We will be in Rome on 10/11 and then will be traveling to Sorrento on 10/15. We are concerned of having to change trains in Naples due to all the negative reactions about safety. We thought the bus was a better option. Any thoughts or feedback on this issue and which is faster and least expensive?
Thank you for any help and input.
Marguerite
I doubt there is a direct bus that would not include a change in Naples.
The train is much faster (to Naples), and I think as long as you are vigilant, safety is not an issue in transferring to the Circumvesuvia.
If you are really unsure, then you could probably avoid Naples by continuing on the train to Salerno, then take a bus up the Amalfi coast, either directly to Sorrento or changing buses in Positano. Depending on the time of year, Boat from Salerno would also be an option.
Train to Naples and transfer to Circumvesuviana is the fastest and least expensive. I'm not sure what bus you're referring to, but sitting in traffic on a bus vs a train (that doesn't have to compete with traffic) seems like an easy decision. The Circumvesuviana is not fast due to many local stops, but it is cheap. Keep your luggage light and be alert, and there should be no problems with switching trains in Naples.
You can take a ferry to Sorrento as well, but I doubt it would be faster. You would still need to transfer in Naples to the ferry port.
There is a bus from Roma Tiburtina station to Sorrento with the Marozzi company. Check if it operates at the time of your liking on your dates. Slower than the train (4hr trip) but convenient since you don't have to deal with changes, and the luggage goes in the belly of the bus, so you don't have to lug it on board yourself.
Easiest way is to train to Naples. Taxi to the airport (5-10 minutes) under $20 then this bus to Sorrento.
http://www.curreriviaggi.it/eng/autolinee.html
E 10,00 1H15m.
You could also take the Alibus to the airport.
10 minute walk, from the train station. Cross the street to the left of the taxi rank then straight one block to the stoplight, cross to the right, 1/2 block turn right ticket booth to your left.
Travel time is about the same as the taxi cost E 4,00
We took the bus twice once from Sorrento to Rome and then again Rome to Sorrento. For us it was the best. The bus does leave early but once on you're all set
Very relaxing. It's so easy!
A few years ago four of us took a family trip to Italy. We flew to Rome from the States, then went directly to Naples. Three of us took the fast train from Rome to Naples, where we met my daughter. We used a private driver arranged by our Sorrento hotel to meet us at the train station who drove us directly to the hotel. Total cost was about 120 euro but split between 4 people it wasn't too bad, plus we didn't have to deal with riding the local train or hauling our luggage around after flying all night to Rome. It was faster than the local train, but obviously more expensive. It was worth it to us, though. We just got in the van and enjoyed the ride and scenic views.
If that direct bus from Roma Tiburtina to Sorrento that Roberto listed works with your travel day and times, I'd go for it - not for safety concerns, but for the convenience, since it's a "one seat ride."
I also agree with Roberto. We found the seats more comfortable than the train. We took it from Sorrento to Rome. It stops at a "truck stop" on the way so you can get off, stretch, and get a snack.
