travel to Sorrento from Rome

We are thinking of making this trip in September so hopefully someone will point both of us in the right direction...why bus vs train? We are really concerned with having to go through Naples...

Really? Since when has Rick been recommending that? Every time I've ever heard him offer an opinion on this (over 20 years) I think he has always suggested the train. The trains are inexpensive, easy, convenient, and yes, perfectly safe. No reason to be spooked.

the train between naples and sorrento is fine, not that scary. for some people naples does seem a little extreme, but it's better than what you see. however, if you're really scared, then still take train from rome to naples in first class, then take a cab from the naples train station to the hydro dock and take the boat to sorrento.

When we went to Italy in 2008, I looked into the bus schedules, but decided to use the train because of more frequent service at reasonable hours. The Naples train station is not much different from other big city stations in Italy. The only hassle we had was from men in blue jackets who wanted to carry our luggage. (the jackets made them look official, but I understand that they are not employees of the train station). We had to carry our luggage down some steps to reach the Circumvesviana station in the lower level. The Circumvesuviana train itself was similar to an elevated train that you might find in NYC or Chicago - a bit run-down and graffiti-ridden, but not unsafe.

This is Linda from Seattle. Thought I would jump on this question. I didn't see it before posting mine "Rome to Sorrento by Bus". Bob, was taking the train from Rome to Sorrento really that much faster - what with having to connect in Naples?

The train from Rome to Naples is very fast - there was a screen that displayed the speed and at one point I looked up and it was 237 kmh (I have a photo). In the station it takes a few minutes to get to the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento, but easy to follow the signs. That train runs every 1/2 hour and depending on whether you get a "local" or "express" it will take just under an hour or about 1-1/4 hours to get to Sorrento. In Sorrento, there are stairs down to street level but there is also an elevator - if you look for it. Pretty much all of Sorrento is downhill from the train station.

The last time I looked into the bus option, the return trip from Sorrento to Rome left at 6 AM or early evening. We did not think it would be pleasant to catch the early bus, nor did we think it would be a good idea to arrive in Rome at night.

Last summer bus times were HORRID. We took the train. It was my 70 year old plus mother and I. No problems.

Linda, Where did Rick recommend taking the Bus over the train? The Buses depart from the vicinity Roma Tiburtina station, which is a couple of Metro stops from Termini. There are fewer departures by Bus each day than by train, so not as convenient for many people. The easiest and quickest method on that route (IMHO) is the EuroStar Italia / Alta Velocita, which has a travel time of ~1H:10M and fares currently as low as 22€. The speed mentioned by Chani is accurate. Ron In Rome "clocked" the speed on one of his trips at 187 MPH using a GPS. The speeds vary during the trips, and I believe they're required to travel at a lower limit when going through cities. When you arrive at Napoli Centrale, walk downstairs to the Circumvesuviana station and buy an inexpensive ticket for the trip to Sorrento. As I recall, it's about 5€. Note that the Circumvesuviana has several "branches" so be sure to board the correct train. Sorrento is the "end of the line" on that route. The trains are best characterized as "old graffiti-laden clunkers" but they're a convenient and easy way to get to Sorrento. However, be vigilant with your luggage when travelling on the Circumvesuviana! When you arrive in Sorrento, you can either take a Taxi to your Hotel or walk (depending on where your Hotel is). Happy travels!

Originally, I was going to travel by bus to Sorrento from Rome but now I'm beginning to see the positive points to travelling by rail. Actually, I have never travelled on a really fast train and it might be quite an adventure. Now, pretty much convinced to forego the bus and hop that 11 a.m. fast train (hopefully getting a mini fare) and transferring to the Circumvesuviana in Naples. Thanks everyone for changing my mind. Not an easy thing to do.

Linda I will give you the information from memory about these 2 bus companies' Rome To Sorrento trips. Because I can't get the web sites to work for these destinations either.. In the summer and maybe May and September, both companies offer 2 trips daily. The trip takes 4+ hours. The bus benefits are LOW cost, 18 euro! And in the summer, air conditioning, as the local train from Naples to Sorrento is hot! Also they run non stop Sorrento to Naples Airport. Maybe no buses in April! Bobbie

Hi All, sorry, but I am more confused than ever now. We are flying into Rome in Sept. and part of our package includes transportation from Rome to Sorrento - by bus. We have been told by the carrier, this takes about 3 hours......seems like you are all saying more like 4 hours? As an alternative, if we take the train from Rome to Naples, although you are saying it is fast, about how long does it take? Then to continue onto Sorrento is just over an hour? So does it take about three hours in TOTAL to do the trip from Rome to Sorrento, by train? Sorry - need the 'travel for Dummies' version!
Thanks!

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions and advice.
We couldn't find any info on the bus so decided to take the train to Naples and then the local train to Sorrento. I will go to the bus station when I am in Rome and post the information when I return.

Hi Linda/All Responders I'm also interested in the bus option if available. As I will be traveling the same time frame. I'll try to connect with some folks in Rome to see if they have the scoop on the disappearing bus schedule (dal Rome al Sorrento). Meanwhile, hopefully someone will come up with a tangible answer.