Train to Herculaneum

[cadreamer]

I have found posts about taking the train from Naples to Herculaneum but we will do it from Sorrento. I am assuming it is the same line. What is the stop for Herculaneum called? When you get off the train how do you get to the site?Thanks so much. We have taken this train to Pompeii from Sorrento so we know the line. Thanks.

[wwinfl91]

Herculaneum modern name is Ercolano, which I assume would be the train stop name. We went there by van on a private tour in 2003. It is a site that is well worth visiting and quite different from Pompeii in many ways. Because it is an excavated site, it is like being down in a quarry, it can get very hot in the summer so be sure to bring water.

 

On another web site it said the following:

To visit the ruins of Herculaneum, catch a bus in Naples, or the Circumvesuvia train to the Ercolano station.

 

I haven't seen a map of the town but it isn't very big so I wouldn't think the train station could be too far away from the ruins.

 

Have a great visit to Herculaneum.

[Andym]

When you come out of the station, it is a straight walk down the hill to the site.

[fern]

Yes it is the same line that goes to Sorrento. It is called the Circumvesuviana. Just make sure to board a train going to Ercolano(their is another loop on the rail line). When get off the train walk straight down the main road and at the bottom of the hill is Ercolano. Last time we went we were staying in Sorrento - tours from the hotel left at 8am , weleft around10am and arrived at the site just before them!! Cheaper and much quicker.

[cadreamer]

Thank you. I found a stop called Ercolano Scavi and that sounds right. It looks like the trains go every 30 minutes. Has anyone taken the local bus from Sorrento to Positano?

[Sweetd]

Last year when I took train from Pompeii to Sorrento there was bus stop right outside the train station that goes to Positano. Didn't get to go because I ran out of time. Trip is about 45 minutes. Planning to do this trip in Sept. Will be on the Brilliance of Seas.

 

Does bus to Herculeaum go right to entrance of site? Is it same bus that you take from Naples to Pompeii? Would appreciate some help on this.

Regards,

Cory Lynn

[Andym]

Cory Lynn,

 

The bus to Herculaneum from Naples leaves from right outside the cruise terminal. Get your tickets at the news stand over the road at the top of the car park and then catch the bus on the traffic island in the middle of the road. The guy at the newsstand will help you. Cost about 4 euros return and took about 30 minutes.

 

Andy

[Sweetd]

Thanks, Andy! Appreciate the info.

[edinburgher]

We have taken the bus from Sorrento to Amalfi. We intended to get off at Positano, but the buses on the Amalfi route were mostly full (at least that we saw) and were concerned about not getting on any buses in Positano to continue on to Amalfi.

 

Instead, from Amalfi we took the bus up the stunning route to Ravello, strolled and admired the views and gardens there, before returning to Amalfi and sightseeing there. Again, allow plenty time. Buses were full leaving from Amalfi heading for Sorrento. A few were allowed to stand, the rest had to wait for the next bus. We saw people standing at bus stops along the way but unless someone got off, there was no space for them.

 

When we were there, the buses on this route left from in front of the train station, and you had to buy your tickets from a cafe in the square in front. Bus drivers did not sell tickets. You could buy your tickets any day and use on the day you wanted to travel. We got all the tickets there Sorrento/Amalfi/Sorrento and Amalfi/Ravello/Amalfi. The Ravello buses leave next to where the Sorrento buses arrive in Amalfi.

 

And do watch the trains from Sorrento. Twice we missed trains on the Circumvesuviana line because you could not board a train without a ticket and there were such huge long lines to get tickets that we had to watch the trains leave without us. After that we always got to buses and trains early. And remember to validate your ticket in the machine before boarding.

 

If you are at Ercolano station, consider going up Vesuvius. Taxis leave from in front of the station. There were smaller ones and larger ones, the larger holding up to 6 or 8 persons. It is cheaper to share these ones. The taxis shuttle between the station and Vesuvius all day. They take you up, wait for you in the car park, bring you back again to the station. You pay when you arrive back at the station. When you first arrive at Ercolano station, look up at Vesuvius. If its clear, head there directly. If its clouded over, go first to Herculaneum, in the hope that the cloud will have lifted by the time you finish Herculaneum. Vesuvius is incredible, and the views are truly amazing...if its not cloudy!! We asked our driver to stop a couple of times on the way back down so we could take photos. If you want to do this, tell him as you leave the car park. There are few places they can pull over and the taxi drivers will know the best spots.

[cadreamer]

Edinburgher - I did not think aboaut the crowds onteh bus. What time of year were you there? Thank you so much for all the info. Vesuvius sounds like a great idea.

[edinburgher]

We have been twice, once in June, once in October.

 

Although we were last there a few years ago, its probably best to assume that there could be lines for both buses and trains. The Amalfi coast and the entire Naples area are hugely popular because its such a wonderful area to visit and there is lots to see. I dont think tourist numbers will have gone down any. Lots of people take repeat trips there.

 

Perhaps if you "SEARCH THIS FORUM" with place names, you could read the past threads and replies which will pop up in the results. You might pick up more recent info from these, or additional info which might be useful.

[edinburgher]

And make sure you sit on the side of the bus which gives the best views on the Amalfi route. The best views are on the Sorrento/Amalfi route where you run along the sea/cliff side. If people are standing you still have unobstructed views. On the return journey the bus is on the opposite side of the road with little to see. And if there are people standing you cant see a thing.

 

Getting on at Sorrento, board at the front. Looking towards the back of the bus, sit on the left side. Be greedy. If you are near the head of any line there might be, you should consider taking a window seat EACH! :o

 

Its better than a tour. The tour buses make people change seats half way.