Marozzi Bus vs. Train between Rome and Sorrento
 

Can anyone suggest which option is better - the Marozzi bus from Rome to Sorrento vs. a train (Rome-Naples-Sorrento)? I am trying to weigh the various options (ease of use with luggage, travel time, safety of stations, etc.)? Is the Marozzi bus nice or should we stick with the train? I am traveling with my parents, so I want it to be comfortable and nice. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Hi J,

The bus takes you from Rome Tiburtina to Piazza Tasso in Sorrento. I believe luggage storage is below the passenger compartment.

If you go by train from Rome TE, you have to change trains in Naples and carry your luggage with you.

((I))

I don't know the difference in travel times, but the bus wins the "no brainer" award for simplicity. No transfer in Naples, no waiting for the Sorrento train, no watching out for pick-pockets.

I'm curious about the travel time on the bus from Rome to Sorrento. Ira, do you happen to know how long it takes? Are these "coach" buses with toilets or standard buses?

Well, Kane, I don't think Ira has ever taken that bus, but I have so I'll put in my 2 euro.

The bus I rode was a nice, clean but older coach and had a bathroom, but the driver said it was broken. Maybe he didn't want to clean it afterwards or maybe it was broken. I'm sure there are newer buses in their fleet. The luggage is indeed stored under the bus, the driver will load it for you.

It takes a few hours and is pleasant. After you board in Sorrento it makes a few local stops picking up commuters and other locals, then drops you off at Tibertina. We took a cab from there to our hotel, but some have said you can catch a train in the main station.

Most of the passengers napped as there was no transfering and once you were seated that is that.

Journey time is about 4 hours, give or take ...

Steve

Details are on www.marozzivt.it. There seem to be two buses a day, with a journey time of about four hours.
One big advantage of the trains is their frequency: at least one fast train every hour (plus a slow one) from Roma to Napoli, then two trains an hour to Sorrento.

I'm right with Seaurchin on this one, as I too don't think Ira has ever taken the Marozzi bus.

I have taken the Marozzi bus, but from Sorrento to Rome. I had a carry-on bag that I kept on my lap. Most of the luggage was stored under the bus, exactly like bag storage on every greyhound bus I've ever taken. The bus (takes about 4 hours) will make a few local stops during the journey, so take care to have your bags well marked if they are at all "generic looking".

The seats were smallish, but comfortable. The bathroom was working, and I was lucky to have a window seat next to a very pleasant older Italian gentleman. I had a very good experience, and this particular Marozzi bus saved me from being stranded in Sorrento during a massive blackout in Italy, when all the trains stopped running. They took me on as a passenger at the last minute, which enabled me to make my plane home from Rome. So I vote for the bus!

I have also used the trains between Rome and Sorrento several times. I think it's easy, but also will involve a little more stress. I keep my lugguge with me all the time, because I travel light, but you would have to leave yours at the ends of the car if it's larger.

Many, many people pass throught the Naples Termini station without any hassle (including me), but it has a reputation for seediness (IMO, these days less deserved), and you may run into agressive people trying to help with luggage. The Naples personality is very direct, and can seem intimidating if you're not accustomed to it.

On arrival, you must Transfer to the Circumsuviana commuter train, which is downstairs (I think of this as the "funky subway"), and takes time to get to Sorrento, making many local stops. (Not a comfortable ride, but entirely doable.) So your travel time would be somewhat longer.

Or you could hire a private driver to meet you at the station in Naples to bring you to SOrrento and your hotel. If you are coming by train, this is the least stressful idea for a group, well worth the money, and most of the local drivers are charming fellows who will help make your arrival in Sorrento a good experience.

There are also ferries and hydrofoils to Sorrento from Naples.

Thank you so much for your post. I have been searching for 1st hand experiences on the Marozzi bus for months. Can't decide if we should tale it to Positano or just do the Eurostar to salerno and the ferry to Positano(as was suggested on this board) I like not having to switch from train to ferry if i am on the bus, but i am scared of having to use the bathroom during that 4 hour busride and not being able make the driver stop. =oT I am so indecisive!!

I check the travel times from our 2001 itinerary, which is the opposite routing from janie1569's question, but the total travel time should be the same: It took 3 1/3 hrs. from Sorrento to Rome (changing trains in Naples).

Like bellastar wrote, your coach will most likely have a working toilet on it. Actually I took it from Sorrento to Rome too, but it is probably the same bus making both rounds so same theory.

I didn't know that the bus went on to Positano, this must be something new as when I took it Sorrento was the first and last stop.