Benevento

How to Get to Benevento

Benevento is best reached via Naples International Airport (NAP). From there, you have two primary options to reach the city.

From Airport (Naples International Airport - NAP)

• Direct Bus: The most convenient option is the direct bus operated by Air Campania.
  • Route: Departs from outside the airport terminal.
  • Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes.
  • Cost: €5–€7.
  • Payment: Purchase tickets at a tobacconist (Tabaccheria) or newsstand inside the airport before boarding.
• Train: If you prefer the train, you must first reach Naples Centrale station.
  • Step 1: Take the Alibus shuttle from the airport to Naples Centrale (approx. 20 minutes, €5).
  • Step 2: From Naples Centrale, take a Trenitalia regional train to Benevento (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, €9–€26).
  • Payment: Use the Trenitalia website or the red self-service machines at the station (English language option available; accepts credit cards).

From City Center

• Local Bus: A network of local buses connects the city center to the train station. Most lines depart from the hub near the station.
  • Lines: 1 and 7 are common routes passing the Arch of Trajan toward the historic district.
  • Journey Time: 5–10 minutes.
  • Tickets: You must buy tickets at a local tobacconist or newsstand before boarding; they cost approximately €0.65–€1.50 and are valid for 90 minutes.

By Taxi

• From Airport: A private taxi or pre-booked transfer is the fastest way, taking about 1 hour 20 minutes. Expect to pay between €140–€180.
• In City: Taxis are available at the stand on Piazza Colonna, across from the railway station. A trip within the city center typically costs €10–€12.

Benevento station is a straightforward, single-level through station that serves as a vital transit hub for the Campania inland region. Unlike massive metropolitan terminals, this station features a clear, manageable layout consisting of five primary through tracks and a dedicated "Tronco" (dock) platform, primarily used for terminating regional trains arriving from Naples. Think of the layout as a simple, linear arrangement where all platforms are accessible from the main station building via a single pedestrian underpass.

For your navigation, it is helpful to understand that platforms 1 through 5 are the main through tracks. Platform 1 is typically located closest to the main station building, while platforms 2 through 5 are reached by crossing the underpass. The "1 Tronco" platform, often used for regional arrivals, is a dead-end dock platform situated near the station entrance, which can occasionally cause minor confusion for first-time visitors expecting a standard through track. Because the station is quite compact, you do not need to worry about complex level changes or long-distance transfers; walking from the station entrance to the furthest platform takes no more than three to five minutes, even with luggage.

When arriving or departing, verify your platform number on the departure screens located in the main hall. While the layout is simple, regional trains from Naples sometimes arrive at the "1 Tronco" dock, which is physically separated from the through tracks 1-5. If you are transferring between a high-speed or intercity train on the through tracks and a regional train at the dock, simply follow the clear signage for the underpass, which connects all areas of the station yard. Elevators are available to assist with accessibility, making the transition between the station entrance and the platforms seamless. If you arrive early, the small size of the station ensures you will easily spot your platform and have ample time to reach it before your train departs, avoiding the stress often associated with larger, multi-level rail hubs.

Traveling to Benevento for the first time? Don’t worry, but do take note of these insider tips to ensure your journey is smooth and stress-free. I wish someone had told me these things before my first trip!

Before You Arrive

• Download the Trenitalia App: This is the most reliable way to check live schedules, platform changes, and purchase tickets on your phone. You can skip the ticket machine queues entirely by using the app or the Trenitalia website to book in advance.
• Arrive with a Buffer: While you don’t need to arrive an hour early, give yourself at least 20–30 minutes before your train’s departure. This is a small, manageable station, but it gives you enough time to locate your platform without feeling rushed.

At the Station

• Ticket Machines: If you prefer buying tickets at the station, use the official red Trenitalia machines in the main hall. They accept both cards and cash. Avoid older, third-party machines that may not accept international credit cards or may have higher fees.
• Facilities: There are no major supermarkets inside the station building itself, so grab snacks or water in the city center before heading to the station. Restrooms are available; keep a few €0.50 or €1 coins handy, as they often require a small fee to enter.
• Accessibility: The station is relatively compact, but if you are traveling with heavy luggage, look for elevator access. If you find yourself needing a taxi, there is a designated taxi stand right outside the main entrance on Piazza Colonna.

Common Mistakes

• The "Validation" Trap: If you buy a paper ticket for a regional train, you must validate it in the small green or yellow machines on the platform before boarding. If you don’t, you risk a significant fine when the conductor scans your ticket. Digital tickets bought on the app do not need validation.
• Platform Checking: Do not expect your platform to be set in stone hours early. In Italy, platforms are often posted on the departure boards only 15–20 minutes before the train arrives. Check the boards regularly rather than waiting near the entrance.

Through station serving Benevento, Italy. Opened in 1868 and later updated with a new passenger building in the late 1960s, the station is a key link for the Campania inland region, connecting to major lines like the Naples–Foggia railway. While it previously saw higher traffic, it remains a critical regional hub, though it does not host high-speed or international services. Travelers will find it primarily serves regional and local train connections.

Is this station huge and confusing? Not at all. Benevento is a manageable, straightforward station with five through tracks and platforms that are well-connected via a pedestrian underpass. As a first-time visitor, you will find the layout intuitive and standard for an Italian regional hub.

To ensure a smooth journey, remember that specific platform assignments for your train are often confirmed only 30 to 60 minutes before departure. Keep an eye on the large digital display boards in the main hall for updates. The station is equipped with basic facilities and is accessible to all passengers, including those with limited mobility. While it is not a complex, multi-level megastructure, allowing an extra 15 minutes before your scheduled departure is always a good practice to locate your platform and settle in comfortably.