

The fastest way to reach Naples from Rome is the high-speed train, which covers about 226 km in just over an hour, around 1 hour 10 minutes. This guide is for anyone planning the trip, whether you are a first-time visitor to Italy, a couple on a day trip or a family exploring southern Italy. Choosing the right option matters, because the train you pick decides how much time and money you spend getting there and how much time you have left to enjoy both cities. Below, you will find everything you need to plan the journey: train schedules, ticket prices and classes, stations, alternatives like buses and driving, and tips on what to see in Rome and Naples. Two operators run high-speed services between Rome and Naples: Trenitalia's Frecciarossa and Italo, and high-speed trains travel up to 155 miles per hour on this route. Trains from Rome to Naples average 96 departures daily, and Trenitalia trains depart every 20 minutes from Roma Termini at busy times, so you can catch a train at your own pace, from early morning until late evening. Almost all trains are direct, so you do not need to change trains. Most trains leave from Roma Termini station, the main hub of the Italian capital, and some also depart from Roma Tiburtina. High-speed trains arrive at Napoli Centrale station, located at Piazza Garibaldi close to the historic center, and some stop at Napoli Afragola, north of the city. Ticket prices for high-speed trains start from about €9 when booked early, while tickets bought on the day often cost around €45 to €50. Fares are dynamic, so booking in advance and avoiding rush hour is the best way to save money. Every high-speed ticket includes a reserved seat, free Wi-Fi, power outlets and air conditioning. Frecciarossa offers Standard, Premium, Business and Executive classes, while an Italo train offers Smart, Comfort, Prima and Club Executive. If you have more time, regional trains run on the slower line, with travel times of about 2 to 3 hours and fares around €13. Long-distance buses from FlixBus and Itabus are often the cheapest way to travel, starting from around €5, and the journey takes about 2 to 3.5 hours, with most buses taking approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. Rideshare options take about 2 hours and 56 minutes. Driving from Rome to Naples covers a distance of 217.4 km and takes about 2.5 hours on the A1, but parking and limited traffic zones make it hard in both cities. Flying is not a great option, as there are no useful flights and the airport transfers alone take longer than the train.
When you reach Naples, the regional capital of Campania, you discover a very different side of southern Italy, with a slower pace of life, rich history, warm hospitality and the best pizza in the world. Naples has a more spontaneous atmosphere and feels less orchestrated for mass tourism, which gives the city its unique charm. Naples is famous for its authentic Neapolitan pizza, and you should also try Neapolitan ragù and sfogliatella, a popular local pastry. The centro storico is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Spaccanapoli, a historic street, cuts straight through it. Top Naples attractions include Castel dell'Ovo, the oldest standing fortification in Naples, on the shore of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and Castel Sant'Elmo, which offers panoramic views of the city and Mount Vesuvius. Below the streets, Naples Underground consists of ancient tunnels and aqueducts, and the National Archaeological Museum holds Roman artifacts from across the region. Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano and part of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, and it buried Pompeii under volcanic ash in 79 CE. Pompeii and Ercolano, another archaeological site, are among the best-preserved ancient ruins in the world. Other day trips from Naples include the Amalfi Coast and Capri, an island known for its dramatic cliffs and scenic views. Rome vs Naples is a question of style: Rome has grand monuments and history at every corner, while Naples offers street life, food and access to Pompeii, so seeing the two cities in one week is a great plan. From both cities, high-speed trains also connect to Florence, Venice and Milan, so it is easy to explore the rest of the country by rail.
The high speed train takes just over an hour, around 1 hour 10 minutes. Regional trains have travel times of about 2 to 3 hours.
Most Naples trains leave from Roma Termini, and some depart from Roma Tiburtina. Check your ticket for the right station.
Both take about the same time. Frecciarossa runs more trains, while an Italo train is often cheaper. Compare prices for your date and pick the best fare.
Trains from Rome to Naples average 96 departures daily, and Trenitalia trains depart every 20 minutes from Roma Termini at busy times.
Yes. Trains run from early morning until late evening, so you can travel at your own pace.
Italo and Frecciarossa high-speed trains travel up to 155 miles per hour on this route.
Long-distance buses are often the cheapest way, starting from around €5. Regional trains cost around €13, and early high-speed tickets start from about €9.
The Roman Forum, the Colosseum and the Pantheon are the most famous ancient ruins from the Roman Empire, which ruled for centuries.
Rome was built on seven hills, where the ancient Romans founded the city that grew into the powerful Roman Empire.
Yes. Rome features a highly structured tourist environment, and major sights like the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum often require advance booking.
Visit Saint Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, the spiritual and artistic heart of the Catholic Church.
From Rome Termini, you can walk to the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum.
Hotels near Roma Termini station are convenient for trains, while hotels in the centro storico and Trastevere are close to the main sights.
Rome has rich history and grand monuments, while Naples offers a slower pace of life, great food and access to Pompeii. Seeing both two cities in one week is a great plan.
Yes. High-speed trains connect Rome and Naples with Florence, Venice and Milan, so it is easy to explore the rest of the country by rail.
Spend a few days in Rome, then a few days in Naples with day trips to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast to discover the history and life of central and southern Italy.
One platform, 34+ destinations, 700+ routes around the globe.
We speak your language and offer over 20 payment methods.
Read authentic Rail Ninja reviews and see what our travelers say about us.
You can conveniently book train tickets for up to a year in advance!
Need a hand? Contact our customer support before or during your trip.