Day trips from Naples
Naples is an excellent base for day trips.
Pompeii (Pompei)
The area's most famous archaeological site. An entire Roman city buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.
How: Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Garibaldi, get off at Pompei Scavi
Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. There is little shade. Plan on at least 3-4 hours.
Approximate time: About 35 minutes
Herculaneum (Ercolano)
Smaller than Pompeii, but remarkably well preserved. Easier to see in just a few hours.
How: Circumvesuviana towards Ercolano Scavi
If you only have time for one site, many prefer Herculaneum for its calmer atmosphere.
Approximate time: About 15-20 minutes (not every train stops at Ercolano Scavi)
Vesuvius
You climb close to the crater of the volcano that dominates the Naples skyline.
How: From Ercolano by bus or organised transport
Entry is by timed ticket and booking ahead is strongly recommended. Tickets usually can't be changed or refunded, so check the terms and the weather before buying.
Approximate time: About 3 hours in total including transport (the visit to the mountain itself is 1.5-2 hours)
Capri
The famous island with its cliffs, boutiques and the Blue Grotto. Very popular, and very crowded in summer.
How: Ferry or hydrofoil from the port of Naples
Take one of the first sailings to avoid the crowds.
Approximate time: About 45-90 minutes, depending on the boat (the hydrofoil is the fastest)
Amalfi Coast & Sorrento
Sorrento is a good base for heading on to Positano and Amalfi.
How: Circumvesuviana towards Sorrento, then bus or ferry
The coastal roads get very busy in summer, and the ferry is often more comfortable.
Approximate time: About 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes to Sorrento, depending on the train
Royal Palace of Caserta
A vast 18th-century royal palace with famous gardens and waterfalls.
How: Train from Napoli Centrale towards Caserta. The station is about 200 metres from the palace
The gardens are large. Bike hire or a shuttle inside the grounds is an option.
Approximate time: About 35-50 minutes
Travel times are indicative and vary by season and schedule. Check the official timetables.