Both towns are about equal distance from the archaeological site, but, to be honest, we recommend basing yourself in Sorrento: it's the perfect way to explore the Sorrentine Peninsula as well as the glittering Amalfi Coast.

The "better" choice depends entirely on your travel priorities and where you plan to go next. Naples is the more efficient choice for historical purists; it is only a 30-minute train ride away via the Circumvesuviana or the faster Campania Express, and it places you near the National Archaeological Museum, which houses the original artifacts and mosaics found at the site. Sorrento, however, offers a much more relaxed, scenic, and "vacation-like" atmosphere. While the train ride from Sorrento takes about 30 to 45 minutes, many travelers prefer returning to its cliffside views and quieter streets after a dusty day at the ruins. If you are focused on efficiency and budget, Naples is superior. If you want a polished resort town as your base and plan to visit Capri or the Amalfi Coast as well, Sorrento is the ideal hub. Both cities use the same train line, making access to the Pompeii Scavi station relatively straightforward from either direction.