Train tickets in advance?

It is unlikely trains will all sell out. Maybe the next train is sold out, then you have to buy tickets for a later train. First class is less likely to sell out,.

Kristen, you should be just fine. We constantly caution travelers arriving on flights not to have firm commitments on trains to close to the arrival time. Too much chance of the plane being late and if the tickets are discount tickets, they could be made useless. Just buy your tickets at the Leonardo Express window straight through to Napoli Centrale. As for the Circumvesuviana, it's usually quite crowded anyway. Just pay your 4Euro, get on and watch your luggage.

Yes, you can be more flexible if you buy your tickets once you arrive. But no, it will not be a breeze, not if your jet-fatigued body is being jostled by the line-ups at the ticket booths at both the airport and Termini. These resemble football scrimmages more than etiquette school, and can be just as time-consuming as an airline delay. So each answer has its drawbacks.

Thanks for your input everyone! I have been to Rome several times and am familiar with Termini and speak decent Italian. I also am very accustomed to sleep deprivation because of my job. So I am more worried about ticket availability. I know I will be fine with the actual travel part. Since the first day abroad is usually a wash anyway, it just seemed to make more sense to get to Sorrento right away, have an early meal, go to bed.

Again, thank you for the advice!

We did not buy tickets ahead of time as we were flying standby and weren't sure which day we would arrive in Rome, glad we didn't as we could not fly out until a day later than planned. It was in late June a year ago, arrived on a Monday and walked right up to,ticket window with no problem at all. No crowd at all. Am sure you know to validate ticket before getting on train. I seem to remember train from Naples to Sorrento was a little crowded even at midday but we did get seats. Enjoy your trip.

Kristen,

As the others have mentioned, it shouldn't be a problem to just buy your tickets when you arrive in Italy. That's normally the method I use.

The Leonardo Express won't be a problem (DON'T forget to validate!). Even if one Freccia train is full (not likely), there will be another along in a short time. Finally the Circumvesuviana may be crowded but you should certainly be able to get a seat. I've had to stand on occasion, but that's not a problem. To reiterate a previous comment, be sure to watch your luggage carefully, especially in a jet-lagged state.

Like you, I always prefer to get to my first stop as soon as possible so that I'll be able to have an early meal and get some sleep.

Happy travels!