How to get from Rome to Naples

Going to Rome and fancy a trip to Naples? I'll tell you all the details!

Isabel Catalán

Isabel Catalán

7 min read

How to get from Rome to Naples

Naples | ©Carlo Raso

Naples is one of the most charming and authentic cities in southern Italy. Located just 200 kilometres from the capital, it's the perfect getaway if you're spending a few days in Rome.

If you would like to take advantage of your trip to the Eternal City to explore other regions of the country, here are all the possibilities available to you to get from Rome to Naples in no time at all.

An organised excursion, the best way to go to Naples from Rome

Panoramic view of Naples| ©Aliya Izumi
Panoramic view of Naples| ©Aliya Izumi

It is very common for travellers to take advantage of a trip to Rome to broaden their horizons and get to know other cities near the capital. Taking a trip to Naples from Rome is an example of a plan that everyone likes.

It is a practical, comfortable, efficient and fun way to make the most of your trip to Italy and to gather as many experiences as possible by exploring other areas of the country in a short time.

What will you see on the day trip?

Booking a day trip to Pompeii and Naples from Rome is an excellent way to see both sites in comfort, in a private bus, and accompanied by an expert guide who will explain everything you need to know about these historic sites:

  • Naples: throughout history it has belonged to many kingdoms which is reflected in the morphology of the city. Accompanied by a guide, during the tour you will visit places that will make you realise why it is so captivating for tourists.
  • Pompeii: visiting Pompeii is a must during a trip to Italy and combining it with an organised tour to Naples is a unique opportunity to get to know its ruins and its history in depth, without spending a lot of effort to prepare the excursion and saving time and money.

What will you see on the two-day tour?

On the other hand, booking a two-day excursion to Pompeii, Naples, Capri and Sorrento from Rome will allow you to discover these four wonderful places without having to worry about anything else, because it includes transport, guide, accommodation, lunches and dinner:

  • Sorrento: located on the beautiful Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is a seaside town famous for its delightful panoramic sea views and Piazza Tasso, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee in true Italian style. A real treat for the senses.
  • Capri: one of the most beautiful destinations in all of Italy, Capri is an island where you can visit the Blue Cave and enjoy the amazing colours of the grotto and the water.

Book a 2 day tour to Pompeii, Naples, Capri and Sorrento

By bus, the cheapest way to get to Naples

Buses to Naples| ©Antonio Vera
Buses to Naples| ©Antonio Vera

You can buy bus tickets to Naples from as little as 9 euros if you choose to skip the organised tours and go it alone.

Some of the companies that cover the service are Flixbus, Itabus or Marinobus. You can book your seats online and the tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Book an excursion to Naples and Pompeii

By car, the most flexible way to get there from Rome

Travelling by car| ©Alquiler de Coches
Travelling by car| ©Alquiler de Coches

Rome and Naples are about 200 kilometres apart and are easily accessible by car, so it's a good option if you like road trips and want to explore other charming towns along the way that you wouldn't be able to visit by public transport.

If you opt to hire a car to explore Naples, you'll have a little more flexibility in your plans as you can tailor the route and timing to your interests, skipping certain stops along the way or staying longer where you want to.

Getting to Naples from Rome by car is easy. Just take the A1 motorway, which is well signposted. The journey on this road takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes and has a toll which costs around €15.

Book a trip to Naples and Pompeii

By train, the fastest way to get to Naples

Frecciarossa train leading to Naples| ©Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane
Frecciarossa train leading to Naples| ©Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane

The train is the fastest way to get from Rome to Naples. It departs from Termini Station (in the centre of the capital) and arrives at Naples Central Station.

Ticket prices and journey times depend on the departure time and the type of train you are travelling on. You can buy them through Italo or Trenitalia.

  • Italo or Frecciarossa: These are high-speed trains that take around 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach their destination. You will find tickets from €27.

  • Intercity: These trains take about 2 hours and 30 minutes to arrive. You can buy tickets from €19

  • Regional: These trains take around 3 hours to arrive. You can buy tickets from €12

Book an excursion to Naples and Pompeii

By plane, the most expensive way to get there from Rome

Taking a Plane| ©Anna Zvereva
Taking a Plane| ©Anna Zvereva

The direct flight from Rome to Naples only takes about 50 minutes, but I don't recommend it because you have to add to that time the transfer to the airport, the security checks, the waiting time in the terminal, etc.

Calculate that going to Naples from Rome by plane will take you more than 3 hours in total and the tickets are very expensive compared to other means of transport, around 80€. It's not worth it!

  • Organised excursion
  • The best option
  • From €158
  • Includes transport, guide and visit to other cities, such as Pompeii.
  • Bus
  • The cheapest option
  • From 9 euros
  • The journey takes at least 5 hours each way.
  • Car
  • The most flexible option
  • Rental, petrol and toll costs
  • Allows you to explore other villages along the way
  • High-speed train
  • Fastest way
  • From 27 euros
  • 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • The price and journey time depend on the departure time.
  • By plane
  • The most expensive way
  • From 80 euros
  • 50 minutes + airport transfers, security checks, etc.
  • Between the price and the duration of the trip, it is the least recommended option.

When is the best time to go to Naples from Rome?

Walking the Streets of Naples| ©Mario Sánchez Prada
Walking the Streets of Naples| ©Mario Sánchez Prada

As with Rome's climate, the best time to visit Naples is in spring and autumn, when temperatures are pleasant and the atmosphere is relatively dry.

Another advantage of Naples' climate during these seasons is that the streets are livelier than during the winter but nowhere near as crowded as in the summer, so it' s quieter to get to the major tourist attractions.

Although summer is the ultimate holiday season, I wouldn't recommend going to Naples during the summer as the weather in the city is quite hot and humid and you'll feel too hot and sticky to go sightseeing - plus, everything is crowded with tourists!

Book an excursion to Naples and Pompeii

How much does an organised tour to Naples from Rome cost?

Naples at sunset| ©Alex N.
Naples at sunset| ©Alex N.

From 158 € you can find options in Hellotickets. The prices of the organized tours may vary depending on certain factors such as the duration of the tour, the size of the group, if it is a private activity or not, the tourist attractions that are part of the itinerary, the activities that are done during the tour or if the excursion includes the services of a guide.

Book a tour to Naples and Pompeii

Why take an organised tour to Naples from Rome?

A typical view of the narrow streets of central Naples.| ©Vincenzo La Montagna
A typical view of the narrow streets of central Naples.| ©Vincenzo La Montagna

Although you can do the tour on your own, in my opinion organised tours are the best way to get to Naples from Rome.

  • They are so convenient! You won't have to worry about any aspect of planning the trip, just buying the tickets and having a good time.
  • With an organised tour , you'll avoid any last-minute hiccups that might arise if you go on your own.
  • You'll make sure you get the most out of your tour time.
  • You'll be accompanied by an expert guide who will tell you lots of anecdotes and stories you might otherwise miss.
  • And if you're travelling alone or as a couple, you'll be accompanied by a group, so the tour will be even more fun.
  • You'll be able to rest on the way back to Rome, without having to keep an eye on public transport timetables all the time to get back.

All advantages!

Book an excursion to Naples and Pompeii

Other cities you can visit on an excursion from Rome

Visiting Pompeii| ©Unsplash
Visiting Pompeii| ©Unsplash

Naples is one of the cities that appears in all the betting pools for trips from Rome because of its particular charm that leaves no one indifferent and its proximity to the capital.

But there are many more! If you are travelling to Rome and would like to visit cities other than Naples, take a look at these suggestions:

Book a 2 day tour to Pompeii, Naples, Capri and Sorrento