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Logistics to travel from Rome to Naples/Amalfi/Pompeii and back to Rome

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I'm planning a late March trip from Rome to see Naples, Amalfi, Pompeii, then return to Rome (not sure about including Capri). From Rick's book, it seems Sorrento should be my base for 3 nights. But I also see recommendations online to take a train to or from Salerno one way, and then Naples the other.

To avoid a one night stay, I was thinking of taking a train from Rome to Naples mid-morning, store bags, go to the museum and do Ricks' half walking tour, before taking the commuter train to Sorrento. Then do day trips to Pompeii and a ferry to see the Amalfi Coast.

Does that sound like a good idea, or should I plan for one night in Naples to avoid the bag drop/pickup and the commuter train to Sorrento in the same day?

Also, should I plan a way to go back from Salerno instead of Naples? We are a group of 4 with small backpacks and 1 carry-on size bag each.

Is there a part of the book I've skipped or need to re-read?

Posted by
337 posts

Sounds like you have a good idea. I wouldn't go out of my way to go through Salerno unless there is something there for you. Do Naples and then move on to Sorrento for a quiet home base and easy access to the day trips you want to do. If your budget allows, a car and driver is a great way to see the AC and Pompeii (I did both in a single day). I have never made it to Capri but it is a short ferry from Sorrento and I can't wait to do that in July.

Posted by
6633 posts

I think it might help to look at a map more than the book description (if that sounds flippant, it’s not, I am being literal and sharing what I do myself). If you were staying in the Amalfi Coast, as opposed to Sorrento, then it would make sense to return from Salerno. You’ve got a good plan, and I see no need to split the stay.

Posted by
7048 posts

If your trip is in March, I dont think you will be able to take the ferry to Amalfi, since regular schedules dont start til April. You'll have to check for your dates.

Posted by
1566 posts

That makes sense, you've got a good plan. But I would leave Rome as early as possible, so you have enough time in Naples. Here's a rather detailed TR from our December trip to Pompeii; it was 75% ruins, 25% MANN museum in Naples, without the Amalfi Coast, as I had been to the area a few times. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/great-trip-to-pompeii-naples-over-new-years-december-26-january-2nd-2026

I went to Pompeii many years ago with only a guide book. Personally, I would take a 9:30AM group tour of Pompeii, (we used Askos & our archeologist was amazing). Valadelphia's idea to use a driver to see the AC & Pompeii in a day is also a possibility, if you just wanted to dip your toe in, we did that years ago. If you have the time to watch a documentary, The New Dig on PBS is fascinating and will give you a great overview of the Pompeii ruins. You can actually walk on an overhead walkway over the dig, it's in my TR. Have a great trip!!

Posted by
30280 posts

If you aren't going to go to Capri, I don't see that Sorrento is all that much more convenient than Salerno. Salerno is quite close to Amalfi, and the mainline trains between Naples and Salerno stop at the town of Pompeii; the trip from Salerno takes 42 minutes, with trains running twice per hour. That is not the train station that's close to the excavations, but there should be taxis available, and possibly buses. Google says it's a 25-minute walk. The Circumvesuviana trip from Sorrento to Pompeii Scavi takes 40 minutes and is also scheduled to operate roughly twice per hour; there is some variation there.

Things might be different in March, but at busier times hotels in Salerno are a lot less expensive than hotels in Sorrento.

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