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Rome Airport to Naples Train Logistics Question

Hello all:

I am still working on planning my trip. I have hit a snag and need advice from those who have done this. The plan is to land in Rome at 7:55.....then I want to go to Sorrento. I know I have to catch the Leonardo Davinci Express to Rome Termini, and I know that the train ride there is 32 minutes, and they run about every 30 minutes. There are two high speed train options I was looking at from Rome to Naples. One departs Rome at 10:53 and the other at 11:00. Do I have enough time to clear customs, catch the Leonardo Express and then make the high speed train. I want to book the tickets in advance. I plan on only having a carryon and backpack, so no luggage to claim. I've read enough posts to know not to even try a large suitcase. I know that's not much of a difference timewise, but I was going to book a shared shuttle from Naples, and the two choices for pick up are 12:30 and 2:30, and I'd really like to take the 12:30. I know I could just take the Circumvesuviana and not worry about a private shuttle, but I've read horror stories about it, so not sure if I want to get on that with even a carryon, and since I'm going in October, feel it still might be crowded. I don't want to be getting to Sorrento too late, as I'm heading out in the morning to Pompeii. I really just want to see Sorrento and spend the night there, go to Pompeii and then head up to Florence, where I plan to spend most of my time. Is this even logistically feasible. I've thought of just staying in Naples to make it easier, but I so want to see Sorrento. Thanks for any suggestions.

Posted by
8799 posts

This is the age old question asked by most travelers. The answer is that it works great when everything clicks, and an expensive disaster when it doesn't.

You really are missing the first risk, will your plane be on time? My last two trips (this year), the plane was 3 hours late due to a mechanical issue, then the other, rather than a direct flight, were rerouted through another stop in Europe, making us a couple hours late.

Then you have the variability of immigration, possibly navigating a new airport, if you mistime the express train, add another 30 minutes, possible strikes, etc.

That means you either allow an excessive amount of time for the Naples train, which you either lose or have to wait a couple hours at Termini, or you risk missing your train and having to buy a new ticket.

The solution might be to just bite the bullet, and then buy a ticket on the app while on the Leonardo Express. Yes, a bit more expensive, but think of it as insurance. You may also just decide to get a ticket well ahead at a cheap price, knowing that it is a risk and what the cost will be if problems arise. In that case, 11:00 or so should be fine.

Edit: I'll add, the Circumvesuviana is not near as scary as people make it out to be. Taken a number of times with and without luggage with no issues. Better than creating another possible missed connection, and much cheaper.

Posted by
22570 posts

Better yet, buy with the app once you have your luggage and you can ticket from Fiumicino Airport to Naples with the Leonardo Express included.

Posted by
3357 posts

You are overthinking this.

Go to www.trenitalia.com and enter "Fiumicino aeroperte" as origin and "Sorrento" as destination. You will see that Trenitalia offers you a combination train/bus journey to Sorrente, that avoids having to deal with the Circumvesuviana on your arrival day, that leaves the airport at 10:08. wich is going to work fine for your flight.

Posted by
5 posts

Hmmm...I didn't realize I could get combo options on the trenatalia site. Now, that is an option...thanks for the info. Yes, I am definitely overthinking this trying to think of all possible scenarios.

Posted by
2253 posts

We took the Flexibus bus directly from FCO airport to Naples. It goes very close the central Naples train station. It’s a short walk to the Circumvesuviana. The ride tookabout 3 1/2 hours and cost less than $25. There are many buses a day. We just exited the terminal 3 doorway, and turned right. There is a ticket booth. I would definitely make the trip again.