Rome to Sorrento timing

These are just guesses but let's say half hour to get bags, go through customs, then I think about half hour to get metro to train for Naples. The fast train takes about hour and half and then train to Sorrento about a little less than an hour. At worse you would be in Sorrento by 8pm, not sure if it will be dark by then or not. Depends on what you want, we did it and were wiped out but so glad the next day to just chill out in Sorrento and relax for couple of days, took train (half hour) to Pompeii and took bus trip to Positano (an hour with a beautiful!!!! view).

The more I look for solutions the more confused I get. I think I have found a 40 min transfer bus (Terravision) from airport to train station. Is that right? Then catch a train from Rome to Naples. From there is it best to get a bus or train to Sorrento. I know I can take the scary Circum. regional train, but where do I get a safer train or bus? Should I prebook a room in Sorrento?

You might ck for the bus to Sorrento from Rome. I understand it is a better choice. I will try it myself next visit. Re the train option if you decide to do that I think it would be late to leave Rome at 14:15 and make the transfers needed to reach Sorrento that night.

Most people take the Leonardo Express train from the airport to Roma Termini. Cannot comment on the bus as I've never tried that option. You would then take the train to Naples, and I'd suggest taking the more expensive but much faster ES train since you want to arrive in Sorrento at a reasonable hour. You can buy both the Leonardo Express and Naples train tickets at the airport. I've taken the Circumversuviana several times and have never found it to be scary. You can only buy your ticket once you arrive in Naples. There are no alternative trains to Sorrento, and again I've never tried a bus because the Circumvesuviana is cheap and convenient.

It looks like the bus Rome to Sorrento (Marozi bus) doesn't start until June and we will be there in May. And it looks like we can't make the connection in time for the Curreri bus. This seems like a popular route, you'd think they would make it easier.

Lin, To answer your first question, I'd probably try to head for Sorrento as the trip is reasonably short and I'm sure I could manage that after an international flight. YES it would be a good idea to pre-book a Hotel in Sorrento! You're probably going to arrive there in the early evening, and that's NOT the time to be wandering around in a jet-lagged state trying to find a place to sleep! There are LOTS of Hotel suggestions in the Italy Guidebook, and I'd strongly recommend packing that along with you, as it will be valuable reference during the trip. There's no way of predicting how long it will take to clear FCO (after all, this is Italy). My trip last year included a reminder of that! However, that's not a problem. Simply buy a ticket on the next departure of the Leonardo Express, which runs frequently. You could buy your ticket for the Rome - Naples train at the same time. When you arrive at Termini, you probably won't have long to wait as departures for Naples are also frequent. When you arrive at Napoli Centrale, walk downstairs to the Circumvesuviana station and you'll be in Sorrento in about an hour. As I recall, there are several lines, so be sure you board the train to Sorrento (it's the "end of line" on one route). The only Bus line I'm aware of is Marozzi which departs from Roma Tiburtina. Unfortunately the last departure is about 15:00 so it's not likely you could make that. Happy travels!

DEFINITELY book a hotel ASAP for Sorrento! And I'd also go on to Sorrento from the airport. Do you have Rick Steves' guidebook yet? He explains how to get to Sorrento from FCO Airport... Take the Leonardo Express train from FCO Airport to Rome Termini train station. Then, take the fast train to Naples, transfer to the Circumvesuviana, then an hour later you're in Sorrento! Depending on where you stay, you can probably walk to your hotel. I'd definitely stay in Sorrento for Pompeii... Just let your hotel know the approximate time of your arrival.

Lin, I've never had any problems with "safety" in Rome, although as a slightly larger male, my situation is different than yours. I'm sure there are parts of Rome where one shouldn't venture at night, but I've found the tourist areas to be "safe", including the Termini area. Wearing a Money Belt in Rome is definitely a good idea, especially on the Metro or other crowded public transport. The #64 Bus has a notorious reputation as a haven for pickpockets (some of whom will be dressed as tourists or businessmen), so try to avoid travel on that. You'll very likely be approached by numerous sad looking individuals who appear to be totally destitute and suffering dreadful health conditions. They will of course be soliciting "donations". Whether you provide them with any money is up to you. They're usually well organized "scammers" and are not as destitute as they appear, so I don't usually give them anything! The same holds true for the "scammers" that want to "help" visitors buy Metro tickets or carry luggage. I don't need any help so tell them to bu@ger off (this often requires a FIRM response)! There are also the children on the Metro with toy accordions producing a raucous noise that somewhat resembles music. I can provide you with a link to the CBC Passionate Eye if you're interested. If this is your first trip to Europe, I'd highly recommend reading Europe Through The Back Door prior to your trip, especially the "Rail Skills" chapter. If you've never travelled by train in Europe (and especially Italy), it's a really good idea to do some "study" as that will tend to minimize problems! You'll need to learn a few "key words" such as Binario (Track), Carozza (Car) and Posti (seat). Cheers!

I don't know where people get the idea that the train from Naples to Sorrento is scary. Like anything else, just be aware of your surroundings and will have no problems.

Thank you for the reassurance. Now tell me Rome is also safe as long as we wear a money belt. 2 older women travelling together...bit sheltered normally but are out for our lost youth backpack adventure.

Rome is safe when you wear a money belt. Especially if you're just transferring through the Termini train station. The Circumvesuviana is also safe. You are making a lot of transfers to get to Sorrento the day you arrive in Italy, though. I would reserve a hotel room to remove one less piece of anxiety for your day of arrival. You'll have no problem getting to Sorrento; but just know you'll be going through crowded, busy train stations. Airport to Rome. Rome to Naples. Naples to Sorrento. There are lots of trains, so being late won't be an issue. Just prepare yourself for a little confusion. RoninRome is a great website to see photographs of what the airport and train station in Rome look like.