Ravello to Paestum
 

We will be spending a few days at the Palazzo Avino in Ravello and are considering a trip down to Paestum. I believe it is about an hour and a half drive. Would you recommend this? Is it possible to be a half day trip as I would like to have additional time to spend at this beautiful hotel? Has anyone used a tour guide or is it possible to go on your own. We will have already spent 4 days based in Sorrento and do not have a car. Thank you.

Easy enough to go on your own - take ferry to Salerno (or slower cheaper buses) then either a train or bus right to the ruins.

Allow about 3 hours all told max each way though -depending on schedules it could be less - especially by boat. A couple of hours there at least.

If I remember correctly, if you take the first ferry you will not make it to Salerno in time to catch the train. So if you take the ferry you will need to catch the bus to Paestum.

It is absolutely worth a visit - quite a stunning site with a good museum.

I agree about the logistics, but can't speak to the timing.

I also agree that Paestum is a stunning site with an outstanding small museum. I wanted about 3 hours on site (the temples, the museum, a stop with a view of the temples for the local fresh buffalo mozzarella), not counting the time to get there and back. No need for a guide -- easily done on your own.

As special as Ravello is -- and OMG, it is special! -- I'm glad I made time for Paestum, too.

Thank you very much for your insight. Does anyone know of a driver/guide? Or thanks to KJA, it seems as if we might be fine without a guide. I am uncertain about a ferry from Ravello.

No ferry from Ravello, perched high up on top of the cliff but from Amalfi just below Ravello.

I can recommend Sorrento Cars, www.sorrentocars.com. My trip was in May 2015, and I got quotes from several companies for travel from Rome-Sorrento, Sorrento-Amalfi, and Amalfi-Paestum. Ugo, the owner, was very prompt responding to emails, his rates were the most reasonable, and I was pleased with the services provided. Agree with kja re no need for a guide at the site.

I would not go by bus or train, because there are only few from Salerno! So you loose a lot of time waiting the train or bus. Rent a car, the way to it is also beautifull and it is really worth to visit Paestum. They say that the temples are more beautifull than the ones in Athene!

Where they are many trains from Salerno to Paestum BUT there is a gap in trains many days leaving Salerno from (9:30am to around 1pm) - so time you trips by knowing schedules ahead of time if going on your own - take a ferry from Amalfi to Salerno - have lunch - take a train around 1pm to Paestum - no problem. But if wanting to leave between 9:30 an 1pm from Salerno check buses.

Thank you so much for the information. It sounds as if this is definitely a must see. I have contacted 2 drivers and followed up with Sorrento Cars. Looking forward to this opportunity.

Thanks for getting back to us--have a great trip!