Yes: absolutely. A day trip from Rome to Naples is totally possible.
In fact, thanks to Italy’s network of high-speed rail services, you can be whisked there in just over one hour. That means, even if you don’t leave until mid-morning, you’ll still have a long while to spend seeing the sights of Naples.
That being said, Naples is a big city. It’s obvious: the earlier you arrive, the more time you have to spend soaking up the atmosphere of the city and checking out some of the top sights without rushing – and trying all the delicious food Naples has to offer.
It’s going to be a busy day in Naples, that’s for sure. I have done it, and I can tell you how to do it.
Curious to discover how you can fully enjoy a day trip from Rome to Naples? Continue reading, I will draft an easy to follow itinerary, and share tips that will help you plan a smooth day.
Following my itinerary? These are the tickets / tours you need to get:
My post The Best Day Trips From Rome highlights all the best day trip options from the Italian capital.
Should You Go On A Day Trip From Rome To Naples?
In order to make the most of a day trip from Rome to Naples, I would recommend leaving from Rome no later than 7:00 am.
That doesn’t mean getting up at that time, but actually catching the train at that time. There’s a high-speed train to Naples from Rome that departs from Rome at 7:00 am and gets you to Naples at 8:12 am.
Make sure to pick up a snack for the train or have some breakfast before you head off, just so you can maximize your time in Napoli. Otherwise, there are plenty of places in Naples Central Station where you can grab a traditional Italian breakfast of cornetto and cappuccino when you arrive.
The itinerary I will be suggesting below is a guideline. This is more of a list of the best attractions to visit while you’re on a day trip from Rome to Naples.
You may not be able to see absolutely everything (for example, I have not included Naples’ incredible Archeology Museum, as that would take a full morning or afternoon for sure), but if you want to see a good number of attractions, my guide below is a good place to start.
If you’re worried about timing or budget, you can simply skip over the attractions that don’t fit in with your budget and replace it with another attraction that’s more affordable – or spend longer at somewhere else.
Sometimes you might even find something interesting along the way as you stroll around.
Note, however, that if you do want to see everything, you’ll have to be organized beforehand. That’s because some of the top sights in Naples do require you to book in advance, and you will not be able to buy a ticket at the door.
One other point to mention is that some attractions close earlier than others, and sometimes will be closed or have shorter opening hours on certain days of the week. I’ll be covering a lot of that information in my itinerary.
For more attractions and places to visit, head over to my post The Best Things To Do In Naples.
The Perfect Itinerary For A Day Trip From Rome To Naples
To make sure your day runs as smoothly as possible, make sure to use this map to follow the itinerary I have created. This will help you to navigate the fairly large city that is Naples and get from A to B as smoothly as possible.
The map shows walking distances from one attraction to the next, and you’ll be able to see public transport options nearby if you click on the small train icon too.
And don’t forget to mark those all-important pit stops for food and snacks!
Itinerary overview
These are the places you’ll get to visit during your day trip:
- Palace of Capodimonte
- San Gennaro Catacombs
- Lunch then San Domenico Maggiore Church
- Museo Cappella Sansevero
- Castel Nuovo
- San Carlo Theater
- Galleria Umberto I
- Piazza del Plebiscito
- Castel dell’Ovo
- Fountain of the Giant
Palace of Capodimonte
Naples Royal Palace (well, one of many), and the first item on the itinerary of your day trip from Rome to Naples, the Palace of Capodimonte was originally used as a hunting lodge. Work on the palace began in 1738 under King Charles VII of Naples and Sicily (later Charles III of Spain).
Amazingly, it took over a century to complete, which was mainly due to the difficulties of obtaining and transporting the piperno volcanic rock that was used to make it.
Capodimonte Palace currently houses the Museum of Capodimonte, one of the most important art galleries in Europe with 124 galleries.
Make sure not to miss the Farnese collection, where you can admire paintings by Titian, Raphael, Michelangelo, Caravaggio and Botticelli, as well as artworks by Correggio, Parmigianino and Artemisia Gentileschi.
You can also see period furnishings from the 1700s and priceless porcelain, as well as more artworks from the 18th century.
The Museo di Capodimonte is open every day except on Wednesday. There is a small admission fee. To get to Capodimonte Palace from Naples Central Station, I recommend getting a taxi – depending on traffic it takes around 15 minutes. There are buses that go there from the station, but it would require a couple of changes.
San Gennaro Catacombs
It will take you about 15 minutes to walk from the Palace of Capodimonte to your next stop, the Catacombs of San Gennaro.
Just like Rome, Naples has its own ancient catacombs weaving their way under the city streets in the Rione Sanità district of Naples. This historic site, carved directly into the volcanic tufa rock below Naples, dates back to the 2nd century AD and, luckily for you, can be visited to this day.
San Gennaro Catacombs spread across two levels, one on top of the other. The oldest part of the catacombs was the burial place of a noble family.
The catacombs were enlarged in the 4th century, when Saint Agrippino, first saint patron of Naples, was buried here and the Basilica of Agrippinus built in his honor. You can still see an altar and a chair that were carved from the porous volcanic rock itself.
The rest of the lower level developed around the basilica, including the large baptismal font built upon orders of Pope Paul II.
The upper level houses the Archbishops Crypt, and it’s where you can spot one of the first examples of Christian art in southern Italy. It’s also where the remains of San Gennaro were moved in the 5th century.
The underground tunnels were once again reused during World War II as a bomb shelter by the inhabitants of the city!
San Gennaro Catacombs are open every day but Wednesdays and on December 25th. You must book your visit in advance.
You can book this guided tour of San Gennaro Catacombs – there are several departures daily, but for your day trip from Rome to Naples you will be safe booking the 11:00 am one. The tour lasts 45 minutes.
Please be advised that the temperature inside the catacombs is 15°C (59°F) throughout the year. If you are visiting Naples in the summer, you will need to bring an extra layer.
Lunch then San Domenico Maggiore Church
Once you exit the catacombs, make your way to the Capodimonte bus stop, where you can hop on bus 168. You need to get off after 8 stops, at Pessina.
By then, it will be lunch time so you can make your way to Sorbillo, one of the most famous pizzerie in Naples located in Via dei Tribunali, in the heart of town. Sorbillo makes one of the most delicious pizza you will ever have.
They don’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait in line for a table – I promise you it is worth it. Once you are seated, you will be served promptly.
From here, it’s a couple of minutes walk to the Basilica of San Domenico Maggiore.
Founded by Dominican friars, the Basilica of San Domenico Maggiore is actually situated on an even older church: the 10th-century San Michele Arcangelo a Morfisa. King Charles II of Naples started a rebuilding project that incorporated the original structure into the church today. This project took place between 1283 and 1324.
The church underwent further modifications over the centuries, including Baroque decorations in 1670.
The highlight of San Domenico Maggiore is by far the Baroque-style Sacristy, designed by Giovan Battista Nauclerio. The vault was decorated in 1709 by Francesco Solimena: make sure to admire the fresco on the vault, which represents Faith Triumphing over Heresy.
You should also not miss the hanging gallery, designed to host 42 tombs, known as “Arche Aragonesi” – containing the mummified bodies of the Aragonese kings and other members of the Naples court buried in San Domenico Maggiore church between the 16th and the 19th centuries.
Other of the church’s original Gothic features were reinstated in the 19th century.
The interiors as they appear today are ornate and beautiful, but as amazing as they are, the history of the church and the role it played in the city adds even more importance to the building.
That’s because it was the original seat of the burgeoning University of Naples. Over the years, renowned thinkers and philosophers have passed through its doors. Thomas Aquinas, for example, taught theology there in 1272; Giordano Bruno – a great thinker – also lived there for some time.
The church is open every day. It’s free to enter the church but there is a fee if you wish to go on a guided tour of the Sacristy. For information on opening hours and guided visits, check out the official website.
Museo Cappella Sansevero
Sansevero Chapel is just a minute away from San Domenico Maggiore Basilica.
This wonderful attraction is part Baroque chapel, part museum. Situated right in the historic core of the city, it plays host to some excellent examples of 18th-century Rococo art by some of the most prominent artists of the time.
The chapel was founded in 1590 under the guidance of John Francesco di Sangro, the Duke of Torremaggiore, whilst convalescing from an illness. The interiors are simply stunning, not least because of the eye-popping sculptures that can be found throughout – around 30 in total. These are not to be missed on a day trip to Naples from Rome.
The most notable sculpture is the Veiled Christ (or Christ Veiled under a Shroud), which was created by Giuseppe Sanmartino in 1753.
Another Rococo piece to look out for is the Release from Deception, by Francesco Queirolo in 1753.
There’s also the Veiled Truth, the work of Antonio Corradini; created in 1752, it’s a tomb monument. All of these particular statues are notable for their translucent veils, quite a feat when using marble!
Sansevero Chapel is open every day but Tuesday. Visits must be booked in advance directly on the official website. I recommend picking the 3:00 pm time slot so that you have enough time to enjoy lunch and visit San Domenico Basilica.
You can’t take photos inside Sansevero Chapel (hence why I have random photos of Naples above)
This guided tour goes to Sansevero Chapel, Naples Cathedral and Spaccanapoli.
Castel Nuovo
From Sansevero Chapel, walk for about 8 minutes to the Museo subway station and hop on Line 1 towards Piazza Garibaldi. You will have to get off at Municipio. Once out, you will immediately spot the Castel Nuovo.
The “New Castle” is sometimes known as the Maschio Angioino – literally the “Angevin Keep”. It was commissioned by King Charles I of Anjou, who found the old Norman castle to be unfit for his rule.
Construction on the castle dates between 1279 and 1282, but after Naples was conquered by the Spanish – specifically Alfonso V of Aragon, in 1442 – the castle was rebuilt in a Medieval Renaissance style.
Throughout its existence, it was used as the seat of power for the Kings of Naples, Aragon, and Spain all the way until 1815. Visiting this castle provides insight into the checkered past of Naples and the landmark fortress itself.
From its five round fortified towers to its ornate marble triumphal archway entrance, it’s an impressive sight to behold – and that’s just the exterior.
Head inside to the Civic Museum, and you’ll be able to see historic frescoes in the Palatine Chapel and even spot Roman ruins under the glass floor. The second level of Castel Nuovo plays host to a collection of artworks that were painted between the 17th and early 20th centuries.
The Maschio Angioino is open from Monday to Saturday. The castle terrace, dungeon and historic ruins can only be visited on an official guided tour that must be booked online in advance on the website of the Comune di Napoli; the website is in Italian but it’s fairly easy to navigate. Tours last about one hour. For the purpose of this day trip from Rome to Naples, you should book a 5:00 pm tour.
San Carlo Theater
Next up in this Rome to Naples day trip itinerary is the prestigious San Carlo Theater – it’s an easy 3-minute walk.
This is the world’s oldest continuously running opera house, and over the centuries, it has survived numerous disasters, from wars to fires.
Opening its doors in 1737 (a few decades before the opera houses of Milan and Venice opened), the stunning architecture of this building remains impressive to this day. Also, it is known as the first theater in Italy to have a ballet school.
If you’re interested in seeing the sumptuous interiors of this storied structure, then you’ll be happy to note that you don’t have to see a show to do so. Guided tours are available to the public, in Italian and English.
For information on tour prices and times, make sure to visit the Teatro San Carlo official website.
Galleria Umberto I
Directly across from the San Carlo Theater is the beautiful Galleria Umberto I. Built between 1887 and 1890, it marked the beginning of the risanamento (literally “bringing back to health”) – a decades-long period of rebuilding and city-wide reinvention that occurred in Naples up until the First World War.
This elegant mall takes its name from Umberto I, the King of Italy at the time of its construction and known for its efforts during the cholera pandemic that hit the city in 1884.
The centerpiece is a jaw-droppingly stunning atrium, a domed area with ornate ironwork and glass that is a marvel to behold. It comes as no surprise that it actually makes up a part of the UNESCO listing for the “Historic Center of Naples”.
Piazza del Plebiscito
The 19th-century Piazza del Plebiscito is the largest public square in Naples. It’s a natural place to visit on your Rome to Naples day trip, given that it is – in essence – the heart of the city.
Piazza del Plebiscito is lined with impressive buildings such as Naples Royal Palace, the San Francis of Paola Basilica and the symmetric Prefecture Palace and Salerno Palace. Many of these buildings were constructed using volcanic rock from Mount Vesuvius.
The name of the piazza comes from the successful vote in favor of the Kingdom of Naples joining the Kingdom of Italy in 1860.
Funnily enough, it hasn’t always been such a grand public meeting space. In fact, in the 1960s, a city ordinance transformed the space into a public parking lot in order to deal with the increased number of cars flooding the city.
Thankfully, however, all signs of the giant car park were wiped away for the G7 summit in 1994.
Today the square plays host to open-air concerts and other fun public events. For your trip, I suggest grabbing a coffee or a delicious pastry at the nearby historic Caffé Gambrinus, and sitting to people-watch for a while before heading to your next stop.
Castel dell’Ovo
Your next stop on this day trip from Rome to Naples itinerary is Castel dell’Ovo, the oldest fortification in the city. It’s an easy 13-minute walk.
The name of this seafront stronghold strangely translates to “Egg Castle”. Why the name? Legend has it that the Roman poet Virgil placed a magical egg under the foundations of the fortress, saying that if the egg were to break, a catastrophe would befall Naples.
Today, the castle – which was built in the 12th century by the Normans – is used for art exhibitions and events, but for your day trip to Naples, it’s best to explore the castle from the outside instead – in fact, it is currently undergoing restorations and it can’t be accessed anyways.
Here you can get up close to the medieval walls and soak up some amazing views of the Gulf of Naples with Mount Vesuvius looming in the background.
Fountain of the Giant
Your final stop is the Fountain of the Giant, just 5 minutes from Castel dell’Ovo. Known in Italian as Fontana del Gigante, this elegant Mannerist structure dates back to the 17th century and is a landmark of the city of Naples.
It was originally built adjacent to the royal palace (where Piazza del Plebiscito is) and stood next to an enormous ancient statue (hence the name). It was relocated to its present location, near the Castel dell’Ovo, in 1905.
The fountain was commissioned by Antonio Alvarez de Toledo, 5th Duke of Alba. It was designed by the famed architect and sculptor Bernini and Michelangelo Naccherino.
Take some time to admire the ornate decorations, spot the marine animals and sea monsters at the central arch, and notice how it harks back to the ancient Roman design of triumphal arches.
From the Fountain of the Giant, you can either make your way back to Naples Central Station (walk back to Municipio and hop on a Line 1 train to Garibaldi) to head back to Rome, or you can stop for dinner before you head back and get a taxi to get to the station.
If you are looking for a spot for dinner, I recommend Zi’ Teresa, which is a fabulous restaurant just steps away from the fountain.
Planning Tips
Book attractions and tours in advance
Some attractions and tours in Naples are really best booked in advance. My go to companies for tickets and tours anywhere in the world are GetYourGuide and Walks of Italy. They have a great range of activities on offer, flexible cancellation policy and 24/7 support.
These are the tours you should book for your day trip to Naples from Rome.
- San Gennaro Catacombs – It’s one of the most popular places to visit in Naples.
- Sansevero Chapel, Naples Cathedral and Spaccanapoli – The most important attractions in Naples are all visited in this excellent guided tour.
- Naples Underground Tour – This was my favorite tour when I last visited.
- Naples Street Food Tour – Discover the flavors of the city with a local guide.
- Small Group Walking Tour of Naples – Take the hassle of planning away and leave it to the experts.
How to get to Naples from Rome
Getting from the Italian capital to Naples is fairly easy so a day trip from Rome to Naples is feasible. Below are your best options.
By train
The high-speed train from Rome to Naples is definitely the best way to travel between the two cities. This seamless journey covers 225 km (140 miles) and takes a bit over an hour.
However, the duration of the trip really varies depending on the train. The fastest train is the high speed Frecciarossa train, which takes just one hour and 12 minutes. It travels at speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour (186 mph).
The Intercity train is slower, taking around two hours to reach Naples from Rome.
Finally, the stopping RV service can take over three hours – great if you’ve got time to spare, or if you leave early, but not so good if you’re on a day trip.
Trains leave Rome Termini station around two to three times per hour and arrive at Napoli Centrale station.
The first high speed train leaves from Rome Termini station at 7:00 am and arrives in Naples at 8:12 am. There’s roughly one high-speed train departure every hour (there are more options for slower train).
I recommend opting for the first high-speed train, as it leaves you plenty of time to explore the city at a good pace.
Tickets start at around €22 one-way for the Frecciarossa high speed train, depending on what class you book and how far in advance you get your tickets – the later you leave it, the more it will cost. The Intercity and the Regionale trains are even cheaper.
To check the schedule and book your train from Rome to Naples tickets, you can visit the Trenitalia site or the Omio app.
By bus
Buses from Rome to Naples leave regularly, both from Rome Tiburtina station and Rome Anagnina. It’s a lot cheaper than the train, with one-way tickets starting at around €6. However, it does take longer: approximately three hours.
So, if you want to make the most of your day trip from Rome to Naples, then the train is probably best – even if you are on a budget (in that case, make sure you book in advance).
By car
Not recommended!
While driving is easy enough, parking in Naples is such a nightmare that it might not be worth the effort. Besides, traffic in Naples is insane (even more than in Rome) and if you are not used to it you may well panic. Finally, the train is much faster (if you opt for the high speed one): driving takes around 2.5 hours.
You also have the option of using a private transfer to take you to Naples from Rome; but again, this will take way longer than the train, so I don’t recommend it.
On a guided tour
Finally, you have the option of joining a guided day trip from Rome to Naples.
To be completely honest, I haven’t really seen a guided day trip from Rome to Naples that I like. Most of them include stops at other places such as Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast, with the inevitable result that you don’t get to spend enough time in any of them. All in all, I don’t recommend this option.
Should you want to do it anyways, here’s what you can expect from a guided tour: transport, whether that’s a train ticket or a private transfer via minibus; a live guide on the bus to escort you to the various places and (depending on the tour) to show you around the sights of the city and any additional places you may visit; and optional lunch.
Tours will usually depart at 7:00 am, and the prices can vary depending on the size of the group, what’s included and the kind of transportation used.
Of the various tours available to book online, the best one is this guided day trip from Rome to Naples, with stops in Pompeii and Amalfi Coast. Expect it to be a rather packed day.
How to get around Naples
It may surprise you to find out that it is pretty easy to walk around the city. Especially if you follow the itinerary I laid out above, you’ll be able to stroll between the sights in a pretty straightforward way. Most things are located in the historic center of Naples anyway.
Occasionally, you will need to use public transportation and the good news is that it works quite well.
You have the option of using three different modes of transport: the metro, the bus, and the funicular. Tickets can be purchased from Napoli Centrale station or at various ticket kiosks you’ll find around the city. I recommend picking up a 24-hour ticket, which costs €3.50.
Final Tips To Make The Most Of A Day Trip From Rome To Naples
Use Google Maps
The best way to navigate Naples is to use maps on your smartphone. It can be really annoying to get lost, especially if you’re tight on time and you have a lot of things to see on your itinerary.
To help you with this, you’ll need data on your phone. If you are coming from another country in Europe (including the UK), you will be able to use your data normally in Italy.
If you are coming from outside of Europe, check with your phone provider whether you will have data during your trip to Italy. If not, you could either get a local SIM card or – an even easier option – opt for an eSIM which you can activate once you get to Italy.
Get a Naples Pass
A Naples Pass is a great idea for those who both want to save money and time during their day trip to Naples. This discount pass allows you to get access to around a hundred different attractions in and around Naples.
It’s probably not worth it if you only have a day in the city, but give it a look and judge for yourself.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes
If you’re going to Naples on a day trip from Rome, you can expect lots of walking. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
Although this city is walkable, there are some hills to tackle, and trust me: you do not want your day ruined by shoes that hurt or, worse, break while you’re out and about.
Hiking sandals would be a great idea if you’re visiting during hot weather, as sweaty feet are also not fun.
Likewise, wear comfortable clothes. Naples is a fairly informal city, so the only dress code you have to worry about is in churches, where you will have to cover your knees, chest and shoulders (if you are visiting in the summer, a skirt below the knee or long pants are ok, and you can bring a shawl to wrap around your shoulders).
Further Readings
Are you looking for even more day trip options from Rome? Make sure to read these posts:
- Is Naples Safe?
- How To Get From Rome To Pompeii
- How To Visit Ostia Antica, Rome
- A Local’s Guide To Viterbo, Italy
- The Complete Guide To Orvieto, Italy
- The Essential Guide To Civita Di Bagnoregio, Italy
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