Rome/Naples Train Choices

GAC
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Rome/Naples Train Choices
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This posting is an update to my original thread of February 24, 2010:

Travellers should know that, in Italy, not all trains are created equal, and there are significant fare differences between the various categories of trains, from the fastest, sleekest and most expensive Alta Velocita' (Frecciarossa and Frecciargento "AV") trains, to the slowest and cheapest regionale ("R") trains, which don't take seat reservations and stop at many smaller stations. With some advance planning, it is possible to save quite a bit of money by understanding the differences in fares and travel times when there are several train categories to choose from.

A good example of where there are lots of opportunities to save money is found on the Rome/Naples route, which is covered by six different categories of trains: AV, ES, IC, ICN, EXP and R (in descending order of cost).

Many travellers choose to visit Naples as a daytrip out of Rome. Leaving in the early morning, and returning in the late afternoon or early evening, travellers have many different trains to choose from. Here are HINTS of how to save lots of money by not selecting the fastest and most expensive trains:

Take Intercity (IC) trains when available, rather than AV or ES trains, which cost considerably more. The IC train costs less than half of the AV train. There are early morning IC trains to Naples, and late afternoon IC trains back to Rome. A round-trip Rome/Naples on the IC train costs 44 Euros, versus 90 Euros on the AV train.

The IC trains make three short en-route stops between Rome and Naples, but otherwise are quite acceptable as a cost-saving alternative to the faster AV , ES-Fast and ES trains. The IC trains are all supposed to have air conditioning, and are non-smoking (as are the other trains).

On a round-trip daytrip, I do not recommend taking the slowest and cheapest trains, the unreservable and undiscountable "regionale" ("R"), because there is a "time value" of money, and time is better spent touring in Naples than sitting on a train. However, on a one-way trip, taking the "R" train (which has only second class railcars) saves over 50% of the cost of the IC train, and saves nearly 35 Euros compared to the cost of the AV train. The "R" trains don't have reserved seats, but this is usually not a problem, as they originate in Rome and terminate in Naples (and vice-versa), so travellers can almost always find a seat simply by boarding a little early. The “regionale” trains are supposed to have air conditioning, although this may not be true in all cases.

As for the other trains (AV, ES, IC, ICN, EXP), they ALL have reserved seating automatic with ticket purchase, so again, there is no seating problem. (You won't likely be travelling on an ICN or EXP, which are night trains).

Look carefully at the train schedules and find the train which best suits your schedule and budget.

DISCOUNTED PROMOTIONAL FARES: The "AMICA" fare and the “MENO 15” and “MENO 30” promotional fares have been abolished and replaced by the “MINI” advance purchase promotional fares, which must be purchased NO LATER than 11:59 p.m. of the day prior to travel. These fares are available on all trains EXCEPT the unreserved and undiscountable “regionale” trains. As general rule, the sooner you book, the better the odds of getting a lower “MINI” fare, because this promotion is capacity-controlled, and the availability of discounted tickets varies from day to day and from train to train. Note that NO tickets can be purchased more than FOUR MONTHS in advance. The “MINI” fare tickets carry SIGNIFICANT limitations on reservation changes, ticket exchanges, and refunds (among which, no changes after midnight of the day prior to travel, and no refunds if you MISS your train). These rules and restrictions should be carefully understood BEFORE purchasing the “MINI” discounted ticket (they are found on the Trenitalia website). Also check the Trenitalia website for other, periodic promotional fares.

HERE ARE THE FARES:

The "hierarchy" of fares between Rome and Naples is currently as follows (all fares are one-way, second class, unrestricted "base" fare):

AV: 45 Euros (70 mins) Takes the high-speed rail line, which is somewhat less scenic than the “old” line used by other trains

ES: 36 Euros (105 mins)

IC/ICN: 22 Euros (120+ mins)

EXP: 16 Euros (150+ mins)

R: 10.50 Euros (150+ mins)

As is evident, there are plenty of train choices between Rome and Naples. Choose carefully and wisely, and you can save LOTS of money. Booking much more than a couple of days in advance is rarely necessary , and seats are often available up to minutes before train departure.

NOTES:

1. Going to Pompei: 35 minutes and 2.80 Euros on the Circumvesuviana commuter line (unreserved train, limited space for luggage).

2. Going to Sorrento: 65 minutes and 4 Euros on the Circumvesuviana commuter line. There is also hydrofoil service from Molo Beverello for 10 Euros. There are also direct buses on Marozzi and Curreri from Rome Tiburtina bus station to Sorrento and (summer only) to Positano, Praiano and Amalfi, which avoid the connection at Napoli Centrale to the Circumvesuviana rail.

Circumvesuviana trains run every 30 minutes from 5:11 to 22:44. They depart from the underground station below Napoli Centrale (follow signs and take the stairs or escalator down).

4. Going to Caserta: 40 minutes and 3.40 Euros on the "regionale" train. Note that there are direct trains from Rome to Caserta, which bypass Naples.

5. Going to Salerno: 40+ minutes and 4 Euros on the "regionale" train. Note that some AV/ES/IC trains are through-trains from Rome.

6. Going to Paestum: 90+ minutes and 6.20 Euros on the "regionale" train.

NOTE: The “regionale” trains are all unreserved, and undiscountable (except for children).

7. Going to Capri/Ischia/Procida: get to Molo Beverello by bus, tram or taxi and take a hydrofoil. There are also car ferries from the nearby Calata Porta di Massa ferry dock.

8. Going to the Amalfi Coast: The Metro del Mare hydrofoils reportedly will not be running in 2011. Consequently, connect to the SITA bus in Sorrento or in Salerno. There are also a couple of direct SITA buses from Naples to Amalfi (but not on Sundays). From Rome to Amalfi/Positano (in the absence of the Marozzi summer direct bus), it's best to take Trenitalia all the way to Salerno, then connect to the ferry boat or the SITA bus, but there are several other options as well.

9. 24-hr. Transportation ticket for the City of Naples (buses/subway/funiculars): UNICONAPOLI GIORNALIERO: 3.60 Euros Monday through Friday or 3 Euros on Saturday and Sunday. Single ride tickets cost 1.20 Euros.

10. DISCOUNT BUS TICKETS FOR TRAVEL ALONG AMALFI COAST (Salerno to Sorrento including Ravello):

UNICO COSTIERA 24-hr. ticket: 7.20 Euros

UNICO COSTIERA 3-day ticket: 18 Euros

11. DISCOUNT TICKET FOR BUS/TRAIN TRAVEL THROUGHOUT CAMPANIA REGION (including Amalfi Coast): UNICO CAMPANIA 3-day tourist ticket: 20 Euros (also covers everything covered by the UNICO COSTIERA tickets described above). Covers a multitude of routes, including all Naples/Sorrento/Salerno city buses, Naples subway and funiculars, Trenitalia unreserved REGIONALE trains (not the faster reserved trains) throughout Campania, Circumvesuviana trains, Mt. Vesuvius buses, SITA buses throughout Campania (including along the Amalfi Coast), CSTP buses between Salerno and Paestum, buses on Ischia and Procida, SEPSA buses and trains, ALIBUS between central Naples and NAP Airport. Does NOT cover any ferries or hydrofoils, or buses/funicular on Capri. Usually a better value than the 3-day UNICO COSTIERA ticket described above.

12. ARTECARD: If planning to visit museums or archeological sites within the Campania Region, consider purchasing one of the Campania Arte Cards, some of which include free transportation by bus/train. In particular, consider the 3-day "tutta la regione" artecard (27 Euros) which includes all the transportation benefits of the UNICO CAMPANIA 3-day ticket described above, plus free entrance to TWO museums or archeological sites in the circuit, plus a 50% reduction in the entrance fees to additional museums or archeological sites. Note that there are a multitude of different Artecards, only a few of which include free transportation.

13. Children’s fares on Trenitalia: under 12 years and one day: 50% discount. Under 4 years and one day: totally FREE. Also check the “Familia” fares for travelling parties of up to five people, with at least one adult and one child under 12. You can’t aggregate the “MINI” fares and children’s discounts. On local bus transport, it is customary for children under one meter in height to travel free (but each operator can establish its own rules). On ferries/hydrofoils, check the operator website for children’s fares.

14. Fares quoted above are believed to be accurate as of the date of this posting, but are not guaranteed to be correct, since they are taken from internet sources which are not always current. Travel times are accurate but not guaranteed to be exact, and are always subject to travel conditions and delays. Also, fares, schedules and routings are subject to change and should always be verified prior to start of travel. The foregoing is general information, and should not be relied upon in the absence of individualized travel planning.

Buon viaggio!

www.ferroviedellostato.it

www.vesuviana.it

www.coopsantandrea.it

www.sitabus.it

http://www.sitabus.it/sitabus/campania/orarioCAMPANIA/QUADROXV.pdf

www.unicocampania.it

www.artecard.it

www.alilauro.it

www.caremar.it

www.medmargroup.it

www.snav.it

www.navlib.it

www.capri.net

www.ischiaonline.it

www.procida.net

www.curreriviaggi.it

www.marozzivt.it

GAC
Los Angeles, CA
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1. Re: Rome/Naples Train Choices
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CLARIFICATION to point 9 above:

The UNICO NAPOLI ticket for 3.60 Euros (3 Euros on the weekend) noted above is a full-day unlimited use ticket within the City of Naples, which expires at midnight of the same day of use. Consequently, it is not necessarily a 24-hr ticket from the first usage.

The UNICO NAPOLI ticket for 1.20 Euros is valid for any combination of buses/subways/funiculars within the City of Naples, for a maximum duration of 90 minutes from first usage.

The UNICO NAPOLI tickets will NOT get you as far as Pozzuoli. You need an UNICO CAMPANIA U1 ticket instead.

The UNICO CAMPANIA zone tickets go from U1 to U11 if departing from or terminating in Naples; otherwise "Extraurbani" zone tickets go from E1 to E11. You can determine which ticket is required for your trip on the Unicocampania website.

The UNICO CAMPANIA 3T Tourist ticket (20 Euros) is valid for 3 consecutive days of travel on all of the operators listed on the Unicocampania website. It expires at midnight of the third consecutive day of use. This ticket is valid throughout the Campania Region (but NOT on Capri, nor on ferries/hydrofoils, nor on the fast Trenitalia trains with seat reservations).

Tourists travelling between Sorrento and Salerno must purchase one of the UNICO COSTIERA tickets, unless using a valid UNICO CAMPANIA 3T Tourist Ticket, or the 3-day "tutta la regione" Campania ARTECARD.

The various UNICO tickets are not valid on Capri, which has its own transportation scheme.

The various UNICO tickets are not valid on ferries or hydrofoils, nor on Trenitalia fast trains with seat reservations.

Le Marche, Italy
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I think that even those who want to take a day trip to Naples might consider the regional trains. I have some friends who recently made a day trip from Rome to Pompeii. They didn't want to get a train earlier than 8 AM. The first train after that time is a regional train that gets in at 10:45, and costs €10.50. The next train is an AV train that gets in at 10:10 and costs €45. So it would cost €70 more (about $100) for a couple to get there half an hour earlier. They chose the regional train.

On the way back, they got to Naples Central Station at around 6 PM. There was a regional train leaving at 6:18, getting in to Rome at 9:16 and an ES train leaving at 6:30, getting in an hour earlier. In this case, it might have been worthwhile to wait and take the later train, but they reasoned that they didn't plan to do anything back in Rome but eat and go to bed, so there was no point in getting there an hour earlier, so they also took the regional train back.

I would say that at least in the morning, the 8:27 regional train is a very reasonable choice, unless you want to get up early enough to get the 7:35 AV train or the 7:39 IC train. In the afternoon, I think I would probably have taken the later train that gets in an hour earlier, but on the round trip my friends saved about $200, which would buy some very nice dinners in Rome.

Norwich, United...
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3. Re: Rome/Naples Train Choices
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Or of course that $200 would also pay for a "parallel" hotel room, so they could have left most of their stuff in Rome - and had not 8 but 32 hours here to see many more of Campania's delights!

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/tele

Peter

4. Re: Rome/Naples Train Choices

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Le Marche, Italy
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Most trains can be booked only two months ahead, although usually you can see the schedules before then. However, there is a new timetable coming out in mid-June, so at the moment you can't see anything beyond about the 11th of June. Prices and schedules usually don't change much. You can often get discounts on the IC trains by purchasing in advance; the discounted tickets have a penalty to change the travel time, and other restrictions.

The regional train schedules are shown up to two months in advance, but the prices are shown only for 7 days in advance, because you can't buy them more than 7 days ahead of travel. (NA means not available"). There's absolutely no advantage to buying regional tickets in advance. If you buy them online, you have to pick them up at a ticket machine in the train station, and you might as well just buy them there when you're ready to travel. They have no discounts or reserved seats.

I don't know if Visa Electron cards work. Is that a prepaid card? In any case, you can only try.

To see all prices and schedules, use a date in the next week,

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Le Marche, Italy
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If you choose the eticket option, you just print the tickets at home.

GAC
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Here are the Trenitalia rules for ticket purchases via the internet site:

http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=453d123b41b9a110VgnVCM1000003f16f90aRCRD

Electronic tickets ("ticketless"):

http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=38ae99e8e609a110VgnVCM1000003f16f90aRCRD

http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=27ab60a93e69a110VgnVCM1000003f16f90aRCRD

RECOMMENDATION: do NOT NOT use the internet website to purchase tickets for travel on any of the unreserved and undiscountable "regionale" trains. Buy these tickets when in Italy, at the train station, on the day of travel or (if convenient) one or two days beforehand.

Use the Trenitalia internet website ONLY to purchase tickets on the fast trains which require seat reservations (AV, ES, IC, ICN), and preferably for the discounted "MINI" fare tickets (which require an advance purchase). Be sure to read the restrictions tied to "MINI" fare tickets, which are signfiicant:

http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=34d72af1c6896210VgnVCM1000003f16f90aRCRD#4

For tickets at the undiscounted "base" fare, you could wait to buy them in Italy, since there is no price advantage to buying them in advance through the website, and by doing so you're only limiting yourself to a particular train at a particular time on a particular date (which you may decide to change at the last moment).

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Le Marche, Italy
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10. Re: Rome/Naples Train Choices
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The main inconvenience with the Mini fares is that if you have to change your travel time for some reason, you will certainly have to pay extra, or maybe even buy a new ticket if the change is at the last minute, or if you miss the train. This is true even if you miss the train through the fault of the railroad (for instance if you're changing trains, and the first train arrives late).

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