We are using Delta Miles to fly to Italy. It looks like the best bet is to fly into Rome (we are coming from Boston).

From there would it be best to take a flight to Naples (our final destination is Capri), or to hire a driver to take us from Rome or take a train/bus? Does anyone know the approximate cost of a driver from Rome to Naples or where we could inquire?

We are traveling on a Wednesday, so I assuming the ferries and Hydrofoils will be running on a regular basis (May 18th), but I don't want to assume. Is this something we have to reserve, or just show up for? Is there an English site where I can check the schedules for the hydrofoils and ferries on line?

Hi

It's only a few hours from Rome to Naples by train. See www.trenitalia.com/en

Since the ferries to Capri leave from Mollo Bevellero, I think it would be more convenient to train rather than fly.

Take a taxi from the train station.

A driver will be from 400-600E.

We paid 300E in March04 for a driver from Rome to Sorrento for 3 people. The driver spoke English and it was a nice drive. We took the train back from Sorrento to Rome which was much cheaper. But if I were to make the same trip again I would do it the same way - limo pickup/train back. We prices several places and chose Airport Connection Service because it was cheapest. [email protected]

Have a great trip.

We took the train to Naples from Rome in March and from there we went to Pompeii. The trains are great, inexpensive, and frequent. We used the Eurostar Italia trains which are more direct. I believe we got to Naples in about 2-3 hours. Trains leave from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale all day long, so it shouldn't be hard to find a train that fits into your schedule.

Good luck!
Tracy

Can you take a train from Sorrento to Rome? I thought I needed to travel to Naples to train to Rome?

Hi italia,

You take the circumvesuviana commuter train Sorrento/Naples and then change to the Trenitalia train at Napoli Centrale.

Schedules at www.trenitalia.com/en and
http://www.vesuviana.it/orario_ol/orari.asp

Since you're a member of the Sky Miles program, have you considered requesting a free ticket on Alitalia, as follows:
Boston-Milan(MXP)-Naples?

From the Naples airport, you can take the public bus to Piazza Municipio, which is about 400 yards from Molo Beverello, from where you can take a ferry or hydrofoil to Capri.

If you fly Delta into Rome or Milan (or even Venice), you can still request a connecting flight on Alitalia to Naples, for no additional charge. Otherwise, you can take the train from the Rome airport to Rome Termini Station, and connect to a Eurostar or Intercity train to Naples Central Station. From there, its a very short taxi ride to Molo Beverello.

I would not spend the money to hire a driver from the Rome airport to Naples.

Using the circumvesuviana is fairly easy. When you get off the train in Napoli Centrale there are signs all over the place pointing to the direction of the CV. From there you go to Sorrento. There are numerous trains each hour and the cost is fairly cheap.

Tracy

Thank you everyone. I talked with Delta today and they suggested fly into Milan and then fly Alitalia to Naples.

Are the buses easy to figure out? I don't speak or read Italian, although my husband and I try and learn a little each night.

Do the hyrofoils run on a regular basis from Naples to Capri, and can we just show up, or do we need to make reservations?

Returned too fast. One other thought, although most likely far-fetched.

I had wanted to spend a few nights in Rome, since we will be so close, but my husband wants this to be a "non-city" relaxing vacation where we just amble about, eat, sleep, shop, etc.

We are staying 5 days on Capri and then 5 days on Positano. That probably sounds like alot, but again, we just want to relax and hang out.

I had thought we would fly into Rome, but Delta suggested Milan instead, as that flight is direct from Boston. Wondering if on the way home, we should attempt to spend a few days/nights in Venice, and perhaps fly home from there. I don't have any concept of how far that is, or how difficult or lengthy to get there by train.

Should be just save Venice for another trip? We could spend 3 days there at most.

Don't need to learn Italian - just for the trip. A lot of people speak English. And we all speak body language. The only time I really had a problem with the Italians was when I expected some change from the taxi driver... But taxi is cheap in Italy. So I would suggest you taking a taxi than a bus.
Pay attention when you purchase hydrofoil tickets. I went from Naples to Ischia, and thought I got the hydrofoil tickets... Don't believe what the others tell you, check carefully yourself.
Check with your hotel on the island. See if they can pick you up.