The Circumvesuviana is how you get from Naples to Pompeii (36 min), Herculaneum (17 min), and Sorrento (70 min). Itās also hot, crowded, sometimes late, and the cheapest way to do it.
Plan your trip āOperated by EAV (not Trenitalia, not ANM). Departs from Napoli Porta Nolana station (preferred: shorter queue) or Napoli Piazza Garibaldi (underground level of Centrale station). Two main lines: NapoliāSorrento (via Ercolano + Pompei) and NapoliāSarno.
Ercolano Scavi: Herculaneum archaeological site. 17 min from Naples. ā¬2.20. Pompei Scavi ā Villa dei Misteri: Pompeii entrance. 36 min. ā¬2.80. Sorrento: end of line. 70 min. ā¬4.20. Trains every 20ā40 min depending on time of day.
Buy at the EAV ticket window or machines at Porta Nolana / Garibaldi. NOT the same as metro tickets. Cash or card. You can also use Campania Artecard (ā¬21/3 days) which covers Circumvesuviana + site entries. Validate before boarding. Fine: ā¬50+.
Go early (8ā9am departure) to avoid the worst crowds. No air conditioning on older trains. Hold your bag in front (pickpockets exist but are overhyped ā just be normal-level aware). Sit or stand near the doors if getting off at an early stop. Return trains from Sorrento fill up ā board early to get a seat. Last train back: ā¼11pm (check EAV timetable).