walk. And I don't recall waiting longer than 10-15 minutes for the next regional train either direction from Pompeii to Naples & back on a week day.

I would take a look at where in Pompeii your AirBnB is located, the Circumvesiviana might be closer than the regional train station to your accommodation. Many tourists each day take the C. to & from Pompeii, I wouldn't worry about buying tickets. Apple Pay worked well for both the regional train & the subway in Naples. Good luck! PS, We were all writing at the same time, sorry to be repetitive!

The Campania Express is stopping service on Oct 1 so they may not even be an option for you

Check with your Airbnb for which train stops closest to your lodging-either Circumvesuviana or Trenitalia regional
Neither needs advanced purchased tix

Thank you, everyone. And I did not know that about the Express in Oct. Wow.

Official notice for stop of Campania Express service until further notice.

https://www.eavsrl.it/campania-express/

I just read that the ticket machines are confusing at the lines can be long at the counter. Course, it depends on day of the week and time of day. I rather not wait in a line.

I found the machines confusing only because I was in a massive (unnecessary as it turned out) hurry to try to catch the next train. So I just jumped in line and, within 5 minutes, I was on my way. In retrospect, it was just me being stressed on what I thought was a tight connection. I would take the Circumvisuviana train again in a heartbeat. The only time I might not would be if I had foolishly overpacked and was carrying tons of luggage...but we both know that'd be silly. Literally if I won the lottery, I would probably still take the old Circumvisuviana. I got to have a nice chat with a Nonna waiting for the train... about the Visuviana always being late. It was awesome.

I hear you, Chris. I'm traveling with my father, though. He has mobility issues. The less hassle the better for us.

Month of travel? Pompeii can be VERY hot and sunny.

Are you aware that the gritty Circumvesuviana train stops across the street from Pompeii Scavi, while Trenitalia stops over 1/2 mile away? Don't forget to Validate your Circumvesuviana tickets on the train platform before returning to Naples.

I think there is a strong chance, that your father will get a seat, or that someone will stand up to give him their seat. There is an escalator to and from the Circumvesuviana level of the Naples Central station, but there is some level walking on marble tiles on the lower level.

Where exactly is your AirBnB? In Pompei town (modern pompeii)?

Maybe important to note, Pompeii the ancient site, and modern Pompeii the town are not the same thing. They are near each other, but the Circumvesuviana (and sister Campania Express) stop at Pompeii Scavi (the train stop near the ruins, and not Pompeii town. There is a separate Trenitalia line that goes from Naples to Pompeii town (The station is just Pompei), the two stations are not next to each other and not on the same line, which one you take would depend on where your AirBnB is.

I'm traveling with my father, though. He has mobility issues.

Because you mention that you're staying in Pompei, I'm guessing you intend to visit the scavi? If so, it's not an easy places to get around with mobility limitations. Without getting into the weeds about that - as the subject is outside of the transport question above - have you done some reading up on what to expect and the "Pompeii for All" routes for visitors with walking challenges, wheelchair users, parents with strollers, etc? If not, this might be helpful...

https://pompeiisites.org/en/visiting-info/pompeii-for-all/

Apologies if you're well prepared; I meant well! :O)

Yea, I was trying to figure out the best train to take and station to take it to that was closest to our AIRBNB. Thank you.

And I will check out that link. I've been factoring in physical challenges for my dad in places that we visit and am not really planning on him being able to walk around for more than a couple of hours. It's less than ideal, but he wouldn't see these places without me accompanying him. He prefers to go on cruises cause they're more convenient. We did Japan together, though, and he did surprisingly well. This will probably be the last trip we take together, as he is approaching 80, so I'm going to just roll with it the best I can and accept what he is able to do.

If your father is disappointed with his endurance inside Pompeii (not saying that will be the case, just speculating) you might take him to Oplontis or another of the three smaller ancient sites. Oplontis is an important place, but it is much smaller (a single estate-sort of home i.e a Villa with grounds), has lots of shade, and is quite different from Pompeii Scavi. It is a short walk from a different Circumvesuviana stop.

As you have almost said, Google Maps is your friend in finding transit stops.

If you're checking a bag, I would take properly fitted hiking poles (REI?) for him to use in Pompeii. I'm pretty fit and had worked out in prep for the trip, but I really needed them on the big un-even stones. And we wore our well-broken in Merrill Moab hiking boots. This is a good example of the unevenness of the roads. https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/11248.jpg?v=1709723706-0. There is a wheelchair walkway quite a ways inside Pompeii, but when it's crowded it's hard to maneuver on it. Entering by way of the Amphitheater (if it's convenient) rather than the main entrance near the Forum will save you a sharp incline. Hope you have a great trip!