Enjoying Rome completely can take several days. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, there’s more to discover. Despite that, just south of Rome sits Naples which has its own set of great things to discover. Fortunately with the two cities are so close, many opt to go for a Rome to Naples day trip. Here’s how and why you can do the same.
HOW TO TAKE A DAY TRIP FROM ROME TO NAPLES
Traveling from Rome to Naples is pretty easy and convenient when done by train. At approximately an hour on the fast train, it’s the perfect distance for a day trip. The best way to make the trip is by connecting via the two main train stations, Termini Station in Rome and Napoli Centrale in Naples. There are always several direct lines to choose from that link the two cities.
TRAIN TICKETS AND SCHEDULE
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE IN ADVANCE
It’s best to purchase your train tickets to Naples online and in advance. How far in advance depends on when you’re visiting Italy. During the summer months when demand is high it might be best purchase several weeks in advance if you have a specific time that you want to go and return.
With a day trip you’ll want to maximize your time in Naples so you’ll be looking at a smaller window for departure and return. And remember you likely won’t be the only one with the same idea.
If you’re a little more flexible with the times that you want to travel then you may not have to worry as much about purchasing far in advance.
WHICH TICKETS TO PURCHASE
There will be several options for times to depart and return and you can make your selections there. There are several types of trains that make the trip from Rome to Naples and back.
The high speed train (which I recommend, especially for day trips) has a travel time from Rome to Naples of about one hour.
The cost of the ticket is higher than the standard train. The standard train generally takes two hours to make the same trip. So the difference of one hour each way can have an impact on the time that you’re able to spend in Naples. For many, the extra cost is worth it.
Once you’ve made your selection for type of train, seats, departure time and return time and you book your tickets, you can save an electronic version of your ticket.
Even though you’ll have the electronic version, you MUST have a paper copy as well. You have to have that paper copy with you and ready to show once you board the train.
When you’re on board it’s the paper copy that will get checked and scanned to verify your reservation so keep it in an easily accessible location, and don’t lose it!!
NAPLES TO ROME TRAIN REVIEW
The train that we rode was excellent. We had a great experience throughout the entire process. There was plenty of space to store luggage whether you had a large suitcase or just carryons and backpacks. The seats were comfortable and had decent space.
There were areas where four seats would be in a group around a table. Two seats facing each other on either side of the table. We were traveling with a total of six people, so we booked four seats in that configuration and two in the regular side by side set up.
Both were comfortable and the table was actually nice to have. I suppose it would work best with a family of four and allow kids a little more space.
The customer service was great in the terminal when we had questions prior to departure as well as once we were on the train.
The trains can show up only 10 minutes prior to departure, so even if you don’t see one, make sure that you have your stuff ready to go. The trains that we took were very prompt.
The ride was comfortable and smooth even though the train was very fast (up to 155 mph). There was some scenery out the east windows. We were able to see mountains and some homes and small towns. It wasn’t a whole lot but it added to the ride a bit.
ONCE YOU’RE IN NAPLES
After taking the train from Rome you’ll get off the train at the Napoli Centrale station. Once you arrive you’ll then want to make your way to the Garibaldi Metro Station that services the city of Naples. You simply have to follow the signs and you’ll make your way to the metro.
The Naples Metro is an efficient and family-friendly way to explore the city, offering access to key attractions like Toledo Station, Piazza Dante, and Museo Station.
To get around Naples efficiently, it may be best to combine metro rides with buses or funiculars to get where you want to go.
NAPLES DAY TRIP ITINERARY
Start your day at the National Archaeological Museum, home to artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Have lunch at Toto e Peppino on Via dei Tribunali, a historic street lined with shops and restaurants. Afterward, visit the artistically stunning Toledo Metro Station and stroll along lively Via Toledo.
Explore the expansive Piazza del Plebiscito, then head to the waterfront for views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
Conclude with a visit to Castel dell’Ovo and admire panoramic vistas at Posillipo Panoramica, making for an unforgettable day in Naples.
WHY VISIT NAPLES
Even if you have visited other Italian cities and towns you’ve haven’t been to a city quite like Naples. It has its own feel and vibe that sets it apart from other cities.
It’s a remarkable place that displays its authenticity at nearly every turn. It has its rough edges and gritty parts, but it’s those parts that really make Naples the unique experience that it is.
Taking a day trip from Rome to Naples is an excellent way to experience the unique charm and rich history of one of Italy’s most vibrant cities. Naples offers an entirely different atmosphere, culture, and set of attractions, making it a worthwhile trip for any traveler.
One of the primary reasons to take a Rome to Naples day trip is to indulge in the city’s renowned culinary scene. Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and trying an authentic Neapolitan pizza is a must.
From classic Margherita to more adventurous toppings, the pizza in Naples is a culinary experience that is hard to match. Beyond pizza, Naples offers a variety of delicious street foods, pastries, and seafood dishes that reflect its coastal location.
As a bonus, this is where you want to sample the classic margherita or the marinara pizza, right where it was invented.
In addition to its culinary delights, Naples boasts a wealth of historical and cultural sites. The city is home to the Naples National Archaeological Museum, which houses one of the most impressive collections of Greco-Roman artifacts in the world.
For history enthusiasts, a visit to this museum is an opportunity to see the treasures of Pompeii and Herculaneum up close.
Once you visit Naples you’ll understand what makes it so great. Even in a day, you can sample some of the great things that Naples offers. Take a walk down Naples’ main street, Via dei Trbunali.
You can do some shopping on via Toledo, see the largest piazza in Naples, Piazza del Plebiscito and see a castle or two. You can see a lot of what makes Naples great if you follow this great detailed itinerary.
TAKE A ROME TO NAPLES TRIP FOR A DAY (OR LONGER)
With such close proximity to each other it’s definitely a great idea to to visit Naples when in Rome. Naples is such a fascinating place to visit that after only a day there you’ll likely agree and will be wanting more. If you want to know more about this wonderful city, be sure to check out our essential guide for a trip to Naples.
