How To Get From Naples To Sorrento
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There are three main ways to get from Naples to Sorrento: train, ferry, and bus.
Train is by far the most popular option as it’s fast, convenient, and relatively cheap, but ferry is a safe, organized, and comfortable close second.
You can also take a shared shuttle or private taxi, but those cost a little bit more money.
This article will cover a complete walk-through on how to get from Naples to Sorrento with details on ticket prices, transport schedules, and how-tos for each mode of transportation.
Say goodbye to the city of pizza and make your way around the gulf to Sorrento, the scenic entryway to Amalfi!
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Distance From Naples To Sorrento
Naples and Sorrento are 48.8km (30.3 miles) apart.
The route wraps around the gulf of Naples and if you feel confident driving a stick shift and are traveling with 3 or more people, it might be worth renting a car.
The views are stunning on a clear day, but the mountainous roads can be somewhat treacherous to navigate.
How Long From Naples To Sorrento
Your trip from Naples to Sorrento will take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on your mode of transportation.
Car: 55 minutes
Train: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ferry: 45 minutes
Bus: 1 hour 30 minutes
It’s a pretty short journey but make sure you account for transfers depending on where your accommodations are located!
I recommend staying by the train station in Sorrento and in Centro Storico in Naples. Staying by Napoli Centrale is more convenient, but it’s not as safe at night. (Here's a full guide on where to stay in Naples.)
Travel Tip: always book your hotel near the bus or train station so that you don’t have to lug your bags around. I made the mistake of booking an AirBnB in the mountains of Amalfi and had to hike 30 minutes up the mountain with a 15kg bag. ☠️
Naples To Sorrento Cost
A trip from Naples to Sorrento will run you between $4-$40 USD. Bus tickets are the cheapest and cost between $4 - $7 while ferry tickets cost $16 - $40.
You can also splurge on a private car or taxi and that'll usually cost between $230 - $280 USD.
Naples To Sorrento By Train
The easiest and most convenient way to get from Naples to Sorrento is by train.
There are two options: Circumvesuviana (the commuter train) and Campania Express (newer express line targeted towards tourists).
Both trains lines leave from Napoli Centrale and are privately owned. Tickets are not covered by the Eurorail Pass or Italy Pass. Some Campania Artecard packages may cover transportation costs for the Circumvesuviana, but make sure you read the fine print before booking!
Campania Express
The Campania Express is one of the best way to get from Naples to Sorrento.
It’s a newer, tourist-targeted line that runs along the same route as the older Circumvesuviana trains, but makes fewer stops along the way.
This train offers the convenience of online bookings, assigned seats, air conditioning, and luggage racks. It’s a shorter journey time, a cleaner train, and a safer transport option in comparison to the regular commuter rail.
The Campania Express only runs four times a day so make sure to time your travels appropriately! (Here are the latest time tables)
How To Buy Campania Express Tickets
You can buy tickets for the Campania Express online through their official EAV Campania Website, with a transport platform like Omio, or in-person from the ticket booth at the Naples Garibaldi station.
Tickets cost €15 one way and €25 roundtrip.
Online Tickets
To go from Naples, Italy to Sorrento, select the route that says "Napoli P. Garibaldi - Sorrento"
Fill in your trip details (passenger count, dates, one way or roundtrip)
Register for an account and complete the payment with a card
You'll receive a confirmation email with your tickets once everything's been processed
In-Person Tickets
The Campania Express ticket booth is on the lower level of the Naples Garibaldi station. Simply tell the operator that you're headed to Sorrento and pay for your tickets in cash.
Make sure to get to the ticket booth at least 30 minutes before departure. Service in Italy can be chaotic so having that extra time makes a huge difference.
Additionally, when you buy last-minute tickets, you won't be able to reserve a seat. The trains get packed during the summer months so I highly recommend booking beforehand.
How To Take The Campania Express From Naples To Sorrento
Make your way to the Napoli P. Garibaldi train station (Google Maps)
Enter the station and go down the escalator one level
Follow the signs for the Campania Express
Once you enter the gates, you wait with the group for a guide to take you down to the platforms
When the train arrives, you'll board and head to your assigned seat
There's been some criticism of the service being disorganized and overbooked during the summer holidays so if you're visiting Naples from June to August and get claustrophobic, consider taking the ferry or a private cab instead.
Circumvesuviana
Alternatively, you can take the local Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Sorrento instead.
This commuter rail runs every 40 minutes and is a fraction of the cost of the Campania Express. It's slower and definitely more run-down, but will still get you to Sorrento in no time.
I took this train on my day trip to Pompeii and Herculaneum and it was mostly fine, but I definitely felt on-edge the whole time.
The Circumvesuviana is on the older side and the chance of running into pickpockets is pretty high. There's also nowhere to put large suitcases so if you have a lot of luggage, it might not be the best option for you.
How To Buy Circumvesuviana Tickets From Naples To Sorrento
There are four ways to buy Circumvesuviana tickets:
With cash at the station
With a digital card (like Apple Pay) at the station
Pre-book tickets with the Unico Campania app
Purchase a Campania Artecard that includes transportation
I recommend buying physical tickets at the Napoli Garibaldi station or simply using your phone to tap in and tap out. The Unico Campania app is finicky (more on that later) and the transportation terms for a Campania Artecard are pretty unclear.
Sorrento is located in Zone 5 and a one-way ticket costs €4.90 per person. Tickets are valid for 180 minutes.
Trains run every 40 minutes so you should use the Google Maps to check upcoming schedules lest you waste time at the station.
Buying Physical Tickets
To buy physical tickets for the Circumvesuviana, simply head to the Napoli Garibaldi station and find the automated machine. Select Zone 5 on the screen and pay for your ticket in cash.
This is the most popular method and you can expect long queues for the machine during high season.
Tapping In & Tapping Out
This is a relatively new update, but if you have an electronic card stored on your phone (like Apple Pay) you can now tap in/tap out for Circumvesuviana trains!
I love that Naples added this option because it saves so much time and stress.
Simply open your digital wallet in front of the “TAP IN” reader before getting on the platform and then swipe it again at the “TAP OUT” reader when you exit at Sorrento.
If you forget to tap out, the platform will automatically charge you the maximum fee which is the furthest zone from where you tapped in (this happens to coincide with the Sorrento stop, so it makes no difference to you).
Using The Unico Campania App
You can purchase Circumvesuviana tickets ahead of time with the Unico Campania App.
Simply find the app in your App Store, download it, and then set the destination for Sorrento. You can pay for the tickets with a credit card.
If you’re traveling with a group, each person will need to use the app on their own phone. You cannot swipe two tickets at the same time with this app.
The Unico Campania App is reliant on internet data so make sure to open the app and load your tickets before you enter the train station. Internet service in Garibaldi station is limited.
I tried to use the Unico Campania app on my trip, but had a hard time with their mobile verification process. I was using an eSIM without a cell number and even when I changed it to my physical US SIM card, the code wouldn’t come through.
The app is a great idea in theory, but it seems like they have some tech issues to troubleshoot.
Using The Campania Artecard
The Campania Artecard is a pass that allows you to visit multiple attractions across Naples and Campania at a discounted rate.
Some of the packages include Circumvesuviana tickets, so if you plan on getting the pass, you might be able to use it for your trip from Naples to Sorrento. Just make sure to read the fine print when you purchase!
How To Take The Circumvesuviana From Naples To Sorrento
Begin your journey at Napoli-Garibaldi station (Google Maps)
Take the escalator down one level
Follow signs with a red and white circular symbol for the Circumvesuviana line
You can buy tickets from the machine or talk to a booth operator at the entrance to the train platforms
Check the overhead screens for the train platform (it’s usually platform 3 for trains to Sorrento), swipe in, and wait for your train to arrive
Safety Tips For Taking The Train
While violent crime against tourists is pretty rare in Naples, petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams happen all the time.
The train (especially the Circumvesuviana) on a crowded summer day is the perfect opportunity for petty thieves looking to make a quick buck.
So Here Are Some Safety Tips For Taking The Train:
Keep your bag in front of you or use a pick-pocket safe bag
Use a cell phone strap to avoid snatchings
Stay away from entrances and exits because thieves are looking for quick escapes
Stay alert and be mindful of personal space
The train is the most budget friendly and efficient way to get from Naples to Sorrento. It can be a little gritty at times, but the views are surprisingly beautiful once you settle in!
Naples To Sorrento By Ferry
The second best way to get from Naples to Sorrento is by ferry!
This is definitely a more luxurious experience and if you prioritize comfort, punctuality, and safety, then this is the best choice for you.
A ferry ride from Naples to Sorrento takes roughly 45 minutes but I'd tack on an extra 15 minutes for boarding.
The companies tend to have strict luggage guidelines (hand luggage up to 5 kg only) but if you're traveling with large bags, you can pay an additional fee to bring them on.
The boats leave from Naples Beverello which is a little further from city center, so you might need to hire a cab or shuttle to help you get to and from your hotels.
Ferries run much less frequently than trains and tickets tend to sell out early, so make sure to book your tickets beforehand.
photo credit: expedia
How To Buy Naples To Sorrento Ferry Tickets
There are two companies that run ferry trips from Naples to Sorrento: NLG and Alilauro.
They’re pretty similar in quality and experience and differ mostly only on schedule.
Tickets cost between $16 - $40 and you can buy them online beforehand either through Omio or on their company websites.
You can also buy ferry tickets with cash at the port, but if they’re all booked out for the day, then you’re out of luck.
How To Take The Ferry From Naples To Sorrento
Make your way to Naples Beverello (Google Maps)
Follow the signs for your ferry company
Line up when they call your boat for boarding
Present your ticket to the officer
Stow your luggage, take a seat, and enjoy the ride!
Naples To Sorrento By Bus
Another way to get from Naples to Sorrento is by bus.
This is the slowest but most budget-friendly option so if you’re good on time and want to save a few bucks, then this is the best choice for you!
Bus tickets from Naples to Sorrento cost between $4-$7 one-way and the journey takes roughly an hour and 30 minutes depending on traffic.
There are only two direct buses from the city of Naples to Sorrento per day so make sure to plan accordingly!
How To Buy Naples To Sorrento Bus Tickets
You can buy your bus tickets online with Omio or head to a Flixbus retailer at Napoli Centrale for physical tickets.
A one-way trip to Sorrento costs $4 - $7.
How To Take The Bus From Naples To Sorrento
Find the bus stop at Napoli Centrale
Follow the signs for FlixBus
Line up at the terminal for your assigned bus
Present your tickets and board!
I recommend arriving at least 15 minutes ahead of time and if you tend to get carsick, you might want to take a motion sickness pill because it's a windy mountainous journey.
photo credit: curreri viaggi
Naples Airport to Sorrento Bus
As a slow traveler, I personally would spend at least 2 days in Naples. However, I can empathize if you don't have enough vacation days and Naples is simply a transit point. In that case, the best way to get from Naples Airport to Sorrento is by bus.
The Curreri Viaggi provides direct transfers from Naples Capodichino International Airport to Sorrento town.
A one-way ticket costs €13 and the journey takes about an hour.
There are six shared shuttles daily and you get a luggage allowance of one large hold luggage and one small personal bag. Tickets can be purchased online through their website or at the airport once you arrive.
To take the bus from Naples Airport to Sorrento, simply exit your gate and follow the signs for buses. The Curreri Viaggi bus will arrive 10 minutes before departure time. Present your ticket to the operator, store your luggage, grab a seat, and you're on your way!
photo credit: viator
Naples To Sorrento Shared Shuttle
You can book a shared shuttle from Naples to Sorrento for a little more privacy and comfort.
These transfers usually split a large van among 8 or 9 passengers, and provide pick-up near the Naples train station and drop-off at Sorrento city center.
A shared shuttle usually costs between $40-50 USD depending on the operator.
If you hate traveling with large groups and prefer a more direct route, then this is the best option for you. Shared transfers are a little safer than public options (like the train) and are quite speedy as there are no stops in between.
The best way to book a shared shuttle is with a provider like Viator or GetYourGuide.
Naples To Sorrento Private Transfer
Last but not least, you can always hire a private car to take you from Naples to Sorrento.
The ride will usually cost $200 and $280 USD and take a little less than an hour.
This is the best option for people traveling with family or children, as it's the most comfortable and flexible option. If you plan on traveling at odd hours, this is also the only option for you.
You can pre-book a private transfer on GetYourGuide or Viator or even consider booking spontaneously through an app like Uber.
Before you head down to Sorrento, make sure that you've seen everything there is to see in Naples! Here's a full itinerary for the city as well as personal recommendations on where to stay.
For more on planning solo travels through Italy, make sure to read this full 3-week itinerary that covers all my favorite destinations in the country.
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