realgirl58

We need to book a one way transfer from Naples to Sorrento in early May.
I read about the ferry. Reviews of Alilauro - bad. Reviews of NLG - absolutely terrible.
I read about the Campania Express. Reviews - bad.
Circumsuviana - bad and possibly scary.
I'd prefer not to pay 120 Euros for a private transfer.
What is our least painful option that doesn't cost 120 Euros?

Kathy52

We used the Campania Express last September. The train was 1/2 empty. Train was very clean. Nothing negative to say. We went back to Naples on the regular trains. They run more often and it was less expensive. It was fine. The scariest thing I found with trains in Italy was the amount of graffiti all over the outsides. I made them look dirty, but insides were fine!! Take whichever one works with your schedule.

Sassafrass

Have not used it since Covid, but over a twenty five year period before, we visited Naples/Sorrento several times and used the Circumvesuviana all the time. Never a single problem, except crowded at times. I found it much less scary than NYC subways. The Campania Express is faster. I would take either one with out worry. If I had luggage, I would probably stay close to it near stops. Anyway, would take the train without a second thought.

alandavid

1. Campania Express if available
2. Circumsuviana - like riding the subway. No threat of violent crime, just be aware of your surroundings.

Both are good, cheap, and easy options.
I'd be fine with my college age daughters using it.

snowboardergirl

This is a good option if you’re leaving from the Naples Airport

https://www.curreriviaggi.it/mobile/...rport-shuttle/

millie2112

Nothing wrong with the train

Rubicund

The Circumvesuviana is perfectly fine and is neither bad nor scary. Providing you keep an eye on your luggage (if any) you won't have a problem. There was an issue several years ago with the odd baggage theft, but that has been dealt with now and it's a perfectly safe way to get to Sorrento. We've used it quite a lot over the years without a problem.

realgirl58

Thank you so much, everyone. Some of the reviews of the Campania Express mention that the people who complained may have mistakenly gotten on the Circumsuviana. At the risk of sounding really stupid, how can I tell the trains apart? One reviewer said they left from the same track. Do they say which is which somewhere?

Sassafrass

https://www.sorrentoinsider.com/en/n...train-schedule

This has all the schedules. Scroll down for just the Campania Express.
D and DD are both Circumvesuviana, but one does not stop at all stops.

Notice that on the schedules, Garibaldi (the main station) is actually the second stop in Naples for those trains. If you are already at the station, might as well get on there, but if not, you can get on at the first station.

BTW, I have always enjoyed the train ride from Naples toward Sorrento, seeing the outskirts of the city, the fruit and vegetable areas, etc. It is, IME, kind of like taking an excursion.

Sassafrass

Don’t remember everything, but Campania Express is written on the sides of the train.

realgirl58

Thanks, everyone. I booked the Campania Express.

realgirl58

OP here. For anyone else reading, definitely take the Campania Express.
When we showed up at the turnstiles, an official looking person said "Wait over there." Soon, a crowd gathered. When it was almost time for the train, an employee escorted us all, like a big tour group, to the correct train. An employee stayed in the train car the whole time. She kept people from getting off at the wrong stop. However, her official purpose was more likely to keep people who had paid for the Circumvesuviana from riding the more expensive Campania Express.
I don't know why or when they decided that riders needs an escort to the correct train, etc., but it was certainly nice!

AJPeabody

Ah, yes. The right train. Ten years or so ago, Mrs. P and I got on the Circumvesuvina to get from Naples to Sorrento, the last stop. It turned out that not every Circumvesuviana goes to Sorrento. Somehow a fellow passenger who appeared to be an Italian businessman overheard us and figured out from Mrs. P and my conversation that we were on the wrong train. After negotiating for a common language (French) he guided us on which stop to get off for a transfer to the right branch. There was no guide or herder, but the sign on the Naples train bay had said "Sorrento."