How to Get from Florence to Sorrento

One of the fastest and most enjoyable ways to make the 256-mile (412 km) journey from Florence to Sorrento is by train, despite having to connect to a local rail. The entire journey falls somewhere between 4 and 5 hours, and tickets prices are at an affordable price.

You can also drive, and taking scenic routes like the A1 autostrada offers great views and the freedom to stop at historic sites and important cities along the way—Rome and Pompei, among many others—whenever you please.

Since there isn’t a direct way to get there, many travelers plan an extended stay in Rome and Naples along their journey to Sorrento. There’s always the option of booking this 14-day tour that takes you through Venice, Florence, Amalfi, Naples, and Rome, all in one swoop.  

By Train

Duration: 4-5 hours

There isn’t a direct line that travels between Florence and Sorrento, but you can take the high-speed train from Florence to Naples and take a regional train to Sorrento from there.

For the first leg of the trip, choose from two high-speed train companies: the privately run Italo and the government-run Trenitalia. Take either one from Santa Maria Novella in Florence, also known as Firenze S.M.N., to Napoli Centrale (central Naples) station. The high-speed trains run hourly, and tickets include specific seat reservations. This part of the journey takes about three hours.

Once you arrive at Napoli Centrale, head downstairs to Napoli Garibaldi and take the local train operated by Circumvesuviana to Sorrento, which takes around an hour. This train does not require reserved seating and runs every 30 minutes.

By Car or Private Transfer

Duration: 5-6 hours.

Driving to Sorrento gives you control to pull over and see various cities, towns, and sites along the way. After exiting Florence, follow the scenic A1 autostrada, a straight-forward toll road, that winds you through Tuscany and Umbria.

If you want to make your way to Rome, the Grande Raccordo Anulare (GRA) will take you right into the heart of the city. Stopping in Rome for lunch could be a nice way to break up the drive. CiPASSO Bistrot and Cantina e Cucina are two great restaurant options. If you are feeling pressed for time you can skip a stop in Rome and keep trekking on A1 until you hit SS145 in Pompei, then take the Castellammare di Stabia exit. From there, Sorrento is a 40-minute drive away.

For a more relaxing option, you can hire a driver to take you between the two destinations, stopping at sites and attractions. It’s definitely more expensive, but it gives you an opportunity to sit back and take it all in versus keeping your eyes on the road.

By Train and Ferry

Duration: 4-5 hours

After getting off the high-speed train at Napoli Centrale, you do have the option of taking the ferry instead of the regional train to Sorrento. Although it’s a more scenic route, you have to get from Napoli Centrale to Molo Beverello pier to get a high-speed ferry, which is about a 25-minute taxi ride.

By Air and Train/Ferry

Duration: Multiple hours, depending on the route

This option is not the fastest and most affordable by any means, but it can work for those who want to explore Rome. Fly out of Aeroporto di Firenze (FLR) to Rome Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino (FCO) and stay in the city for a while. Then when you’re ready, take the high-speed train from Roma Termini station to Napoli Centrale and take the regional train or ferry.

By Bus

Duration: 7-8 hours

This is by far the cheapest mode of transportation, but also the lengthiest. Buses from Santa Maria Novella run daily, but you have to be flexible as there are few times to choose from. Most bus trips include a transfer at Napoli Centrale, and the journey from Florence to Naples alone takes about 6 hours. The second bus that takes you from Naples to Sorrento takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.