Does anyone have suggestions for travel from Positano to Rome? We are staying in the heart of Positano for 5 days in the beginning of October and then traveling to Rome to stay in Trastevere for 3 days before heading back to the US on October 9. I've looked at the Trenitalia site from Sorrento but find the different classes confusing. We have traveled in Italy in the past and prefer first class whenever possible. The site has 4 different classes this my confusion. Also, I would need advice on the best way to get to Sorrento to catch the train. I really appreciate any help out there.
Thanks.
Posted by
5292 posts
Fro Positano, I would ferry, bus, or private car transfer to Salerno and train from there. You can bypass Sorrento and Naples.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
First, there is no Trenitalia service from Sorrento. Are you think Salerno?
From Positano to Naples, use this shuttle. It's the easiest.
http://www.positanoshuttle.com/positanoshuttle-bus-timetable-2/
Then Trenitalia, Napoli Centrale-Roma Termini.
From Positano-Salerno, ferry or bus. Timetable here.
Train station is across the street from the ferry dock.
Then Salerno-Roma Termini.
Dependent on schedule, you may have a train change in Naples.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16721 posts
Right. As Gerri said, Trenitalia doesn't service Sorrento. To get to Naples, you need to use the local Circumvesuviana commuter train. It's a no-frills thing but cheap, runs frequently, and gets you to Garibaldi/Centrale. The only caution is to keep a strong hand on your valuables but that's true for any form of public transit in Italy, aside from the more expensive fast trains.
Schedule is here:
http://www.eavsrl.it/web/sites/default/files/eavferro/Sorrento-%20Napoli.pdf
There is also a slightly more expensive tourist train which is more comfortable and makes fewer stops but doesn't run as frequently. I'd shoot for this one if the timing works:
http://www.eavsrl.it/web/content/campania-express-2017-it
For Trenitalia trains either from Naples or Salerno to Rome, tickets come in different tiers of carriage - standard (2nd class), premium, business and executive levels - and different ticketing prices. The cheapest tickets (super-economy and economy) have limits on on them, such as being non-changeable and non-refudable or not without cost, should you miss your specified train. They are also the quickest to sell out in advance as they're good deals and only available in limited numbers. You can read about different ticketing options here; click on the "base", "economy" or "super-economy" boxes:
http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en/Offers
We only travel 2nd class and on the lowest ticket price available: if there's a super-economy fare to be had, I'd jump on it. It does mean committing to THAT train at THAT time but other than flight- arrival days being sketchy, it's just a matter of being at the station when you need to be.
But one more thing? Italo also runs the route from Naples or Salerno to Rome. This is a private rail service with nice trains and competitive pricing so I'd look at that as well:
Editing to add: if you plan to arrive in Naples by road - such as a bus - and plan to pre-purchase train tickets, give yourself PLENTY of time between scheduled arrival and train departure, should an accident or other traffic event cause a delay.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
8052 posts
The Trenitalia service you want is called Frecciarossa, and you have to see if it serves Salerno or only Naples. If you only take first class trains, you should book a car service to either Salerno, or Naples if the Frecciarossa doesn't extend to Salerno. Don't take the Circumvesuviana. Honestly, Naples car service won't be that much more than Salerno, just a longer ride. Check with your hotel when pricing car services.
The Circumvesuviana is a completely different agency from Trenitalia, more like Commuter Rail or S-Bahn.
Posted by
7 posts
We are also traveling from Positano to Rome in mid-September. We have a private car service taking us to Naples and taking train to Rome. It is safe to buy train tickets when we get to station or should we purchase tickets now on-line? Thanks!
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
8052 posts
dml2libi, this thread is a month old, so you might have done better to start a new one. You did not say if you are taking Frecciarossa or standard trains. The Frecciarossa is quite expensive for walk-up tickets, but I imagine availability is OK in September, almost shoulder season. OTOH, Frecciarossa tickets are only for a specific departure. They're no good if you're late or change your plans. So the answer to your question depends on your budget and your travel plans. It is so close to September now that you'll have to log onto the Trenitalia site and price the tickets. The advance purchase discount may not be that good only 30 days out, or the departures you want may not be discounted because of demand for that part of the day. We bought ours about 90 days in advance.