Sorrento is a straightforward destination but a few local quirks can trip up first-time visitors. From which train to catch to how much to tip, here is the practical information you need for a smooth visit to Sorrento. For an overview, see the Sorrento travel guide.
Sorrento Travel Tips: Getting Here and Around
Naples Airport (NAP) to Sorrento
Naples Capodichino Airport (NAP) is the nearest airport, 50 km north of Sorrento. The Curreri bus runs direct from the airport to Sorrento’s Circumvesuviana station in 75 minutes for €10 (buy tickets on board, cash only). Buses leave roughly every 2-3 hours from 9 AM to 7:30 PM. The alternative is the Alibus to Napoli Centrale (€5, 15 minutes) then the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento (€4.50, 65 minutes). A pre-booked private transfer costs €100-120 and takes 60 minutes. Taxis from the airport to Sorrento charge a fixed €110 rate (confirm before getting in).
Circumvesuviana Train
The Circumvesuviana is the commuter rail line connecting Sorrento to Naples via Pompeii and Herculaneum. It is not a tourist train: it is a gritty commuter service with hard plastic seats, no air conditioning, and occasional pickpockets on the Naples end. Trains run every 30 minutes from about 6 AM to 10 PM. Tickets cost €1.50-4.50 depending on distance; buy at station ticket windows or tabaccherie, NOT on board. Validate your ticket in the green machines at the platform entrance before boarding; unvalidated tickets incur a €50 fine if checked. The Sorrento station is at the bottom of Corso Italia, a 5-minute walk from Piazza Tasso.
SITA Buses to the Amalfi Coast
SITA bus 5070 runs from outside Sorrento train station to Positano (40-60 min, €2.20), Praiano (70 min, €3.00), and Amalfi (90 min, €3.40). Buy tickets at the tabaccheria inside the train station concourse before boarding. In summer (June-September), the 9 AM bus fills completely; arrive 20 minutes early to queue. Sit on the right side going south for coastal views. The bus is a standard public bus, not a coach: standing passengers are common in peak season, and the winding clifftop road can be genuinely nauseating for motion-sickness-prone travelers. Take travel sickness tablets 30 minutes before boarding.
Ferries and Hydrofoils
Ferries depart from Marina Piccola (the main port, below Piazza Tasso, reachable by the Villa Comunale elevator for €1 or a steep 5-minute walk). Alilauro and NLG (Navigazione Libera del Golfo) operate hydrofoils to Capri (20-25 min, €20-23 one way), Positano (35 min, €16-19), Amalfi (50 min, €19-22), and Naples (45 min, €15). Buy tickets at the port kiosks, not online; the online markups are 20-30%. The first Capri ferry at 8:05 AM is the one to catch to beat the day-tripper crowds. Ferries don’t run in rough seas; check conditions the night before if traveling in spring or autumn.
Sorrento Travel Tips: Money and Costs
Typical Costs in Sorrento
Sorrento is more expensive than Naples but cheaper than Capri or Positano. A cappuccino costs €1.50 at the counter, €3.50 sitting at a table. A Margherita pizza at a mid-range restaurant runs €8-12. A main course of grilled seafood (grata di pesce) at a waterfront restaurant costs €18-28. A scoop of gelato is €2.50-4. An Aperol spritz is €6-8. The coperto (cover charge) of €2-3 per person appears on every sit-down restaurant bill. Tipping is not expected: round up to the nearest euro for coffee, leave €1-2 for a good meal, never a percentage.
Cash vs Card
Most Sorrento restaurants, hotels, and shops accept credit cards, but cash is still king for small purchases: bus tickets, gelato, market stalls, and the Circumvesuviana ticket window are cash-only. Keep €50-100 in cash on you. ATMs (bancomat) are plentiful along Corso Italia; use bank-affiliated ATMs (Banco di Napoli, Unicredit, Intesa Sanpaolo) rather than independent Euronet machines, which charge €4-5 per withdrawal in fees and offer poor exchange rates.
Sorrento Travel Tips: Practical Questions
Can I drink the tap water in Sorrento?
Yes. Sorrento’s tap water is safe to drink and comes from mountain springs on the Sorrentine Peninsula. Many locals drink it. Restaurants automatically serve bottled water (€2-3 per liter); you can ask for tap water (acqua del rubinetto), though some establishments will politely decline.
Is Sorrento safe?
Sorrento is very safe by any international standard. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. The main risks are petty: pickpocketing on the Circumvesuviana train (keep valuables in front pockets, not back pockets or open bags) and overcharging at tourist-trap restaurants on Via San Cesareo. Check menus for prices before sitting down; a legitimate restaurant displays prices clearly outside. If a waiter aggressively beckons you in from the street, walk on.
What language is spoken in Sorrento?
Italian is the official language. In the tourist center, most restaurant staff and hotel receptionists speak functional English. Outside the center and on public transport, English is less common. Learn five phrases: buongiorno (good morning), per favore (please), grazie (thank you), il conto per favore (the bill please), and dov’è il bagno? (where is the bathroom?). The local dialect is Napoletano, which even other Italians struggle to understand.
What should I wear in Sorrento?
Smart casual is the norm. Italians dress well even for a passeggiata (evening stroll). Shorts are fine for daytime sightseeing but wear long trousers or a dress for dinner. Beachwear stays at the beach; walking through Piazza Tasso in a bikini top will get you stared at. Churches require covered shoulders and knees: carry a lightweight scarf or wrap. Comfortable walking shoes are essential: Sorrento’s streets are cobblestone and the terrain is hilly.
Do I need a visa for Italy?
Italy is in the Schengen Area. US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. From May 2025, the ETIAS travel authorization (€7, valid 3 years) is required for visa-exempt travelers; apply online at least 96 hours before departure. EU citizens need only a valid national ID card. Check the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for your specific nationality.
Suggested Hotels in Sorrento
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Sorrento’s most prestigious address since 1834, set in a 5-hectare garden on the cliff edge with a private elevator to the ferry port. Outdoor pool, Michelin-starred Terrazza Bosquet restaurant, and Caruso-worthy views across the Bay of Naples. Best for a honeymoon or milestone celebration. Check rates and availability
Hotel Plaza
A polished 4-star on Piazza Tasso with effective soundproofing and a rooftop breakfast terrace. The 65 rooms are modern and comfortable, if not character-filled. The location cannot be beaten for convenience. Best for first-time visitors who want to be in the center. Check rates and availability
Hotel Il Nido
A family-run 3-star on the hillside above Sorrento with a free hourly shuttle to town. The terrace restaurant serves honest Campanian food with a panoramic bay view. Simple rooms, warm service, fair prices. Best for budget-conscious travelers who want a view and don’t mind being outside the center. Check rates and availability
