Hi all, for those of you who have done this, do you think it is reasonable to take the train from Rome to Naples around noon and then go to Pompei for the afternoon? Our final stop is Sorrento, but thought logistically it may make sense to go to Pompei first as our days our limited. Will it seem rushed? Will the afternoon be enough time? We would store our luggage and then when finished take private driver to our hotel in Sorrento. Thoughts? Grazie.
Posted by
Chicago
575 posts
I took a side trip from Rome to Pompeii in 2022. It was definitely worth it to see Pompeii.
I think you should reconsider your noon departure time for a couple reasons. First, Pompeii is about 15 miles from Naples. You will be rushed because you won't reach the Pompeii site until mid- to late-afternoon. That's a problem because Pompeii is a relatively large site, and you'll be running past some fascinating antiquities.
Also, the visit to the site might not be as meaningful unless you also see the National Archeological Museum of Naples back in the city. It houses all the artifacts from Pompeii. I'm still kicking myself because I visited Pompeii without seeing the museum.
And you'll be there in the afternoon, when the sun in southern Italy is very hot indeed.
If you can swing it, a morning departure from Rome might be better.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8339 posts
From Rome Termini to Sorrento is about 165 miles, and it takes just under 3 hours not including getting to your hotel. If you leave at noon, you may not have sufficient time to properly see Pompei.
You might do better to go straight to Sorrento and get into your hotel. Then come back to Pompei on the train the next day.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23642 posts
Whether it is enough time to see if is very dependent on personal perspective. Personally I don't you can do it in less than half day. Pompeii is massive. A two hour visit is a drive by -- "Ya, I saw that. It was great." We took six hours the first time and had a private guide for the first three hours for a quick overview tour. Than returned to see some items that we had quickly passed over. And for some folks, three hours is more than enough.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7998 posts
Pompeii (2 i’s at the end … Pompei with one “i” is a modern city nearby) is easy by train from Sorrento. Besides the ancient Pompeii ruins, there’s the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, where most of the treasures unearthed at Pompeii are displayed. There’s also Herculaneum, another ancient town buried by the same eruption that buried Pompeii - a smaller town, easier to see in a shorter amount of time, and also worthwhile, even if you’re going to Pompeii. So a full daytrip from Sorrento to see some/all of those would be rewarding.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
4628 posts
We spent 12 hours there over 2 days and didn't see it all, but it depends on your level of interest. Leaving it that late in the day though will be rushed. It's only a half hour train ride from Pompeii to Sorrento so I'm like others and would advise you go back the next day.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5649 posts
If you're not jet lagged, I like stopping on the way to Sorrento from Rome, then using a private driver Pompeii to Sorrento. However, you do need to get to Pompeii by at least 11am. It's a long day, and is hot even in the spring in fall. You may want to check the time of the RS recommended Mondo shared tours of Pompeii.
We were there May, 2023, and the regional , gritty train from Pompeii to Sorrento took almost two hours, and we had to stand the whole way, without air conditioning. Things just don't work so well in that part of Italy. Again, this was May, midweek , mid- afternoon, and the commuter train was that crowded.
Have a great trip, Pompeii is amazing, and that private car is worth the 100 euros after being on your feet and in the heat.
Safe travels!