About Salerno Train Station
Salerno isn't Italy's best known or most visited city by any stretch of the imagination. But it does function as a kind of regional hub. The capital of the Salerno region and one of the bigger cities in the province of Campania, Salerno is the first major city south of Naples.
Salerno's main train station is right in the heart of the city, close to the port. As a regional hub, this train station is extremely busy for its size. First opened in 1866, it has ten tracks that link the city with Naples, Rome, Florence, and other cities further north. It's also an important stop along the way to more southerly Italian destinations such as Calabria, Taranto, and Sicily.
Salerno train station lies at the southern end of the high-speed Frecciarossa line that runs from here through Naples and Rome to Florence, Milan, and Turin. The station is also served by regional lines that make it possible to explore everything Campania has to offer.
Salerno train station is big enough to have many of the services you need. You'll find shops and plenty of snack bars where you can grab a coffee or a bite to eat. There's also a lounge for members of the Freccia club, the loyalty program for Italy's national rail service.
Things to do near Salerno Train Station
A big part of what brings visitors to Salerno is its port. Cruise ships dock here, and ferries leave for extremely popular Italian destinations such as the Amalfi coast and the island of Capri. Since there are no train stations in any of the towns along the legendary Amalfi Coast, Salerno is one of the gateways to this world-famous destination. But you don't have to leave Salerno right away to have a good time. There are fun things to do in the area, such as:
- Enjoy a seafood meal at Ristorante New Kursaal. This well-regarded restaurant looks out over one of Salerno's popular beaches, and the food is as fresh as the view suggests. Try the mixed antipasto plate for a taste of everything, but leave room for the daily specials that are usually caught fresh that morning.
- Get a breathtaking view at Arechi Castle. This charismatic ruin sits on a stony hill overlooking the town and its dazzling coastline. A fort since the 6th century, the castle was redeveloped in the 18th century but fell into disuse by the 20th century.
- Go back in time at Salerno Cathedral. Just a short walk or single Metro train stop from Salerno station, this impressive church was built on the site of an old Roman temple. Best known for its Arabic Norman belltower, the church is one of Salerno's major attractions.
- Recharge your batteries at the Garden of Minerva. Named after the Roman goddess of wisdom, this botanical garden sits in the heart of old Salerno close to the Cathedral, but feels a long way away from the bustle of the city. Dating back to the 12th century, this is one of Europe's oldest still-existing botanical Gardens.
- Take a stroll along the Lungomare Trieste. This waterfront path allows you to get close to Salerno's beautiful blue sea, and offers some of the best people-watching you'll find anywhere. In the best Italian tradition, take an after-dinner stroll to see the people of Salerno promenading among their neighbors.
Transit options at Salerno Train Station
- Solano train station is well-connected to the major cities of Italy by train. There are also regional lines that stop at small stations in the city itself before reaching towns like Vietri sul Mare and Cava de’ Tirreni.
- Many of Salerno's bus lines stop at Piazza V. Veneto right out in front of the station. Buses here can take you along the winding highway to the Amalfi coast. Remember to buy your tickets from a tobacco shop before boarding.
- A short walk of around 1/4 of a mile will bring you to Salerno's tourist port. Boats embark from here to Amalfi, Capri, and many other destinations.
Luggage storage at Salerno Train Station
The area around the train station and down to the port is relatively flat. However, much of the town is built on some fairly severe hills. If you want to explore Salerno, it’s better to travel as lightly as you possibly can.
Fortunately, Bounce offers luggage storage that is convenient for you wherever you are. Drop off your bags and know that they will be well looked after until you come back to pick them up.
Attractions and activities near Salerno Train Station
- Amalfi Coast: Along with Sorrento to the north, Salerno is one of the major gateways to the beautiful Amalfi Coast. Take a bus, a boat, or, if you're feeling brave, rent a car or scooter and drive along the winding coastal highway to the breathtaking villages of Amalfi, Positano, Maiori, and other destinations.
- Capri Once a vacation destination for Roman emperors, Capri is now the home of the international jet set. With its awesome cliffs, inviting warm sea and incredible food, it's one of the world's great island destinations.
- Paestum: Before the Romans rose to power, this part of Italy was ruled by the Greeks. When visiting the Greek temples at Paestum, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve traveled not only to another country, but back in time. The temples here are some of the best preserved anywhere, including Greece, and are a fascinating place to explore less than an hour from Salerno.