Naples to Sorrento - Train or Speedboat?

sally, I'd still prefer the train, although I've never tried that route by boat. By the time you get from Napoli Centrale to the docks and the same at the other end in Sorrento, train would probably be a "simpler" solution. Cheers!

Ken, The way that you described it , it is better to take the train. Thanks again.

Sally, Actually, the transfer from the Marina to your Hotel in Sorrento would probably be very short, but I'd still take the train.

sally, "what is the commute hours or is there a particular time that is quite busy so we can avoid that time" As GAC mentioned, the petty thieves tend to target tourists, so I'd be vigilant at any time when riding the Circumvesuviana ( I doubt there's any time that's safer than others). They're very adept at spotting tourists and looking for "opportunities". All they need is a few seconds of inattention.

If you're arriving in Naples by train from Rome, it's FAR FAR easier, more efficient and cheaper to proceed to Sorrento by Circumvesuviana commuter train, which departs from the platforms underground. The one-way fare on the Circumvesuviana is 3.40 Euros. Be aware, however, that the train does get crowded during commute hours, and you do need to be careful about pickpockets. To take the hydrofoil to Sorrento means paying around 15 euros to reach the Beverello Dock in central Naples by taxi, then paying another 11 Euros fare for the boat, then paying for another taxi in Sorrento to take you up hill to your hotel (or taking the local shuttle bus from the marina). It's terribly inefficient, although some people are willing to do it just for the panoramas. If you happen to already be in central Naples and can walk to Beverello Dock, then taking the hydrofoil is more easily justified. If arriving at the Naples Airport, the best way to reach Sorrento is by the direct Curreri airport bus, which costs 10 Euros.

Hi Ken and GAC, both of you mentioned about being aware of pickpockets on the train during commute hours. Do you mind if I asked what is the commute hours or is there a particular time that is quite busy so we can avoid that time? Thanks so much.

Commute hours are: 7:30-10 a.m.; 12 noon-1:30 p.m.; 4-7:30 p.m. Pickpockets also target tourists, so they track the arrival and departure times of long-distance trains arriving from and departing to Rome, for example, and the foreign tourists connecting to and from these trains to and from the Circumvesuviana commuter line. Don't keep bills or credit cards, passports, or other legal documents in your purse, handbag, backpack, suitcase, or trouser back pocket, or in open and visible pockets (such as a shirt pocket). Use a money belt or closed pockets inside of closed jackets. Don't leave your luggage unattended on the Circumvesuviana train. Keep it close to you at all times. Beware of crowded situations, and suspect people (especially children) trying to distract you (or "help" you with luggage) while boarding or alighting from the train, or while on the train.

with a train it's easier logistically, and cheaper. on the other hand i took the boat once and liked it too. the taxi ride through town is very exciting experience - you'll have to do it once to see the craziness your self. the dock is cross street from the new castle. it's a pretty majestic building on a small hill over look the city and the volcano. nice view for picture taking. if that's all you have for naples then you may want to just experience it, but if you have more time to discover naples it's actually a really cool place with so much to see. when you get to sorrento's port, there is a bus that goes up the hill and many hotels along this route. so if your hotel is around then the bus almost you right in front. these hotels typically have good views of the ocean and volcano because this road goes around the cliff (not as close as amalfi).