NL
A journey from Rome to southern Italy by train is the most efficient and comfortable way to discover the diversity of the south. Good preparation is essential. The rail network offers an excellent alternative to driving, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right in the heart of cities such as Naples and Bari. From the speed of the Frecciarossa to the scenic coastlines served by regional trains, the options are broader than you might think.
The high-speed train: fast and direct to the heart of the south
For travellers who want to save time, Italy’s high-speed rail network is ideal. The main connection from Rome to the south is the route to Naples. The Frecciarossa is the fastest train of the Italian railway company Trenitalia. With this train you cover the distance between Roma Termini station and Napoli Centrale in about an hour. These trains reach speeds of over 300 kilometres per hour and offer a high level of comfort, with different classes and catering services on board.
A reservation is always compulsory on high-speed trains, including the Frecciarossa and the slightly slower Frecciargento. This means you buy a specific ticket for a fixed time and an allocated seat. The advantage is that you are guaranteed a seat and can plan your journey in detail. In addition to Naples there are also direct connections to other important cities such as Salerno. Salerno is a good starting point for a visit to the Amalfi Coast.
‘ By using the train for the longer stretch from Rome, you can avoid the heavy and often stressful traffic around Naples and the coastal region. ’
Naples as a central hub: your gateway to the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii
Naples is not only a destination in itself, but also the main railway hub for a large part of southern Italy. From Napoli Centrale station you have access to a network of local and regional trains that take you further into the Campania region. The Circumvesuviana line is a local railway. This line connects Naples, for example, with historic highlights such as Pompeii and Herculaneum, and takes you all the way to Sorrento.
For the famous Amalfi Coast you will need a combination of modes of transport. You first travel by train to Salerno or Sorrento. From Salerno you can continue by ferry or bus along coastal towns such as Amalfi and Positano. From Sorrento the bus is the most common option for exploring the scenic but winding coastal road. By using the train for the longer stretch from Rome, you can avoid the heavy and often stressful traffic around Naples and the coastal region.
Planning a train journey from Rome to Puglia
The region of Puglia, known as the ‘heel of the boot’, is also easily reached by train from Rome. There are direct high-speed connections from Roma Termini to Bari and Lecce, the main cities in the region. The journey time to Bari is around four hours. Once in Puglia you can rely on the regional rail network to explore the smaller coastal towns and the hinterland. Think of the famous trulli houses in Alberobello or the white town of Ostuni.
An alternative route for those who want to enjoy the journey itself more is the regional train along the Adriatic coast. This journey takes considerably longer, for example from Rimini to Bari in around five hours. However, the route offers an almost uninterrupted view of the sea. This is an excellent option for travellers who see the journey itself as part of the experience and are in less of a hurry. Good planning is needed for this route, as you will have to change trains more often.
Booking and planning train tickets: practical tips for a smooth journey
Good preparation is half the battle, especially when planning a train journey through Italy. Fares for train tickets are dynamic, which means that prices rise as the departure date gets closer. Booking early can result in substantial savings.
- Book in advance: Tickets for high-speed trains are often available months ahead. The earlier you book, the lower the price. This is particularly true for popular routes and travel times.
- Know the train types: Italy has various types of trains. The Frecciarossa and Frecciargento are the fastest, followed by Intercity trains. Regional trains (Regionale) are the slowest and stop at more places. They do not require reservations, but they do offer the greatest flexibility.
- Check the stations: Large cities often have several stations. Make sure you depart from and arrive at the right one. For routes heading south, Roma Termini in Rome is usually the departure point.
- Plan your connection: Allow enough time to change trains, especially if you are switching from a high-speed service to a regional line. Even a small delay can jeopardise your connection.
‘ Travelling by train is a more sustainable choice than going by car or plane. ’
The advantages of travelling by train in southern Italy
Travelling by train through southern Italy is an experience in itself. It is a comfortable way to watch the landscape pass by without having to worry about tolls, fuel or parking spaces. You travel from city centre to city centre, placing you right in the middle of the action. Travelling by train is a more sustainable choice than going by car or plane, and this consideration is increasingly important for environmentally conscious travellers. It gives you the freedom to relax, read a book or simply enjoy the view while you are on your way to your next destination.
Your journey to the south of Italy is more than just a destination; it is a route full of choices. On the Traveler Tips website you will find much more in-depth information about train travel, route planning and the most beautiful destinations in Italy. Discover how to plan your next trip even smarter and more consciously.
Frequently asked questions
The fastest train connection from Rome to southern Italy is to Naples on the Frecciarossa, a journey of about 1 hour. From Naples there are onward connections by private transfer to Sorrento, or by local buses to the Amalfi Coast. For destinations further south, Frecciargento and Frecciarossa trains connect Rome with places such as Messina, Catania and Palermo. Night trains and luxury rail journeys such as the La Dolce Vita Orient Express also offer unique options.
Book train tickets well in advance for the best prices, as last-minute purchases are more expensive and fares vary according to time of day and class. Choose high-speed trains such as Frecciarossa or Frecciargento for fast and comfortable journeys (for example Rome–Naples in 1 hour), for which reservations are compulsory. Consider night trains to save time on longer distances, and combine train journeys with local transport (buses) for destinations such as the Amalfi Coast. Check how frequently trains run, as on many routes there are several services a day.
Yes, definitely! Florence is a recommended stopover on routes from Rome to Sorrento. Pompeii and Naples are also popular destinations for round trips from Rome, ideal for local experiences and sightseeing. For a unique luxury experience you could consider a journey on the La Dolce Vita Orient Express. In addition, regional train routes along the east coast, such as between Rimini and Bari, offer picturesque views of the Adriatic Sea.
Italian trains offer different service levels and degrees of comfort that influence the travel experience. High-speed trains such as the Frecciarossa and Frecciargento provide fast connections at speeds of up to 320 km/h and require seat reservations, which ensures efficiency and guaranteed comfort. Night trains such as the Nightjet offer sleeping options for longer distances, while luxury trains such as the La Dolce Vita Orient Express provide an exclusive experience with modern comforts and nostalgic style. Finally, there are regional trains that offer a more scenic, albeit slower, journey.
