Circumvesuviana & Italian trains

The Circum... is basically a commuter run. Just buy a ticket and get on. Over the years we have traveled extensively on trains in Europe and for the most part rarely worry about schedules or tickets especially in Italy. The trains are so frequent that you seldom wait very long. When we arrive in a city we will check the posted schedules and make notes of the departures -- generally a couple an hour. If we knew when we want to departure we will purchase the tickets at that time from one of the ticket machines. If we don't we just wait till we decided to leave. Train by train is very easy in Europe. But Americans have only the airline model and have been well trained to buy tickets earlier and expect to be treated badly by the transportation service.

laura, as the previous Post indicated, there are no "formalities" on the Circuvesuviana trains. Some of these trains are emblazoned with graffiti and a bit "rough looking", but just find whatever seating is available.

You also asked about "Italian trains" and the situation is a bit different there. Especially on the high speed ICE trains, reservations are often compulsory. DON'T be caught without a reservation, or you'll be nicked with a fine on the spot!

You might find it very helpful to read the "Rail Skills" section of Europe Through The Back Door or the rail info section on this website.

AFAIK the Circumvesuviana web site does not have an English section. Is there a particular date and time that you're looking for? You might also check the bahn.de web site, as they may have schedules listed for the Circumvesuviana trains. As I recall, there's also information in Rick's Italy book on those. As they are commuter trains, they run fairly frequently.

The Circumvesuviana trains have a bit of a "reputation", so be sure to wear a Money Belt and keep a close watch on your luggage.

Hope this helps?

Happy travels!

Note that the Circumversuviana has its own ticket window at the Naples train station - just follow the signs directing you to the Circumvesuviana and you'll find it. Cost for Naples to Sorrento this past September was EUR 3.30. It would be less to Pompeii or other intermediate stops. I took the Circumvesuviana several times in September and the trains consistently ran within a few minutes of scheduled times.

Hi Laura,

We rode the Circumvesuviana Train a couple of times in September. It ran every 20 minutes or so. We got a carte Artecard when we got off the train in Naples, and it included free admission to first two sights you visited in the area. We used it for Pompeii and Naples Museum and also covered the fare on the Commuter Train. The first time we got on the train in Naples it was packed wall to wall people, it was standing room only but the closer we got towards Sorrento it cleared out. Hope that helps!

Audrey

the Circum during the daytime is fine; we took it from Naples to Ercolano but in the past have gotten down to Sorrento using it
yes, the trains may have graffiti on the outside of them
definitely a commuter train; you may or may not get a set
just be aware of your purse/belongings
wear a moneybelt; better safe than sorry
those pickpockets are quick; in a flash, a gentleman in our group lost his money clip!