Rome to Naples--any train tips?

Unless you really have a good reason to stay overnight in Naples, my thoughts would be to get to Sorrento. It's not a long trip overall. It's an 1.21hr trip on the high-speed non-stop to Naples. From there, just go downstairs in the Garibaldi station and jump on the Circumvesuvina train to Sorrento. About an hour or so later, you're there.

What Larry suggests is what about 90%+ of travelers on this Forum do.

Agree with Kent. Just press on to Sorrento, the train journey down is pretty enjoyable actually.

Just to throw a spanner in the works... I trained it from Florence to Naples on the ES and stayed for four night in Naples. My day visit to Sorrento was reduced to about 2 hours. I was very unimpressed and took the next train back to Naples. Grotty, I admit, but alive, vibrant and way more interesting. And no, I never felt at all unsafe, even as a female travelling solo.

I spent a few hours in Naples -- it was a few hours too many. I agree with others who say press on to Sorrento. My train from Naples to Sorrento broke down, was delayed 1 1/2 hours, and was crowded beyond belief. Fortunately, beautiful Sorrento was there when it was all over!

Naples is a gritty working city in a spectacular setting that has interesting places to visit, Sorrento is a holiday resort (has been for about 2,000 years) with wonderful views across the Bay of Naples and good transport connections to many places. Only you can say which you prefer to spend time in. If you want to visit Naples for the day, it is easy and worthwhile to do so from Sorrento. You can either take a fast ferry service, my favourite, or the local train service.

My advice would be to go directly to Sorrento, ditch your luggage at your accom and then set off to explore the area. One less check in/check out.

As noted above, the Circumvesuviana train can be extremely crowded. One option is to take a taxi from the Naples Garabaldi train station to the ferry port (about a mile away and can be walked) and take either the ferry or hydrofoil to Sorrento.

We will be arriving in Rome in late May and our plans are to take the Leonardo Express, the ES AS to Naples then the Circumvesiana to Sorrento.

As far as tickets, I know you can by the Express and the ES AV tickets at FCO, but am not certain where to buy the tickets to the Circumvesiana. Suggestions?

Jonathan: You can buy a ticket for the Circumvesuviana at the tabachi shop right next to the entrance. Ticket last week was 3.30 euros one way.

Jill,

Could you indicate if you want to stay in Naples for one night to explore the city somewhat, or perhaps visit the Archeological Museum? The Museum would probably be a worthwhile stop if you're planning to visit Pompeii, as a many of the artifacts that were removed from there are now in the Museum.

If you're just intending to "break up the journey" on the way to Sorrento, then I agree with the others - press on to Sorrento on the Circumvesuviana.

If you DO want to stop in Naples for one night, the Italy Guidebook will have recommendations. You might have a look at www.hotelchiaia.it/en/ for one suggestion. I really found Naples to be interesting, although as Rick says "the culture gets more intense as you head south".

Happy travels!

Well, I booked a room in Naples for one night. I can check in and visit the Arch. museum. Saves me from training out to Sorrento to turn right back around the next a.m. to visit Naples. I plan on doing the musuem one day and then checking my bag at the train station to just wander Spaccanopoli (sp?) Thanks everyone for your responses, I always appreciate the great info I get here. I will head to Sorrento after Naples to spend 4 glorious days. I can't wait!!! Just two more weeks to go!!!

Ciao!