Travel between Sorrento and Naples

Try Aldo Limos. I used them a few years ago and I’m using them again this fall. Great email communication, fair prices, and we had a driver we really liked.

https://www.aldolimos.com/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187782-d1915544-Reviews-Aldo_Limos-Sorrento_Province_of_Naples_Campania.html

I took the Circumvesuviana from Naples to Pompeii and then to Sorrento. It was fine. I would even say fun. There were both tourists and locals. We got to talking to a few local guys when we were not certain which Pompeii stop we needed. We don't speak Italian and they didn't speak English yet we communicated, and it was a memorable experience. They were very kind. We also met a retired couple who had been using Sorrento as a base and used the circumvesuviana several times for day trips.

We used this company in the region and were very pleased-about 100 euros Napoli Centrale to Sorrento
https://www.topexcursionsorrento.com/?portal_referer_id=46

The Circumvesuviana is not the horrible train so many seem to think
It’s no diff than riding a big city subway.

There is also the Campania Express- tourist train that runs on same track but limited schedule

https://www.eavsrl.it/web/campania-express-2022

And there are ferries

Are you talking about traveling with luggage or just day trip?

We have traveled that route many many times and never had any problem whatsoever. You needn’t worry. Travel smart as always no matter where you are.

There's also a ferry between Naples and Sorrrento, through the company Alilauro.

Yes, we will have one larger bag on wheels and two back pack type bags,

I contacted our hotel in Sorrento to arrange a private car transfer. They quoted a price and when I agreed, they came back and raised the price

Not sure I would want to patronize that hotel. How do you know the same won't happen with the room rate?

I agree with jules and rachele about the Circumvesuviana train. We’ve ridden it 30 or more times and actually enjoy it. As jules said, lots of locals and tourists on it. It’s a fun slice of Italy for us. We’ve ridden it many times with luggage, just, as anywhere, keep your luggage close to you and don’t stand near a door with it.

We’ve also had private drivers pick us up in Sorrento for very early departures, and once from the airport to our hotel, and honestly, i prefer the Circumvesuviana.

Over the years we have ridden the Circumvesuviana a number of times. Nothing happened. Just a clunky old commuter train. It rattles and bangs but it will get you there. Don't know where you are from. If you have ridden the "L" in Chicago or the subway in New York -- not much difference. But if you are from Omaha and never rode an urban train I can understand your concern. People tend to "overstate" concerns about pickpockets, etc. We would not think twice about taken the Circumvesuviana but you might. You didn't indicate if Naples was a day trip or are you headed to the airport. If headed to the airport, then pay the price, about 100 euro, and get a driver.

Way better than the NYC subway imo.

I wouldn't be suspicious of the hotel, but assume that when they called the car company to confirm a pickup for you, they learned about a price increase. After all, gasoline prices have gone up.

Will you need a cab from the Circumvesuviana station to your hotel? That would make the car service "cheaper." We used the Circumvesuviana upon arrival, but the heat and crowding, and difficulty of handling our bags made 90 Euros (some years ago) an easy car service departure decision. No actual personal safety issues, just suburban fear of not being in my armored SUV at the mall.

Our inn was just off the Sorrento town square. It was an easy 10-15 minute walk from the train station. You could use google to map the distance for you.

I found the Circumvesuviana pretty nasty--like NY subways in the 1970s. But the tourist train that runs on the same tracks--Campania Express--is much cleaner, has air conditioning, and seems safer. It only runs four times a day, but it might be a good option for you. This is a link to the English website

https://www.eavsrl.it/web/campania-express-2022-en

We just got back last week and did both the Campania Express and the Circumvesuviana trains. I would definitely recommend taking the Campania Express from Naples to Sorrento. It's only 15 euro each and air conditioned and clean. Watch the videos on youtube of people walking you through the Naples train station. That made our trip so very easy! The only issue with the Campania Express is that it only runs 4 times a day. We just aligned our arrival in Naples with a time close to the Campania Express (we arrived from Rome at 10:54 am and got on the 11:30 Campania Express with no issue). They have attendants who will lead your group onto the train. It was great. We rode the Circumvesuviana to Pompeii for our tour. It was ok going there, but coming back, my kids sat on the floor, my husband and I had to stand up and it was very crowded, dirty and hot. It could be an easy situation to be pickpocketed for sure. and there isn't any area to put your luggage (even carry on size). Have a great time in italy!

Thanks for all of this helpful information!!!! I'm new to Rick Steves and am really a FAN :)

We’ve traveled between Naples and Sorrento several times using the bus, ferry, and train. The only problem we’ve ever had with the Circumvesuviana was when the ticket seller shorted me 5 euros. Yes, it was deliberate. I asked for the rest of my change (I speak not bad Italian,) and he just sat there looking at me, until he pointed at our train about to pull out.

But that was one person, one time. We’ve never had any qualms about taking the Circumvesuviana, or the bus, or the ferry.