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How to Get to Paestum

How to Get to Paestum

Paestum Campania, Italy Travel Guide

Air Travel

Naples International Airport NAP

Closest and most convenient major international airport serving Paestum.

Airport Details

  • Approximately 95 kilometers (59 miles) north of Paestum.
  • Served by major European airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Lufthansa, Air France, and British Airways.
  • Some seasonal direct flights from North America are becoming more common.

Rome Fiumicino Airport FCO

A larger international hub for global connections.

Airport Details

  • Approximately 280 kilometers (174 miles) north of Paestum.
  • Offers more direct flight options from global hubs.
  • Served by a vast array of international airlines from around the world.

Global Connections

Direct flights mainly arrive at Rome FCO. Naples NAP has increasing seasonal direct flights from some North American cities, specifically during the summer.

Flight Price Patterns

Flights are most expensive during summer (June-August) and major holidays. Shoulder seasons often offer better value. Low season generally has the lowest prices.

Airport Facilities

Both Naples International Airport (NAP) and Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) offer standard airport facilities. FCO, as a larger hub, provides a more extensive selection.

Airport Transfers

From Naples NAP

  • Bus + Train: Most common and cost-effective. Alibus from NAP to Napoli Centrale, then regional train to Paestum station.
  • Private Transfer/Taxi: Direct, convenient, but more costly.
  • Car Rental: Available at the airport. This option provides flexibility, especially for exploring the broader Cilento region.

From Rome FCO

  • Train: Most efficient public transport. Leonardo Express from FCO to Roma Termini, then high-speed train to Salerno, regional train to Paestum.
  • Private Transfer/Car Rental: These options are also available from FCO for direct travel.

Booking Tips

Flight Deals

Use Dollar Flight Club for cheap flight alerts.

Compare Flights

Compare options across airlines on Skyscanner.

Save Money

Book well in advance for peak season to secure better rates.

Land Transportation

Paestum Train Station

Italy's train and road networks connect Paestum to other parts of the country.

Train Connections

  • Paestum has its own train station, "Paestum," very close to the archaeological park (10-15 min walk).
  • Regional trains directly connect to Salerno, Naples (Napoli Centrale), and other Tyrrhenian coast towns.
  • Trenitalia is the main operator. Purchase tickets at stations, "Tabaccheria" shops, or online. Validate regional tickets on platform before boarding to avoid fines.

Long-Distance Buses

Bus services and connections.

Bus Options

  • Bus services connect Paestum with Salerno and other local towns.
  • Companies like Busitalia Campania operate regional routes.
  • Generally slower than trains but useful for specific local connections.

Self-Driving

Considerations for driving in Paestum.

Road Access

  • Easily accessible by car. Use A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria motorway, Battipaglia or Eboli exit, then SS18 towards Paestum.
  • Non-EU citizens carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) and valid national driver's license. Carry both.
  • Italian roads generally well-maintained. Driving can be fast-paced on motorways. Practice defensive driving.

Driving & Parking Tips

Advice for driving and parking locally.

Practicalities

  • Be aware of ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) areas in city centers, restricting vehicle access. Paestum generally does not have these.
  • Paid parking lots are available near the archaeological park.
  • Consider renting a smaller car if you plan to explore rural areas or towns with narrow streets.

Road Conditions & Safety

  • Main motorways are well-maintained and offer good driving conditions.
  • Secondary roads can be narrower and winding, especially within the Cilento National Park.
  • Drivers in Italy can be aggressive; anticipate quick maneuvers and close following.
  • Speed cameras are common and strictly enforced.
  • Always adhere to speed limits.
  • Drive defensively.

Sea/River Arrivals

Salerno Port

Sea travel mainly connects to nearby Salerno, not directly to Paestum.

Ferry & Cruise Access

  • Salerno is the main port city closest to Paestum, approximately 40 kilometers north.
  • From Salerno, ferries operate to various towns along the Amalfi Coast (e.g., Amalfi, Positano) and the island of Capri.
  • There are no direct ferry services to Paestum itself. Salerno functions as a cruise port.

Onward Travel

Connections from Salerno to Paestum.

Land Connections

  • From Salerno port, the train station (Salerno Centrale) is within walking distance or a short taxi ride.
  • This station provides frequent train connections to Paestum. Buses also operate from Salerno's bus station, which is near the port.
  • River transportation is not applicable for reaching or departing from Paestum.

Immigration Procedures

Standard immigration procedures for international arrivals apply at seaports, similar to airports. For intra-Schengen travel, checks are minimal or non-existent.

Exit Fees or Taxes

Italy does not have separate exit fees or taxes that travelers pay directly at the airport, port, or station. These costs are typically included in your flight or ticket price.

Departure Facilities

Major airports and train stations in Italy offer standard facilities: waiting areas, restrooms, shops, cafes, restaurants, and sometimes luggage storage services. Napoli Centrale and Roma Termini have extensive facilities.

Departure Timing

For international flights, arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure. For domestic or Schengen flights, aim for 1.5-2 hours. Factor in potential traffic to the airport. For train travel, arrive at the station at least 15-20 minutes before departure, especially for high-speed trains.