I have a question concerning travel to Sorrento. We will be flying into FCO Rome airport on a Sunday afternoon and will continue on our way to Sorrento. I know about getting the local train in Naples to Sorrento but my concern is getting from the airport to Naples. What is the best way, public transportation or taxi? I know that the taxis are quite expensive from the airport into Rome so public transportation seems more attractive as long as it is safe for us with our baggage (we travel lightly but we still have a suitcase and small backpack each). What train station in Rome should we head for to get to Naples? We hesitate to buy our train tickets in advance because we don't know how long it will take us to go from the airport to the train station in Rome. Thanks in advance for any replies.
Posted by
Westford, MA
103 posts
At airport get on FCO AE train to Roma Termini, 32 minute ride, cost average
Roma Termini to Napoli C.LE, 1 hour 10 minute ride.
The rides are short so I suggest only buying 2nd Cl tickets. You can easily pick up something to eat and a beverage at either the airport or the Roma station to have on the train to Naples.
Hope this helps.
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
1046 posts
For two people the taxi is about the same as the train to Roma Termini, and much easier! Then take the high speed train to Napoli Centrale. It is about 1 1/4 hour trip. Just keep your wallet secure on the Circumvesuviana and you will be fine.
Posted by
OP
Ventura, CA, USA
96 posts
Thanks for the suggestions. Robert, how much does a taxi/train cost from the Rome airport to Termini?
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
1046 posts
The taxis are regulated for the run to and from the airport and have to post the fare. Last year I believe it was 40 euro plus a couple euro for my bags. Even when traveling alone I still take the taxi, it is that much easier! Right outside the terminal from customs you will see the line for taxis. Do not under any circumstances try to avoid that line, you will just be adding zeros to the right side of the fare!
Enjoy Sorrento! I try to get there every year for at least 5 nights. I find it a great place to start or end my time in Italy!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23267 posts
The fixed fare for a taxi into Rome has been set for a couple of years at 48E for up to four people. No charge for luggage. The Leonard express is 14e per person and runs every thirty minutes and takes 30 to get to Termini. Since you have to be in the Termini for the train take the train. Buy your ticket to Naples at the airport and allow 30 minutes to find the Naples train, more if you want to grab a snack. Food offers are better in Termini than the airport.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32202 posts
Lois,
I agree with Frank and would also suggest travelling by train. While the Taxi fare may be fixed, it's possible the ride could take longer than expected if traffic is thick. After coming off a long international flight, that's something I'd try to avoid. The Leonardo Express takes 35 minutes and is not affected by traffic. BE SURE to validate your ticket prior to boarding the train or you could face hefty fines, which will be collected on the spot!
As mentioned you can buy your ticket from FCO to Naples at the airport, when you buy your Leonardo Express ticket. You'll likely be travelling to Naples via Freccia high speed train, which has compulsory reservations and assigned seating. BE SURE to make sure you board only the train listed on your ticket, as if you're caught on a train without valid reservations, again you'll face fines on the spot.
When you arrive at Napoli Centrale, walk downstairs to the Garibaldi station and buy your tickets for the Circumvesuviana. Be vigilant for scammers and pickpockets as the Circumvesuviana has a bit of a "reputation", and also you'll be tired and jet lagged so may not be focusing well.
Happy travels!
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
From the time you walk up to the Trenitalia ticket window at Terminal 3 at FCO to buy your train tickets to Napoli Centrale, you are 3.5hrs-4.5hrs away from Sorrento on three different trains operated by two different train companies (Trenitalia and Circumvesuviana). All is dependent on the train run you choose and the connecting times at Roma-Termini and at Napoli Centrale. All other transportation is private and quite expensive.
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
1046 posts
After all is said and done, Lois, we all have our own ways of "getting out of the darn airport!" But, in this message stream, we all have the same goal: Sorrento! Frankly, after 8 trips to Sorrento in 9 years, I barely remember how I got there - I just love being there! Have a wonderful vacation!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
Since your destination when departing the airport is Roma Termini station to connect to your next train, then taking the shuttle train to get there is ideal. For the non-reserved airport shuttle train, don't forget to stamp your ticket in the date machine before descending to the track/boarding area. You don't need to book ahead; it's easy enough to buy tickets there for the next train leaving, with seat assignment included for the longer route. A departure could sell out, but since fast trains run at least hourly, you'll have plenty of choice.
Posted by
OP
Ventura, CA, USA
96 posts
Thank you to everyone who has offered advice. We will only be flying from Lyon France (a one and a half hour flight as opposed to over 12 hours on trains and about $150 more in second class train cars, so no need to worry about jet lag. We will mull over our choices and decide the best way to go. The taxi is sounding better, especially because it will be a Sunday afternoon so no problem with traffic jams. I would have responded sooner but since the website was changed I haven't been getting notifications when folks post on my posting. I'm going to have to call Rick's office on that! Ciao!