Rome to Amalfi Coast day trip providers?

We used Walks of Italy for tours in Rome. I see they have a tour from Rome to the Amalfi Coast. It includes Pompeii. I haven't been on that specific tour but the tours we did take in Rome were wonderful.

We have taken other WOI tours and loved them and we're taking their Rome-Pompeii-Amalfi tour this fall, based on rave reviews from people on this Forum who have done it. It's a very long day (leave Rome at 7:30am, return to Rome around 10pm) but someone else is driving and it's a small group. The Amalfi part of the tour is a visit to beautiful Positano. We were faced with the same issue - too far from Rome to make a day trip on or own without having to cart luggage and spend the night in a hotel to make it bearable. We can rest in the van all the way back, so not so bad!

Thank you! We will check out the WOI tours.

This might be an option. Look for a tour out of Naples. Take an early train from Rome to Naples, have the tour pick you up there and return you for an evening train to Rome. Might be a bit faster if you can find the Naples tour to do it.

As an example:
https://www.viator.com/tours/Naples/Pompeii-and-Amalfi-Coast-Day-Trip-from-Naples/d508-5921POMPAMAL/important-info

I think if you can do the Amalfi tour from Rome, you should do that. Like you said, you can rest in the van.

You can't count on resting on the train, they may be filled and you have to stand, you may have to deboard and wait for a connection, it could take you seven hours to get back to Rome! Happened to me! Go with the van plan!

You can't count on resting on the train, they may be filled and you
have to stand, you may have to deboard and wait for a connection, it
could take you seven hours to get back to Rome!

Sandra, this is a moot point if they're thinking about using the WOI tour but wouldn't be the case if just taking a train to Naples from Rome to link up with a tour there. They'd choose a direct, high speed train with seat assignments: no standing. If they chose certain of those trains, they could be there in a little over an hour.

But those nice reserved trains are Not always available, OR must be reserved a long time ahead of time! I know, been there, done that! A Regionale will be available and it can be a hellish trip!

I always use Viator.com for my day trips. If possible look for English-only tours otherwise the commentary will be cut short as they translate in multiple other languages. The tour names are similar but the inclusions and durations can vary so create an account, save to your wish list and compare. You'll need to put in your travel dates to check the availability and price. They will also email you when tours go on sale (usually 10-20% every other week) When one a particular tour's page click on the blue important info tab which will tell you where to meet (airport, train station, city central, etc) and the general schedule for the day and how long you get at each stop (and if any tickets or food is included).

Is the train really not an option? The train from Rome to Naples fast and easy so check the tours from there as well which may allow you some additional options. I find that it is usually a trade-off between the extra cost of the train and the length on time spent on the bus. However, Viator does a good job of breaking up the time with stops and sleeping on the bus back is always an option, I wouldn't sleep on the train unless on a tour. Look for guided train tours as well. The one below and the Florence to Venice day trip that take the superfast train but you have a guide to help you.

**Full-day tour of the Amalfi Coast from Rome* Enjoy a round-trip high-speed train journey from Rome to Salerno Breeze along the Amalfi Coast in an air-conditioned minivan and listen to onboard commentary Visit two of the Amalfi Coast’s most picturesque villages, Positano and Amalfi Make use of plenty of free time to explore at your own pace Small-group tour limited to 10 participants to ensure a personalized experience
Departure point nearby Repubblica metro station, Departure time 8:15am (meet strictly at 8am), Duration 13 hours (approx.) Return to Rome at Tiburtina Train Station at 9pm approximately Price Starts at $215/pp*

Amy, see if you can contact Jack. He will pick you up in Rome. Do a tour YOU want and with three of you, the price per person may be less than a bus tour.
http://www.jackthedriver.com

Sandra, it's not impossible but rare that high-speed trains sell out. I just checked trains from Rome to Naples for tomorrow morning - it's actually 5:00 AM tomorrow in Italy right now - and there are tickets available for all of the high-speed trains from 7:35 AM onwards. And it's tourist/vacation season.

It's so unfortunate that you evidently ran into difficulties but it's not the norm. Booking some time in advance can also land some great super economy/economy rates so it's worth checking before a planned trip.

Trains can be especially busy during Italian holidays so those may be exceptions.

Thank you all so much for the information & suggestions! We ended up finding a driver who would pick us up at the Naples train station (so we don't have to transfer to Sorrento) for not much more money than the Sorrento pickup, and even walked us through which train tickets to buy. He is tailoring our tour of the coast to my daughter's interest in photography, and was so helpful with everything.

I appreciate all your help! I was hesitant to attempt the Naples-Sorrento connection, but the suggestions on here of taking the train to Naples really helped and made it seem workable.