Train from Termini to Pompeii

It is frequently done with a train change in Naples. It does make for a very long day but it can be done. Nothing special about it.

The faster trains take 1h10m between Rome and Naples and the last of the faster returns depart Naples at 19:30; see www.trenitalia.com. Buy tickets for the local Circumvesuviana connection there in the Naples train station, lower level.

Do you consider this preferable to the shuttle bus independent tour that runs on Tues and Thurs?

Preferable ?? That is really a value judgement. The tour makes it much easier in that you just get on and off the bus but you lose flexibility. Got to do and go where the bus goes on the bus's time schedule. For some people who prefer convenience over flexibility, the tour would be preferable. You don't have to make many decisions. If you are OK with dealing with the train, changing trains, and the uncertainty that comes with independent travel, then it probably would not be preferable. Only you can decide what works best for you.

Not preferable, just looking at the time constraints and getting back into the Naples train station at dark, have heard some concerns about the area. Just need to do it in one day and rapid train felt the most efficient rather than private car or bus. Thanks everyone!

Just note that the "fast train" portion is only Rome-Naples-Rome. Naples-Pompeii-Naples is by commuter train Circumvesuviana (unless your timing works to take the Campagna Express, which only runs four times a day as I remember.)

Preferable ?? That is really a value judgement. The tour makes it much
easier in that you just get on and off the bus but you lose
flexibility.

Agreed. A lot of the tours only spend 2 hours at Pompeii Scavi, plus I'm seeing tour-bus ride times JUST to Naples listed at 3 hours. You can get to Napoli Centrale from Roma Termini in a little over an hour by fast trains. From Napoli Centrale/Garibaldi, it's only 35 minutes or so by (very inexpensive) Circumvesuviana commuter train to Pompei Scavi Villa dei Misteri Station, right in front of the main entrance to the excavation.

Having been to the the scavi twice, I think that just two hours is very little time to spend there, and especially so for the length of time spent on a bus: the site is HUGE. Shaving off nearly two hours of bus time - each way - would be another big deal breaker for me.

We took the fast train from Termini to Naples Centrale station. Then the regional Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii. Stupidly, we stopped at the Pompeii station and should had taken the train to Pompeii Scavi instead.

It's a short 15-20 minute walk from the Pompeii station to actual Pompeii site....but the Pompeii-Scavi station is right in front of the site.

It's a long day...but I would do it on my own...or maybe set up a tour to meet a tour operator on site.

Make sure you do your due diligence in picking a tour operator. There are a lot of unsavory folks.

For one good alternative, go to www.mondotours.com and click on "Rick Steves Shared Tours". There are several tours, including a 2-hour guided tour of the Pompeii Ruins at 11:00 am, leaving most of the afternoon for you to continue exploring on your own. Not sure how many days a week this tour goes, or if it depends on a certain number of people signed up, check on those things. Also, the fantastic murals, statues, and other art works from Pompeii are exhibited at the National Archeological Museum in Naples. This adds SOOO much to a visit to Pompeii, try to get there if you can build that into your schedule.