Low season in Italy brings some terrifically low train fares.
For example, from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale, the Trenitalia reserved Intercity Train (which takes two hours and makes three short stops) is priced as low as 7.90 Euros with the advance purchase "Super Economy" fare (non-changeable and non-refundable).
That fare is lower than the regular fixed fare for the very slow unreserved regionale train, and indeed is so low that you cannot even add the "Ti Rimborso" partial refund option to the ticket (since it is 10 Euros or less).
There are far fewer Trenitalia Intercity trains than fast Freccia trains on this route, but still enough to give a decent selection. Finding the lowest fare of 7.90 Euros won't be easy, but there are other "Super Economy" fares of 10.90 and 13.90 Euros, which are still quite appealing. The regular, "Base" fare for the Intercity is 27 Euros, much less than that for the fast Freccia train (48 Euros).
Rival Italo Treno also offers some very low fares for its fast trains (I currently see fares as low as 14.90 Euros beginning 24 December), but nothing as low as the discounted fares for the Trenitalia Intercity train.
The Intercity train is not as "spiffy" as the Freccia or Italo train, but still quite comfortable, air conditioned and heated. The Freccia train is slightly smoother and quieter, though some may not even notice. It takes nearly twice the time as the Freccia, but follows the slightly more scenic old rail line which briefly skirts the coastline near Formia. The Intercity train has no "bistro" car, only three vending machines for coffee, beverages and cheap snacks. Don't intentionally avoid it.
Book as soon as possible to find the lowest fares. Add the "Ti Rimborso" partial refund option for added protection (except when the ticket cost is 10 Euros or less).
http://www.trenitalia.com
NOTE: Add 3.30 Euros each way for the unreserved Circumvesuviana commuter train from Napoli Garibaldi (underground from Napoli Centrale) to Pompei Scavi Villa dei Misteri station (main entrance to Pompei Archeological Park).
For example, from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale, the Trenitalia reserved Intercity Train (which takes two hours and makes three short stops) is priced as low as 7.90 Euros with the advance purchase "Super Economy" fare (non-changeable and non-refundable).
That fare is lower than the regular fixed fare for the very slow unreserved regionale train, and indeed is so low that you cannot even add the "Ti Rimborso" partial refund option to the ticket (since it is 10 Euros or less).
There are far fewer Trenitalia Intercity trains than fast Freccia trains on this route, but still enough to give a decent selection. Finding the lowest fare of 7.90 Euros won't be easy, but there are other "Super Economy" fares of 10.90 and 13.90 Euros, which are still quite appealing. The regular, "Base" fare for the Intercity is 27 Euros, much less than that for the fast Freccia train (48 Euros).
Rival Italo Treno also offers some very low fares for its fast trains (I currently see fares as low as 14.90 Euros beginning 24 December), but nothing as low as the discounted fares for the Trenitalia Intercity train.
The Intercity train is not as "spiffy" as the Freccia or Italo train, but still quite comfortable, air conditioned and heated. The Freccia train is slightly smoother and quieter, though some may not even notice. It takes nearly twice the time as the Freccia, but follows the slightly more scenic old rail line which briefly skirts the coastline near Formia. The Intercity train has no "bistro" car, only three vending machines for coffee, beverages and cheap snacks. Don't intentionally avoid it.
Book as soon as possible to find the lowest fares. Add the "Ti Rimborso" partial refund option for added protection (except when the ticket cost is 10 Euros or less).
http://www.trenitalia.com
NOTE: Add 3.30 Euros each way for the unreserved Circumvesuviana commuter train from Napoli Garibaldi (underground from Napoli Centrale) to Pompei Scavi Villa dei Misteri station (main entrance to Pompei Archeological Park).