We are going to:
Venice
Florence
Sorrento
Ending in Rome
Are these the right stations? We are looking to buy in advance
1)Venezia S. Lucia to Firenze S. M. Novella
2)Firenze S. M. Novella to Napoli Centrale(this is the one I am questioning the most if i'm selecting the right station)
-I know we will need to take transportation from Naples to Sorrento, suggestions?
3)Napoli Centrale to Roma Termini
Did I line the train stations up right? We have never been to Italy
You got the train stations right. From Napoli to Sorrento there are several options: Circumvesuviana train. The Station is next to Napoli Centrale - connected. The train is usually crowded and hot. There is also bus option. I consider the best option to be a boat. From Napoli Harbor to Sorrento Harbor: cool, scenic and fast.
Yes, those are all correct.
Boat from Napoli to Sorrento, depending on time of year and water conditions
or
Circumvesuviana commuter train with many stops to Sorrento from the station downstairs at Napoli Centrale to Sorrento.
I think you are on the right trail...
Thank you! Its always intimidating to book all of our transport ahead of time, especially when we have never been to Italy and never take trains back home.
We will be getting there September 11th. Is the boating options something we should book in advance
Yes, the stations you list are all 'main' stations for those cities.
To go to Sorrento from Napoli Centrale, you walk to the adjoining Garibaldi station and purchase tickets for the local Circumvesuvina train: you don't buy these in advance. This is a bare-bones commuter that is short on comfort but tickets are very inexpensive, and it'll get you there. Do keep a firm hand and sharp eye on your valuables but we've used this train without incident.
You'll want the Napoli - Sorrento line, and you can see current schedules here:
These tickets MUST be validated (time-stamped) in the machines near the tracks before you get on the train. No worries about where to get off as this line terminates in Sorrento.
If you plan on doing Pompeii, you'll use this same train: get off at Pompei S. Villa Misteri, which is right in front of the entrance.
Train stations are correct.
The following segments are on high speed trains:
Venezia S.Lucia-Firenze SMN
Firenze SMN-Napoli C.
Napoli C.-Roma T.
There are still discounted tickets (SuperEconomy and Economy) for those portions in September if you pre-purchase online.
However discounted tickets are non refundable and non changeable (the Economy can be changed but only once).
If you have absolutely firm plans on your day and time of travel you could take advantage of the discounts and buy those tickets now.
If you want flexibility to change your mind, then you can buy on the day of travel or the day before at the station.
To look at the schedule and if you want to purchase go to:
www.trenitalia.com
Since you arrive to Napoli by train, I think the Circumvesuviana commuter train is a better option, because with the boat you need to take a taxi/bus from the station to the port (Molo Beverello = Beverello Pier) and transfer to the boat. If you take the Circuvesuviana you are already at the station (you just have to go downstairs).
The circuvesuviana website is here:
http://www.eavsrl.it/web/en
From Sorrento back to Rome there is also a comfortable bus option, with the Marozzi bus company, which takes you to the Tiburtina station.
http://www.marozzivt.it/web.aspx
(click on "prenota Marozzi" to book, then 'ricerca orari corse' to see schedule or "prenota" to book)
The bus is slower than the train, but you don't have to deal with train changes and the luggage.
I am not sure I would view the boat as the best option. It certainly would be the most pleasant if it is not stormy. But the big issue is that you need to get from the station to the harbor. The harbor is about ten minutes away and not walkable. Bus 1, I think goes to the harbor, from across the plaza in front of the station. Personally I think it is more of a hassle to deal with the bus and then the boat. Some like to knock the Circumuesuvlana but it is not that bad. It is a private line and basically a commuter run between Napoli and Sorrento. It is clunky, old equipment, well worn, slow with lots of stops but always gets there. Reminds me of the NY subway. At peak times it can be standing room only but hopefully you can adjust your schedule for mid day. It also has a reputation for pickpockets but I don't feel that it is any worse than any other place. Use some precaution and stay alert. You cannot miss your stop. End of the line. View it as part of the Italian experience.
Thank you ALL for your help! We just booked all of our train travel :)
Do you know how long it takes to receive the tickets to our email? I got the confirmation receipt for our purchase. Lastly, I saw that my husbands name was only on the 3rd destination...is that because I booked all the trips together and not separate?
You don't have to book the boat ahead. Just buy ticket when you arrive to the Harbor. If you are not stopping in Napoli then it would be easier just to change to Circumvesuviana. We stayed 3 nights in Napoli so the choice for us was easy.
I received my tickets. I noticed that my name is on all 3 tickets and my husbands is on 1 of the 3...does it matter if his name is on the ticket when it says 2 passengers on each? I'm guess if 1 ticket is for 2 people it would require 1 stamp?
You are correct, a ticket will be stamped one time. Both passenger names do not need to appear on all tickets. By the way, you can just show your e-ticket to the conductor but I prefer to have a printed copy with me.
