Positano to Naples in early AM

It would be cheaper to take the train to Napoli the night before. I stayed at Starhotels Terminus across the street from the train station last week (fire at Fiumicino terminal 3), very comfortable and not expensive. Then take a taxi to the airport, it's not very far.

The last leg of our trip is like yours, and our flight is the same time (7:20 a.m.)...why do I continually book those? Anyway, we decided to stay the last night in Naples at the Hotel Piazza Bellini.

We are taking a private taxi (I think the cost should be closer to 100 not 140) from Positano to Naples. We felt this would be easier than lugging all of our stuff on a bus. You can get a decent quote from La Mammolo, they seem quite competitive.

Also, can anyone tell me how early we would need to be at the Naples Airport? Any earlier than 2 hours? Also, when we check luggage, do we have to retrieve in in Rome before our flight to the states, or is it checked all the way through?

Even if the taxi fare (or a shared transfer service) was less expensive, would you really want to get up (or not go to sleep at all) to catch a cab at 3:30-4:00 am to get to the airport at least 2 hours early? For reasons of sleep, sanity, and cost, stay in Naples your last day/night and enjoy all it has to offer before you leave. I think deep down you know this is the only sensible answer.

If staying in Positano is a deal breaker, then I would suggest finding a cheaper transfer service which you could perhaps split with another couple. Trip Advisor is a good go-to place to check out your options. Taking a taxi will be the most expensive option so avoid it if you can.

We had that early flight out of Naples also. So glad we spent at least that one night in Naples. Loved the city and can't wait to go back! Our pension in Sorrento arranged a last minute taxi for us when our planned ferry trip looked too foggy. I think it was closer to 75 euro from Sorrento. I learned on the Amalfi coast that friendly hoteliers often have great contacts who aren't in anybody's books.

To Lulu, the early morning taxi ride from the historic center to the airport takes merely minutes. We seemed to be the only car on the road at 5:30AM, which got us to the airport WAY too early. Luggage was checked all the way through. No need to retrieve at Rome.

We stayed at the Decumani Hotel de Charme in Naples, a recommendation from this site. I was a little wary since Tripadvisor reviews were all over the map. The outside of the hotel is off-putting, but once you take the elevator up to their second floor lobby, it's really nice and the people were lovely. They sent us to a fun little cafe down the street -- Pulcinella -- and called a great guide who lived nearby. (Our RS guide cancelled at the last minute.) In only one afternoon and evening in Naples, a four hour walk around the city center with Adele showed us some of the best churches, the street of the prescepi, historic neighborhoods, and places to find memorable street food. My vote is definitely to go into Naples the day before.

FYI, the Naples airport is small. I'm remembering only one terminal. If your return trip is all on the same ticket, they will check your bags through.
I'm with those who say spend that last night in Naples. Go up for the day. See the Archaeological Museum. Have a nice dinner. Even with spending the night there, making such an early flight will be stressful. I wouldn't add another layer.

Thanks Ruth! We are planning on leaving Positano very early in the morning (perhaps 7:00 a.m.) and be taken to the our hotel in Naples and drop off our luggage to not have to deal with that. Then, either take the circumvesuvium train to Pompeii (or have our private driver drop us off depending on the charge). Spend at least 3 hours, then head back to Naples for the remainder of the afternoon and evening. Our hotel is located just mere blocks from the historical museum, which I read is the best place to see the artifacts from Pompeii.

I'm actually glad to be able to walk around Naples, even if just for 1/2 day .