Rome to Positano...but want to stop at Pompeii on the way

Donna, thanks for that info. I actually have been doing some reading about the train system in Italy today. It seems that most trains require reservation, unless it is a regional train. That is good if the reservation is included on the ticket, less hassle and things to be remember. I know in the Rick Steves guidebook, I don't recall him mentioning the savings that you get by booking in advance on TrenItalia website. But I went to the site, and I see what you are saying - the MINI fare which allows you to purchase in advance...I guess you are just committed to the travel time, which maybe isn't terrible. It will save a ton of money. My question is...how do you get your tickets? Do they mail them before you arrive and how soon do you get them or do you pick them up there? We are traveling to Italy late Sept/early Oct so in just about a month we are leaving. Thanks

There is no train from Rome to Sorrento. You'll train to Naples Centrale, where you'll change to the Circumvesuviana local train to Sorrento. Just follow the signs. The Circumvesuviana does stop at Pompeii. The stop is called "Pompeii Scavi". The Circumvesuviana's last stop is Sorrento. From Sorrento, you can take a SITA bus - or a taxi if you prefer - on to Positano. The Sorrento bus station is right by the Circumvesuviana train station.

Thanks for the explanation. That sounds fairly easy. Do you have to have seat reservations on any of the trains I would be taking? I heard that the high speed trains in Italy need seat reservations, which I would rather avoid the hassle of. I understand local trains, like the one between Naples and Sorrento, would not require this, but what about for the leg between Rome and Naples?

Yes, the train from Rome to Naples will require a seat reservation but if you book your tickets on the trenitalia site it will be included in the price at the time you buy the ticket. It's very easy to do and no hassle at all. You don't say when you are traveling but if it's before mid December you will be able to purchase the Rome-Naples leg online and take advantage of the mini fares which can be up to 60% off. Mid December is historically when trenitalia revamps it's schedule so you might not be able to book for after that time frame. You won't be able to book the commuter circumvesuviana train but that ticket is very easy to get once in Naples. It never sells out and there are no seat reservations for that train. Donna

Jason: click on the link below and look under "ticket delivery" and you'll see your 4 options: http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=ab9099e8e609a110VgnVCM1000003f16f90aRCRD#6

We once did this exact same trip. And as the other posters described - Trenitalia to Naples. Circumvesuviana to Pompeii, walk around Pompeii, back on the Circumvesuviana to Sorrenot and then SITA bus to Positano. It does take awhile and you may want to look online for the bus schedules. We had to wait a while in Sorrento and then the crowd to get on the bus was big. We got on, but it was very crowded. Try to position yourself in front and grab seats on the right side. Unless you're afraid of heights....

A few suggestions:
I would highly recommend you take the fastest train possible since you will get a better quality train. Some of the slower, local lines on the Italian train system can give you the worst train experience in Europe. But they do make for great travel stories. You might think about taking the train from Naples to Salerno and then taking a boat to Positano. It's a beautiful and relaxing cruise.

Well Jason, Yes you do have to travel from Rome to Naples and then your fun begins when you go on theCircumvensia train. It is a local train so be aware of small kids wanted money or grabbing your pocketbook and running off the train. This was our excitment as we headed to Sorrento . They don't announce where you are going so look above you as you walk onto the train. I believe there is 33 stops to Sorrento. This is the last stop. Pompeii is inthe middle of the stop. Also be aware that the train may stop and the conductor may just get off. This happen to an Australian couple and had to find there way toSorrento. We also had a train and bus strike so just take it in strive.The strike does not last all day. Ours was in the morning and then later in the evening so we only had 4 hours to get to our destinations or it would cost you a arm and leg from the taxi drivers. Your in Italy.

Thanks for everyone's info. I do not know too much of the history of Pompeii, other than the volcano preserving the town alive when it erupted. However, I heard there is a museum in Naples that you must visit if your going to visit Pompeii. Is it a definite must do or can you skip it? I am a bit concerned about timing. We would leave out of Rome early and head on the high speed train to Naples, but would we have time to go visit this museum in Naples before jumping on the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii? Plus, what would we do with our luggage in Naples? I heard at Pompeii there is a free bag check so we can wander the ruins without lugging around our luggage. Anyhow, any information about whether this museum is worthwhile, necessary for our visit to Pompeii would be greatly appreciated. Also, any info our our planned days logistics would be helpful. I would rather make sure that we get to Positano before dinner/nightfall.

If you really want to see a Roman town frozen in time, I suggest Herculaneum rather than Pompeii. Pompeii was gradually crushed over many days by volcanic ash. Herculaneum, on the other hand, was frozen in place by a volcanic mudflow that caught everyone by surprise. Gruesome to think about, but I found Herculaneum to be pretty compelling. It's also not as crowded and hot as Pompeii. And the ruins are better preserved as a result of the mud.

The museum in Naples is a MUST! Pompeii is big and barren. Everything beautiful that was in Pompei is now on display in the museum. IMO, Herulaneum is much more entertaining than Pompeii. It is much better preserved. All of your transportation, luggage storage questions, connection questions, etc. are answered in Ricks book. We found it invaluable navigating the Almalfi area. And yes, you can store your luggage at the train station in Naples, then follow Rick's instructions to get to the museum. Trying to do both the museum and Pompeii in one day can be daunting, but it can be done. Have a great time...Italy is awesome!

I've visited Naples a few times but I never knew that it has a subway system. At least it looks like they have one. I just checked the subway's website and it looks like it connects the train station to right in from of the Museum.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dn14wkg0mhM RSteves episode in Pompeii

Whether or not to "hassle" with reservations really comes down to if time is an issue...The higher speed trains get from Rome to Naples in just over an hour, while the slower regional trains take more than double that and do not require a reservation...the regional trains are also less frequent...Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Pompeii Scavi stop is about 30 minutes and there are "bag check" options before you walk through the ruins...Then Pompeii to Sorrento is another 30 minutes...I have read that the bus from Sorrento to Positano is about an hour.

It sounds like most are pretty down on the Pompeii ruins, especially if you don't go to the museum. To be honest, trying to squeeze in the museum and the ruins in one day, especially on a travel day, seems very hectic. And it sounds like it is worthless to tour the ruins without seeing the museum. It also sounds like the other ruins in Herulaneum is better. Am I correct in my assumption, or are their differing opinions.

I wanted to let everyone know that I did as I had suggested and toured Pompeii without seeing the museum. While I am sure that seeing the Museum in Naples would have been great, I truly felt that I could see Pompeii and still enjoy it without visiting the museum. And to be honest, I had been to enough museums on our trip that one more would have done me in! But Pompeii was great, and it worked out to do this on our way down to Positano from Rome. Very easy, and if anyone wants further details feel free to ask. Jason

Jason Where did you keep your luggage? When you stopped in Pompeii before heading to Sorrento? Did your train ticket allow for you to jump back on to go towards Sorrento?
I am in Rome today the 23rd of Oct. We hope to leave Rome on Tuesday but I am contemplating.

Jason Where did you keep your luggage? When you stopped in Pompeii before heading to Sorrento? Did your train ticket allow for you to jump back on to go towards Sorrento?
I am in Rome today the 23rd of Oct. We hope to leave Rome on Tuesday but I am contemplating.

Pompeii have free luggage storage. Across form the ticket office, close to the entry.

I would suggest that you take the ferry from Sorrento to Positano. It's a beautiful ride and you get to see the Amalfi coast from the sea. And certain boats make a stop at Capri. I'm not sure if you can reserve tickets ahead of time but we had no problem getting on the ferry at the height of tourist season.

Yes, as mentioned, the free luggage area is just down the steps from the ticket booth and right before you enter the sight. It was very convenient. We took the bus from Sorrento to Positano just simply because we exited the Circumvesuviana train station and the bus picks you up right there. We didn't want to have to deal with getting to the port to take the ferry. It was real convenient and not a bad bus ride at all. Always sit on the right side of the bus heading towards Positano for the best view.