Sorrento to Pompeii - how to get there?

The Circumvesuviana drops you right at Pompeii Scavi, outside the entrance. From there you can self-guide or pick up a guide on site. This company http://www.walksofitaly.com/ does group tours every day at 2:45, and private tours any time.

Do you have Rick Steve's Italy Guide book? The info you need for this area is there!

Maria, As Laurel mentioned, the Circumvesuviana will take you right to Pompeii (you'll be travelling back towards Naples). The train has the appearance of an "old graffiti-laden clunker", but it will get you there and back. Be sure to wear a Money Belt and maintain some vigilance on the train. From the station it's only about a two minute walk to the entrance of the site. When you first enter the site (prior to the ticket booths), you'll probably be approached by local Guides offering their services. You could either use one of those Guides, or pre-arrange one of those listed in the Italy book. One that I'd recommend is Gaetano Manfredi, but he's often very busy so pre-booking would be highly recommended. Happy travels!

Laurel and Ken, Thank you so much for your speedy replies. This is great news. I do have the RS book, but it is from 2009 (we opted for London that year instead)...will it still work? Ken, you mention vigilance which I have seen often on this site. I am curious with regard to the train...is it mainly when getting on and off? Are there seats on the train? Thank you both so much!!!

Laurel and Jerry, Thank you both for the replies. Oh Lord...dogs! I am a ginormous animal lover and will be all over those dogs. I know I will have my heart broken and my husband will probably become impatient with me. I am already missing my dog and 2 cats and I haven't even left yet :-)

Maria:
Your Rick Steve's 2009 guide still has good basic information. (Afterall, Pompeii, Naples, and Italy have been there a couple thousand years!) Prices will have changed, some of Rick's recommendations change each year. That said, the amount of money you'll spend buying a new 2011 guide is a tiny fraction of the cost of your trip. A worthwhile investment. Ciao!

We did this last trip November, skip the guides, just buy a good travel book like Rick's and take the day to wander through Pompeii. Once inside you will be greeted by the real locals the doggies who live within Pompeii, they have a sense of their own being, are very friendly and will welcome you with open hearts and paws.

Maria, here are 2 videos to give you a taste of the Circumvesuviana train 'experience': http://youtu.be/iquhC1D2rjk http://youtu.be/1jFNIfz9ySI Plus, many more on YouTube... I might go ahead a splurge on the 2011 book - $15 from Amazon.com (and no running errands that you may not have time for right now!). If anything happens to your plans while you're there (weather, illness), you'll have the most current book to help you rearrange your touring, too. I'd suggest that Italy changes more than the other European countries as far as which tourist site is now open, or now closed, compared to last year...and the entrance fee price fluctuations seem more often and more extreme, in my humble opinion.

Eileen, Thank you so much for the video links (I would never have thought of this)! You have really put my mind at ease with regard to this train. I am glad to know that I need to be vigilant, but I had something completely different in my mind. I will try to pick up the new edition this weekend as you are the second person to suggest it. A few extra dollars seems like it will go a long way. Thanks again!

We've ridden the Circumvesuviana probably 50 times and never ever had any problems. Never saw anyone else having a problem either.

Maria, I'm a bit late checking the HelpLine today, but it's great to see that others have already answered your question about the reasons for being "vigilant" on the Circumvesuviana. As you're buying the Guidebook, check the Theft Alert section (it starts on page 805 in the 2010 edition) and Getting Around The Region (about page 827). I've never had a problem on the Circumvesuviana, but thought I should mention it anyway.

Rick Steves also has a free Pompeii mp3 walking tour which might interest you. I plan to use it when we visit Pompeii next year. I've found his mp3 tours to be easy to follow and informative.

We were trying to do the same thing a few years back. We walked to the train station to figure out the trains, etc. Decided it was just too much of a chore, found a travel agency right by the train station and booked a tour for the next day. I can't tell you what day of the week that was now, but it sure was easy, and so much fun. The bus group was small, maybe 15 people. Bus was air condidtioned, the ride was great. The tour guide was fantastic. We learned all about the Roman empire and the history of the region on the ride to Pompei. The tour included a personal headphone for each person, so we could wander around away from the group and still hear the guide explaining the sights. My thoughts are, be prepared with info to go on your own, but when you arrive in Sorrento, seek out a travel agency and see if they offer a bus tour. Our cost a few years ago was $100. We tipped the guide $20 (for both of us) This tour also included Mt Vesuvio. We toured Pompei in the morning, then after lunch went to Vesuvio and walked to the top of the mountain for great views of Naples and the sea!

All the trains leaving Sorrento call/stop at Pompeii. There are only two platforms (tracks) so just look for the illuminated sign in the Booking Hall telling you which train is the next train to Naples. If you do want to take an organised tour try this travel company. Bookable through any travel agency, we have used the one in Piazza Sant' Antonino who charge no booking fees. http://www.goldentours.it/en/daily_excursions.php PS - be aware that entrance fees are not included in the cost of the tours.

You can take the Circumvesuviano train from Sorrento to Pompei for EUR 2.10 each way (half hour). If you want to
o book a personal guide, Gaitano Manfredi is very good and entertaining. You can also explore on your own.

I cannot thank you all enough for your kindness in answering my question. I have received fabulous information and have great peace of mind as well. Thank you all so very much. I feel much less stressed about this side trip :-)
Maria ()"o)

Maria don't sweat it. When you go from Naples to Sorrento you will go right by Pompeii Scavi station (I'm supposing you are going by train and the Circumvesuvia is at the lower floor of the Naples station). Just reverse it from Sorrento to Pompeii Scavi and back to Sorrento. If you are not going to Sorrento by train, you can go to Pompeii and back to Sorrento with no problem on the Circumvesuvia. Just remember the station Pompei Scavi.