We are wanting to see Pompeii on our travels from Rome to the Amalfi Coast (Minori) but I'm having trouble deciding whether to get to Pompeii through Naples or Salerno. Based on the train schedules, it looks like the Salerno route is 30 min longer but the timing of the trains leaving Rome would have us arriving in Pompeii around the same time either way. I will have 3 kids and suitcases so I'm considering avoiding the Circumvesuviana based on everything I've read and going the Salerno route instead. However, I know the Salerno train arrives at the station farther from Pompeii and am not sure that's worth the hassle just to avoid the Circumvesuviana. Any recommendations? (Also, I've looked at the Campagnia Express but the timing doesn't work). Thanks!

You are planning to stop in Pompeii on the way from Rome to Minori?

Yes - I know it’s not on the way and pretty ambitious to do but… my kids really want to see Pompeii and the only days we could fit it in are our travel days to/from Rome and Minori. We are going to do a guided tour of Pompeii and just see the highlights.

It can work well to stop on the day arriving or departing the AC. In this case, are you taking the train from Rome? If so, I would definitely go ahead with the Circumvesuviana to the entrance of Pompeii. You can store luggage there while you tour. You can wait and just hire a guide at the entrance for however long you want. Be sure to have water and sunscreen with you, maybe even sun hats. Just keep an eye on your luggage at stops. Watch your pockets and any packs you are carrying. This is true everywhere, anyway.
How are you getting to Minori after that? That is a bit more convoluted, I think, but others will know best.

Thanks for the info! I was just concerned about the safety of the Circumvesuviana with kids and bags but it sounds like we just need to be extra cautious with our stuff. To get to Minori from Pompeii, I'm planning for us to get to the Pompei station, train to Salerno, ferry to Minori (or taxi if we linger too long at Pompeii and miss the last ferry).

Late to this discussion, but there used to be a guided bus tour from Rome to Pompeii. A long day but you'd get the highlights and not have luggage/logistics problems.

FWIW, DH and I rode the Circumvisuviana several times between Sorrento and Naples with no problems.

Assume you realize that Pompeii Scavi (the ruins/archeological site) are on a different rail line than Pompeii Town and you have to connect between the two train line stations by bus. The very local, Circumvesuviana train line that stops at Pompeii Scavi ends in Sorrento. The line that goes to Salerno is the one that goes through Pompeii town, not by the ruins. So after you tour Pompeii, you need to get over to Pompeii town. From Salerno, you then have to ferry or bus to Minori. This is going to be a very, very long day.

If this has changed and my information is incorrect, please, someone correct me. I don’t want to pass on outdated information, but this is my last experience there.

OK, just re-read your response. Seems you have done your research and are aware of the stations. Good deal! It will be a long, but likely satisfying day.

https://www.italiarail.com/train-sta...-station-guide