I have read many posts about Trenitalia's website being a mess. Now I see why. I want to travel from Rome to Naples then get on a commuter train to go to Pompeii. We have 2 adults, 2 kids ages 15 and 12. I have several questions if someone can please advise.
First, I can't understand all the classifications of trains. The ES is the EuroStar, But what is the symbol that looks like an A. This is a cheaper, faster train. Does that stand for Alta Velocity? If so, which train is nicer ES or A? We will have 4 large suitcases so which class (1st or 2nd) has the most luggage space? This is the only train we will take on our trip so I want it to be memorable, not a nightmare.
Second- What Coach and Seat do I put in the box? There is no drop down to choose from.
Third - Why does it not ask me to choose a coach and seat for each person? Maybe its on another screen.
Fourth - Do I blow off this site and just get the tickets in Rome? We want to be sure we have a reserved seat due to the luggage and family factor.
Thanks!

Since there are 4 of you and you want to sit together, if you know for sure what train you want to take, it doesn't hurt to buy ahead online, especially if you are traveling in the summer. You can also save money if you can get the amica fare.

1st class has more luggage space than 2nd. You don't pick the coach and seat for each person. That space is only if someone you know is already booked on the train, and you want to sit by them. Just leave those boxes blank.

Yes, the logo that looks like an "A" stands for the EuroStar Alta Velocita. (Hold your mouse pointer over the logo and the words will appear.) In order of price, the faster trains which all require reservations are ICplus, EuroStar Italia, and EuroStar Alta Velocita. The AV trains are the newest.

Hi S,

Buy all of your Amica fare tickets at the same time. The computer will put you together if there are 4 seats together.

If not, people are usually amenable to switching seats.

I suggest the ES* 2cl, unless there are sales for the AV.

After you arrive in Naples, you have to take the Circumvesuviana train to Pompei Scavi.

>>We will have 4 large suitcases...I want it to be memorable, not a nightmare.

Oh it will be.

You don't want to be schlepping 4 large suitcases on the Circumvesuviana.

What is your whole itinerary?

Ira-
I am looking into checking 2 suitcases at the Rome Termini since we go back through there two days later. I believe that would be at a cost of about 40 euro total. Then we would only have 2 suitcases. I believe I can check those bags near the entrance to Pompeii. Correct?
After Pompeii, we will take the train to Salerno, and a ferry to our hotel in Amalfi.

Hi Samjam -

Rome-Pompeii-Salerno-Amalfi isn't ideal IMO - with or without luggage.

Using the Circumvesuviana will take all the pleasure out of your trip, I fear

How long are you staying in Amalfi?

I can't help thinking that it would be easier to visit Pompeii from there - rather than trying to fit it in en route.

JMHO ...

Steve

Hi S,

>checking 2 suitcases at the Rome Termini

Good idea.

>...we would only have 2 suitcases. I believe I can check those bags near the entrance to Pompeii.

Yes

>After Pompeii, we will take the train to Salerno, and a ferry to our hotel in Amalfi.<

The Circumvesuviana from Naples goes to Pompei Scavi and on to Sorrento.

The train to Salerno leaves from Pompeii Central.

The two stations are about 1.6 km apart.