bwade

wondering what might be the best way to do this?
train or car?
how long would either be?

is it worth it to fly.. we're not too strapped for time if the ride could have fun stops.
Thanks
B

kismetchimera

The train will be much easier.Check trenitalia.com for schedules and fares.
I checked it earlier and there are many trains during the day going from Venice Mestre to Naples.
Your best choice is the ES,is faster, cleaner, cooler and less crowded.

mjs

I would fly if you can find inexpensive fares. ES train takes about 7 hours + while you could probably fly it in 3 to 4 hours including time to/from airport.

viking

The best way, unless the direct one has been recently eliminated, is a sleeper train. Now trains go too fast to give you a sleep Venice to Rome, but Naples is just right. It's pleasant and normally saves tons of time (no fracturing a day with logistics) and hotel money. I have enjoyed the overnight to Vienna and Paris, and heard the Naples run was ok.

Huitres

Train! Less expensive than flying and more fun (IMO).

caroline_edinburgh

I think all the trains involve changing in Rome, don't they ? That & the length of time it takes have put me off the train it & I'm planning to fly - alpieagles (cheap-ish but inconvenient times) and Alitalia fly this route.

ira

Hi bw,

www.europebyair.com will fly you for $99 pp.

Also check www.whichbudget.com

caroline_edinburgh

When I looked, the flights offered by europebyair.com were actually Alitalia flights - and more expensive than they were on Alitalia's own website !!

GAC

You might find the following of interest:


http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...nice+to+naples

GAC

I should supplement my previous posting by noting that you could also qualify for the DAILY "Eurostar a 29 Euros" promotional fare on either the 8:44 Eurostar train from MESTRE of the 16:32 Eurostar train from Venice S. Lucia, both direct to Naples.

This new promotional rate is currently offered from January 10 through April 30, 2005, but may possibly be extended.

Lorac1127

All things being equal...cost, etc., fly. The ride is 1 hour and 10 minutes.

ira

>When I looked, the flights offered by europebyair.com were actually Alitalia flights - and more expensive than they were on Alitalia's own website !!<

I just looked. The flight is Alpieagles for $99.

www.alpieagles.com is offering the same flight for 9E + tax = 56E ($74)

viking

Attention, attention, attention!

The Venice->Naples sleeper train certainly does still run, and w/o any changes. Why do folks gravitate to tiresome conventional approaches when blessed rare opportunities are available (and brought up by me)?

Even if air took zero time and money, it involves tiresome airport connections and herding into lobbies, etc. Daytime train offers surprisingly dull scenery and sometimes weird experiences such as annoying loud talkers, illegal smokers, or canine invaders.

The sleeper train saves you the hotel bill and gently rocks you to sleep. It's like clapping your hands and you are instantly at your downtown destination with no logistical hassle. No problem storing luggage during the day - it's overall a wonderful treat that should be first priority when available...

Chels

I have done this trip twice. Both times we opted for the train because the available flights either required us to change planes en route or the times were inconvenient for us. (Also remember that the Venice airport is some distance away from the S. Marco area, so you will have to plan accordingly for your boat trip to the airport.)

There is an overnight train leaving Venezia S. Lucia at midnight and arriving in Naples Central Station at about 9:45 a.m. I believe all the cars are sleeping compartments.

It is a painless journey. The nice part is that the train leaves quite late in the night. You have a full day to leisurely enjoy Venice, and time for a good dinner. Both times our hotels allowed us to check out at around 7:00 p.m. We showered prior to checking out, stored the luggage with the concierge, had a great dinner, and arrived at the station at about 11:30 p.m. The train originates at S. Lucia station, so we boarded in leisurely fashion.

The first time we had 1st class compartments sleeping 2. They were fairly comfortable, and we had a decent night's sleep with complimentary espresso served in the morning. The second time we traveled 2nd class as no 1st class was available on Christmas eve. The compartments are smaller, and were cold that night. Other than that, no significant difference.

If you can sleep on trains/planes, you should be ok. The train stops for a while in Rome in the morning about 7:00 a.m. (you don't need to get up); however, the station is noisy and it is a bit strange to be sleeping on a stationary train with people walking past your window -even though the shades are drawn! So from that point on, I was awake, and I enjoyed the ride between Rome and Naples. I was rested enough to fully enjoy the first day of my trip in Naples.

Sorry for the length of the message. I hope it helps!

Have fun, and enjoy my old hometown of Naples!

Cheers,
Chels

GAC

Chels is describing the ICN nightly train from Venice to Naples, described by me in my earlier posting.

With the "Notti di Trenitalia" promotional fare, available NIGHTLY, you could get wagons lits sleeping accommodations for as little as 45 Euros apiece, a very good rate indeed!

ira

OK,

I succumb to superior force.

The choice is Fly for 56E pp or take the night train for 85E pp.

My Lady Wife and I would probably take the train.