Need help planning a side trip to Pompeii from Rome...
We are looking into a few different scenarios for this but not sure which way to go. We are traveling from Rome to Positano and are making a stop in Pompeii on the way. We first thought of taking the train from Rome to Naples, then getting on the smaller train to Pompeii. But, what would we do with our luggage (4 of us with 1 carry-on suitcase & backpack per person)? Will carry-on luggage fit in the lockers at the train station? After Pompeii, I guess we would train or bus to Positano.
Had also looked into hiring a driver to take us from Naples to Pompeii and then to Positano, but this may be too expensive.
The other option was getting a rental car, which will end up costing just as much, if not more than the train/bus situation. Our hotel in Positano has parking, but I know that gas is really expensive. Would a rental car even be useful on the Amalfi Coast? While we are in Positano we want to make side trips to Amalfi and Ravello...I'm thinking buses are probably more convenient for these trips...has anyone tried parking in either of these places while on a day trip?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!! we are leaving in 4 weeks

Personally I dont think you want a car on the coast. There is good bus service/ferry service which makes daytripping easy and convenient.
How long are you staying in Positano? If its for an extended period, I would recommend going straight to Positano and making Pompeii a daytrip from there.

We will be in Positano for 4 nights and want some time to relax and enjoy the town. We will be making day trips to Capri, Amalfi and Ravello, so thought that hitting Pompeii on the way might save us some time.
Is there a bus that goes from Pompeii to Positano? Any idea how much that costs?

Amy - There is luggage storage at the entrance/ticket booth to Pompeii. The train station (Pompeii Scavi) is right across the street so it's not like you would have to drag your luggage a long way. I don't think the Pompeii Scavi train station has storage and you won't want to backtrack to Naples to retrieve your luggage after touring the ruins.

You must change trains in Naples if you are coming from Rome. 2nd cls ES train will cost about 22E each and take about 2 hours. At the Naples train station, you switch to the commuter train downstairs - Circumvesuviana. This train runs between Naples and Sorrento (end of line) with stops at Pompeii Scavi (costs about 3-4E and takes a little over an hour). In Sorrento you can catch the local Sita busses to Amalfi, Positano, Ravello.

thank you so much! It is very helpful to know that you can store luggage at Pompeii...that will make it easier for us to narrow down our options.

With only 4 nights, it would be better to stop on the way to Positano. Store your luggage at the train station. However, I still would say dont rent a car...the SITA buses are very easy to use and run frequently.

Just did the same trip with family of four. I trained to Naples, driver to Positano (which was a highlight of our trip), ferry to Amalfi, cab to Ravello, same driver to Pompei who waited two hours for us, and then back to Naples train station. Driver cost 240 euro and was well worth it. I have his name if you want it. I would spend the money for the convenience, time saving, and enjoyment.

TexasTiger,
What is the name of the driver you used and how did you find him?

We trained from Rome to Naples and took the circumvesuviana to Sorrento and then a bus to Positano. In Positano, we hired a driver for our trip to Pompeii. This was nice as we could stay as long as we wanted in Pompeii and could leave when we were toured out. The driver just waited for us while we were in Pompeii. As I remember, the trip to Positano was somewhat tiring. I would not have wanted to squeeze in Pompeii on the way. As to driving, I would suggest hiring a driver for your trips to Amalfi and Ravello. Our other day trip while in Positano was by boat to Capri. That was a lovely trip and we caught the boat from the beach in Positano. As to your luggage, we found duffel bags to be quite manageable. I would not have wanted to wrestle carry-on luggage. The circumvesuviana is like a regional commuter train with little luggage storage. I suggest a duffel with wheels however as some of the train stations require a quick run to make your time.

Dondo - how much was your driver to Pompeii from Positano? How many people?

Do you remember approximately how much it cost to hire a driver from Amalfi to Ravello? Has anyone hired a car from Positano to Amalfi? Quanto costa?

Thanks,
Aranda

Driver on Amalfi Coast-Giavanni at www.tourofitaly.com. He lives in Sorrento. He is an older, experienced fellow who used to work on cruise boats all over the world. Speaks perfect English and a real character.

Taxi fare from Amalfi to Ravello was 40 euro each way. Expensive, but I was in a hurry. Taxi stand is near where ferry drops you off.

I don't recall the cost of the driver to Pompeii. We found her in a shop on the street walking down to the beach. Also, while Pompeii was a thrill, I wish we visited the museum in Naples as all of the artifacts unearthed are there.

I have read a lot of good things about the museum in Naples on this site...is it near the train station? How much time do you think is needed to visit it? We will be in Naples briefly - getting off the train from Rome and on our way to Positano. Wonder if we could fit that in...