Hi- we're arriving at FCO at 9:15 am on a Sat, and we'd like to go straight to Naples to spend a day/night there before returning to meet our friends in Rome. My question is what is the best way to get from FCO to Naples? Is there a train that goes directly from the airport, and if so how long does it take/do I need reservations? How long do I need to allow myself to get luggage and get through customs? Any thoughts on whether it's better to train or fly? Thanks!!! Thanks!!!
Since you are already at the airport you might check to see the local flights that might be available. To get to Naples, via rail, you will need to take the Leonard Express to Termini and from Termini and two to three hours depending on the train to Naples. You probably will need at least an hour to get luggage, and walk through immigrations and get to the train at the airport. The LE from the airport is open seating (14E). You can buy the ticket to Naples at the same ticket office that you buy the LE express ticket.
I'm not sure I'd go through the hassle of heading to Naples just for one night and then returning? If you're not an experienced overseas traveler, who knows how exhausted you'll be if you're flying overnight from the USA. Jet-lag impacts everyone differently. If you planning to fly from FCO, because you're now buying separate tickets, you'd have to claim your luggage, head out through customs,and then check-back-in at the appropriate counter, go back through security, and then head for your gate. As your 2nd ticket will be separate, you'll have no control if your first plane is late. It's not a long flight, but the process could be a challenge. I'd figure on 2+ hours to coordinate your arrival, then a short flight, and another 30+ minutes to get out of the airport in Naples and 30+ minutes to get to your hotel. You might be ready "to see" Naples about 2:00 PM at best... And this is not factoring in fatigue. On the train, figure an hour to through Terminal 3 Arrivals at Fiumicino Airport, 8-10 minutes to walk to the FCO train station. Depending on how long you have to wait for the Leonardo Express , perhaps another 35-50 minutes to get to the Roma Termini Station. There, you could connect to a high speed train, which takes about 70 minutes, but make it an hour and a half with wait time factored in... then another 20-35 minutes getting to your hotel in Naples... So that route puts you into Naples about - best case - 1 PM.
I'm getting tired just writing about it! And all this for half a day in Naples, only to return to Rome the next day? Can you wait until later in your trip to see Naples? This would be an exhausting way to start your Euro trip, especially for just one jet-lagged night in Naples.