How to get from Naples to Sorrento

Why visit Sorrento?

Sorrento is a resort town in southwestern Italy. As a romantic getaway since the 19th century, Sorrento continues to be a tourist favourite with its cliffside villages and laidback vibes. It is also a strategic gateway to the ancient city of Pompeii and the nearby island of Capri.

The birthplace of limoncello liqeur is best explored on foot, or on a scooter if you know how to ride. Sorrento’s heart, Piazza Tasso, is a maze of cobbled pathways and Baroque buildings. Find your way to the cliff edges of Sorrento for the most imposing view of Mt. Vesuvius.

There are 5 ways to travel the 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Naples to Sorrento. You can choose between the bus, direct minivan, private transfer, train and direct ferry. The journey takes 35 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes and the quickest way is by direct ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at €5 ($5.40).

When travelling from Naples to Sorrento by train, you have 2 main companies to choose from: Campania Express (a new train service for travellers) and Circumvesuviana (the local train line).

Whichever train you choose, you will be treated to amazing views of the Italian countryside. The highlight of your journey is a glimpse of Mount Vesuvius, the iconic stratovolcano sitting east of Naples.

As the main local train line, Circumvesuviana connects all of the cities between Naples and Sorrento. This old train service has several departures every hour, with the first trip leaving at 05:54.

For this route, you can choose between a Direct or an Express Circumvesuviana train. Direct trains stop at all stations, so travel time can take as long as 1.5 hours. With an Express train, you can reach Naples in an hour.

Ticket prices from Naples to Sorrento start from €3.60 ($3.90). Note that since this is a local train line, there is no reserved seating and room for luggage.

Campania Express is a new train operator that specifically caters to travellers. With air conditioning and guaranteed seats, this option offers a more comfortable ride. It also makes fewer stops compared to Circumvesuviana, so you will arrive in Sorrento in about 1h 10m - 1h 15m.

A train ticket costs €15.40 ($16.60). Note that Campania Express is available only from March to November.

Train options from Naples to Sorrento

Another option to travel by land is by taking the bus. Ente Autonomo Volturno (EAV), FlixBus and Napoli Official Tour are the main bus operators for the Naples to Sorrento route.

With EAV, the bus trips are scheduled either in the middle of the night or very early morning. Online booking is not possible, so you’ll have to buy your tickets at the bus station.

We recommend travelling with FlixBus because of their more convenient schedules and online booking feature. It’s worth noting that we have experienced some delays with their bus departures.

Fares start from €7 ($7.60) and travel time is around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes.

Departure and arrival station

EAV buses depart from Napoli Piazza Garibaldi, while Flixbus departs from Metropark Centrale. Both stations are just beside the central train station.

You will be dropped off at Sorrento Bus Stop, which is also located beside the train station in the city centre.

Taking the ferry is the fastest option when travelling from Naples to Sorrento. Alilauro and NLG (Navigazione Libera Del Golfo) are the ferries operating on this route.

The ferry ride to Sorrento takes between 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the ferry. Both ferries cost €17.80 ($19.20).

Keep in mind that ferries are only available in summer when the water is calm and the weather is fine.

Departure and arrival station

Both ferries depart from Porto di Napoli, which is just a quick walk from the modern city centre.

In Sorrento, ferries dock at Porto di Sorrento. This port is within walking distance from hotels and establishments in town.

Naples

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Sorrento

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18:25

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NLG (Navigazione Libera del Golfo)

From €19.30 ($21)

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• 24/7 customer support

€19.30 ($21)

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0h 45m

10:45

18:25

0h 35m

19:00

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DirectFerries

€19.90 ($21)

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0h 45m

10:45

18:25

0h 35m

19:00

Check on DirectFerries

If you like to travel comfortably and don’t mind spending more, then you can book a direct minivan.

DTS Travel Group and Enjoy Travelling offer trips every hour from 08:30 to 22:40. You can also book with Sorrento Shuttle Express if you’re coming from the airport and heading straight to Sorrento.

Travel time is around 1 hour to 1 hour 35 minutes with prices from €30 ($33). That’s quite expensive, so we recommend this only when you’re travelling solo.

Departure and arrival station

Enjoy Travelling minivans can pick you up from the airport or the train station. You will be dropped off at their office in Sorrento, just within walking distance from the train station.

If you’re coming from the airport, the best option is to take the Sorrento Shuttle Express with hotel drop-off in Sorrento.

Are you travelling in a group? It might be better to get a private transfer from Naples to Sorrento. Travel time is around 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes.

A private 3-seater car on BookAway costs around €115 ($125).

Do you need a bigger car? There are also minivans that can accommodate up to 8 people.

Check Private Transfers with BookAway