Rome and Naples are two of the most visited cities in Italy. Many tourists include both cities in one trip, as it is easy to get to one city from the other. In fact, if you take a fast train, it is possible to visit Naples as a day trip from Rome and vice versa. That said, both cities invite you to stay for several days or more, as there is so much to explore in each location.
Here are the best options for traveling between Rome and Naples.
Trains from Rome to Naples
To get from Roma Termini , the main train station in Rome, to Napoli Centrale , the largest station in Naples, there are several options. Trains run directly between the two stations, so most trains do not require a change at another stop. Trains run from early in the morning until late at night, but be sure to check current schedules.
Here are options for trains on Trenitalia, Italy’s national train service, between Rome and Naples.
- Regionale: The slowest and least expensive trains take almost three hours. Some trains have only second class and regional trains do not have reserved seats.
- IC: Intercity trains take about two hours. They have first and second class compartments and reserved seats. The cost is almost double the cheapest regional fare, but since the trains can be full, it is a good idea to have a seat reservation.
- Frecce – Trains f recciarossa, Frecciargento and frecciabianca are the fastest trains. They take less than two hours (some take just over an hour), have first and second class compartments, and seat reservations are mandatory. They are also the most expensive option, but if you buy tickets online in advance you can often get a discount.
You can also check timetables and ticket prices on the Trenitalia website.
Trains on the private high-speed train line, Italo, run from Rome’s Termini and Tibertina stations to Naples Central Station. Purchase Italo train tickets through Select Italy.
Driving between Rome and Naples
It is probably not practical to try to drive if you are visiting any of the cities for the first time, especially for American tourists. Traffic patterns are vastly different (and faster) than most American drivers are used to. But if you’re feeling safe, Rome and Naples are connected by the A1 motorway, which is a fast toll road.
The trip takes a little over two hours if there is no traffic. If you have plenty of time, you can also take the coastal option, visiting cities like Anzio, Gaeta, and Formia along the way.
Flying between Rome and Naples
Both cities have airports, but if you go from center to center it would not make sense to fly. However, if you are flying into Rome airport and want to go directly to Naples, connecting to Naples via Rome is probably the easiest option.
Where to stay in Rome and Naples
- Top-rated Rome hotels near Termini Station
- Top-rated hotels in Naples
Visiting Naples
- Naples Travel Guide
- What to see in Naples
- Tourism in the Bay of Naples
