Rome to Pompeii , will I make the 11am tour?

That plan looks to be just one little hiccup from disaster.

Any possibility of an earlier train or later tour start?

Not saying what you propose is not possible, but with virtually no fudge factor, it will be a stern test of intestinal fortitude

How many is "we"? What ages? Luggage, or is this just a day trip?

Good luck!

Just Hubby n me, ( healthy , thank G-d, can run without pushing of course) no luggage, Can I buy in advance circumvusenanius bus tkts in advance from rome?
Tnks

No, you cannot buy Circumvesuviana tickets in Rome. I second the suggestion to take an earlier train and allow yourself more time or change to a later tour. If the Freccia arrives 10 minutes late, you'll miss your 11:00 tour. That's how little wiggle room your plan has.

The Circumvesuviana is your weakest link. It often runs late. 15 minutes is enough time at Napoli Centrali, just follow the RS directions. It's been a few years since I did this but I remember the signage between the lower level of the train station and the stairway to the Circumvesuviana was not signed. The ticket office for the Circumvesuviana was at the train platform, you can see the platform below you when you get there. Be careful. There's more than one train line using that station and trains travel in 2 directions.

Maybe you can check with Mondo - ask what happens if the Circumvesuviana is a few minutes late? Usually a tour starts with introductions and a few minutes of general spiel either before entering a site or just inside the entrance. Maybe you can also get the contact info for the guide a day or two in advance, to let him/her know you may be a little late and even a phone number to call if you can't find the guide.

I looked at the timetable - I assume your trip is within a month. Near the beginning of June, the schedule changes and the train gets in at 10.03. FWIW I'm pretty sure that you'll get on the train at Napoli Garibaldi, so that's 10.11.

LOVE YOU CHANI!

cgcrgx2, if it might help, there's a short video on the "Man in Seat 61" (great site all about European trains) for finding and taking the Circumvesuviana from Naples to the scavi:

https://www.seat61.com/places-of-interest/day-trip-to-pompeii.htm#Video-changing-trains-at-Naples

I found it very tricky finding the connecting train, but the locals are very friendly so they helped me in the end. I think just ask a few people to make sure you find that train and your get of at the right stop

I found the Naples station pretty easy. Go to the high ceiling main lobby with street exits and find the escalators in the center. Go down and turn right. It’s a long straight walk to the live agent Circumvesuvuana ticket window by the turnstiles. Track info on a wall screen. I forget if these window tickets have to be validated? Maybe not?

You are taking a big time risk. Frecciarossa tickets with a discount are not changeable.

THANK YOU ALL!!

I forget if these window tickets have to be validated? Maybe not?

YES! As far as I know, all paper Circumvesuviana tickets must be validated! Checks can be frequent on this route and fines are high for being nabbed with unvalidated tickets so be SURE to time-stamp them in the machines before boarding. Same coming back to Naples or going onward to Sorrento with new tickets.

I rode the Circumvesuviana last November and this connection is going to be very tricky. First, I'd contact Mondo and tell them you might be late--can you meet the tour inside the site if necessary? Next, watch the video referenced earlier to make sure you can find your way to the trains. Third, at the Circumvesuviana station there are NO ticket machines, the lines can be very slow, and the ticket clerks are the rudest in Italy. Buy your tickets at a newsstand upstairs in the main train station instead. Make sure the clerk knows you are going to Pompei Scavi on the Circumvesuviana. Last, be aware that as you ride the train, signs on the platforms can be covered in graffiti, so you may not know exactly where you are on the line. The platform signs at Pompei Scavi are clean, and the station just before it is brand new--it's called Villa Regina--and it really looks modern compared to the dumpy stations on the rest of the line. It's going to be an adventure, but Pompeii is worth it.

We are back, I cannot THANK ALL OF YOU enuf for your sage advice!! We made it!! Your instructions were spot on, the youtube made us feel as if we had done this before, the train was as described and was a fab experience. Highly recommended, we had a fantastic time, Pompeii blew us away and our MONDO guide, Silvia was terrific, we still laugh over her comments which brought Pompeii to life.She handled the group gracefully and everyone was raving over her descriptions and explanations. I only wish her tour was longer than the two allotted hours but she gave us great advice for further touring the area.

ONLY TIP for future travelers : Returning to Naples from Pompeii means traveling the circumvesuvania in the opposite direction which you access by going into the train station, first validate you ticket at the yellow wall machine on your right side before going down to the tunnel that passes under the tracks and then up to the tracks on the other side. We didnt know and had to go back to validate our ticket before going on the train. THe Circumvesuvania trains seem to run late as a rule. Watch your pockets or like me wear a money belt. Use bathrooms in Pompeii before leaving and buy and icecream too! :-)

Delighted that you had a great day at Pompeii!!! :O)

Always great reading a follow-up! Especially when things go right.