Hello - My boyfriend and I will be traveling to Madrid and Italy September 1st - September 16th. We will be visiting Madrid, Barcelona, Ischia Island and Rome. While in Ischia Island we plan on taking day trips via ferry to naples, capri and amalfi coast. Can you please advise me on what means of transportation I should take throughout Europe? I have looked into taking the train from Madrid - Barcelona, but not sure on whats the best way to get from Barcelona to Naples. While in Italy I would like to do the following routes: Naples - Ischia Island Ischia Island - Capri
Naples - Rome Please advise
Posted by
Bellevue, WA
257 posts
Mercedes, From Barcelona (BNC) to Naples (NAP). I think the best way is to fly. You can check out the kayak.com, look like a region airline cost $160. You can take train, but it might take two days and a lot of train changes. Naples to Ischia Island, ferry Ischia Island to Capri, ferry Capri to Naples, ferry Naples to Rome, train. Four ferry companies service round Naples and Amalfi Coast. Caremar, SNAV, Metro del Mare and Alilauro.
I hope this info will help you.
Posted by
OP
Charlotte, NC, USA
6 posts
Is there a paticular train I should take from Naples - Rome. It seems like a Eurorail pass is expensive. Are the trains difficult to use in Spain and Italy?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15167 posts
From Madrid to Barcelona the AVE (Alta Velocidad Espanola) train is fine. Flights are also available, but all included the train is faster (2 and 1/2 hours from Atocha station to Sants station). If you buy tickets in advance you might save money (but discounted tickets have restrictions: generally non refundable/non changeable) The best way from Barcelona to Naples is to fly. Vueling (a low cost airline based in Barcelona) has direct non stops from BCN to NAP. If you are willing to make a stop along the way you'll have more choices, but at that point then you might as well fly from BCN to Rome (lots of options) and take a train from Rome to Naples. Naples to Ischia Island: Ferry, Hydrofoil or swim (if you are Michael Phelps) Ischia Island to Capri Island: same as above.
Naples to Rome: Train (just over one hour)
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Do not buy a Europass for train travel in Italy. Point-to-point tickets will always be cheaper. Go here: www.trenitalia.com
Posted by
OP
Charlotte, NC, USA
6 posts
Would it be more cost effective to stay in Madrid for the 1st portion of my trip (September 2nd - September 7th)vs. staying 3 days in Madrid and 2 days in Barcelona? If so, what day trips would be available (ie Barcelona and Valencia) and associated transportation costs? (i.e., Europass or purchasing train pass in Madrid, etc.) I feel we are firm on going to Naples, Italy for the 2nd portion of our trip.
Posted by
Bellevue, WA
257 posts
I don't think you can do day trip from Madrid to Barcelona or Valencia. From Madrid to Barcelona will take 2H30M by fast train. It may cost over US$160 one way. From Madrid to Valencia will take about 2H. So, it will not be cost effective to stay in Madrid if you want to visit Barcelona.
Posted by
OP
Charlotte, NC, USA
6 posts
It would be roundtrip Madrid - Barcelona and Madrid - Valencia. Valencia is 1hr 38 minutes from Madrid by train. I would do each trip on seperate days.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8141 posts
Spain and France are much larger countries than they look on maps. Vueling Airlines is the way to get from Barcelona to Italy.