How to get fromSorrento to Naples

What to expect when visiting Naples

Naples is a major port city in southern Italy and the capital of the Campania region. Known to many as the modern birthplace of pizza, it is often just a stopover or a day trip destination for those who want to taste its cuisine. But there’s so much more to explore and experience in this city.

Naples is a bit rough on the edges, unlike your usual Italian destination. But once you get over its gritty facade, you’ll find that it’s actually part of the city’s charm. Its iconic history, immersive culture, and contemporary offerings will keep you curious about what else you can discover in Naples.

5 ways to get from Sorrento to Naples

The 5 ways to travel the distance of 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Sorrento to Naples are by: bus (1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes), direct minivan (1 hour to 1 hour 35 minutes), private transfer (1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes), train (1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes) and direct ferry (35 to 45 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 35 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes and the quickest way is by direct ferry. The lowest priced tickets start from €5 for the train.

Travelling by direct train from Sorrento to Naples is another scenic experience! You’ll be treated to the beauty of the Italian countryside for the entire journey of 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.

A breathtaking view of Mount Vesuvius will welcome you to Naples. This historic stratovolcano draws many travellers to the city.

You have the option of two types of trains: the cheaper yet slower Circumvesuviana train and the faster and more expensive Campania Express train. If you’re visiting Naples as just a day trip from Sorrento, we recommend taking Campania Express.

Circumvesuviana trains depart several times every hour from 06:00 to 21:12, so you can be flexible with your schedule. A train ticket costs around €5, making it the cheaper train option.

You can pick between a Direct or an Express Circumvesuviana train. Direct trains stop at all stations, so travel time can take around 1.5 hours. With an Express train, you can reach Naples within an hour.

The downside with Circumvesuviana trains is that they were made for locals. There isn’t reserved seating or room for luggage. These trains also don’t have air conditioning and can be really hot in summer! They can be jam-packed during rush hour, too.

Campania Express is a newer train operated by Ente Autonomo Volturno and specifically caters to tourists. It has air conditioning and guaranteed seats, offering a more comfortable train ride.

This train also makes fewer stops compared to Circumvesuviana, so you’ll reach Naples Train Station in around 1h 15m.

There’s a catch, though: Campania Express runs only from April to October. And it only offers four trips every day.

Train options from Sorrento to Naples

If you have a tendency to get seasick or are travelling on a budget, the direct bus is a good alternative. Bus ticket fares start from as low as €7. The only downside is its slightly longer travel time, which takes around 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes.

For the Sorrento to Naples route, we recommend travelling with FlixBus. It offers only two bus departures daily, but they have convenient departure times. You can also book a Flixbus ticket online.

Another bus company operating on this route is Ente Autonomo Volturno (EAV), but its buses depart either at midnight or very early morning. You’ll also have to take your chances at the bus terminal because online booking is not available.

Departure and arrival station

All buses depart from Sorrento Bus Stop along Corso Italia, beside the train station in the centre of the city.

In Naples, there are two arrival stations. Flixbus drops passengers off at Metropark Napoli Centrale beside Naples Centrale Train Station. Meanwhile, the last stop for EAV buses is Napoli Porta Nolana.

Taking the ferry is the fastest and most scenic way to get from Sorrento to Naples. The ferry companies on this route are Alilauro and NLG (Navigazione Libera del Golfo) — both are available only during the summer.

Ferry tickets cost €18.10 and travel time is 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the ferry that you choose.

Departure and arrival station

Ferries depart from the Port of Sorrento, north of Piazza Tasso in the town centre.

All ferries dock at Porto di Napoli in Naples centre. There’s a bus stop right outside the port if you want to take a bus to other areas in Naples.

If you’re travelling solo and prefer a door-to-door journey, there is an option to take a minivan shuttle. Travel time is around 1 hour to 1 hour 35 minutes with rates from €31.

You can choose from three minivan companies for the Sorrento-Naples route: Enjoy Travelling, DTS Travel Group and Sorrento Shuttle Express.

Departure and arrival station

The advantage of taking a minivan is that you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Sorrento, no matter which company you travel with.

In Naples, there are two drop-off points: Naples Central Train Station and Naples Airport.

Looking for something comfortable and convenient? You can always opt for a private transfer. With this option, you can leave anytime from Sorrento and arrive in Naples in just 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes.

Since you won’t have to worry about schedules and making your way to terminals, this is the best option if you’re heading straight to Naples Airport or if you’re travelling with family or friends.

Rates start from €120 with a regular taxi that can accommodate 3 people. You can get a ride from the nearest taxi stand, you can ask your hotel to call one for you, or you can book one online through BookAway.