What to expect when visiting 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.
4 ways to get from Rome to Sorrento
There are four ways to travel the distance of 265 km (165 miles) from Rome to Sorrento: by bus (3h50m-4h25m), minivan (3h30m), private transfer (3.5 hours) and train (6h-9h). The journey takes between 3h30m - 9h and the quickest way is by minivan. The lowest priced tickets start from €18 ($21) for the train.Rome to Sorrento by Train
The train is a fast and cheap way to get from Rome to Sorrento. There is no direct train for this route, though. You can only take one up to Naples, where you can transfer to another train going to Sorrento. This option will still be faster than a direct bus.
Combined travel time is 5.5 hours if you take the regional and local trains. If you take the more expensive high-speed trains, then it’s just around 2.5 hours.
Step 1: Rome to Naples by Train
Trains from Rome to Naples depart at least twice every hour from 05:31 to 22:35. There are different kinds of trains with varying speed and ticket prices.
Regional trains are the cheapest trains on this route at €13 ($14). Travel time is 3-4 hours, which is just 1-2.5 hours longer than the high-speed trains.
You can also choose from any of the high-speed trains. The cheaper train is the 2-hour Intercity train that costs €27 ($29.50). Italo and Freccia trains also have more departures with just a 1.5-hour travel time, but they are more expensive.
Train options from Rome to Sorrento
Ticket prices vary, but they are usually cheaper the earlier you book. We suggest purchasing them online for the best prices.
Trains are available at Roma Termini and Roma Tiburtina in the city centre. In Naples, you will get off at Napoli Centrale.
Coming from any of Rome’s airports?
If you’re already at either Ciampino Airport or Fiumicino Airport, you can take a shuttle bus straight to Naples Metropark. Though short flights are available, we think it’s best to take a cheaper and more environment-friendly airport bus. The bus only takes between 2.5-3 hours and there are also more bus departures daily compared to the flight.
Fiumicino Express offers airport transfers from both airports for €28 ($30.50). You can check the bus schedules and booking links on our Rome to Naples guide.
Step 2: Naples to Sorrento by Train
From your arrival point at Napoli Centrale, you’ll need to go down one level lower to find the platform for trains to Sorrento. You can choose from two types: the slower yet cheaper Circumvesuviana or the faster and more expensive Campania Express.
Circumvesuviana trains are local trains with fares from €5 ($5.50). These trains make a stop at every station along the way and the travel time is 1-1.5 hours. Note that these trains do not have a luggage compartment and can be jam-packed during peak hours.
Campania Express trains, on the other hand, are trains specifically for tourists. Seats are guaranteed and you can easily find a space for your luggage. They make fewer stops and can complete the journey in just 50 minutes. These trains cost just a few more euros at €8 ($8.50).
Train options from Rome to Sorrento
Tickets are only available at the train station. You can check the full schedule at Sorrento Insider and more information on this route is available on our page for Naples to Sorrento.
Rome to Sorrento by Bus
The bus is a direct way to get from Rome to Sorrento. Note that this option is subject to traffic and bus delays, so the expected 4-4.5 hour travel time can still get longer.
Marozzi and FlixBus are the 2 companies operating on this route. Bus fares start from €20 ($23.50), but you can get them for a cheaper price when you book online in advance.
Departure and arrival station
Both buses are available at Rome Tiburtina Bus Station, located about 5 km to the east of Piazza Venezia in the city centre. You can get there via a 20-minute Metro ride.
You will be dropped off at Sorrento Bus Stop in the city centre.
Bus schedules from Rome to Sorrento
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Rome to Sorrento by Minivan
For a more convenient and comfortable direct route, you can take a shared minivan from any of Rome’s two airports. Travel time is 3.5 hours, a bit faster than the direct bus.
Fares are more expensive for this minivan ride at around €114 ($135). We recommend this option only if you’re coming from any of Rome’s airports so that you won’t need any additional transfer.
Departure and arrival station
The minivan offers hotel pick-up in Rome, and you can also request to be picked-up from Fiumicino Airport and Rome Termini train station. There is also a separate booking for those coming from Ciampino Airport.
For this option, the minivan will directly take you to your hotel in Sorrento.
Minivan schedule from Rome to Sorrento
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Minivan tickets are best booked online for guaranteed seats. You can do that via BookAway, which offers really excellent customer service.
Rome to Sorrento by Private Transfer
A private ride from Rome to Sorrento is the most expensive option. We don’t recommend it unless you’re travelling with kids or elderly people.
You can find some private transfers through BookAway. A 3-passenger car costs around €375 ($440). If you’re travelling with a few more people, then you can get a 6-seater private minivan for €420 ($495).
Book a Private Transfer with BookAway
You can also hail a taxi from the street or ask your hotel to call one for you. Rates start from €380 ($450) for a public taxi. Uber is also available in this area. A 1 to 2-passenger Uber Black Saver costs around €410 ($485).
Rome to Sorrento in a nutshell
Frequently Asked Questions about Rome to Sorrento
What is the distance from Rome to Sorrento?
The distance from Rome to Sorrento is 265 km (165 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Rome to Sorrento?
The fastest way to get from Rome to Sorrento is by minivan and takes 3h30m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Rome to Sorrento?
The cheapest way to get from Rome to Sorrento is by train with ticket costs starting from €18 ($21).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Rome to Sorrento. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
