I know some people have taken day trips to Pompeii from Rome, but I would like to know if it’s finally rewarding or simply too much of a stretch. Do you have to stay at least one night in the area to get a sense of Pompeii’s history?

It can be done rewardingly. Take an early train and a late train back. It would be nice to stay in Naples area but you don't "have" to. The area around Pompeii Scavi is industrial for the most part.

Hi wanderful, I agree with SeaUrchin. Having to pack up, check out of the hotel in Rome etc. is IMO not worth the trouble unless you are going to be spending time in S Italy.

Taking an early train and a late train back has worked for us.

We did that day trip. We had driven into ROme the night before, and kept the car for the day trip to pompeii. We returned the car in Rome on the way back. If we didn't already have the car, I would have taken the train. Many do it by train. It's a long but doable day trip.

I have taken two day trips from Rome to Pompeii and enjoyed them both. The first time I used a shuttle bus from www.enjoyrome.com. This does not run in winter, though. It was relaxing and allowed about three hours in Pompeii, and we were back in Rome in time for dinner.

The second time I took a train to Naples and then the Circumvesuviana commuter train to the Pompeii Scavi stop.

Both trips were highlights for me.

Hi W,

It's 2 hr by train to Naples and about :45 min on the Circumvesuviana commuter train to Pompei Scavi.

Train schedules are at www.trenitalia.com.

Thanks everyone for the help.

You're welcome, W.