Contemporary swagger meets old-world splendor in Naples, a Jekyll and Hyde city that is an absorbing diversion from Rome. Vestiges of Greek and Roman empires rub up against relics of a once influential kingdom, backdropped by an abrasive urban sprawl filled with exceptional restaurants.
The immense and vibrant city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The surrounding landscape filled with natural and archeological wonders. Rome to Naples trains speed explorers there in little over an hour, opening a portal to a world that excites all the senses.
Nearby, Herculaneum and Pompeii entice travelers to venture further along the Gulf of Naples. We explore everything you need to know about trains to Naples and how to expand the adventure by traveling from Rome to Pompeii by train.
Rome to Naples by Train
Frequent high-speed trains skip from Rome to Naples in little over an hour. Prices are cheap, and choices are plentiful. The train from Rome to Naples makes a delightful day trip possible. Although there are numerous reasons to linger in Italy’s third-largest city.
The former Greek settlement has been occupied for millennia and is even older than Rome. Roman ruins, medieval castles, and Renaissance palaces jostle for tourist attention. And that’s just in the city.
Dotted around the Gulf of Naples are travel jewels all the way to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. Mount Vesuvius looms over the vibrant landscape, casting a lasting shadow over Pompeii, a destination we cover in this guide.
The showstoppers don’t end there. Neapolitan cuisine is world-class. The finest pizzas anywhere in the world (sorry, New York) and some of the most seductive trattoria in Italy.
Happily, Rome to Naples trains are fast and inexpensive, with a wealth of departure options to fit every itinerary.
Like most major Italian cities, a high-speed train from Rome to Naples comes in two flavors: Trenitalia and Italo.
Trenitalia is the national operator, plying intercity routes and linking small towns and villages. Italo is a high-speed private rail company operating between major cities.
When traveling from Rome to Naples, there’s barely a whisker separating the competing services. It all equates to great value for travelers, with fares consistently low.
When comparing Rome to Naples train costs, filter Trenitalia to Frecce trains only. The alternative journey with Intercity or Regionale servicestakes 2-3 hours and often costs more than Frecce trains, so can be ignored.
Filtering to Frecce services will reveal 2-3 hourly departures on classy Frecciarossa trains. Trains are direct from Roma Termini to Naples two stations: Napoli Afragola and Napoli Centrale.
The Rome to Naples train time on Frecce services clocks no more than 1 hour and 13 minutes. ‘Special Frecce’ fares start from €14.90. Standard fares purchased at least 5 days ahead of travel start at €24.90.
Meanwhile, an Italo high-speed train from Rome to Naples covers the distance in the same time and frequently offers ‘eXtra MAGIC’ fares from €12.90. Standard fares (aka Smart) booked at least 5 days ahead start at €17.90. Italo trains depart Roma Termini for Napoli Centrale once or twice hourly.
It might not be a priority for a short journey, but Frecciarossa class trains are modern, stylish, and well-equipped. Spacious reclining seats throughout, free Wi-Fi, and a decent café-bar (FRECCIABistrò) enrich the deluxe experience.
Several inexpensive upgrades can also enhance the journey. Premium class comes with roomier seats, power sockets, quieter carriages, and a complimentary snack and drink. Upgrades often cost just €3 more.
For even more legroom, opt for Business class. Executive class is another level entirely, both in comfort and cost.
Italo train tickets from Rome to Naples offer a similar package. Equally stylish and modern AGV and EVO trains come with free Wi-FI, reclining seats, and charging points.
Upgrade from Smart to Prima class for more legroom, plus soft drinks and snacks. Jump to Club Executive class for superior space, 18+ drinks, and better snacks.
As an added incentive, Club Executive tickets open the doors of the Italo Club Lounges in Roma Termini and Napoli Centrale.
An equally plentiful array of departures awaits when taking the return Naples to Rome train. That puts a day trip firmly on the cards for time-strapped vacationers.
A Trenitalia Naples to Rome train is your best option for the longest day amid Naples’s frenetic charms. Their latest services depart Napoli Centrale at 8.30 pm.
Leave Rome in the morning, and you will find plenty of time to explore Napoli’s historic city center, Europe’s biggest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And more than enough time to discover if Naples truly rules the pizza kingdom.
Rome to Naples by Train Details
- Prices: Travelers can choose from Trenitalia or Italo train tickets from Rome to Naples, with comparable prices and journey times.
- High-speed Trenitalia Frecce trains Super Economy fares start at €24.90, booked at least 5 days ahead. Look out for regular ‘Special Frecce’ deals, with seats from €14.90. Upgrades from €3.
- Italo Smart (standard class) fares start at €17.90 up to 7 days before travel. Special eXtra MAGIC fares are frequently offered from €10.90. Upgrades from €5.
- In all cases, fares rise as seats are sold and spike upwards within 5 days of travel. Bookings can be made up to 4 months before travel; reserve ahead if you can.
- Frequency: 3 to 4 fast Italo and Trenitalia trains depart Roma Termini for Napoli Centrale hourly.
- Duration: The fastest train from Rome to Naples takes 1 hour and 5 minutes. Most high-speed trains complete the journey in under 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Rome to Pompeii by Train
Encased in volcanic ash since AD79, Pompeii is among the most iconic locations in a land filled with historical wonders. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius left behind a breathtaking archeological marvel, enlivening otherwise stodgy history lessons.
Happily, traveling from Rome to Pompeii by train is uncomplicated and can be squeezed comfortably into a day trip.
A high-speed train from Rome to Pompeii is only available until Naples, so travelers need two tickets for this route. After a fast train from Rome to Naples, travelers move onto the local Circumvesuviana line to Pompei Scavi (Villa di Misteri.)
Passengers only need to reserve the journey to Naples. Even if you book on the day, you’ll need a reservation with Italo or Trenitalia for this section. Fortunately, departures are frequent, and last-minute seats are easy to find.
In Napoli Centrale, head downstairs to the commuter-style Circumvesuviana regional line. It runs from a station within the station called Napoli Piazza Garibaldi.
No need to book ahead: single fares to Pompeii are fixed at €3.20. Use contactless payment or buy at the ticket office.
Thirty-six minutes later, trains reach Pompeii Scavi (Villa di Misteri.) The gates to the fabled city are just outside the station.
Two to three Circumvesuviana trains leave Naples hourly, with return trains departing until 10pm. See the published timetable for pinpoint planning.
An alternative express service recently started operating on the same route. Trains depart every couple of hours and cost €15, or €25 for a round trip. The ‘express’ part only applies to passengers heading beyond Pompeii to Sorrento.
Journey times on the Campania Express to Pompeii are just 2-3 minutes quicker than the rickety alternative, yet considerably more expensive. However, trains are clean, air-conditioned, and very much aimed at tourists.
The same Circumvesuviana trains head onto Sorrento after Pompeii Scavi. The equally diverting Herculaneum archeological site is on the same route. Several compelling destinations to fold into one inspiring adventure around the Gulf of Naples.
Wherever your end destination is, traveling from Rome to Pompeii by train is enjoyable from start to finish. High-speed trains glide across Lazio and Campania before the pace slows on a regional service around the Gulf of Naples coastline. It is a dazzling route through several southern Italian tourist gems underlining why rail travel in Italy is the ultimate way to see the country.
Rome to Pompeii by Train Details
- Prices: A train from Roma Termini to Pompei Scavi (Villa di Misteri) requires two tickets. Booking the high-speed section at least 7 days ahead could bring the total fare to under €15.
- For the Napoli Centrale to Pompei Scavi journey, single Circumvesuviana fares are fixed at €3.20. The more comfortable Campania Express costs €15 (€25 round trip.)
- Trenitalia Super Economy fares from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale cost at least €24.90 if booked online at least 5 days ahead. Look out for regular ‘Special Frecce’ tickets from €14.90. Upgrades from €3.
- Italo Smart (standard class) fares start at €17.90 up to 7 days before travel. Special eXtra MAGIC fares are frequently available from €10.90. Upgrades from €5.
- Frequency: Several hourly Italo and Trenitalia trains depart Rome for Naples. From Naples, 2-3 Circumvesuviana trains head to Pompeii.
- Duration: The Rome to Naples train time is less than 1 hour and 15 minutes. Onward trains to Pompeii take 35 minutes. Allow 30-40 minutes for connections.
Rome to Naples by Train FAQ
What are the current Rome to Naples train times?
Traveling from Rome to Naples by train with Trenitalia and Italo offers several hourly departures. Trains run throughout the day and take under 1- 1/4 hours, resulting in a choice of departure times to fit most itineraries.
How long is the trip from Rome to Naples by train?
High-speed trains complete the journey from Rome to Naples in under 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Is there a high-speed train from Rome to Naples?
Yes. Several hourly Italo and Trenitalia high-speed trains head from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale.
Can I take a train from Rome to Pompeii?
A fast train from Rome to Naples connects with regional trains to Pompeii, making it a straightforward journey taking around 2 ½ hours.
Can I travel from Rome to Pompeii by train in one day?
Absolutely — a round trip takes 5-6 hours. That includes a Naples to Rome train time under 1 ¼ hours, followed by a 36-38 minute onward journey to Pompeii. Allow time for connections.