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
There are five ways to travel the distance of 50 km (31 miles) from Sorrento to Naples: by bus (1h10m-1h40m), direct minivan (1hr 10m), private transfer (1 hour), train (1-5 hours) and direct ferry (35-45 minutes). The journey takes between 35 minutes - 5h and the quickest way is by direct ferry. The lowest priced tickets start from €4 ($4.70) for the bus.Sorrento to Naples by Bus
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 €4 ($4.70). The only downside is its slightly longer travel time, which takes around 1.5 hours.
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.
Bus schedules from Sorrento to Naples
PRO TIP: Are you heading to Naples Airport? There is no direct bus service from Sorrento to Naples Airport. The good news is that you can transfer to an airport bus when you arrive at Napoli Centrale.
Sorrento to Naples by 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 1 to 1.5-hour journey.
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.
Option 1: Sorrento to Naples with Circumvesuviana
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 ($5.50), 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.
Train options from Sorrento to Naples
Circumvesuviana trains from Sorrento to Naples depart from Sorrento Train Station, east of the city centre.
You can get off at Naples Centrale Train Station — on the lower floor — under the high-speed train platforms in Plaza Garibaldi. The train’s last stop is at Napoli Porta Nolana, still in the centre of Naples.
There is no online booking for Circumvesuviana trains. You can only buy your tickets at Sorrento Train Station. To view the full train schedule, visit Sorrento Insider.
IMPORTANT: Circumvesuviana is infamous for the many pickpocketers openly roaming around its trains and stations. Keep an eye out for these lurkers and always keep your belongings close.
Option 2: Sorrento to Naples with Campania Express
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 an hour.
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
For Campania Express, you now have the option to buy your tickets online, something we recommend especially when you’re travelling on a weekend. A Campania Express train ticket costs €15 ($16.50) on BookAway — that’s 3x the price of a Circumvesuviana train, but well worth the convenience and peace of mind.
The Campania Express train also departs from Sorrento Station and stops at both Napoli Centrale Station and Porta Nolana Station.
Sorrento to Naples by Direct Ferry
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 ($21) and travel time is 35-45 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.
Ferry schedules from Sorrento to Naples
Since there are only four ferry departures in a day, we suggest booking your ticket in advance to secure a seat.
Sorrento to Naples by Direct Minivan
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 1.5 hours with rates from €30 ($35.50).
You can choose from three minivan companies for the Sorrento-Naples route: DTS Travel Group, Enjoy Travelling 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.
Minivan schedules from Sorrento to Naples
If you’re travelling in a group, fares for a direct minivan can be quite expensive. It might be better to take a private transfer instead.
Sorrento to Naples by Private Transfer
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 an hour.
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 €100 ($115) with a regular taxi that can accommodate 3 to 4 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.
For larger groups, you can find bigger vehicle options on 12go.Asia, which offers 7-seater minivans with prices from €187 ($220).
Frequently Asked Questions about Sorrento to Naples
What is the distance from Sorrento to Naples?
The distance from Sorrento to Naples is 50 km (31 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Sorrento to Naples?
The fastest way to get from Sorrento to Naples is by direct ferry and takes 35-45 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Sorrento to Naples?
The cheapest way to get from Sorrento to Naples is by bus with ticket costs starting from €4 ($4.70).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Sorrento to Naples. 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!
Routes from Naples
Most popular routes in Italy
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.
Thank you for very valuable and detailed information.
Thank you Petro! I’m happy to hear our guide was useful for you.