Help with train itinerary from Roma termini to Positano and back....

monica,

A few thoughts on each of the points you mentioned.....

• To begin with, the Leonardo Express does NOT go to Naples, only between Roma Termini and FCO airport. For the trip from Roma Termini to Naples, you'll be travelling via the Freccia high speed trains (reservations compulsory, which are specific to train, date and departure time).
• I'd suggest visiting Pompeii during the time you're staying in Sorrento. It's a waste of time to travel back to Naples via Circuvesuviana and then cover the same route back to Sorrento. The trip from Sorrento to Pompeii is only about 30 minutes.
• Taking the Bus from Sorrento to Positano is the least expensive option. I haven't looked at the costs lately, but using a Taxi or private driver might also be an option.
• On your return day to Rome, I'm not quite sure why you're travelling by Ferry to Naples, then to Sorrento and then back to Naples? The easiest way to get back to Rome is Bus or Taxi to Sorrento, Circumvesuviana to Napoli Centrale and then Freccia train to Roma Termini.
• I'd probably leave about 30 minutes for a transfer between the Circumvesuviana and the Freccia train. Keep in mind that your tickets for the Freccia are specific to a particular train, date and departure time, so if you miss the train listed on your ticket. You can NOT just board the next train or you'll risk hefty fines which will be collected on the spot!
• If you're using the Leonardo Express to return to FCO airport, it departs from Roma Termini so you will have to change trains at Termini. One additional point to mention - as the L.E. is a Regionale, you MUST validate your tickets prior to boarding the train on the day of travel, or again HEFTY FINES which will be collected on the spot! THIS SIGN provides an example of the hefty fines (these fines apply to EACH person with a non-validated ticket and is about the same for those without valid reservations on a premium train).

Be sure to watch your belongings carefully while travelling on the Circumvesuviana and wear a Money Belt, as that train has somewhat of a reputation for pickpockets. Anything that isn't "nailed down" may disappear while you're not watching.

What Ken said, except that I ride the Circumvesuviana frequently and don't have any problems, just keep your belongings with you. You will notice that local women do not wear gold jewelry on this train, good example to follow.

Thank you Ken and Zoe for your help. It was a bit confusing, sorry. We are not going back and forth. Plan on stopping in Pompeii on the way to Sorrento. The comment about ferry or bus was, a question about best way to get back to Sorrento from Positano on our way back. I thought I saw someting about take a bus down to Positano from Sorrento and ferry back for a different view. If we do take the bus back to Sorrento fom Positano and then the Circum train to Naples how much time should we allow to make it from Positano to Naples to catch the Freccia train to Rome?

Thanks again for all your help...

@Quirite,

Thanks for the clarification. The Trenitalia website indicates the L.E. as a "Regionale Veloce", so I assumed the same rules applied for validation.

I just wanted to indicate that it's essential to validate tickets on the Leonardo Express as on Regionale trains in order to avoid fines (I've seen that happen on several occasions).

Ken, can you help with my last question about how much time do you think it takes by bus to Sorrento, then train to Naples to catch the fast train( Freccia) back to Rome. I want to buy a round trip ticket and need to figure out about how long it takes to get back to Naples to catch fast train?

Thanks...

Bus from Positano to Sorrento takes about an hour then train from Sorrento to Naples a little more than an hour. FYI, when you leave Sorrento by bus to Positano, try to get seat on side of bus opposite from driver for best view. Also get off in Positano at second Positano stop or you will have to take a local bus into town which is a pain with luggage. From the second Positano stop it is an easy walk down hill to town.

monica,

Gail provided a great description of the times on the routes you'll be using. You may find it helpful to also have a look at the chart on THIS Website as it provides a good description of the various travel times between each of the cities you'll be visiting.

Thank you for the very helpful info. The website is fabulous,thank you so much...