Day Trips from Sorrento: Pompeii, Capri and the Amalfi Coast
- Apr 27
- 13 min read
Sorrento is not just a great location but a base to explore the Amalfi coast — and a brilliant one at that. Within easy reach by train, ferry and bus you've got some of the most visited sites in southern Italy. We did three day trips during our week there in April: Pompeii, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast taking in Positano and Amalfi. Here's what we found, including the logistics that actually matter.
If your reading this you may alsobe interested in my earlier blog post "Sorrento in April — Honest Tips on Getting There, What It Costs and Why to Watch Your Limoncello"
Day Trip One: Pompeii
Getting There — The Circumvesuviana Train
The train from Sorrento to Pompeii is the easiest and cheapest option. Sorrento train station is just a short walk from the town centre — less than ten minutes away. The train you want is the Circumvesuviana, a local commuter service that runs between Sorrento and Naples, stopping right outside the Pompeii archaeological site. The journey takes about 30 minutes each way.
There is also a faster option called the Campania Express — a more comfortable tourist train with air conditioning and guaranteed seating — but it runs a limited timetable, particularly outside peak season, so in April we ended up on the local Circumvesuviana. No hardship, just a commuter train rather than a tourist one.
Either way there are screens near the ticket windows so just pick the first departure. Tickets cost around 2.60 euros per person each way, so roughly five euros return per person. They cannot be bought online — you have to purchase them at the station. The ticket windows at Sorrento are easy to find, the staff speak English, and it's all very straightforward. One tip: the newspaper stand inside Sorrento station is reportedly better for ticket advice than the official ticket office — the staff there have all the ticket types explained in English and are known for being genuinely helpful. We spoke to them about the bus back to the airport and they were great.
Since Sorrento is the first stop on the line, you board an empty train and getting a seat is easy. The return journey is a different matter — the train originates in Naples, so by the time it reaches Pompeii it's already fairly full. You may have to stand for part of the journey back, though seats do become available as people get off along the way.
Arriving at Pompeii — Don't Follow the Crowds
When you exit Pompeii station, it's chaotic. Everyone piles off at once, and you're immediately confronted with people shouting "Pompeii this way, Pompeii this way." These are daily tour operators — not lying exactly, but deliberately steering you away from the direct route to the ticket office and towards their guided tours. They can look official. They are not.
The actual ticket office is about fifty metres away. Turn right out of the station, walk a short distance down the road, and you're straight into the queue. The archaeological site entrance is effectively across the street from the station. No tour needed unless you specifically want one — and if you do want a proper guide, the official ones wear wooden tags with the symbol of the Campania region around their necks and can be found at the entrance itself.
Which Ticket to Buy
There are three ticket types, clearly marked in the queue:
Pompeii Express (around 20 euros per person) — access to the main ruins of the ancient city only.
Pompeii Plus (around 25 euros per person) — the main ruins plus the suburban villas: Villa of the Mysteries, Villa of Diomedes, and Villa Regina in Boscoreale with its Antiquarium. A shuttle bus is included between the sites. This is what we bought and it gave us plenty to fill a full day.
Grande Pompeii — adds several other archaeological sites in the surrounding area that require separate travel. Worth considering if you're planning multiple days in the region.
One thing worth knowing: you need to bring a valid passport or photo ID — they ask for it when you buy your ticket. Have it ready before you reach the ticket window. And budget time for the queue, which can be substantial.
Worth knowing: Entry to Pompeii is free on the first Sunday of each month, and EU citizens under 18 get in free. EU nationals aged 18-25 get a reduced rate.
Inside Pompeii — What to Expect
We spent a full day there, entirely self-guided. You get a map with your ticket, which helps — up to a point. The honest truth is that navigating Pompeii is genuinely difficult. Apart from a few key landmarks like the amphitheatre, most of the streets and alleyways look almost identical. Pinpointing where you are on the map is often tricky on a first visit. We ended up abandoning any pretence of a planned route and just walked, which turned out to be the right approach.
The single best piece of advice I can offer is this: watch a documentary about Pompeii before you go. We watched one on television the week before the trip and it transformed the experience. Without any context, you're walking through rubble. With it, you start to understand what you're actually looking at. For example, what appears to be a Roman road with raised pavements on either side is actually the city's sewage channel — the "pavements" are where people walked, stepping across the raised stones to cross. Small detail, but it suddenly makes the whole place three-dimensional.
Pompeii is physically demanding in two ways. First, it's warm — even in April you'll want a hat and plenty of water. There are water filling stations on site but they're not abundant, so don't rely on them. Second, the ground throughout is heavily cobblestoned, which makes walking genuinely tiring. Wear proper shoes. Not sandals, not fashionable trainers — actual walking shoes.
Photography at Pompeii
From a photography perspective the site is fantastic — the light, the textures, the architectural details, the scale of it. The problem is tourists. Even in April there are a lot of them, and getting uncluttered shots without people in them requires patience. Early morning arrival helps. If you're planning to return to the Naples area, consider Herculaneum instead — it's smaller, far less crowded, better preserved (many buildings still have roofs and intact upper floors), and arguably more rewarding photographically. The trade-off is that Pompeii gives you a sense of scale that Herculaneum simply can't match.
The Numbers — Pompeii
Circumvesuviana train: 2.60 euros per person each way (5.20 euros return per person)
Pompeii Plus ticket: approximately 25 euros per person
Total for two people including return train: approximately 61 euros, plus food and water
Time needed: a full day — minimum 4 hours for the site alone
Day Trip Two: Capri
Getting to the Port — and a Word About the Steps
The ferry to Capri leaves from Sorrento's Marina Piccola, which is about a ten minute walk from the town centre (and our hotel). It sounds straightforward, and it is — but be prepared for the descent. The route down to the port involves a long staircase and a steep winding road. It's perfectly manageable, but worth knowing before you set off with a bag on a warm morning.
There is an alternative: an elevator connects the Villa Comunale gardens in the town centre directly down to the port. Worth knowing about if steps aren't your thing, although for us it would have been a longer walk and it costs a couple of Euros per person.
The Ferry — No Need to Book in Advance in April
Several ferry companies operate from Marina Piccola to Capri, including NLG, Alilauro, SNAV, Laser Capri and Caremar. There are roughly 25 or more crossings per day in high season, with departures every 30 to 60 minutes from early morning. The crossing takes around 25 to 30 minutes on a hydrofoil or fast ferry.
We turned up on the day without booking in advance, which worked fine in April. There was about a thirty minute wait for the next available ferry, and with multiple companies operating, if one is full you can usually get on another. In peak summer we'd suggest checking times in advance — the ferries can sell out, particularly on busy weekends.
Current prices for a one-way ticket range from around 19 to 27 euros per person depending on the company and vessel type. Budget roughly 40 to 50 euros per person for the return crossing. Note there is also a small Capri landing tax added to the fare — around 5 euros per person from April to October.
Getting Up to Capri Town — Take the Funicular
When you arrive at Marina Grande in Capri, the port at the bottom of the island, you're faced with a choice: take the funicular railway up to the main town, or climb the steps. We climbed. In hindsight, this was a mistake.
It's a long, steep, seemingly never-ending ascent — even for relatively fit people. The views on the way up are genuinely lovely, but your legs will know about it. Take the funicular. The journey takes under five minutes, drops you directly at the Piazzetta in the centre of Capri town, and costs just 2.40 euros per person each way. There are sometimes queues, but it moves quickly. You can pay by contactless card directly at the turnstiles.
Buses and taxis also run up to the town and beyond. A taxi for up to four people costs around 17 euros for the same route — worth it if you're travelling as a group and the funicular queue is long. Taxis on Capri have fixed rates, so no negotiating required.
Tip: The funicular closes for annual maintenance from January until Easter each year. If you're visiting in early spring, check before you go — a replacement bus service runs during this period.
Exploring the Island
The upper town is where everything worth seeing is — the Piazzetta, the shopping streets, the views, the restaurants. The main streets can be very crowded even in April, but wander a little away from the obvious routes and you find some genuinely quiet, peaceful corners. It's worth the exploration.
Capri is unashamedly expensive — prices across the island run 30-50% higher than mainland equivalents. We had a glass of wine and a snack rather than a full meal, which kept things manageable. If you want to eat properly, budget accordingly.
If we went back, we'd take the funicular without question, and we'd probably hire a local taxi to explore further around the island — the area around Anacapri and the western end of the island is less visited and worth seeing. As a day trip we stuck to the main town, which is fine for a first visit but doesn't really show you the full island. The local taxis are all open and looked fun!
Is Capri Worth It?
Yes, once. It's beautiful, the views are everything you'd expect, and on a clear April day it's genuinely stunning. But if we're honest, it doesn't offer anything dramatically different from other parts of the Amalfi Coast — the same aesthetic, similar prices, a bit more crowded. It's the kind of place you visit because you feel you should, enjoy while you're there, and probably don't rush back to.
The Numbers — Capri
Ferry Sorrento to Capri (return): approximately 40-50 euros per person (plus landing tax of around 5 euros per person April-October)
Funicular (one way): 2.40 euros per person
Taxi up to town (up to 4 people): 17 euros fixed rate
Food and drinks: broadly in line with Sorrento prices or slightly higher — budget accordingly
Day Trip Three: The Amalfi Coast — Positano and Amalfi
How to Do It — and How We'd Do It Differently
We took the SITA bus from Sorrento to Positano, a ferry from Positano to Amalfi, and then the bus back from Amalfi to Sorrento. This is a good way to structure the day — particularly the ferry leg between Positano and Amalfi, which lets you see the coastline from the water rather than spending the whole day on the road. That stretch of coast from the sea is genuinely spectacular and well worth the extra cost of the ferry.
If we did it again, we'd reverse the order: visit Amalfi first in the morning when it's quieter, then work back via Positano. Amalfi in the afternoon — tired, at the end of a long day, when the town is at its busiest — is not the ideal way to experience it. More on that below.
The SITA Bus — Cheap, Reliable and Scenic
The SITA bus is the main public transport along the Amalfi Coast and it's excellent value. The bus stop in Sorrento is right next to the Circumvesuviana train station — handy if you're combining transport options. The buses are the large blue coaches you'll see all along the coast, driven by people who negotiate the hairpin bends of the coastal road with a calm that has to be admired.
Fares from Sorrento to Positano or Amalfi are around 2.60 euros per person each way. A 24-hour unlimited travel ticket covering the entire Amalfi Coast bus network costs 10 euros per person — good value if you're planning to move around a lot in a single day. Tickets cannot be purchased on the bus itself (or if you can, there's an additional 50 cent surcharge) — buy them at tobacconists, newspaper stands, or the ticket booth at Sorrento station before you board.
Tip: Sit on the right side of the bus from Sorrento — you'll get the sea views. On the return journey, sit on the left. Also worth noting: in summer the buses can be packed and standing room only, so April is a much more civilised time to travel.
Positano — The Highlight of the Day
There are two bus stops in Positano: one at the top of the town and one at the bottom near the seafront. We got off at the top and worked our way down, which makes sense if you are planning to catch the ferry from the port at the bottom. If you are continuing by bus rather than ferry, do it the other way around — start at the bottom and work up to the top bus stop, otherwise you face a serious uphill climb at the end.
We spent a couple of hours in Positano, wandering the streets and taking in the views. It is a beautiful place — steep, colourful, and photogenic at every turn. We stopped for a pizza and a beer at a quiet little restaurant away from the main drag, which came to around 40 to 50 euros for two. Expensive by UK standards, but reasonable for the Amalfi Coast.
Positano was the highlight of the day. From a photography perspective it delivered beautifully — classic Amalfi Coast colours and compositions everywhere you look, and the steep streets give you interesting angles and layered views that you simply do not get at sea level.
The Ferry from Positano to Amalfi
The ferry between Positano and Amalfi takes about fifteen minutes and is well worth doing for the coastal views alone. Head down to the port area at the bottom of Positano and you will find several ferry company ticket offices — just find the next available departure and buy on the spot. We had no trouble booking on the day. The stretch of coastline between the two towns seen from the water is one of the best views the Amalfi Coast has to offer, and no amount of bus travel gives you the same perspective.
Amalfi — Go First Next Time
Amalfi was, if we are honest, our least favourite stop of the day — though that is partly because it came at the end of a long day when we were tired, and it was the busiest of the three destinations we visited. The streets were very crowded, and it did not offer anything dramatically different to Positano or Sorrento. It is a lovely town with a beautiful cathedral and a genuine historic character, but we did not do it justice arriving in the afternoon.
The lesson learned: if you are doing a similar trip, go to Amalfi first — early morning, before the tour groups arrive — and work your way back to Positano. You will get a much better experience of both places, and you will finish the day in Positano, which is no hardship at all.
The Bus Back to Sorrento
The main bus stop in Amalfi is in the port area and very easy to find. All the buses are clearly labelled. We joined the queue for the next available service to Sorrento, which was already waiting. It was full and we had to stand for around twenty minutes before seats became available as passengers got off at stops along the way. The journey back took just over an hour.
The Numbers — Amalfi Coast Day
SITA bus Sorrento to Positano: approximately 2.60 euros per person
Ferry Positano to Amalfi: small cost, booked on the day at the port
SITA bus Amalfi to Sorrento: approximately 2.60 euros per person
24-hour unlimited bus pass (alternative): 10 euros per person
Pizza and beer in Positano: approximately 40-50 euros for two
Total transport for two people for the day: under 15 euros — the bus network is exceptional value
Frequently Asked Questions — Day Trips from Sorrento
How do you get from Sorrento to Pompeii?
Take the Circumvesuviana train from Sorrento station. The journey takes around 30 minutes and costs approximately 2.60 euros per person each way. Buy tickets at the station ticket window — they cannot be purchased online. The train runs regularly throughout the day.
Do you need to book Pompeii tickets in advance?
You do not have to, but queues at the ticket office can be long, particularly in peak season. Booking online in advance at the official Pompeii site saves time. If you turn up on the day, allow at least 30 minutes for queuing. Note that you will need to bring a valid passport or photo ID to match your ticket at the entrance.
How long do you need at Pompeii?
A full day — at least four to five hours minimum for the main ruins alone. If you have a Pompeii Plus ticket covering the suburban villas as well, budget a full day. The site is large, the ground is uneven, and it is physically demanding. Do not underestimate it.
Is Capri worth visiting from Sorrento?
Yes, once. The views are spectacular and it is easy to reach by ferry from Sorrento's Marina Piccola. Budget around 40 to 50 euros per person for the return crossing plus a landing tax of around 5 euros per person. Take the funicular railway up to the main town — do not attempt the steps in warm weather.
How do you get to Positano and Amalfi from Sorrento?
The SITA bus is the easiest and cheapest option. Tickets cost around 2.60 euros per person each way, or 10 euros per person for a 24-hour unlimited pass covering the whole Amalfi Coast network. Buy tickets before you board at tobacconists or the ticket booth at Sorrento station. The bus stop is right next to Sorrento train station.
Is it better to visit Positano or Amalfi first?
Visit Amalfi first. Both towns get busy during the day, but Amalfi in particular is at its best in the morning before the tour groups arrive. If you do it the other way around as we did — Positano first, Amalfi last — you will arrive in Amalfi tired and at its busiest. End your day in Positano instead.
What is the best time of year to do day trips from Sorrento?
April is excellent. The weather is warm but not overwhelming, the crowds are manageable, and public transport runs comfortably. In July and August, Pompeii, Capri, Positano and Amalfi are all extremely busy, the heat makes Pompeii particularly demanding, and the buses and ferries are often packed. April and October are the sweet spots.
How much does a day trip from Sorrento cost in total?
Pompeii: approximately 30 euros per person including train and Pompeii Plus ticket, plus food and water. Capri: approximately 50 to 55 euros per person including the return ferry and landing tax, plus food. Amalfi Coast (Positano and Amalfi by bus and ferry): under 10 euros per person for transport — one of the best value days out in southern Italy.
Prints from this trip and my other travels are available in my Etsy Store STUARTMONO
Comments