Landing in FCO. Buy train tickets in advance to Naples?

Posted by caroline (Seattle) on 06/30/19 12:53 AM

Hi: In Sept, I'm flying with 2 friends (US or Australian passports) from Dubrovnik into FCO at 2:10pm and will then go to Amalfi coast (so we want to be efficient getting there.) So we'd like to take a fast train from Rome to Naples. I'm wondering:
1) Whether to book the train to Naples in advance and save some money or wait until we get to the station? Does the train ever sell out?
2) How much time to allow to get to the Naples train after arrival in FCO for passport control, baggage claim etc.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Posted by Jazz+Travels

Chicago

06/30/19 01:39 AM

8220 posts

You should wait til you get there; there are many trains they do not sell out.
My last trip to Italy I had bought a train Rome to Naples in advance and ended up having to buy another because the flight was delayed.
However the loss was not too bad as the one I bought in advance only cost me 30 euros for two tickets,

Buying in advance I would give myself 3 hours to catch the train if flying in; but again there are so many trains going towards Naples operated by Trenitalia and Italo train.

Posted by Frank

Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA

06/30/19 03:41 AM

23652 posts

I would view three hours as min. The train alone into Rome could take an hour if you just miss the train and have to wait for the next one. I have been through passport control in Rome in 45 minutes and one time nearly three hours. That is the big unknown and, of course, later in the day plane schedule seem to get later and later.

Posted by caroline OP

Seattle

06/30/19 05:29 AM

28 posts

Thanks so much for your prompt replies! Sounds like I'll wait. Maybe get the trenitalia app.

Posted by Tim

Wyckoff, NJ, USA

06/30/19 11:34 AM

8014 posts

The only problem is that Frecciarossa is a premium product. You are likely to pay the maximum “walkup” rate with this plan. We were refused permission to get on one train earlier than our tickets (Naples to Rome) despite seats available. Compare the prices over 3 months on Trenitalia.

Posted by angelina521

San Francisco Bay Area

07/02/19 05:25 PM

75 posts

Yes - buying in advance is cheaper.
But the anxiety would be too much for me and not worth it!
Go to the TrainlineEU website.
Get familiar with your departure options.
You can’t purchase through TrainlineEU if you need tickets within a 24-hour period, but at least you’ll know the options.
For other times, use TrainlineEU.
Easy platform - Clear, concise, in English, can pay through your iPhone.

Posted by marie

west Chester, PA

07/03/19 12:12 AM

372 posts

Hello Caroline
We have flown into FCO several times from PHL and have gotten there as much as 1.5 hours early and 2 hours late! So, when we were planning a trip to Sorrento from FCO, I looked into the Fiumicino express bus that leaves from terminal 3 (same terminal we arrived at) where the buses are located. We paid slightly more for the tickets last minute, but it still saved us a good amount of not having to go to Termini via the Leonardo express then taking a fast train at the regular price (we usually always pre buy our fast train tickets). The bus was the express bus and took us directly from FCO to Napoli Centrale bus depot, we literally walked 15 feet from the bus into the train station. The bus was very clean and comfortable.