My mom, 2 daughters and myself will be in Rome the end of March. We originally had a day trip planned to the Naples/Amalfi Coast area, however after reading your guides, we have changed our plans and are now staying just outside Naples, in Antonio Abate (a random area my daughter wants to visit), for one night then two more nights in Sorrento. What trains would you recommend for this travel? We have read much about the safety and theft issues the closer you travel toward Naples.
Posted by
Cartersville, GA, USA
101 posts
Well realistically there are only so many trains available, aren't there? That in and of itself doesn't really give you options. The only choices you have are for the national rail line trains to Naples/Antonio Abate and then you MUST switch 9at Naples) to the LOCAL Circumvesuviana (not sold through RailEurope online) to go onwards to Sorrento. RS Italy has good info on the Circumvesuviana line. Theft may always be an issue on trains (yes, particularly farther south near Naples), but safety overall shouldn't be any more precarious. I've done this journey a couple times and felt completely safe, and neither witnessed, heard about, nor experienced any theft or uncomfortable situations. Call me jaded, but a confident, watchful yet not paranoid attitude does wonders towards not becoming a victim. Don't nap all at the same time; don't bring your hobo-style purse the size of your kitchen sink with all your valuables inside and then leave it out of sight... I know you have to realize how it is: 10 great (uneventful) experiences will always be completely drowned out by 1 bad one--and that's what it is here, in my opinion. I've actually felt more "stalked" by pickpockets, etc., on the subway in Rome than I ever have on any train to any Italian destination, north or south.
Posted by
OP
Williamsburg, United States
42 posts
Thank you for your response. We may be over thinking this and simply must go and enjoy, of course followig common sense. One additional question with regards to trains, we have read that you need to validate tickets when boarding trains, but also that the ticket must be stamped with a date and time. Is this the same process, or are there two seperate actions?
Posted by
Texan in CA
4412 posts
It's the same thing...watch the video at the bottom of this page (not that I'm suggesting you don't go back and read any of it; Ron in Rome has a LOT of great info!): http://www.roninrome.com/%20transportation/riding-the-trains-in-italy
Posted by
Cartersville, GA, USA
101 posts
Yes, same thing. It's kind of like punching a time clock, if you've ever had to do that. Machines are on pretty much every platform, or at least every couple of platforms. No validation stamp and you are probably going to get a nice stiff fine from the conductor (50 or more euro) as well as a lecture and a bit of finger-wagging.