We have been advised not to rent a car from Naples to Sorrento, but to take instead the Circumvesuviana. We are a family of four. We'll have four pieces of luggage and we plan on spending about 10 days in Sorrento visiting various towns, Capri an Ischia. Is this a good idea? Do we really need a car for this area? How is the Circumvesuviana? Reliable? Comfortable?
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7562 posts
The advice you received is good. A car on the Amalfi Coast and that area in general, including Naples, is just not practical. The Circumvesuvia is reliable, maybe a little slow, but good transportation. You can also take the ferry to Sorrento, but the train is easier. Once in Sorrento, you will be taking the Ferry to Capri and Ischia, the bus is best to Positano, Amalfi, and the other towns (one trip along the coast and you will be glad you did not drive) You can also catch the ferry along the Amalfi coast, going all the way back to Sorrento.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Are you flying into Naples or arriving by train? If flying into Naples, the direct bus from airport to Sorrento might be a better choice. If arriving by train, you will switch to the Circumvesuviana train at main train station. Trains to Sorrento run twice an hour. It's a commuter line, so the cars are basic (i.e. molded plastic seats). Some think the train is a little seedy, but I've never had or observed a problem. You can rely on public transportation (bus, train, ferry) while in Sorrento area, and can always rent a car for a day if the need arises.
Posted by
OP
Yarmouth, USA
14 posts
We'll be flying into Naples. Does the bus to Sorrento leave from the airport, or do we have to go into the city to catch the bus. Do you know the name of the bus line? Approximate cost?
Posted by
San Geronimo
22 posts
The Curreri bus goes directly from the Naples Capodichino airport to Sorrento 6 or 7 times a day. It takes about an hour and costs 6 Euro per person. You pay the driver. You can find the schedule online.
Posted by
Chicago, Illinois, USA
586 posts
We rented a private car, and while it was over 100 Euros, it was SO convenient, and the driver gave us a 'tour' along the way and even stopped for some photo ops on the bay. Then we took the train going the other way, after Sorrento and Capri, stopping at Pompeii for a visit, and then proceeding on to Naples. The train was fast, cheap, roomy and reliable early in the morning. But also stuffy and very hot! Of course, it was July. Buon viaggio!