What You Need to Know: Useful Information
The Pietrarsa Express is a historic train that takes passengers along Italy's first railway line, which originally opened all the way back in 1839. This special train seamlessly links central Naples to the National Railway Museum in Pietrarsa, providing travelers with a unique blend of history, culture, and tourism. The scenic route faithfully follows the original Naples-Portici line, celebrated as the very first railway built in Italy and one of the first in continental Europe.
The journey aboard the Pietrarsa Express takes place in beautifully preserved historic carriages affectionately called “Centoporte” (hundred doors) because of the numerous doors built onto their sides. These vintage carriages, pulled smoothly by a historic electric locomotive, feature authentic wooden seats from their era, instantly taking passengers back in time to the grand inauguration by King Ferdinand II of Bourbon. The journey itself takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending entirely on the stops and the specific type of service provided during the excursion. The Pietrarsa Museum, located in Portici, stands today as one of the most important testimonies to Italian railway history. Once you step inside, you can admire a vast collection of locomotives, carriages, and various artifacts related to the development of railways in Italy. The Pietrarsa Express was created with the explicit aim of promoting this historical heritage and making an educational and cultural experience accessible to everyone.
Getting There
By train
To embark on this vintage rail experience, you can board the Pietrarsa Express directly at its departure point in the center of Naples, which is usually located at Napoli Centrale station or a nearby station depending on the specific organization of the event or tour. The historic train drops you off directly at the museum grounds in Portici.
By car
If you choose to drive to the departure hub in Naples, take the A1 highway (Autostrada del Sole) and follow the signs for Napoli Centro, parking your vehicle in one of the secure garages surrounding Napoli Centrale station. If you prefer to skip the vintage train ride and drive directly to the exhibition site, take the A3 highway southbound from Naples, take the exit at San Giorgio a Cremano or Portici, and follow local street signs to the museum.
By bus
For regional public transit travelers looking for an alternative connection, ANM operates frequent daily local city bus lines (such as line 254) that connect the central squares of Naples directly to the main coastal road running right past the gates of the museum complex in Portici.
Below you'll find the location marked on Google Maps. Click on it to open the location directly on your device's maps.
Useful Contacts
- Fondazione FS Italiane (Pietrarsa Express Operations & Ticket Registry):
- Website: fondazionefs.it
- Museo Nazionale Ferroviario di Pietrarsa (National Railway Museum Front Desk):
- Website: museopietrarsa.it
- Email: [email protected]
What to Bring & Pro Tips
- Because the train's frequency and timetables may vary depending on the season and special events organized by the museum or railway associations, it is highly advisable to book your tickets well in advance, especially during busy tourist periods or during special events.
- Since the journey takes place in historic “Centoporte” carriages featuring authentic, rigid wooden seats from their era, wearing comfortable, slightly padded clothing will help ensure a cozy ride.
- Bring a smartphone or a camera to capture the vintage interior details and the impressive collection of locomotives, carriages, and artifacts waiting for you at the museum.
- If you plan to explore the museum's sprawling coastal pavilions and outdoor spaces overlooking the sea, remember to pack a pair of flat, comfortable walking shoes. Lastly, check the weather forecast before departing, as a significant portion of the museum complex includes large historic open-air yards and seaside walkways.
The “Hidden Gem”
Once you have finished marveling at the colossal royal steam engines and exploring the historic pavilions of the Pietrarsa Museum, take a short stroll down the coast to discover the Granatello Porto (Port of Granatello) in Portici.
Instead of heading straight back to the busy center of Naples, walk a few minutes south along the shoreline to find this vibrant, historic harbor basin. Originally built under the Bourbon monarchy alongside the magnificent Royal Palace of Portici, the port features a striking black volcanic stone pier crafted from ancient lava flows, arching out into the deep blue waters. Today, the old beachfront structures and warehouses have been transformed into a lively strip of open-air cafés, pizzerias, and bars where locals gather. Walking along the edge of this scenic marina at sunset offers a wonderfully relaxed, breezy cultural break, rewarding travelers with a stunning view of the fishing boats bobbing in the harbor with the dramatic silhouette of Mount Vesuvius rising directly behind them.
