Rome to Sorrento - How to get there, what to do, see, eat, drink, and more

Thinking of adding a day trip from Rome to Sorrento into your itinerary?

Sorrento has so much to offer visitors, so keep reading to find out how to see it for yourself!

Doing a Day Trip Rome to Sorrento - Everything you need to know

Ever since my first trip to Sorrento in 2014 it has become my second favorite place in all of Italy, after Rome of course!

I visit at least once per year, if not more, because it is the quintessential version of Italy; small streets lined with artisan shops, cosy restaurants offering local food and wine (and Limoncello of course!) and serene sea views.

A day trip from Rome to Sorrento is very doable, let us share how to get there and what to do when you arrive!

On this page you'll find the following information:

• Is a day trip from Rome to Sorrento worth it?
• A brief history of Sorrento
• How to get from Rome to Sorrento
• When is the best time to visit Sorrento?
• Getting around Sorrento and the area
• What to see in Sorrento
• Shopping in Sorrento
• Where to eat and drink in Sorrento
• Where to stay in Sorrento
• Other things to see and do near Sorrento

Is a Rome to Sorrento day trip worth it?

Absolutely! While there are plenty of options for day trips from Rome, few offer as much as Sorrento.

In Sorrento you'll find delicious food and drink, shopping for all budgets, history spanning 2000+ years and spectacular scenery.

A (Brief) History of Sorrento

The area of Sorrento has been inhabited since at least 600 BCE, when people lived in small communities, trading with the nearby Greek city states, like at Paestum.

In the following centuries the area came under Roman control, where the name Surrentum was given to the settlement in reference to the fact there was a temple to the Sirens in the town.

After the fall of the western Roman empire in the 5th century, Sorrento was controlled by various powers including the Ostrogoths, Lombards, Byzantines and Normans.

During the Middle Ages and Renaissance period the town came under the influence of Spain along with all of southern Italy, before ultimately becoming part of a united Italy in 1861.

Since the 19th century when the area was a favorite stop of travelers on the Grand Tour, Sorrento has become one of Italy's most popular and desirable tourist spots.

How to get from Rome to Sorrento

Getting from Rome to Sorrento is straightforward, with four main methods to choose from.

While it is close to the Amalfi coast, Sorrento is officially not part of it!

Where is Sorrento?

Sorrento is located in the Campania region of Italy, approximately 212 kilometers/131 miles from Rome.

It is the heart of the Sorrentine Peninsula, directly across the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, and a short journey from the Amalfi Coast and Capri.

Traveling from Rome to Sorrento by train

Step 1 - Rome to Naples via Intercity trains

To go from Rome to Sorrento by train, first make your way to Roma Termini station to catch a high speed train to Napoli Centrale.

You will want to leave as early in the day as possible, around 7:00AM.

Buy your train tickets in advance for the high speed train via Trainline for the route from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale station so you can get straight on the train.

There are plenty of high speed trains (all with air conditioning) per day from Roma Termini to Naples.

Both Italo and Frecciarossa run high speed trains between the Rome and Naples train stations, they take just over an hour on average, and train tickets average 40€ per person per journey.

I'd recommend paying a bit more to upgrade to first class, known as Prima.

This will get you complimentary snacks and drinks on board, access to power outlets and extra comfortable seating, making your train travel that bit more enjoyable!

Step 2 - Naples to Sorrento

Unfortunately there are no direct trains that will take you from Rome to Sorrento.

When you arrive at Naples look for the ‘Circumvesuviana’ or 'Linee Vesuviane' signs.

Follow these underground until you reach a set of ticket desks.

Purchase a ticket for the direct train to Sorrento from the ticket office.

The ticket price for the Sorrento trains are a set figure and the trains run regularly.

Head down the stairs and follow the signs for the relevant platform for your train.

Note that there is no accessibility access to the platforms at the time of writing.

The journey takes around 45 minutes, and when you arrive at the Sorrento train station, just follow the signs for the center of town, approximately 5-10 minutes walk along the straight main street.

Driving from Rome to Sorrento

I regularly drive to Sorrento, either via the autostrade (freeway/motorway) or the regional roads.

Driving from Rome to Sorrento - Faster route

If you want to go from Rome to Sorrento for the day with a rental car, use the faster autostrade route where the total journey time is about four hours with a break.

Driving from Rome to Sorrento - Slower route

If you are looking to stay in Sorrento and have some spare time, consider taking the coastal regional roads.

You'll see some breathtaking scenery between charming seaside towns which make for perfect lunch and coffee stops.

To follow my favorite route, first set Google Maps to take you to Anzio from Rome.

From Anzio, go to Sabaudia, then Terracina, then Gaeta.

The final stop before you reach Naples is Pozzuoli, and from Naples you should head directly to Sorrento.

This journey will take around 6 hours without stops, so you should allow most of a day when factoring in breaks.

There are plenty of parking options in Sorrento, all of which are a similar price.

Click here to view all options and select the one most convenient for you.

Arranging private transfers

If the thought of arranging car rental fills you with dread, and you don't want to take the train from Rome, why not hire a private driver instead?

There are lots of companies who offer private transfer services that will take you from Rome to Sorrento in a comfortable car with air conditioning, where the private driver handles all the tolls and parking.

Rome to Sorrento by Bus/Coach

If you would prefer to travel directly from Rome to Sorrento, you can opt for a direct bus from Rome's Tiburtina bus station.

Getting to Roma Tiburtina is easy; it's on the Metro B line, direct from Roma Termini.

The bus ride takes a little longer compared to taking the train (the journey takes 4-4.5 hours on average), but the convenience of not changing trains or finding parking can make for a more enjoyable experience.

You can get from Rome to Sorrento with either Flixbus or Marozzi (an Italian company), with average prices for the direct bus of 20-30€.

Bonus option for getting from Rome to Sorrento: Train + Ferry

An alternative option which I have done and found both convenient and fun, is to take the high speed train to Napoli Centrale and then make my way to the port of Naples.

You can get to the port via a short metro journey (Napoli Centrale is connected to the Naples metro system) with a 10 minute walk, or by taxi.

You will find a taxi rank outside the station.

From the port of Naples you can take a ferry and arrive in style at the Marina Piccola in Sorrento, while enjoying incredible views of Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples.

Note that the ferries are weather dependent and there are only a few per day. As such, plan your day trip carefully.

You can also reach the port from Naples airport if you are flying in there.

When is the best time to do a day trip from Rome to Sorrento?

Sorrento is a seasonal location which gets very busy from late spring until mid-fall.

However, Sorrento is also a normal town where life continues outside of the tourist/visitor season.

Visiting Sorrento in late fall, winter or early spring

During the late autumn to early spring you will find Sorrento quiet, with lots of businesses operating on reduced hours.

Most of the larger hotels are closed to give their teams much deserved breaks after the busy summer seasons, and some services such as the ferries are restricted.

The weather during this period can be temperamental and changeable.

Sorrento is perched on cliffs that face out onto the Bay of Naples, which means that rain and storms, and sometimes even snow, can whip up out of nowhere.

If you are doing a trip from Rome to Sorrento during this period, be sure to bring warm clothing, a waterproof jacket and umbrella.

Visiting Sorrento in late spring, summer or early fall

The weather in Sorrento tends to stabilise and become dry and warm towards the end of May.

This is the main visitor season when everything is in full swing!

All hotels will be open, restaurants will be buzzing until late and there is always a full calendar of cultural events.

Subject to the weather, the ferry services to the Amalfi Coast, Capri and Naples run consistently.

Through mid-September you can expect hot temperatures and the occasional summer storm but rarely persistent bad weather.

From mid-September until November there is an even chance of good weather, or bad, it's very much a gamble!

If you are visiting during this period be sure to protect yourself from the sun when out and about, and carry an umbrella, just in case!

Getting around Sorrento and the area

The main town is small enough to explore on foot.

I do not recommend driving around town as some areas are restricted and during busy periods, pedestrians outnumber vehicles considerably.

If you wanting to explore the surrounding area as part of your trip, you can get on the local train at Sorrento station.

Sorrento also has a public transport network consisting of small electric buses which run regularly, where you can buy your bus ticket on board.

You will also find a limited number of taxi drivers at designated ranks.

You will find one at the Sorrento train station and another near Piazza Tasso in the center.

However, due to the traffic restrictions and limited availability, taxis in Sorrento can be expensive.

How accessible is Sorrento?

The majority of Sorrento is accessible to anyone with mobility challenges.

The main shopping streets, bars, restaurants and hotels are in a flat central area.

To access the two marinas you can use a local bus to go up and down the steep hill and cliff edges.

You will also find a small public elevator in the Villa Comunale di Sorrento, which you can take to get to the bottom of the cliffs and back up.

There is a cost to use this elevator of 1,10€, payable only in cash.

What to do in Sorrento

There is lots to see and do on a trip from Rome to Sorrento, and much of it is completely free!

You could very easily visit and spend close to nothing, as being in Sorrento by itself is a joy.

Beyond just meandering through its streets and the marinas, you can fill your time with the following:

• Head to Piazza Antiche Mure where you can view large sections of the ancient Roman defensive wall that has protected the city for centuries.
• The main town at the top of the cliffs features a number of small parks with viewpoints, perfect for a relaxing break and takeaway lunch. My personal favorite is at Piazza della Vittoria.
• Bagni Regina Giovanna - take a 30 minute walk out of Sorrento to visit this incredible mix of nature and history. Here you'll find a natural pool surrounded by the remnants of an ancient Roman villa (with stucco and mosaics still visible!), which is believed to have been frequented by Queen Joanna II of Naples during her reign in the 1400's.

• The Cathedral of Saints Philip and James is Sorrento's main church, originally constructed in the 11th century before being remodelled in the 15th in a Baroque style.
• Parco di Villa Fiorentino - the grounds of this charming villa are free to explore, and the interior often features art exhibitions. Sometimes these events are free to enter, but at others there is a cost. It's best to check the official website for full details.

Shopping in Sorrento

The main shopping area in Sorrento is centrally located, and while you'll find shops all around the town, the best are along (or just off) Via Fuoro and Via Cesareo.

• Vizi & Sfizi - this is one of those shops which on the surface doesn't look like much, but when you enter you'll find a range of great products. They stock fantastic wines, including rare bottles from across Italy, as well as local vintages and other regional food and drink specialities. You'll also find high quality kitchenware and an array of perfect gifts.
• Nicky's - Directly opposite Vizi & Sfizi is a small, unassuming ceramic shop that most people don't even notice. Unlike most of the ceramic stores in Sorrento, this one stocks only authentically produced and sourced Italian ceramics. The owner, Nicky, is very proud of his selection of handmade ceramics, he also speaks fantastic English so if there's something in particular you're looking for, don't be afraid to ask!
• On Via Padre Reginaldo Giuliani, at the end closest to the Imperial Hotel Tramontano, you'll find a store selling art and antiques, ranging from paintings, art prints, vintage marketing posters and much more. It's rare that I make a trip to Sorrento without picking up something here, either for myself or as a gift!

Where to stay in Sorrento

If you are thinking of spending more than just a day on your trip from Rome to Sorrento (which I recommend!), the first thing you should decide is where you want to stay.

Either you're prepared to pay more for the convenience of staying in the historic center, reducing your reliance on public transport/taxis.

Or you're happy staying further out, which usually means in the hills above Sorrento.

This is typically the cheaper option but consider that you may need to pay for taxis to and from your hotel/apartment, depending on the exact location of where you're staying and whether your hotel offers a transfer service.

I have stayed in a number of different places in Sorrento over the years, but recently have found myself going back annually to Hotel Continental.

Hotel Continental is just a 15 minute (flat) walk from the train station and 10 minutes from the old marina.

This is an 'old world' hotel where the staff are professional but approachable, the quality high but accessible, and the environment refined but comfortable.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to stay out of the center I can recommend Villa Giovanna having stayed there myself a couple times in the past. 

Set in the hills above Sorrento, be prepared to walk a little to get to and from the town, or pay for a taxi, but the tranquil setting can offset this if you are looking for a more peaceful base.

Where to eat and drink in Sorrento

You are spoilt for choice for where to eat and drink in Sorrento.

Competition is fierce and therefore the quality all around is high, making it hard to go wrong.

The following places are the best of the best; they're some of my favorite places to eat and drink anywhere in Italy!

Inn Bufalito

This restaurant specialises in buffalo produce from the Campania region, you'll find steaks, cured meats, fresh cheeses and more.

I'd recommend seeing what specials they have on the menu, and at the very minimum trying the buffalo mortadella (bologna) ham with fresh mozzarella.

They also offer seafood, pastas and salads if meat isn't your thing, and of course a range of traditional Italian desserts.

Reservations are recommended but not mandatory.

Perfect for lunch and dinner.

A'Marenna

This small, unassuming deli offers what might be some of the best sandwiches I've ever tried.

All ingredients are locally sourced and while their some of their flavor combinations might sound a little odd at first glance, when you take your initial bite you'll forget any doubts you had!

Grab one to go, head to the nearby Piazza della Vittoria with a view of Vesuvius and enjoy!

Terrazza Vittoria

If you are staying overnight in Sorrento, head to Hotel Continental's rooftop terrace bar and restaurant for aperitivo and dinner (called Terrazza Vittoria) which is open to non hotel guests.

I've not found anywhere else in Italy where the service and quality matches Terrazza Vittoria.

This might sound like a bold claim, but it's wholeheartedly true.

What makes this place so special?

The answer is a combination of the staff, food and drink quality and the view of the Bay of Naples that you'll enjoy while there.

The bar is open from 6:30PM until late during the main season, with the restaurant opening at 7:00PM.

Reservations for the bar are not possible so I'd recommend getting there around 6:45PM/7:00PM to get yourself a good seat with a view.

Reservations are highly recommended for the restaurant and while its possible to get a table without a reservation, it's unlikely.

The restaurant does not feature a typical Italian menu but instead it offers a modern interpretation of classic regional and national dishes, with an extensive wine list to go with your dinner.

Other things to see and do near Sorrento

As I've said already, I'd recommend extending your trip from Rome to Sorrento for more than a day if you can.

Sorrento is the perfect base to explore the surrounding area, and you'll find no shortage of things to do!

Here are some of my top recommendations:

Capri

There are multiple ferries each day during the the busier months from Sorrento to Capri.

Take the trip to this slice of paradise and enjoy a day shopping in the boutiques before having a drink with some of the best views in all of Italy, or maybe take a boat trip around the island.

If history is more your thing, take a walk up to the top of the island to Villa Jovis where you'll find the remains of ancient Roman emperor Tiberius' palace.

The Amalfi Coast

You can also take ferries from Sorrento's Marina Piccola to Amalfi, Positano and other destinations along the Amalfi Coast.

If you make the trip to Positano, be sure to visit the incredibly well-preserved Villa Romana, with some of the best surviving examples of ancient Roman frescoes anywhere.

Naples

To go from Rome to Sorrento you're almost guaranteed to pass through Naples.

Consider a detour to visit the city's famous catacombs, museums and churches.

If food and drink is more your thing, make time to try a real Neapolitan pizza, after all, it was here that the pizza as we know it was invented!

Capua

This small town was once the ancient Roman capital of the Campania area and was connected to Rome by the Via Appia.

Visit the amphitheater to see where the infamous Spartacus trained and started his rebellion against Rome.

Phlegraean Fields (Campi Flegrei)

This huge area to the west of Naples is home to a number of ancient sites.

These include Baiae (the playground for ancient Rome's rich and powerful), Cumae (home to a renowned Oracle) and Pozzuoli, where you'll find a well preserved ancient temple and another amphitheater.

Pompeii & Herculaneum

Buried in the infamous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, these sites are a must for anyone with an interest in history.

Retrace the footsteps of the citizens of these towns in the run up to the fateful eruption and explore some of the best preserved ancient Roman ruins anywhere.

Paestum

Before the Romans controlled the Campania area there were countless Greek colonies and city states dotted around southern Italy.

One of the most renowned, and now best preserved, was at Paestum.

Here you can marvel at the remains of three huge Greek temples, as well as countless other monuments.

Villas of Castellamare di Stabia (Ariana & San Marco), Oplontis and Boscoreale

These four ancient villas from all walks of Roman life are slightly off the normal tourist routes, but this means you can enjoy them without the crowds you'll find at Pompeii.

I'd recommend using a car to travel between the villas, but you can also reach them via the Circumvesuviana Sorrento train and a bit of walking.

Caserta

On the outskirts of Naples you'll find the Royal Palace of Caserta, once home to the Neapolitan royal family.

While the palace itself is impressive and on par with some of the greatest royal residences in Europe, what sets Caserta apart is its huge stately gardens adorned with fountains and sculptures.

Ischia & Procida

These two small islands off the coast of Naples can visited together in a single day, if you time the ferries right!

Ischia is the larger of the two and is famous for its natural springs and imposing Aragonese Castle.

Procida, while being much smaller, is just as enjoyable.

You can easily spend a half day soaking up a way of life that is hard to come by in the modern world.