Italy in Sept. Is it safer to fly into Rome with kids than Naples?

I'm not sure I understand your question...are you asking if Naples Airport is unsafe compared to Rome's Airport? Or Naples itself?

Agnes, yes I am wondering if we should avoid Naples all together(airport) I'm just fly in and out of Rome if the Naples area is too dangerous?

I flew in and out of Naples airport. Small and easy to manage airport.

Most dangerous thing was avoiding being ripped off by taxi drivers lined up outdoors.

Most dangerous thing in the city was crossing the street.

Going out of your way to avoid Naples seems illogical to me. It is chaotic and perhaps a bit sensory-overload, but not dangerous. You're going to see graffiti everywhere, and that's the case in Rome too (if you look closely).

What are you reading? What have you heard? What are your concerns? I don't think there much difference in the "safety" of either airport. View both airports as quite safe. And I would also make the claim of walking the streets in both cities. I am not a fan of any city at 2am but didn't feel any difference during the day walking the streets of either city. Perhaps you explain a little better what your concerns so we could respond better or more accurate.

Naples Airport is completely safe. Was just there with my family, including two kids. What are you reading that makes you think it is dangerous?

Don't you know that, according to the original tomato sauce recipe, neapolitans squeeze and spread foreign kids? Those between 9 and 11 are renowned for their taste

Thank you, everyone. Others had told me to avoid the Naples area as it wasn't safe so I just wasn't sure about going there for the airport. I've been to Rome airport about 12 years ago.

I'm not sure why anyone would think Naples (the city), is unsafe for tourists. In parts it certainly has a nice gritty feel, but we've never felt unsafe (admittedly we have never wandered very far into the Spanish Quarter late at night). However, whatever one's views on the city, that wouldn't apply to the airport. Depending on where you're actually based, you might be able to get to the airport without going into the city at all - for example, there is (or was?), a direct airport coach service between Sorrento and the airport. In planning your trip, I'd also consider flight options. Does Naples have direct flights across the Atlantic (if that's where you are returning)? If not, it might be less hassle to return to Rome anyway.

And that gives rise to the classic question --- Who are the "others?" And what is their expertise to make that statement?

Both airports are safe, until you are in public and have to face potential pickpockets.

I don't know if geovagriffith means to differentiate between the two subject cities, but I've been pick pocketed in Rome and not in Naples.

I am more concerned with the OP's decision to "skip Venice." The Amalfi Coast is a relatively trivial (my opinion, based on two visits there) compared to Venice (based on four visits there.) Naples is in fact a historic location, and places like Pompeii are lifetime must-see spots.

In any case, unfounded fear of Naples should apply all over southern Italy, since it has been (relative to the north) starved of government support and administration for decades. That's why life in Naples is a little rough around the edges. But Naples remains much safer (except maybe crossing the street as a pedestrian ... ) than cities and drug-infested rural areas (see "Winter's Bone", admittedly a film based on a novel) of the United States.

Opinions of the Naples train station here have recently included reports from "friends" who haven't been there in 20 years. The Naples train station (which I presume the OP is eventually going to go to) is far newer, safer, and better than any large-city train station in the US.

Been to Naples 4x and my husband & I have flown out of Naples twice most recently last Oct. As our flights out of Naples were very early (6 am & 6.30 am) we spent the day before exploring Naples and stayed at a hotel in Galleria Umberto which was a great location & they arranged our early airport transfer too with a fixed price. The airport is perfectly safe and small. Naples is a gritty place but we never felt unsafe on the tourist circuit.

Thanks, all! Good to hear! I appreciate the feedback. I have traveled quite a bit and my husband has traveled all over the world. I had just heard some sketchy things about Naples so I thought I would check-in about it.

I have been all over Italy, included Naples, Rome and more.

Not sure of the stats, but I would expect both Naples and Rome to be a potential haven for pickpockets.

When I worked for the US Navy 20 years ago, I had a friend that was being transferred to the US Navy base near Naples.

He was told (apparently this was provided to all that moved to Naples from the USA working for the US Navy) not to bring expensive stereo equipment or other electronic equipment, also not to bring an expensive automobile. The warning indicated that household burglary, car theft and break-ins were VERY COMMON.

I personally have had a family member pickpocketed in the Subway in Rome, even after I warned them of the threat.

I have found that Naples is a bit more gritty than Rome but, during the daylight at least, it appears as safe as any other Italian city. We spent our nights in Sorrento (very peaceful day or night) and only went to Naples for days trips (in 2014 and in 2018). The main city center is easily walkable although we did utilize a taxi to get to and from the Capidimonte Museum. I wouldn't shy away from Naples but it certainly pays to research the sites you wish to see and avoid poorly lit back streets later in the evening. I would also suggest avoiding the Circumvesiviana in the evenings. We had no issue on the train itself but we were cased pretty hard on the platform at the Garibaldi Station in Naples. Enjoy your trip!

We were impressed with Naples airport. What do you fear? It was a very nice place with many good food options available.