Hello:
We will be spending a couple of weeks in the southern part of Italy, visiting Naples, Sorrento, Capri and Amalfi coast towns, ending up with three days in Rome. Some of the point to point transport will be by ferry, sometimes by bus, and the last segment (Salerno to Rome) by train.
My question is: do I need to reserve any of this in advance?
(1) Ferry: I read that the ferry is dependent on weather, so should I assume I cannot book ahead? But if I wait, is there a chance that I won't be able to get on?
(2) What should I do about the train to Rome from Salerno? In the past, I have bought tickets in Italy, but that was many years back. Is it advisable to buy from here? Do we pay more or less if we buy early?
Thanks for your advice.
Posted by
Kamloops, BC, Canada
405 posts
I just checked www.trenitalia.com & noticed that you can save money (as much as 20 euros per person) if you buy "Frecce" tickets for that route in advance. Discounted rates can get sold out quickly. Tickets for the "Frecce" (faster/more direct) trains start to go on sale 4 months prior to the departure date. You don't have to book that far in advance, but you can if you want to grab cheap tickets before they get sold out. If you are planning to travel in high season, you might consider buying early if you are sure of your departure time. Note: Frecce trains come with a reservation so if you miss your train, you are probably out of luck, in that you probably can't trade in your ticket for the next train. You can get more details regarding missed trains on the website, or perhaps Roberto can give more details...
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11357 posts
If you can commit to a schedule from Salerno to Rome, there is good reason to buy your freccia tickets in advance: a huge savings. But the big savings come with non-refundability, so you need to be certain you can and will take that particular train.
As to the ferry, are you referencing Sorrento to Capri? If the weather forecast is good, try to book a day or two in advance. With good weather, they can get sold out as they also do at holidays. What month will you be there?
Posted by
OP
Potomac, MD
17 posts
Thank you both, for the advice.
We will be in Italy from May 14-28. Based on your advice, I should go ahead and buy my ticket from Salerno to Rome, I suppose.
Various people on this forum have recommended ferry travel as being more relaxing and desirable. We will definitely need to take the ferry from Sorrento to Capri. We also have plans to take it from Sorrento to Amalfi, and later from Amalfi to Salerno. Our dates are fixed (lodging reservations have been made). So, we will need to take the ferry. But I am a bit confused when they say that ferries are dependent on weather. Are you saying that booking a day or two in advance will suffice?
Please help. Thanks.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
15846 posts
But I am a bit confused when they say that ferries are dependent on
weather.
Anu, I believe what Laurel means is that the ferries/jet boats - and some of their destinations - are not a lot of fun on rainy days and/or if the seas are very rough. They cannot even dock in Positano in stormy conditions, and other runs may cancel due to high winds. If you want to pre-book ferries/jetboats and be sure of a calm, dry day, then don't do it more than a day or two before, based on favorable weather reports. I frankly wouldn't even bother with Capri on a rainy day as virtually everything you'd want to do on the island involves being outdoors.
If you do go to Capri, I'd buy your return ticket at the same time you purchase your ticket over, and especially so if you intend to stay until the last boat or two leave: you want to be absolutely sure you've got a spot on them.