How to take Italy's new direct train between Rome and Pompeii
Italy has opened the first direct rail link between central Rome and the Pompeii ruins, but how often does it run and is it really an improvement on the existing connection?
The new direct rail link between Rome’s central Termini station and the world-famous Pompeii archaeological site opened on Sunday, July 16th, after the project was first announced in April.
Italy’s culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said the new route would make Pompeii more accessible and boost tourism by making the journey to and from Rome faster and more comfortable.
The upcoming rail link was hailed by government figures as “an extraordinary initiative” - though there were also suggestions from critics that praise for the project was "overblown".
How often will it run?
The service was originally scheduled to run once a month, on every third Sunday.
But, after "great interest from the public and positive feedback” on the first journey, the culture ministry said it would expand the service to run every Sunday starting from August 6th.
READ ALSO: Five easy day trips to make from Rome by train
There will be one outward direct service leaving Rome’s Termini station at 8.53am and one return service departing from Pompeii at 6.40pm.
Sangiuliano hinted that the link “may be developed further” in the future, though it was unclear how or when.
A general view of the Pompeii archaeological site, near Naples. Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP
How long will it take?
The direct journey between Rome’s Termini Station and Pompeii will clock in at one hour 47 minutes.
This means that the direct route will be around 15 to 30 minutes faster than the previously available options.
The distance between Rome and Pompeii can be travelled in just over two hours by changing trains in Naples, and in around two hours 20 minutes by changing in Salerno.
Both of these options mean taking a high-speed Frecciarossa train first and then a regional train.
How much will it cost?
Ticket prices for the direct link haven’t been fully disclosed yet.
According to national media reports, a one-way super-economy ticket (the cheapest fare available) will cost 29.90 euros.
READ ALSO: Five essential tips to save on train tickets in Italy
Ticket prices for the new route would then only be slightly lower than fares for existing options as tickets for non-direct trains usually range between 30 and 35 euros.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets can be bought on the website of national rail operator Trenitalia, which operates the new link in partnership with the Italian culture ministry.
Are there further plans to enhance travel options to and from Pompeii?
Sangiuliano announced in early April that the direct link between Rome and Pompeii would be followed by the construction of a new train station and transport hub near the popular archaeological site.
The minister said work on the new station would begin in 2023 and would be completed by the start of 2024.
There have been no updates since on the status of these works.
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The new direct rail link between Rome’s central Termini station and the world-famous Pompeii archaeological site opened on Sunday, July 16th, after the project was first announced in April.
Italy’s culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said the new route would make Pompeii more accessible and boost tourism by making the journey to and from Rome faster and more comfortable.
The upcoming rail link was hailed by government figures as “an extraordinary initiative” - though there were also suggestions from critics that praise for the project was "overblown".
How often will it run?
The service was originally scheduled to run once a month, on every third Sunday.
But, after "great interest from the public and positive feedback” on the first journey, the culture ministry said it would expand the service to run every Sunday starting from August 6th.
READ ALSO: Five easy day trips to make from Rome by train
There will be one outward direct service leaving Rome’s Termini station at 8.53am and one return service departing from Pompeii at 6.40pm.
Sangiuliano hinted that the link “may be developed further” in the future, though it was unclear how or when.
How long will it take?
The direct journey between Rome’s Termini Station and Pompeii will clock in at one hour 47 minutes.
This means that the direct route will be around 15 to 30 minutes faster than the previously available options.
The distance between Rome and Pompeii can be travelled in just over two hours by changing trains in Naples, and in around two hours 20 minutes by changing in Salerno.
Both of these options mean taking a high-speed Frecciarossa train first and then a regional train.
How much will it cost?
Ticket prices for the direct link haven’t been fully disclosed yet.
According to national media reports, a one-way super-economy ticket (the cheapest fare available) will cost 29.90 euros.
READ ALSO: Five essential tips to save on train tickets in Italy
Ticket prices for the new route would then only be slightly lower than fares for existing options as tickets for non-direct trains usually range between 30 and 35 euros.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets can be bought on the website of national rail operator Trenitalia, which operates the new link in partnership with the Italian culture ministry.
Are there further plans to enhance travel options to and from Pompeii?
Sangiuliano announced in early April that the direct link between Rome and Pompeii would be followed by the construction of a new train station and transport hub near the popular archaeological site.
The minister said work on the new station would begin in 2023 and would be completed by the start of 2024.
There have been no updates since on the status of these works.
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