Naples, known to the Italians as Napoli, is a key point on the Italian rail network and stands on the main north-south rail corridor. High-speed trains link Napoli with Italy’s industrial giants, Milan and Turin, to the north, via Florence and the country’s capital, Rome. To the south, you can take the same high-speed trains to Salerno and Reggio di Calabria in the toe of Italy’s “boot.” Standing in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, Naples itself has a reputation for crime and corruption, but Frommer’s recommends allowing two days to see its museums, churches and an opportunity to sample delicious local food in the city regarded as the birthplace of pizza.
Napoli Centrale
- Napoli Centrale overlooks Piazza Garibaldi in central Naples. It’s the city’s largest railway station and your likely arrival point if you’re making the journey by train on national operator Trenitalia. Railways have served central Naples since 1866, but the current building is a more modern construction, finished in 1966. The station is actually built on two levels; the upper level, known as Centrale, is a hub for overground services, while the lower level, known as Garibaldi, is served by both overground trains and the Naples metro system. An estimated 137,000 people pass through on an average day, equating to 50 million per year.
Other Naples Stations
- The Centrale-Garibaldi complex isn’t Naples’ only rail station, although the alternatives tend to be used mainly by locals commuting into and away from the city. Trains leave Stazione Circumvesuviana Napoli-Porta Nolana for destinations to the south, including Pompeii, Erculano and Sorrento; these services are operated by the EAV Campana company rather than Trenitalia. The same company also runs services to the Campi Flegrei area to the west of Naples from Stazione Cumana Montesanto. The area’s name translates as “burning fields,” a clue to the volcanic activity that is its most distinctive feature.
Naples Metro
- In addition to overground rail services, Naples is also home to a small metro system. The system is made up of two lines, confusingly known as “1” and “6,” which link up with the city’s bus network and four funicular railways. At the time of publication, line 1 links the city center with suburbs to the north as far as Piscinola, but this will be extended into a circular line, incorporating stops at key sites such as Duomo in central Naples. Line 6 is much shorter but is the line to take if you want to see a soccer game at local side Napoli’s home ground, the 60,000-seat Stadio San Paolo -- just get out at Mostra.
Warnings
- Pickpockets are a problem in all Naples train stations but particularly in Napoli Centrale, warns the State Department. Be vigilant, both in the station and when you’re on the train, and never leave your luggage unattended. Italy’s State Police advise keeping your bags under close surveillance at all times and being wary of offers of help, which could be attempts to distract you. Unlicensed taxi drivers might approach you in Naples rail stations asking if you need a lift, but you should ignore them, cautions Frommer’s, as they are likely to be gypsy taxis charging vastly inflated fares.
