I'm trying to decide between spending the extra money for a private driver or taking bus and train from Positano to Pompeii. We are a family of 4 so there would be 4 bus & train fares, plus possible "hassle factor". Any opinions? (any concrete ticket prices? - my computer takes FOREVER "translating" Italian bus web sites!)
Thanks, in advance!

We caught trains extensively in Italy about 3 years ago. Prices then were 1 euro per person one way from Positano to Sorrento by bus. Then it cost us 5 euro each one way on the train from Sorrento to Naples. As you are only going a few stops from Sorrento on the train, it would be cheaper. It would be much cheaper to do it yourselves, and we found catching the buses and trains quite easy, but you may also have to factor in the cost of a guide at Pompeii to explain things. If you get a private driver I imagine he could guide you around Pompeii?? Worth asking.
Kay
One thing to check if you are catching the train, I think the right station for the ruins is Pompeii Scavi. There is another Pompeii station for the town.

Joan - The bus/train is really very easy - the bus drops you off at Meta station.

[On the return I usually catch the bus from Sorrento (- rather than Meta) - just to be sure of a seat].

Fares are cheap: Bus + train will cost you about € 3 per person each way (- multiplied by 4 it's still less than € 25 roundtrip).

Alternatively a taxi will cost you € 70 + each way - or a limo for a day normally works out € 30-40 per hour. That a lot of gelato&limoncello money - but's that's just my opinion.

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Hi Joangk,
Taking the bus and train combination is surely cheaper and not that difficult on the face of things, but you need to consider that it involves several changes going there and back. You don't mention whether your family includes young children, which might be a consideration.

A private driver for a family of four would be worth it if you added some further excursion type experiences to the mix and want to enjoy the anectdotes and local stories a driver can provide enroute. However, the private drivers are not allowed by law to guide you inside Pompeii, you have to hire a separate Pompeii guide for that (if you want one).

Thanks for all your replies. I think we'll go with public transport. Doesn't sound that hard and much cheaper. Steve James, what is Meta? Is that a stop before/after Sorrento?
joangk

Joan - Meta is the nearest town to Positano with a railway station on the Circumvesuviana line (- the one to Pompeii). It's about 30 mins bus ride from Positano (- and 15 mins before Sorrento.

The bus stops at the station ... so you can't miss it.

On the return journey it's better to stay on the train to Sorrento and catch the Positano bus from there (- it starts from outside Sorrento station). This way you'll be sure of a seat ... (- not guaranteed if you catch it from Meta).

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Meta is the second stop from Sorrento on the Circumsuviana- the closest stop to Sorrento is San'Agnello.