I have always been fascinated with Pompeii and wanted to visit. Traveling to AC (Positano is my destination) from Rome via train and possibly boat/ferry from Naples or Sorrento. I am "solo" and flexible in my schedule (i.e. No real agenda) and was contemplating including stop to visit Pompei en route. I am thinking that once I get to Positano , I won't want to go back and do a day trip there. Thoughts? I believe the train stations have places to store luggage short term? Has anyone done? I will be traveling light but it makes me a little nervous to think about leaving my bag in train station in Naples! Also read a lot of negative comments about the circumsivena (sp?) train- lots of pickpockets, safety issues etc) . I am sure this happens everywhere.... But should I avoid as a woman traveling alone? I am confident about my level of "street smarts".........
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16752 posts
awbettsfleck, there is a bag check service at the scavi itself. No need to check yours in Naples.
http://www.pompeionline.net/pompei-scavi/orari-e-informazioni-biglietteria
We've taken the Circumvesuviana a couple of times and didn't have any issues. You don't have to worry about pickpockets if you keep your valuables where pickpockets can't get to them. This is true ANYWHERE in Italy and not just on this train. I personally wouldn't have been uncomfortable taking this train alone even though it's really bare bones and requires keeping your wits about you. To be honest, I've been on public transport just as battered and which required as much back-watching in the U.S.
When are you taking this trip? Time of year can affect your ability to get around the Amalfi by boat. On the upside, there's a Circumvesuviana EXPRESS train running between Naples and Sorrento with stops only at Ercolano and Pompeii Villa dei Misteri stations along the way. I think it's a few more euros than the regular commuter train but I think it would be worth it for cutting time, and it's bound to have fewer commuters/'problem' passengers. It operates in 2016 four times daily between March 20th and Oct. 15th. Schedule for 2017 isn't out yet but I'm guessing it'll be similar.
http://www.napoliunplugged.com/campania-express-tourist-train-to-herculaneum-pompeii-and-sorrento
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thanks Kathy! What did you mean by "scavi"? Is that at Pompeii site? I am leaving in 2 weekS! So I would be going on 9/02. Pretty sure I can still go by boat that time of year but thanks for letting me know about that express train option!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16752 posts
You're welcome!
You'll be well within season for the AC boats. YAY! The only complication - and chances are far fewer than more - is that they can't dock in Positano if the sea is too rough.
Yes, by 'scavi' I mean the ruins. The site is somewhat separate from the town of Pompeii. Whatever choice of Circumvesuviana you end up taking, you want to get off at Pompeii Villa dei Misteri station: it's right across from the main entrance to the scavi. And when you come into Naples Centrale from Rome, you need to walk over (inside) to the adjoining Garibaldi station to get the train to Pompeii/Sorrento.
Editing to add: Marina Piccola in Sorrento - where you'd catch the boat to Positano - is a bit of a walk from the train station but a nice one IF you are traveling light. It's at the bottom of the cliffs (most of the town is at the top) so at least you'd be going downhill! If you don't want the hoof it, there is town bus service and it wouldn't be expensive at all to hop one. They can point you in the right direction at the station.