Has anyone done Rome to Pompeii as a day trip?
What transportation did you use?
AND has anyone taken a train?
Need details on this question to pass on to my daughter.
They leave for a week in Rome on Feb.13th. Thanks so much.

There are frequent trains - Rome to Naples then change to the commuter rail. You can also go with a tour company by bus - this will include a stop at a cameo or woodcarving factory but it may be more convenient. Another possibility is Ostia Antica, closer to Rome.

This is a very long day trip - and you daughter shold realize she needs to start out very early to have time to see much in Pompeii. Also - she should check closing times, since it gets dark so early this time of year.

Yes you can do it a long day but doable. There is a local train that leaves Rome at 6:15 thereabouts gets to Naples at 9:15 another 1/2 hour and change trains your at Pompeii at 10.am. This is a local which cost's appx 15 euro vrs the 2 hr. ES thats 34euro big savings.
You take train from Rome to Naples, then pick up the Circumvesuviana. As you get off your train facing the front of Napoli Central you will be going to your left around a corner to where you will buy your tickets to Pompeii Scavi (get RT)pass through a barrier and go downstairs. This commute train runs about ever 10-12 min. Trip to site is appx 1/2 hr.
The site is suppose to open at 8:30a most of the time it does but be aware that sometimes its 10am. The hoards are in line at 8:30a so coming a little later works out fine.
There is no shade and\or water inside site so be aware. If your going in summer it can get hot. Trains back to Rome appx every hour.
Or consider Ostia just a good and in some respects better, just 1/2 hour from central Rome.

Roma Termini-Napoli Centrale using train at http://www.ferroviedellostato.it/ . The ES express trains take 1:10. The cheaper trains take much longer. You have to decide which is more important.

Napoli Garibaldi-Pompeii using local/subway train at http://www.vesuviana.it/web/en . Use Napoli Garibaldi to Pompeii Scavi Villa Misteri. There are many warnings about pickpockets when using Circumvesuviana. The Napoli Garibaldi station is below Napoli Centrale where you arrive from Roma.

Other Pompeii info at http://www.campaniaartecard.it/site.cfm?id=18&i=10

On weekends there is a bus (Marozzi) that departs Rome Tiburtina station at 7 am and arrives Pompeii at 10 am (17€).

Thank you all for your input....passing info along to family.