From Naples to Sorrento: 6 Best Ways to Get There
Set just under 49 kilometers south of Naples, Sorrento is a perfect place to visit for a day trip. This charming Italian town is filled with attractions and fun things to do. Plus, it's easy to reach.
Taking the ferry is a quick and easy way to travel, especially for those who enjoy a front-row seat for breathtaking coastal views. Driving is the next best way to get to Sorrento, but those traveling in summer may want to take a train instead. The traffic can be horrendous.
Other options include booking a private transfer or guided tour or taking the bus. No matter which way you choose to travel, you're in for a treat; Sorrento is captivating.
Use this list to find the best ways to get from Naples to Sorrento.
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1. From Naples to Sorrento by Ferry
Taking the ferry is the fastest way to get from Naples to Sorrento. There's no need to worry about traffic when leaving by boat. Ferries leave Naples from the Moro Beverello Pier and arrive in Sorrento about 45 minutes later. Even when there's no traffic, this is faster than driving.
The ferry company NLG offers two trips daily aboard the NLG Jet, which run at 10 am and 6:25 pm. They take either 35 or 45 minutes, depending on which ferry you choose and tickets cost about $16 each way.
Note: If you're planning to return the same day, the last ferry leaving from Sorrento to Naples departs at 5 pm. That doesn't leave much time for dinner, so you may want to think about taking a bus, train, or private transfer back to Naples to prolong your stay.
Ferries operated by Alilauro leave Beverello multiple times a day. The first ferry departs at 9 am, and the last leaves Naples at 7:30 pm. They take 45 minutes to reach Sorrento, and one-way tickets cost about $15. Return trips begin at 8:10 am, with the last ferry departing Sorrento at 6:45 pm.
If you're a fan of an early dinner, that could work. Otherwise, you may want to book a return transfer by car or bus.
2. From Naples to Sorrento by Car
Driving from Naples to Sorrento is a direct way to travel. The distance is less than 49 kilometers and takes under an hour if timed well. Summer brings hordes of tourists on their way to Positano and other Amalfi Coast destinations, as well as locals looking for a seaside escape. Plan for heavy traffic.
The most direct route follows the E45 to the SS145, offering phenomenal water views the closer you get to Sorrento.
Note: Be warned that these roads, though well maintained, are narrow and wind quite dramatically in places. Also, some drivers are fast and slightly terrifying, so this might not be the best option for those who feel uncomfortable driving in stressful situations.
Carve out a couple of hours to stop at Pompeii, one of the most popular day trip destinations from Sorrento. This landmark historic city is filled with attractions, the most famous of which is the Pompeii Archeological Park; it shouldn't be missed. Pompeii is located almost halfway between Naples and Sorrento.
Note: There are tolls on this route, so be prepared with cash or a credit/debit card.
3. From Naples to Sorrento by Private Transfer
Not feeling brave enough to tackle driving the narrow roads from Naples to Sorrento? Book a private transfer instead. An English-speaking driver picks up guests from the airport, train station, hotel, or other pre-arranged location and drives them to Sorrento in an uber-comfy luxury car. We're talking Mercedes.
In addition to enjoying stunning views without the stress of navigating and swerving around aggressive drivers, tourists can soak up the history lessons taught to them by their driver. In all, the journey will take about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on traffic.
4. From Naples to Sorrento by Bus
Riding the bus from Naples to Sorrento is another good and affordable travel option for those who'd rather not drive themselves or hit the open seas on a ferry.
Flixbus offers two journeys a day, both of which leave from Metropark Centrale and take about an hour and 35 minutes to reach the stop at Corso Italia 259 in Sorrento. Tickets cost anywhere from $4 to $16, depending on the time you depart. One carry-on and one stored bag are included per person.
The Curreri airport shuttle runs directly from the Naples Capodichino Airport to the Circumvesuviana train station in downtown Sorrento. It departs the airport about six times daily, beginning at 9 am with the last bus departing at 6:30 pm.
The bus stops seven times along the way, and the journey takes about an hour and 15 minutes. Tickets cost about $11 and include one carry-on and one stored bag.
Tourists can travel via an airport transfer bus through a company called Enjoytravelling s.a.s. Sorrento. They depart from the Naples International Airport and Napoli Centrale train station. Tickets cost about $46, depending on the time of day and fare chosen.
5. From Naples to Sorrento by Train
Riding the train from Naples to Sorrento is stress-free, budget-friendly, and quick, especially if you choose to take the Campania Express. This speedy route runs from the Napoli Garibaldi station to the Sorrento train station in about 45 minutes and costs about $16.
The Campania Express follows the same route as the local Circumvesuviana train, but stops only at tourist attractions, making it about 30 minutes faster than the local route and only a few dollars more expensive. Other bonuses over the Circumvesuviana route include air conditioning and reserved seats.
Note: Since this is a tourist train, it only runs during peak season (mid-March to late October).
6. From Naples to Sorrento by Tour
One of the most educational ways to get from Naples to Sorrento is by booking a tour. The Naples, Pompeii, and Sorrento Full Day Tour is packed with information, and stops at enough attractions to keep tourists happily entertained. In just one day, visitors can see three of the most popular cities in this region of Italy.
The tour begins just after 8 am, with a pickup at either a hotel, port, or train station. Tourists are then taken on a guided, two-hour tour of Naples' top sights. Afterward, guests are transported to Pompeii, where they will spend another two hours exploring the Archaeological Park before enjoying a quick lunch.
Sorrento is the final stop on this tour. Visitors will arrive after lunch and are allotted about an hour to see the town's main places of interest. The guide will tour guests around the town's winding streets, sharing the history of the area during their walk. Just after 5 pm, visitors will reboard the air-conditioned bus for the journey back to Naples.
