Travel From Manarola to Sorrento

Ethel, For the "best way" to travel by train, check the Trenitalia website. The quickest route (6h:40M) will be: > Manarola to La Spezia Centrale > La Spezia to Viareggio > Viareggio to Firenze S.M.N. > Firenze S.M.N. to Napoli Centrale Tickets on that route would be €65.70 PP if you're able to get "Mini" fares. It would be slightly easier but longer (8H:13M) to travel Manarola > La Spezia > Roma Termini - Napoli (tickets would be €50 is using Mini fares). Fares are of course, subject to change. For information booking "Mini" fares, check the excellent Ron In Rome website. When you arrive at Napoli Centrale, walk downstairs to the Circumvesviana station and purchase tickets. Note that they operate several lines, so be sure to board the correct train (Sorrento is the "end of the line" on that route). The trains are "old graffiti-laden clunkers", but they will get you to Sorrento. Be sure to wear Money Belts and watch your belongings on the train! Is your Villa right in Sorrento, or slightly outside of town? Happy travels!

Ken Thank you so much for this information. We are staying outside of Sorrento. Our host told us it is 15 minutes by bus to Sorrento. Others have suggested taking a taxi to the ferry and then ferry or hydrofoil from Naples to Sorrento. Do you think this is a good idea? Thanks again
Ethel

Ethel, Taking a Ferry or Hydrofoil from Naples is certainly one option, but it's not one I would prefer. You would have to get from Napoli Centrale to the docks (probably Molo Beverello) by Taxi. The Taxi services in Naples are not always "reliable", so some caution would be required. When you reach Sorrento, you'd have to haul your bags up the hill (unless there's a Taxi available). Although the Circumvesuviana is not exactly "luxury" transportation and has a bit of a "reputation", it's the easier of the two options (IMHO). You would arrive in the centre of Sorrento, with easy access to Bus or Taxi for the trip to your Villa. Hopefully some of the others will offer an opinion on this. Cheers!

Hi All, Thanks, Ken. I had seen on this helpline that a few people recommended the ferry as an alternative. SOunds like it is not such a great idea. Linda, I am not sure exactly where the villa is located. . We rented a place on Air BnB and I am waiting for directions. In the meantime, I just heard from someone who said we should rent a car as the trains are not reliable due to strikes, etc. What do think of this idea as a way to get from Manorola to Sorrento? Does it make sense? Thanks! -Ethel

Ethel, NO, renting a car would not be a good option (IMHO, of course). There are some "issues" you'd have to be aware of when driving in Italy (post another note if you need further information). Driving would also take longer than travel by train. The fast trains reach speeds of about 300 kmH, so cars simply can't compare to that. If you can tolerate a brief ride on the Circumvesuviana (it's not really that bad), then train would be the easiest option. If you could provide further information on where the Villa is located, it would be easier for the group here to offer more specific suggestions.

Where exactly "outside Sorrento". Some bus services are better than others!