Siena to Napoli

I just realized there is a train station in Siena, of course. I feel silly. I keep reading that people advise to return rental car's in Chiusi to take trains south, so for some reason, thought that's what I needed to do.
haha. :) Would you just keep it simple and go Siena - Naples? (It seems long).

Cat, I agree with Roberto that one of the best options would be to return the car in Orvieto and continue from there to Naples. There's a departure from Orvieto at 11:23, arriving Napoli Centrale at 14:15 (time 2H:52M, one change at Roma Termini, reservations compulsory). IMO, this would be one of the quickest and easiest ways to get to Naples. Traffic can be dreadful there, so I wouldn't recommend driving in Naples. Returning the car in Siena and travel by train to Naples is also an option. You'd travel from Siena to Florence via Regionale, and then board a direct Florence-Naples train (it stops at Roma Termini but usually no changes there). You could also use the new Italo trains on that route. If not mentioned previously, you'll need to ensure that each driver has the compulsory International Driver's Permit and you'll need to be VERY vigilant to avoid the dreaded Zona Traffico Limitato areas which exist in many cities (especially Florence). If you pass through any of these, expect expensive tickets in the mail several months after you return home. Travel by train will likely be a more relaxing experience, allowing you to enjoy the scenery, take pictures or perhaps have a short nap. Cheers!

Cat, I checked out the train schedule from Trenitialia.com. The shortest train from Siena to Napoli is dep 8:18 arr 12:50 total 4:32. with train change in Florence.
Have a good one.

Are you staying in Naples for the night or Sorrento? How many people traveling? By train the fastest way is to drive to Florence, return the car in Florence and take a fast train from there. Another easy driving option is to drive to Orvieto, return the car in Orvieto and take a train from there (likely train change in Rome). If you plan to stay in Sorrento you shoüld drive to Sorrento and return the car there. Then take the train to Naples to visit.
If you plan to stay in Naples and feel like driving to Naples, returning the car at the airport will make it easier because you don't need to battle Naples' traffic. The freeway exit is next to the airport.

Thanks so much Rick, Roberto and Ken ! All great advice. Roberto, there are two of us, and we are staying in Naples, so I'm thinking train is best for first-timers... I'm still undecided on route. I looked at trenitalia and at michellin to check train/drive times. (Super economy rates are still available for both departure locations - early May-!!!). *Can I ask, how long should I budget to return the car in Italy? Is it simple?
(I remember renting and returning a car in Costa Rica, and being hit with all kinds of fines - additional mandatory insurance, return location fees... - so it took longer). I'm thinking Siena train departure sounds easier, just in case I were to get lost en route to Orvietto. Although, it looks like mostly highway time. What time would you leave Siena for the 11:23 departure from Orvieto?

If you return the car in Siena, then Orvieto is out the picture totally since you'll be in a totally different train. If you return in Siena you have to back track to Florence first then go south on a super fast Freccia train to Naples (those dont stop in Orvieto, they travel on the high speed line which runs more or less parallel to the old rail line that stops in Orvieto). As I said another option is to return the car in Florence and take the fast train from there. You'll save about 40 min compared to traveling to Florence by train. The cheapest option is probably return in Orvieto. That is what I would do, and I would take advantage to visit Orvieto before jumping on a train.

It's only 75 miles from Siena to Orvieto, and the Hertz rental car return is 100 yards across the street from the train station. You can return the car and be gone in 5 minutes; quick and efficient. Returning your rental car in Florence could be a hassle, with city traffic, etc. And, Orvieto is certainly worth seeing.
The regional trains average 70 minutes from there into Rome Termini.

Thank you. After reading this, I think we'll return the car in Orvietto - it sounds like the best plan.
In which case, I might spend a night in that area, so I can actually explore Orvieto and see that cute hilltown of Civita di Bagnoregio.