Everything you need to know about the Circumvesuviana Train
As empty nest, nomadic, slow travelers, we believe in fully immersing ourselves in the places we visit. Our recent three-month stay in Italy began in March in Taormina, Sicily, and was no exception. In April, we found ourselves in Sorrento, where we had the opportunity to experience the Circumvesuviana train, a vital transportation link in the Campania region. We’re excited to share a detailed account of our experience, including pros and cons, costs, schedule, safety tips, and valuable insights for travelers.
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The Circumvesuviana Train Experience
The Circumvesuviana train, a regional railway network, is your gateway to the Bay of Naples area. It connects Naples with key destinations like Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Sorrento, offering a convenient and scenic way to explore the Amalfi Coast region. The Sorrento station is the final stop on the line.
Sorrento is a great place to stay when exploring the Amalfi Coast. For more on Sorrento and where to stay, check out our Sorrento vs. Amalfi Coast, Where Should you Stay? blog.
The train departs from Naples Centrale Station’s lower level from Track 3. To reach the track, take the stairs down from the station’s center. There are no elevators or escalators to access the platform, only stairs.
The trains, for the most part, are not air-conditioned and do not have luggage storage. These trains are used by commuters to and from work as well as tourists, making it difficult during peak times to navigate bringing a lot of luggage on.
Pros and Cons of the Circumvesuviana train
Pros
- Convenience: The Circumvesuviana train offers a direct and affordable way to travel between major tourist sites and local towns.
- Frequency: Trains depart every 30 minutes, making it easy to plan day trips without extensive waiting times.
- Access to Major Sites: The train stops at archaeological sites like Pompeii, Herculaneum, and charming towns along the coast.
Cons
- Crowding: Trains can get VERY crowded, especially during peak tourist season and rush hours. You should expect the platform to board Circumvesuviana to be shoulder to shoulder; this is a significant commuter line, and locals use it to get to and from Naples for work daily.
- Old Infrastructure: The trains are outdated, with basic amenities and occasional maintenance issues. We noticed that the air conditioning didn’t exist or was not working most often.
- Luggage Storage: This is very difficult. When available, store small items in the overhead bins and larger items under the seats or in front of you. Taking up a seat with luggage is highly frowned upon.
- Pickpocketing: Crowded trains can be a target for pickpockets, so travelers need to be vigilant.
Cost, Schedule, and Ticket Buying Tips
Trains run every 30 minutes from early morning until late evening. The schedule may vary on weekends, holidays, and during train worker strikes. Check at the stations for schedule changes. The Italian word for strike is “sciopero.”
The latest Circumvesuviana schedule can be found on the EAV website.
The journey from Naples to Sorrento takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. DD trains do not stop at all the stations, so they reach Sorrento in about 50 minutes.
Costs
- Tickets: A one-way ticket from Naples to Sorrento costs around €4.50. Day passes for unlimited travel on the Circumvesuviana network cost approximately €12.
- Additional Costs Entrance fees for attractions such as Pompeii (€15) and Herculaneum (€13) are not included in the train fare.
Safety on the Train
- Stay Alert: Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded trains and stations. Keep valuables close and secure.
- Travel Off-Peak: Avoid traveling during peak hours to reduce the risk of overcrowding and to ensure a more comfortable journey. The Circumvesuviana station in Naples is one of those places; You are far better off waiting until rush hour has finished before boarding the train to Sorrento. We found that a train at 5:15 versus 6:15 was a world of difference.
- Plan Ahead: Check the train schedule beforehand and know the last train times to avoid being stranded or pushed to a taxi. Buy your train tickets in advance or buy daily passes when it makes the most sense. Lines can get long quickly, so having your tickets in hand will improve efficiency and reduce stress.
The Circumvesuviana train is a valuable and practical option for many travelers in the Naples region. However, it’s not the perfect choice for everyone. Assessing your travel style, comfort preferences, and budget will help you decide if this regional train aligns with your travel needs. Considering alternatives like private transfers or rental cars might enhance your travel experience if the train’s drawbacks seem too significant.
Itinerary Ideas and Circumvesuviana Train Station Information
The Circumvesuviana train provided an efficient way to explore a variety of destinations. You can use the train for convenient day trips from Sorrento to visit Naples, Pompeii, and Herculaneum. Additionally, the train offers spectacular views of Mount Vesuvius and the coastline during the journey, making it an excellent option for a scenic tour of the region. Whether visiting historical sites or enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings, the Circumvesuviana train can cater to diverse travel itineraries.
Trips we took on the Circumvesuviana Train
- Naples to Sorrento – when we arrived in Naples from Taormina
- Sorrento to Pompeii – Day trip to visit Pompeii
- Sorrento to Naples – Day trip to explore Naples
- Sorrento to Ercolano Scavi -Day trip to Herculaneum archaeological site
- Sorrento to Naples – when we left Sorrento for Florence
Circumvesuviana Train Station Information
Napoli Porta Nolana
This is the first station on the Circumvesuviana line. Trains for all routes depart from here.
Commuters and regular passengers will board the train at this station to ensure they’ll find seating. The stop is located close to Piazza Garibaldi (Napoli Centrale). You could board the train here to guarantee getting a seat and avoid the crowds on the Piazza Garibaldi platform. There is an elevator and an escalator in this station.
Napoli Piazza Garibaldi
The Napoli Centrale station is situated on the lower level, making it a convenient choice for those arriving by train from other parts of Italy or departing from Naples. Please note that no elevator or escalator is available.
Ercolano Scavi
The nearest station to the Herculaneum archaeological site is about a 10-minute walk from the ruins. Neither the station nor the Roman ruins are accessible.
Pompei Scavi
The train station closest to the “Villa Dei Misteri” entrance of the archaeological ruins. However, there is no accessible access for trains from Sorrento bound for Naples. We advise against using this station for visitors requiring wheelchair access to the Pompeii ruins, as it is pretty far from the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance, where the wheelchair route through the ruins begins.
The station has a luggage check.
Refrain from considering any guides, offers for visits, or tickets to the ruins at the station and instead head directly to Pompeii’s entrance. There, you will find official guides (identified by wooden tags around their necks with the symbol of the Campania region) for booking private guided tours. To avoid waiting in line at the entrance, purchase tickets to the Pompeii Ruins online before your visit.
Castellammare di Stabia
Right at the station, you can take the funicular to the top of Mount Faito. The cost is 9 euros per person, and the funicular is not accessible.
Vico Equense, Meta, Piano, Sant’Agnello
These stations on the Sorrentine Peninsula are situated in the central area of each town and are a short ride away from Sorrento. They do not offer elevators or escalators.
Sorrento
The Sorrento station has an elevator. A newspaper stand sells train and bus tickets on the ground level. Alternatively, you can purchase a ticket from the Circumvesuviana ticket window on the upper level or the newspaper stand on the same level.
Invaluable Travel with the Circumvesuviana Train
The Circumvesuviana train proved invaluable during our journey through the Campania region between Naples and Sorrento. Despite its challenges, it offered a convenient and cost-effective way to explore some of Italy’s most iconic sites. Whether you’re heading to the ancient ruins of Pompeii, the charming streets of Sorrento, or the bustling city of Naples, the Circumvesuviana train is a travel option worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Circumvesuviana trains depart from the lower level of Naples Centrale station in Piazza Garibaldi, below the main level where the high-speed trains arrive and depart. To reach the lower level, take the stairs located in the center of the train station.
Tickets cost 3.90 Euro from Naples to Sorrento
Tickets are not sold online. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket counter or one of the newsstands in the station. Tickets can also be purchased on the Go EAV App
It takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes by train from Naples to Sorrento. The (DD) trains do not stop at all of the stations, reaching Sorrento in about 50 minutes.
Some stations have wheelchair access, while others do not. The main Piazza Garibaldi (Naples Centrale) station lacks accessibility due to the absence of ramps to the lower level. The Sorrento station is fully accessible.
