During the first part of April, should we buy train tickets from Rome to Naples or Salerno at the station or ahead of time. I'm reluctant to buy ahead of time when I don't know if other transportation will be on time and whether Naples or Salerno is the best option for me.

Buy at the Termini, u can use the computerized machines at the station which accept cash (notes) or credit card, instructions in lang of choice.
Local staff are very helpful, most speak some english.

Thank you. Do you think there will be no problem getting a ticket to that area on a Saturday morning, and a return on a Friday morning. It would be so much easier to get to the train station and buy a ticket for the next train leaving Rome....We are flexible as far as going to Naples or Salerno, whichever works out better. Also, with the new "$29" promotion, do you think that will fill up a lot of seats. This is the week after Easter.

Hi OP,

The promo fares do sell out.

If your problem is that you are coming into FCO and don't know what time you will get to Rome TE - figure 3 hrs. You will make that train.

If you get there early, there is a nice self-serve cafe at the train station.

Where are you going that you can't decide between Sorrento and Salerno?

Hi Ira,

Positano is the destination. I just recently found out that ferry service from Salerno to Amalfi and Positano begins March 24th. But, the 11:45 a.m. train to Salerno arrives about 10 minutes after a ferry departure. There is one ferry left, however. So, my original question is: is it better to take the train to Naples, Sorrento and SITA to Positano, or train to Salerno, and ferry to Positano.

Hi OP,

If you are going in late May or early June, I suggest the ferry from Salerno.

The docks are not far from the train station. There is plenty of room for your luggage. You get to see the Coast from below. The Med is gorgeous.

No, we are going Saturday, Apr 2 and returning Friday April 8. I've read that this is not a busy season, however, it is the week that follows Easter.

Also, thought it would be a nice way to see the eastern part of the Amalfi coast, but don't know how alert we will be after 9.5 hr. flight, 3 hrs wait for train, 2.5 hr. train and then 75 minute ferry.....

Hi OP,

Jet lag, if you have it, will be just as bad, no matter how you go.

OTOH if the adrenalin is pumping, the ferry is more appealing.

Your problem is the weather. If the sea is rough, the ferry won't be running and you will have to take the SITA bus to Amalfi and change to the bus for Positano.

If you are adventurous, go to Salerno. If you don't like surprises, go via Naples.

Thanks for the advice, Ira. I think I may be adventurous arriving in Positano, and secure by going through Naples on the way back......but then that is my itinerary du jour. I think of something different everyday and then want to go in a different direction. I haven't made any hotel reservations yet, nor bought any train tickets and we leave in less than 2 weeks.

Hey OP,

You'd better get going with the hotel reservations.