Rome to Sorrento---train, boat, bus, driver?

Rome to Naples by train then you can change to Circumvesuviana train (it's connected to the station in Naples) and go all the way to Sorrento. But I advise against it. The Circumvesuviana train is usually packed, no AC, very hot and - a working place for pickpockets. From the station in Naples I would take taxi to the harbor and go by boat to Sorrento. Much more pleasant especially in August.

Thank you llja---not planning on the Circumversuviana---have heard the same. But frustrated with the hydrofoil's website---opening page is in English, but not after that and just too many questions that my Italian can't answer. I guess we can wait and get tickets when we get there, just wanted to explore other options as I'm the leader of the group this round. Thanks again

We've taken the train on several trips with no problems. A minor point of confusion is making sure you get on the right train; a few trains depart from the station, not all to Sorrento. Pickpockets are not a problem for those with valuables secured in a moneybelt. And in a group of 4 you can watch each other and your luggage as you make the short walk between trains, and while one person buys the 4 train tickets for the Circumvesuviana the others can watch. Personally I'd be more worried about being distracted as a solo traveler at the machine then I would be for my safety in a group; I hate those people that push up at train stations and offer to "help". If you are going to be taking more rides on the Circumvesuviana (to see Pompeii, etc) then consider one of the passes, details of which you can find online. Sit on the right side for the trip to Sorrento for the nice views out the window.

John, did you take that train in August? I took it in October and it was very hot.

John, did you take that train in August?

Since we don't have kids we try to take trips when school is back in session. So our trips have been in Sept and once early Oct. Coming from Rome where it was plenty hot, I guess we had got used to being warm.

The Circumvesuviana has a bad rap with tourists who are not prepared. Yes, it may be hot but pickpockets are not an issue if you've taken the same precautions you'd take in Rome, Naples, Florence, Milan, etc. It's a convenient transfer at Napoli Centrale from Rome (or other cities).

But this is probably the website you want for ferries from Naples to Sorrento:

http://www.alilauro.it/orari-e-tariffe?route_group_id=3

Another option might be to take a cab to the airport and the Curreri bus to Sorrento:

http://www.curreriviaggi.it/eng/autolinee.html

Timetable:
http://www.curreriviaggi.it/autolinee/images/AUTOLINEE_CURRERI.pdf

Additionally - and probably the best idea - you might want to consider private transfer from Naples to Sorrento. With 4 of you, splitting the cost might be the most hassle-free method. I'm sure someone will have a suggestion for someone they've used.

Have taken this train several times to Sorrento in summer months & also in mid October and it was hot and we had to stand the entire way. It is not difficult to do but prob my least favorite way to get to Sorrento. We have also taken the boat from Naples Port Beverello to Sorrento after taking a day trip to Naples, via the train, and it was wonderful but we did not have luggage with us either. We have used a private transfer, arranged by our hotel, to return to Naples, more expensive but we thought worth it.

Agree and many thanks to everyone!---I have taken the Circumvesuviana several times while staying in Sorrento previously---it's just much longer from Rome than the boats and with luggage not quite as convenient, but definitely do-able. I'm just looking for any ideas on different options. When I price out the options for 4 adults, a driver is honestly not that much more...

I have taken the Circumvesuviana several times while staying in
Sorrento previously---it's just much longer from Rome than the boats
and with luggage not quite as convenient, but definitely do-able.

Planner, I'm confused? The Circumvesuviana doesn't operate from Rome, nor do the boats. You'll be taking a Trentitalia train from Rome to Naples, and boat/train/private transfer/bus from there. Or did I misunderstand your message above?

Not at all---I just meant that from Rome I have taken the train--to Naples---and then the boat to Sorrento. Taking the train all the way from Rome to Sorrento would mean train to Naples, and then transferring and continuing on the Circumvesuviana--also a train---to Sorrento. The Circumvesuviana is longer than the boats between Naples and Sorrento, and also not as luggage friendly--we're all pretty light packers, so that might not be a big deal.

The thing about the Circumvesuviana is that it runs much more frequently than the ferry, and you don't have to make the transfer from Centrale to the docks: Garibaldi (the station for the Circum.) is right there.

But as said previously, you could just book a transfer from Napoli Centrale to Sorrento. The more passengers you have, the more economical that usually is.

Really good point---not walking or "taxi-ing" to the marina would definitely save time. Thank you for your suggestions---it all helps!

planner,

One of the easiest and most direct solutions would be to travel via high speed train to Naples, and then arrange a private car service (assuming your budget will allow) from there to Sorrento. The Monetti Taxi is recommended in the guidebook as I recall, so you could have a look at that. While that won't be the cheapest solution, you won't have to deal with the the heat, crowding and scammers on the Circumvesuviana (not likely a pleasant experience in August).

I concur with Ken, as above. Our experience was a bit different, as we flew into Naples and took the Curreri bus to Sorrento, then a taxi to our hotel (a total of about 42 euro for 2of us.) But coming from Rome, I agree that taking the high speed train, then a transfer with Monetti taxi to your hotel in Sorrento would serve you well, especially with splitting the cost among four adults. We used Monetti Taxi for a tour down the Amalfi coast. They are professional and really nice people! You will be well cared for by them. You can email or call them and they will get back to you with the necessary information.

When we were in Sorrento in April there was a notice about a special tourist train between Rome and Sorrento, stopping only at Herculaneum and Pompeii Scavi -- with seat reservations and luggage space -- for somewhat more € than the regular Circumvesuviana.

I can't seem to find anything between Rome and Sorrento but there is an express train between Naples and Sorrento that might be a good option if the timing works (and you're uncertain about a private transfer):

http://www.eavsrl.it/web/content/campania-express-2016-1

http://www.napoliunplugged.com/campania-express-tourist-train-to-herculaneum-pompeii-and-sorrento

I'd forgotten all about this one as it's pretty new.

You could also take the Alibus, 3E or 4E if purchased on the bus. Outside the station. Runs every 20-30 min or the city bus #54. E 1,50. Both go directly to the port

Have you considered the Marozzi bus? Four hrs direct from Rome to Sorrento with a stop along the way at a rest area. I've used it twice and probably will again on a future trip. I like it because there's no hassle with changing trains or navigating Naples to get to the ferry. In terms of time it's probably just as fast as the train/circumvesuviana or train/ferry combinations. Here's a link, if you're interested: http://www2.marozzivt.it/home
Buon viaggio!