Napoli Centrale is one of the main transportation hubs in Naples, the other being the port area…read morefrom which many ferries operate to other cities and islands along the Italian coastline.
25 train platforms are situated in the main level, with another 4 downstairs for local EAV Circumvesuviana trains to Sorrento, Pompeii and other towns. Customers can also transfer downstairs to the metro (subway) line L2. Train tickets can be bought at the station or in advance online, I'd suggest booking earlier as ticket prices for regional legs to other major cities can increase closer to departure.
Exterior and interior are modern, with triangular/diagonal/geometric design elements. Within the station several large overhead displays show arrival origins and departure destinations, scheduled/actual times, platforms, and special notes like notifications to board or delays. Travelers wait in the main lobby until platform numbers are published about 15-20 minutes prior to departure for regional trains, then head thru a preliminary ticket check (security checking that each passenger is ticketed), into the train platforms in the inner part of the station. Individual train info is also posted at each platform.
Note for Circumvesuviana trains, they don't publish all intermediate stops on the displays so double check your departure time and destination are actually valid for your train route time. I inadvertently tried to get on the wrong train (following directions from Gmaps), only to be directed by a helpful train staff member to the next train on opposite platform arriving 20 minutes later.
Inside the main train hall aside from ticket offices and machines, a tourist info center and currency exchange, there are probably two dozen shops and restaurants, not including a separate food hall with a dozen local and chain restaurants, bars and bakeries. From McDonald's and Starbucks to Toasthouse, Sushi Daily, Fresca Pizzeria Trattoria, Cuori di Sfolgliatella and Scaturchio Pasticceria. Within the rest of the station there's a grocery store, bookstore, souvenir, jewelry and trinket stores, cafes, fast food spots, bathrooms. Luggage storage available in station or in the blocks surrounding, which I'd recommend booking in advance.
Overall the station was clean, functional and safe. I've no qualms about transiting thru here again!