We will be turning in a car at Lamazia airport and wish to travel to Sorrento. What is the FASTEST way to get there. Is there a better way than train ( water travel)? Thank you.
Posted by
Los Angeles
425 posts
When are you going? After June, there may be some hydrofoils from Salerno to Sorrento, but schedules are not out yet.
You can certainly do the following:
Trenitalia ES-Fast "Frecciargento" train from Lamezia Terme Centrale (2 kilometers from the airport) at 8:31 a.m. to Napoli Centrale (ar. 11:02 a.m.; 46 Euros one-way in second class) or any later departing, less expensive (and slower) ES or IC train; connecting to
Circumvesuviana commuter rail from Napoli Centrale (underground platforms) to Sorrento (service every 30 minutes; 65 minutes travel time; 3.40 Euros one-way)
www.ferroviedellostato.it (Trenitalia)
www.vesuviana.it (Circumvesuviana commuter rail)
The ES-Fast "Frecciargento" morning train from Lamezia Terme Centrale to Salerno/Napoli Centrale is the FASTEST rail connection available. It's a really fast train. The ES and IC trains departing later in the day take 30-90 minutes longer to reach Naples.
Trenitalia schedules may change on June 13, so you need to re-check later.
The hydrofoil schedules between Salerno and Sorrento should be published toward the end of May/beginning of June.
Posted by
OP
renfrew, pa, USA
45 posts
Thank You! We are going to do this on May 28th.
Posted by
Los Angeles
425 posts
The only faster route would be a hydrofoil from Salerno to Sorrento (which I doubt will be in service on May 28).
Consequently, I'd plan on taking a fast train from Lamezia Terme Centrale to Napoli Centrale, then walk to the underground platform of the Circumvesuviana commuter rail to Sorrento.
Not knowing when you plan to turn in your rental at the Lamezia Airport, I can't advise on a specific train to Naples. If you go on the Trenitalia website, you'll see all the trains going to Naples on May 28 (enter that specific date). Aside from the super-fast "Frecciargento" leaving at 8:31 a.m. (which may be too early for you), you may choose to take one of the slower "regular" ES trains (five hours) or perhaps even a less expensive IC train (more than five hours).
Give yourself at least 15 minutes to connect on foot to the Circumvesuviana train. Follow the signs at Napoli Centrale which will direct you to the stairs or the escalator underground. Even if you just miss the departing Circumvesuviana, trains leave every 30 minutes. Remember too that the train from LT could arrive late. The Circumvesuviana rail is all unreserved (it's a commuter train), and you really need to watch your belongings and your pockets CAREFULLY!
If you want to avoid taking the Circumvesuviana (as some do), you could take a taxi to Molo Beverello in Naples and proceed by Alilauro hydrofoil (20-minute crossing) to Sorrento. This would be much "nicer" and perhaps less crowded than the train, but you won't save that much time, since you lose time (and money) connecting by taxi (2.5 kilometers, 10-15 minutes) to the Beverello Dock. Also, the (more expensive) hydrofoils are not frequent (see schedule), resulting in more lost time. I'd take the Circumvesuviana, even though many have described it as "gritty". It's just more efficient to go underground at Napoli Centrale after you alight from your inbound train, and board the Circumvesuviana.
www.alilauro.it (Naples-Sorrento hydro