Is this possible? Can we just catch a train down, walk around and catch a train back again? Or are the interesting bits nowhere near a station? What about organised daytrips (on a coach or similar)?Would appreciate any advice, or your own experiences. Thanks

Yes you can. You will probably have to change at the main station in Naples. Pompey and herculeaum are well worth the visit. There are numerous organised tours for a few euro that you can pick up at the main enterance. However get a map on the web, take a picnic and amble arround in your own time. The ground can be a bit rough and hilly. Best to go in the morning when it is not so hot and is less crowded.

Hi Ozgal,

Pompeii is a long day trip from Rome. The Rome to Naples train takes about 2 hours. You change in Naples (take the Circumvesuviana train) for Pompeii. When you get off the train in Naples walk down the stairs for the train - it the one that goes to Sorrento.

It's about half an hour to Pompeii from Naples. So, the round trip would be about 6 hours if you include waiting for train changes. The train stops right at the ruins (there are 2 Pompeii stops - one is the town which you don't want - the other is Pompeii Scavi or Pompeii ruins). There's a cafe at the train station.

If you do decide to do a day trip there are guides you can hire at the entrance to the ruins. The bus tours I've seen have included other sights as well. Pompeii is so interesting you'll want to spend the day there.

adrienne

If you look at www.enjoyrome.com you will find they offer a shuttle bus tour from Rome. It leaves at 7:45 am and you're back in Rome at 6:00 pm. Once in Pompeii you're left to your own devices. It costs 55 euros. You could undoubtedly do it cheaper by putting it together yourself, but this certainly does present the easiest route.

Ozgal, we did the Rome to Pompeii trip in the fall and it was easy.

We took the high speed train for under $50.00 R/T from Termini to Naples and then the local 'Circumvesuviana' to 'old' Pompeii, not the new city. Be careful to get the right train in Naples. We bought tickets a few days in advance at an agency in Rome that we came across on one of our many walks.

We left our apartment (near the Vatican) in the AM, taking the subway to Termini and catching the train around 9:00, if I remember. We spent about four hours at the ruins and made it back to Rome for a late dinner.

It was very interesting, but comfortable shoes are necessary. It was also sunny and very warm in October so bring along some water and take your time.

Thanks everyone, that's great information. You've been really helpful.

Go to www.twenj.com click-on "Rome" and "Excursions" on the sidebar.
One minor mistake in the directions: Replace "Garibaldi" with "Centrale" in the Naples Train Station walking directions. Actually the same station just on different levels, from either just follow the signs to the Circumvesuviana.
The guided bustours only spend ~2hrs at the site and you just see a small section, not worth it IMO. Regards, Walter
Regards, Walter