Trains to Sorrento

Want to travel to Sorrento by train? Here’s what you need to know:

This guide provides all the information you need to plan your train journey to Sorrento.

• Fast and Scenic Routes: From Rome, it takes around 2.5 hours to reach Sorrento, with scenic views of the Bay of Naples and the Mediterranean.

• Sorrento Highlights: Sorrento is one of the most beautiful seaside towns in the Gulf of Naples and offers an array of tourist, cultural, and scenic attractions that are truly unique in the world.

• Campania Region Connections: The train routes connect the Campania region and its top tourist destinations, including Sorrento, Pompeii, and Herculaneum.

• Affordable Tickets: Fares start at $16 if booked early, with average prices around $30.

• Transfer in Naples: Use the Circumvesuviana (70 minutes) or Campania Express (50 minutes) for the Naples–Sorrento leg.

• 11 Daily Departures: Major operators like Italo and Frecciarossa ensure frequent service.

• Comfort Options: Choose between the basic Circumvesuviana or the air-conditioned Campania Express with reserved seating.

• Central Station Access: Sorrento’s station is a short walk to the town center and connects to buses and ferries for the Amalfi Coast.

• Easy Booking: You can book tickets online or at the station for added convenience.

Quick Comparison:

Train Stations in Sorrento

Main Station: Sorrento

The main train station in Sorrento is just a short five-minute walk (about 500 meters) from Piazza Tasso, right in the heart of the historic town center. The station’s main entrance and ticketing area are located at ground level, making it easily accessible for all travelers, including those with limited mobility. From here, you’ll find buses and taxis readily available, making it easy to reach different parts of Sorrento. For more information about other nearby stations, check out the next section.

Campania Express from Naples to Sorrento

Train Companies and Routes

Sorrento is connected to Naples and other destinations by several train services, each offering different levels of comfort and convenience. Several train lines, including the Circumvesuviana and Campania Express, connect Sorrento to Naples and other destinations in the Campania region.

Circumvesuviana Trains

The Circumvesuviana is the main regional train connecting Naples and Sorrento. The first station on the Circumvesuviana line is Napoli Porta Nolana, with the first departure at approximately 5:41 AM and the last at around 10:11 PM. Trains to Sorrento always depart from track 3 at the Naples station. Travelers are advised to validate their tickets at the machines on the concourse before boarding the Circumvesuviana to avoid fines. Trains run roughly every 30 minutes throughout the day, making it a reliable option. This route circles Mount Vesuvius and stops at key attractions like Pompeii and Herculaneum. The journey typically takes about 75 minutes on regular trains, while express trains are quicker.

Key stations include:

• Porta Nolana Station: The main terminus

• Naples Centrale (Garibaldi Station): Located on the lower level of Naples Centrale

Campania Express Service

The Campania Express offers a more comfortable experience along the same route. It skips smaller stops, focusing only on major tourist destinations.

Naples High-Speed Connections

If you’re arriving in Naples via high-speed trains, it’s easy to transfer to Sorrento-bound services. High speed trains arrive at Napoli Centrale station, which serves as the main hub for travelers coming from cities like Florence and Rome. When you arrive from Florence or Rome, you will disembark at Napoli Centrale and can transfer to the Circumvesuviana or Campania Express for the final leg to Sorrento. To access the Circumvesuviana, travelers must navigate from Napoli Centrale to the lower level Napoli Garibaldi station. Here’s how:

• Look for signs directing you to the Circumvesuviana or Garibaldi Station within Naples Centrale.

• Use the central staircase to reach the lower level.

• Head to track 3 to catch a train to Sorrento.

Important Tip: The Circumvesuviana platforms at Naples Centrale don’t have elevators or escalators. Be ready to carry your luggage up and down stairs.

Getting to Sorrento by Train

International Routes

If you’re traveling from another country, you’ll first need to make your way to Naples. Many international visitors arrive at Naples airport (Naples Capodichino Airport), where shuttle buses and public transit provide convenient connections to Naples Central Station (Napoli Centrale) for onward train travel to Sorrento. High-speed international trains also arrive at Naples Central Station, where you can transfer to the Circumvesuviana train heading to Sorrento.

Italian Routes

Once in Naples, domestic train services make it easy to reach Sorrento. The Naples-to-Sorrento route offers frequent departures and two main options. Napoli Centrale station and Napoli Porta Nolana station are the main departure points for trains to Sorrento, offering convenient access for travelers. Castellammare di Stabia is a nearby station that provides long-distance train connections to other major cities like Rome and Florence, making it an important transportation hub close to Sorrento.

Naples to Sorrento Direct Service:

• Trains run every 30 minutes from Napoli Porta Nolana or Napoli Piazza Garibaldi.

• Regular trains stop at all stations and take about 70 minutes, while express trains, with fewer stops, complete the journey in around 50 minutes.

• Tickets cost €3.60 ($3.95) for both regular and express services.

How to Buy Tickets

You can purchase tickets for the train to Sorrento at the ticket office in the station, or use the GoEav app for Circumvesuviana tickets. Alternatively, mobile tickets for trains to Sorrento can also be booked using the Omio app.

At the Station

Tickets are available at station ticket offices, which are typically located at ground level for easy access, where staff can help you with your purchase and provide assistance.

Online Options

Online platforms allow you to check schedules, compare fares, and even grab discounts when booking ahead of time. For the best prices, it’s recommended to book tickets online in advance, as this gives you immediate access and live updates on your transportation options.

Additionally, traveling during the week instead of on weekends can help you find better deals on train tickets.

After purchasing, take a moment to explore the different train classes and fare options to match your travel needs.

Train Classes and Fares

Trains to Sorrento come with different travel classes, designed to suit various comfort levels and preferences. Each class offers a distinct set of features and pricing, affecting both your travel experience and budget.

Circumvesuviana Standard Service

The Circumvesuviana is a basic rail service connecting Naples to Sorrento.

Campania Express Premium Service

The Campania Express offers a more comfortable option for those seeking extra amenities.

Station to Hotel Transport

Sorrento’s train station is conveniently located near the city center, making it easy to reach many hotels on foot within about 10 minutes.

Walking Routes

If you’re staying near Piazza Tasso, walking is a great option. The streets are well-marked, and it takes about 5 minutes to get to the square. Most central hotels can be reached in 10–15 minutes, making this a practical choice for many visitors.

Taxi Services

You’ll find a taxi rank right outside the station entrance. Licensed taxis provide door-to-door service across Sorrento, which is especially useful for hotels farther from the center.

Local buses are also available for those heading to accommodations in less central areas.

Bus Connections

Buses stop just outside the station and are a good option for reaching hotels in more remote parts of Sorrento.

Private Transfers

Private transfers are a solid choice for late-night arrivals or if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage. They offer convenience and peace of mind.

Hotel Shuttle Services

Some hotels, especially those located farther from the station, provide shuttle services for their guests. Be sure to check with your hotel ahead of time to confirm availability.

Local Transport Network

Sorrento offers a well-organized public transport system that connects the city center to its stunning coastal spots and nearby regions. As the gateway to the Sorrento Peninsula and the wider Campania region, Sorrento serves as an ideal base for exploring the area’s attractions, including famous sites like Pompeii and Herculaneum. This system works alongside train services to provide a variety of travel options.

Bus Services

EAV operates red and orange buses running every 20 minutes across Sorrento and neighboring areas like Meta, Piano, Sant’Agnello, and Massa Lubrense. Tickets cost $1.30 (€1.20) and can be purchased at local shops or train stations.

SITA buses link Sorrento to Positano (about 10 miles away) and Amalfi. The bus ride to Positano takes 50 minutes, while Amalfi is a 90-minute journey.

In addition to its road network, Sorrento uses water routes to make coastal travel easier.

Water Transport

Boats from Marina Piccola connect Sorrento to Capri (30 minutes), Naples (1 hour), Positano (30 minutes in summer), Amalfi (50 minutes in summer), and Ischia (1 hour, seasonal).

During summer, ferry services increase, offering a more comfortable alternative to buses, especially when coastal roads get crowded.

For added convenience, Cooperativa Tasso runs a minibus service between Meta and Sorrento Porto, making it easy to reach ferry terminals.

Sites Reachable by Public Transport

Sorrento’s extensive rail and bus network makes it easy to explore historical landmarks and coastal gems. Sorrento is an excellent base for a day trip to top tourist destinations such as Pompeii and Herculaneum using the train.

Archaeological Sites

The Circumvesuviana train line is your gateway to some of Italy’s most famous archaeological locations. For instance, Pompeii is only a 30-minute train ride from Sorrento, with the ruins just a short walk from the Pompei Scavi Villa dei Misteri station.

Herculaneum is another must-see, reachable in about 50 minutes via the Circumvesuviana. From Ercolano Scavi station, the ancient ruins are just a 5-10 minute walk away.

If you’re planning to visit Mount Vesuvius, you can take the Circumvesuviana to Pompei Scavi and transfer to the EAV bus, or head to Ercolano Scavi and use the Vesuvio Express shuttle for the final leg.

For those interested in Oplontis, it’s accessible via the Circumvesuviana, stopping at Torre Annunziata station.

Coastal Destinations

Sorrento’s public transport also connects you to the Amalfi Coast’s stunning seaside towns. From the main bus terminal outside the Circumvesuviana station, you can catch buses to Positano, Amalfi, and Praiano.

For a more scenic option, ferries operate from Marina Piccola during the summer months, offering routes to Capri and other nearby islands. Multi-day tickets from Unico Campania make it convenient to switch between buses, trains, and ferries.

Travel Seasons and Schedules

From Easter through October, trains operate at their busiest schedule. If you’re traveling between mid-June and mid-September, be mindful of the intense daytime heat. Planning your trips during the cooler morning or evening hours can make for a more comfortable experience. Outside of these months, the train schedules change to match the cooler seasons.

In winter (January to mid-March), train service runs less frequently, and timetables are adjusted accordingly. April and May bring pleasant weather, smaller crowds, and dependable service. While October still follows the high-season schedule, by mid-November, the transition to winter timetables begins.

Planning Tips

If you’re traveling from Rome to Sorrento, you’ll need to transfer in Naples. The trip typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.

When planning your transfer, keep in mind that the Circumvesuviana train runs every 30 minutes (but doesn’t operate on Sundays or holidays). For a more comfortable option, consider the Campania Express, which offers guaranteed seating and air conditioning.

Timing and fares can vary depending on the season. Here’s a quick look at how different times of the year can impact your travel experience:

Make sure to build some buffer time into your schedule, especially if you’re relying on the Circumvesuviana train, as delays can happen and may affect your connections.