Skk26

Hi,
My friends and I are going to be in Naples for a few days and we thought we would spend 1 day, specifically a Saturday going to Vesuvius/Pompeii in the morning (8-12ish) and Sorrento in the afternoon. We're def planning on taking the circumvesuivian train in the morning to Pompeii Scavii. But I'm slightly concerned about returning to Naples in later afternoon/early night from everything Ive read online and in some books.
Anyone have an reassurances about the train at this time? Or any idea about how late the ferry back to Naples runs in July on a Saturday?
I will say this, the 3 of us are not new or inexperienced travelers (just not experienced in Italy lol) and we have lived and used public transpo in cities like NY, Philly, Chicago so no stranger to being cautious.But if anyone has any advice or opinion it would be very welcome.

Andrew

I haven't taken the circumvesuviana in almost ten years, but at the time I too had heard all the concerns about it but didn't understand what the big deal was, after riding it a few times between Naples, Pompeii, and Sorrento. It's just a light rail train as I recall. Yes, pickpockets probably work it routinely, but they work the trains (and train stations) all over Europe, probably in Philly, NY, and Chicago too. Just be careful. Take precautions, be alert, watch your valuables, and you will be fine.

MmePerdu

In my experience, it seems the Circumvesuviana is primarily a commuter train taking people to work in Naples and home in the evening. You'll be going the opposite direction, if your concern is about a packed train, and on a Saturday. I've ridden it packed, standing with luggage, on the way to Sorrento, not much fun but not terrible, and also from Sorrento, the end/beginning of the line so seats for everyone getting on there. On Saturday, I'd think particularly no problem.

HappyTrvlr

A driver would cost you about 100 Euros from Sorrento to Naples.

kybourbon

I've never had a problem on the train and traveled alone on it quite a few times (it runs until midnight or so). It can be packed at times (and hot), but it's mostly commuters, school kids (going to school or sports) or tourists.

There are some buskers that hop on around Pompeii or Herculaneum (Ercolano stop) to try to solicit money from tourists. They usually only stay on a few stops. There might be a pickpocket or two, but most people I've encountered that were pickpocketed had it happen in the Naples train station, not on the Circumvesuviana (and not downstairs in the Naples station where you catch the Circumvesuviana either).

The ferries don't run late. Probably 6 or 7pm will be the latest.

nytraveler

I'm concerned that you don't have enough time to see what you want. IMHO Vesuvius AND Pompeii would take most of the day, esp if the weather is really warm. Pompeii has few trees and tends to bake in the sun. When we went - in May - we got there when it opened, spent about 3.5 hours and then went straight back to our hotel to get into the pool.

I think seeing all 3 places in one day is an awful lot.

Can't comment on the train, we had a car since we were in the middle of a road trip.

HappyTrvlr

We took the train to Pompeii and back. Easy. Train is old and a little grungy but satisfied our Pompeii transportation needs. I would do it again.