Rome to Naples day trip: fast trains and an hour-by-hour plan
It can be done, and done well: the fast train takes about 1 hour 10 from Rome to Naples. Leave around 8:00 and return in the evening, and you have nearly 9 hours for the old centre, pizza and the seafront.
At a glance
- Train
- Frecciarossa or Italo, about 1h10; the fastest about 55 minutes
- Price
- One way from about €15 in advance, about €40-60 last minute
- Right station
- Napoli Centrale, not Napoli Afragola
- To book
- Trains and the Sansevero Chapel, closed on Tuesdays
- Return
- Check the last train for your date
Book your train
The train
| Train | Time | Rough price |
|---|---|---|
| Frecciarossa | just over 1 hour | from about €15 in advance, about €40-60 last minute |
| Italo | from about 55 minutes | from about €15 in advance, about €40-60 last minute |
| Regional or Intercity | about 2h15-3h | fixed fare, check before you buy |
There are dozens of trains a day, from Roma Termini and Roma Tiburtina. Prices vary a lot by date and time: buy as soon as you know when you are going.
Morning: the old centre
- Around 8:00: train from Roma Termini. Arrive at Napoli Centrale around 9:15.
- 9:30: metro Line 1 from Garibaldi to Duomo. See the Cathedral, 30 minutes, free.
- 10:15: Via dei Tribunali, San Gregorio Armeno and Spaccanapoli: 1 hour, free.
- 11:30: Sansevero Chapel and the Veiled Christ: 45 minutes, about €12, booking compulsory.
- 12:30: pizza on Via dei Tribunali, or a pizza a portafoglio (folded in four) in the street.
Book the Chapel as soon as you have your date: at weekends places sell out. You will walk a lot: Spaccanapoli alone is about 1.5 km long, so wear comfortable shoes.
Afternoon: from Santa Chiara to the sea
- 14:00: Santa Chiara cloister: 30 minutes, paid entry.
- 14:45: Via Toledo downhill, with a stop at Toledo metro station: 30 minutes, free.
- 15:30: Galleria Umberto I and Piazza del Plebiscito, with a coffee: 45 minutes.
- 16:30: the seafront and Castel dell'Ovo: 1 hour, free.
Evening: heading back
- Around 18:00: walk to Municipio, then Line 1 to Garibaldi.
- Around 19:00: train to Rome, arriving around 20:15.
If you want dinner in Naples, book a later train only after checking the timetable. Trenitalia shows Frecciarossa departures from Naples until 20:30; other sites list later trains. Times change at weekends and at certain periods: always check your date.
Tip: if you are in Naples on a Tuesday, the Sansevero Chapel is closed. Swap it for Naples Underground in Piazza San Gaetano: guided tours only, about 1-1.5 hours.
What to avoid
- Napoli Afragola: this station is outside the city. Check that your ticket says Napoli Centrale.
- Pompeii on the same day: from Rome it is too much. Choose Naples or Pompeii.
- A tight return: allow at least 30 minutes for the metro and the station.
- The wrong fare: the cheapest often have limits on changes and refunds. Read the conditions.
- Dragging a suitcase: the alleys don't help. There is left luggage at the station: check when it closes.
- Piazza Garibaldi: keep an eye on your bag and use official taxis only.
Plan your day
- Naples in one daythe walking itinerary, stop by stop
- Sansevero Chapelbooking required
- Metro and funicularsgetting around from the station
- The Central Station areaif you decide to stay a night
Frequently asked questions
Is a day trip from Rome to Naples worth it?
Yes, if a first taste is enough: the old centre, pizza and the seafront. The journey takes just over an hour. For museums and nearby sights, stay at least one night.
How much is the train from Rome to Naples?
On fast trains, from about €15 one way if you book ahead, about €40-60 last minute. Prices change with the day and time: check the Trenitalia and Italo websites.
What time is the last train from Naples to Rome?
It depends on the day and the operator, and sources disagree. Trenitalia shows Frecciarossa trains until about 20:30. Check your date on the Trenitalia and Italo websites before you buy.
How much time do you get in Naples on a day trip from Rome?
Arriving around 9:15 and leaving around 19:00 gives you nearly 9 hours in the city, minus transfers: enough for the main sights on foot.
Can you do Naples and Pompeii in one day from Rome?
You can, but we advise against it: Pompeii needs at least 3-4 hours and extra trains. Pick one of the two, or spend a night in Naples.
Where to stay near the Central Station
47 places to stay in the Central Station area on Napolibnb.it, the Naples holiday-rental portal: you contact the host directly, with no booking fees. Every listing shows its official CIN code.
