Getting from Naples to the Amalfi Coast - Transportation Guide
Affiliate disclosure: some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you book using one of them, we’ll earn a small commission. All of our info is free to read and free of ads, so we appreciate it!
Considering that the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most-visited areas, it can be surprising that getting there from Naples is actually not so simple. Getting around once you’re there is also a little bit complicated.
On the Amalfi Coast, there is no singular means of transport and in most cases you’ll have to take a combination of train and bus, various buses, or ferry and bus as you move around.
Which options will make the most sense for you depends on where you’re staying, which towns you’re planning to visit, and whether you’re looking to make lots of sightseeing stops along the way or go directly between destinations.
For the purpose of this guide, we’ve assumed that you’ll be starting your trip in Naples, as this is the entryway to the Amalfi Coast and the region’s transport hub.
The guide begins by covering the various options for getting from Naples to the Amalfi Coast before we get into all the different options for getting around on the coast once you’re there.
More Italy travel info:
If you could use some local help planning your Amalfi Coast and Italy trip, schedule an Italy travel consultation with one of our local experts!
Table of contents
Things to know before you go
How to get to and around the Amalfi Coast: train, bus, ferry, car, & driver
Naples to Sorrento
Naples to Positano
Naples to Amalfi
Naples to Salerno
Private drivers & day tours
Renting a car and driving yourself
Frequently asked questions
Amalfi Coast planning cheatsheet
Plan your itinerary with expert advice
- Book an Italy travel consultation with a local expert
My favorite hotels on the Amalfi Coast
- Maison La Minervetta - clifftop luxury overlooking Sorrento. $450/night
- Palazzo Marziale - gorgeous rooms in a restored palace in Sorrento. $200/night
- Casa Santangelo Suites - opulent style in the heart of Salerno. $250/night
- B&B il Duca d'Amalfi - excellent value in Salerno's old town. $110/night
Guided tours and activities
- Classic Amalfi Coast Driving Tour
- Pompeii with an Archaeologist
- Walking tour of Naples
- Capri boat tour (from Sorrento)
- Path of the Gods hike (small group)
How to get around
- Car rentals with DiscoverCars
- Train tickets from Trenitalia and Circumvesuviana
- Bus routes at SITA
Guided Tours of the Amalfi Coast
If you’d like to see the Amalfi Coast through the eyes of a local, reach out to Marco, our favorite local driver-guide.
Marco is born and raised in Sorrento, and he’s spent his entire life on the Amalfi Coast. For over 20 years, he’s welcomed visitors to his home region, showing them both the highlights and hidden gems of this stunning peninsula.
If you’re looking for a driver and guide for a day or two of touring the coast, Marco is your man!
Important things to consider when traveling to the Amalfi Coast
High season
One very important thing to consider when thinking about how you’ll get around during a stay on the Amalfi Coast is the season. The Amalfi Coast essentially has no shoulder season anymore and the entire region is very busy from spring through fall. Winter is quiet, but still not empty.
During high season, hotels will sell out, restaurants will require reservations well in advance, and guides, drivers, and tour operators won’t have last-minute availability.
Off season
Over the winter, much of the Amalfi Coast shuts down and tourist services largely disappear. Hotels and restaurants may be closed, tour operators will have shut up shop for the season, and ferry companies and other transportation providers will have heavily reduced service.
Cruise ships
And from late spring through early fall, hundreds of cruise ships stop in Naples, sometimes multiple in a single day. A single cruise ship can bring thousands of visitors which can clog public transport, result in drivers and taxis being sold out, and lead to huge crowds at all the sights.
You would be wise to keep this in mind while planning and choose dates when there are no cruise dockings for your multi-town exploring days. You can check the cruise schedules on Cruisemapper or Cruisedig.
Driving
While it can be very tempting to rent a car to have more freedom while exploring the Amalfi Coast, it’s not always actually a very good option. The roads here are narrow, winding, and steep and traffic is intense at every time of day. If you’re unfamiliar with driving in Italy, driving on the Amalfi Coast can be an overwhelming experience.
There’s also only one main road that runs along the coast, so anytime you get in the car you’re going to find yourself on the same road as everyone else here; locals, tourists, buses, day trippers, etc.
Parking
The towns of the coast are tiny and built on the side of cliffs. Many of them have just one or two roads, meaning that parking space is incredibly limited. Spaces are also small, so you need to be a confident parker to get into them. If you’re driving a rental car, this may mean scratches and damage. Beaches, viewpoints, and trailheads have the same problem - you often won’t even be able to find an open spot.
How to get to and around the Amalfi Coast
Almost every trip to the Amalfi Coast will start off in Naples, southern Italy’s largest city. From Naples, you have a variety of options for getting to the towns that make up the Amalfi Coast; train, bus, ferry, taxi, or private driver.
Most transportation options will require that you first get to the towns of Salerno or Sorrento, and then transfer on to your final destination.
Once you’re on the coast, your options for getting between towns are pretty limited. You have the public SITA bus that connects all the towns, private drivers/taxis, and a few seasonal ferry connections that are limited to certain towns. In most cases, the bus will be your best means of transport for getting around the coast. Service is frequent, cheap, and easy to navigate.
Train
Train service from Naples to the Amalfi Coast is limited to two destinations, Sorrento and Salerno. No other towns on the coast have train stations. Three train companies operate the routes.
For Naples to Sorrento you have the choice between two privately operated train companies, the Circumvesuviana and the Campania Express trains. These trains leave from Napoli Centrale/Piazza Garibaldi, Naples’ main train station.
For Naples to Salerno, your only option is the national rail service, Trenitalia, which also departs from Napoli Centrale.
Trains leave regularly to both Sorrento and Salerno all throughout the day, and typically take about 1 hour.
Bus
The only direct bus connection between Naples and the Amalfi Coast is provided by the Curreri Viaggi bus company. It runs a non-stop route between Naples Airport and the town of Sorrento. There are no buses from Naples city center to the Amalfi Coast.
Once you are on the coast, however, there is frequent bus service that connects the various towns, provided by the SITA bus company. Buses between the towns of the Amalfi Coast are frequent and service begins early in the morning and runs into the late evening. The bus stops at every town along the coast, but do know that you may sometimes have to make a change in the town of Amalfi.
Ticket prices for the bus vary depending on your start and end point, but are typically no more than a few euros. If you plan to use the bus frequently, you can buy a 24-hour unlimited use ticket for about 10 euros.
Ferry
If you’re visiting the Amalfi Coast, you’re undoubtedly here for the coastal views and the beautiful sea, so taking a ferry can be a great way to combine leisure and transportation.
There are a few different options available. From Naples, all ferry services depart from Beverello Port. You have direct ferries to Positano, Amalfi, and Sorrento.
Do be aware, though, that the ferries are seasonal and have very different schedules, so you should always check and reconfirm them. Most are only operational from April to November.
Ferry service is provided by three companies: Travelmar, Alilauro, and NLG.
You also have ferry connections between some of the towns of the coast, mostly provided by small local companies. Sorrento and Salerno offer the most options for getting to other towns, but even smaller ones have some connections between one another.
Trips between towns normally take no more than half an hour and rides cost from 5-20 euros. To check routes, compare timetables, and purchase tickets, the easiest site to use is Ferry Scanner.
Transfer/taxi
Taxis and private drivers are available for hire in Naples and most of the towns of the coast. Many towns will not have drivers waiting around though, so you will need to call and request service. In high season, these services need to be requested in advance.
Taxis from Naples to the towns of the Amalfi Coast will normally cost from 100-200 euros, one way. The ride takes 1-2 hours depending on your final destination. Getting between towns via taxi costs from 30-150 euros.
If you want to book ahead of time, you can reserve a transfer to/from anywhere on the coast with the company Amalfi Tour Leader on Viator.
Driver-guide
Another popular means of transport is to hire a driver for a day tour of the coast. Most drivers will spend 8-9 hours with you, and take you throughout the entire peninsula. A full-day tour usually costs about 600 euros.
Our favorite private driver is always Marco Puglia who is based in Sorrento and has been offering all different types of driving tours and transfers for the last 15 years.
If you’re after something more budget-friendly, this small group driving tour is similar to what we just described, but it’s a shared experience, so much cheaper.
Car rental
Car rentals are available at Naples airport and in the city center. All of the major international companies have offices in Naples and you’ll also find lots of local companies, which are often cheaper.
Prices vary enormously depending on the season. While renting a car in the winter can cost as little as 20 euros a day, you’ll regularly see prices of 100+ euros per day in the summer season. Car rentals do also sell out, so you need to book in advance.
Manual transmission cars are still the most common in Italy, so getting an automatic will cost you more and you’ll find fewer of them. If you need an automatic, be sure to check availability when booking.
The roads of the Amalfi Coast are good quality, but they are narrow, winding, and clogged with traffic. For travelers with only a few days on the coast, renting is often more of a hassle than anything else.
You can compare prices from a host of car rental companies by using an online car rental website like DiscoverCars.
Naples to Sorrento
Train
For most travelers, the easiest way to get from Naples to Sorrento is to take the train. Unlike in most of Italy, the service is not via Trenitalia or Italo. Instead, a local company called Ente Autonomo Volturno operates the two different train lines that run the route: the Circumvesuviana and the Campania Express.
All trains depart from Naples’ main train station, Napoli Centrale/Piazza Garibaldi. The journey takes about 1-1.5 hours and tickets cost 5-15 euros, depending on which company you use.
Circumvesuviana
The Circumvesuviana is a regular commuter line, so trains run all throughout the year and tickets are cheap; 5 euros. Service starts at 6:00 am and you have 2 departures every hour until late in the evening. The train makes frequent stops along the route, so it is slower than the Campania Express, which is primarily a tourist train.
While the Circumvesuviana is a perfectly functioning train line, you should be aware that there are no assigned seats, no dedicated luggage storage, and no air conditioning. The carriages are a bit worse for wear and not the most elegant. Train tickets cannot be purchased in advance, so you have to do it at the station.
Campania Express
The Campania Express is primarily for tourists and only runs during the high season of mid-March through October. The journey from Naples to Sorrento (or the reverse) will take about 1 hour and tickets cost 15 euros.
At the time of writing, the Campania Express train offers four daily departures from Naples to Sorrento - 8:50 am, 11:30 am, 3:30 pm, and 6:00 pm. Whether it’s a good option for you will depend on your schedule.
Tickets for the Campania Express can be purchased in-person at the station or online. Purchasing your tickets directly aboard either train will incur an additional surcharge of 5 euro per ticket.
Bus
Unfortunately, there is no direct bus service between Naples city center and the Amalfi Coast, so this isn’t a very convenient option.
However, for travelers who are arriving to Naples by plane, there is a direct bus to Sorrento from the airport.
The Curreri Viaggi Bus Company runs the route, and the bus departs multiple times per day, starting at 9:00 AM and with a final departure at 7:30 PM. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs 10 euros.
Ferry
Naples and Sorrento are connected by ferry, with five daily crossings departing from Naples’ Beverello port and arriving to Sorrento’s central marina. Service is offered by NLG and Alilauro and runs all throughout the year.
There are departures at 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 3:00 pm, 5:15 pm, and 6:25 pm. The journey takes approximately 35-45 minutes and costs 15 euros regardless of which company you use.
To check ferry schedules and prices, try using Ferry Scanner.
Taxi/driver
Taxis and private drivers are readily available from anywhere in Naples to bring you anywhere on the Amalfi Coast. The drive from Naples to Sorrento takes about 1-hour and usually costs 100-120 euros.
If you want to book online, you can schedule a private transfer with the company Prestige Limos on Viator. It will cost from 90 euros, depending on how many people you are.
Naples to Positano
Train/bus
There is no train service between Naples and Positano. However, you can take the train from Naples to Sorrento and then transfer to the SITA bus.
You have at least two trains every hour from Naples to Sorrento, with a travel time of 1-1.5 hours. Tickets cost 5-15 euros. Service is run by two private train companies, the Circumvesuviana and the Campania Express.
The Campania Express is the quicker and more comfortable of the two, but it is a seasonal tourist train and offers only 4 departures each day as opposed to the twice hourly departrues of the Circumvesuviana.
Circumvesuviana tickets can only be purchase on-site at the station, while you can purchase Campania Express tickets online in advance.
Once you’ve reached Sorrento, the SITA bus departs directly from the train station, so transferring is very easy. The bus connects Sorrento to all of the towns of the Amalfi Coast, Positano included.
It will take you about 1 hour on the bus to get from Sorrento to Positano. The bus departs twice per hour and tickets cost a few euros.
Ferry
Naples and Positano are connected by ferry via 3 daily crossings throughout the week, with service increasing to 5 departures over the weekend.
These are summer-only ferries, and the route is offered exclusively from mid-June to mid-September. One-way tickets cost 20-30 euros and the journey takes 1.5-2 hours.
NLG operates the three daily weekday ferries, each with a transit time of about 2 hours. Timetables are constantly subject to change, but expect a morning departure and then at least one more in the mid-afternoon.
Alilauro offers this route only on Saturdays and Sundays, with one morning departure at approximately 8:00 am. This ferry is a bit quicker, completing the route in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
To check ferry schedules and prices, try using Ferry Scanner.
Taxi/private transfer
Taxis and private transfers are readily available from anywhere in Naples to bring you anywhere on the Amalfi Coast. Depending on the traffic, the drive from Naples to Positano takes 1-2 hours and usually costs 120-200 euros.
You can book online via Viator with the company Positano Tony Taxi/Tours. Prices for a private transfer in a sedan start at 120 euros.
Naples to Amalfi
Train/bus
There is no train service between Naples and Amalfi. However, you can take the train from Naples to Sorrento or Salerno and then transfer to the SITA bus.
Trains depart Naples for both cities multiple times per hour, the journey takes about 1 hour, and tickets cost 5-20 euros.
From Salerno, the SITA bus takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to Amalfi. From Sorrento, the ride to Amalfi is 1 hour and 45 minutes.
In high season or if there’s heavy traffic, expect for travel times to increase significantly. Buses depart both Sorrento and Salerno twice per hour and tickets cost a few euros.
For more info on the train between Naples and Sorrento, see the above section titled “Naples to Sorrento”. For more info on the train between Naples and Salerno, scroll down to the next section.
Ferry
Two companies offer ferry routes between Naples and Amalfi: NLG and Alilauro.
As with the ferry route between Naples and Positano, this is a summer-only line.
During the week, NLG offers two daily crossings at 08:30 am and 2:30 pm. Tickets cost 20-30 euros and the trip takes 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Over the weekend, Alilauro adds two more daily crossings at 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. At just 1 hour and 15 minutes, the trip is a bit quicker, and tickets also cost 20-30 euros.
To check ferry schedules and prices, try using Ferry Scanner.
Taxi/driver
Taxis and private drivers are readily available from anywhere in Naples to bring you anywhere on the Amalfi Coast. Without traffic, the drive from Naples to Amalfi takes 1 hour and 15 minutes and a taxi ride will cost you 150-200 euros.
The Chaffeur of Positano transfer company has private, one-way transfers starting at 140 USD.
Naples to Salerno
Train
Getting from Naples to Salerno is probably the easiest journey of any we’ve covered. From Naples, you have departures to Salerno almost every 20 minutes beginning early in the morning and ending late at night. The route is run by Italy’s national rail service, Trenitalia.
Tickets cost about 5 euros and the journey takes 40 minutes to 1 hour depending on the train. If you’re coming from Rome, you can even take a train directly to Salerno without needing to make a change in Naples.
Tickets can be booked online in advance or at the station. As this is a local train, prices do not fluctuate much and they rarely sell out, so buying on the spot is typically fine.
Bus
Given the frequency and cheap price of the train, there is really no reason to take the bus from Naples to Salerno. However, it does exist.
Flixbus runs a route from Naples Metropark Centrale (adjacent to the Napoli Centrale train station) to Salerno’s Piazza Concordia square. The trip takes one hour and tickets cost about 4 euros.
There are a few departures spread out throughout the day.
Taxi/driver
Salerno is just 55 kilometers (34 miles) kms away from Naples and the drive takes only 45 minutes. A taxi or ride with a private driver will normally cost you 100 euros, or a bit less.
Ferry travel between the towns of the Amalfi Coast
Once you’re on the Amalfi Coast, you can also move between towns (and Capri) by ferry. Service is nowhere near as frequent or comprehensive as the SITA bus, but you do have ferry routes that connect a few of the main towns. These routes are seasonal, usually running from around April until some time in October.
From both Sorrento and Salerno you have ferries to get to other Amalfi Coast towns like Amalfi and Positano. These routes are operated by NLG, Alilauro, and Travelmar.
Over the summer, Travelmar and a few smaller local companies also provide short ferry rides on smaller boats between towns like Amalfi, Positano, Cetara, Maiori, Minori, and even Capri.
To give you an idea of travel time and cost, consider the following routes:
Amalfi to Positano: about 20 minutes travel time and cost of 15-20 euros.
Amalfi to Capri: about 60 minutes travel time and 25 euros cost.
Positano to Capri: about 30 minutes travel time and 25 euros cost.
If you’re traveling with luggage, know that there may be an additional per bag fee of a few euros.
To check routes, compare prices, and buy tickets, Ferry Scanner is definitely the easiest site to use. It might cost you a few more euros than booking direct, but it’s a much better done website than any of the company’s direct sites.
Guided tours and private transfers
If you’ve got a more flexible budget and are looking for even more comfort, you can opt for a private transfer.
A transfer will certainly cost more, but instead of having a taxi driver who’s trying to shave time and get to the next fare, you’ll have a dedicated professional driver who will take their time and share all sorts of information about the region while you drive.
Transfer/tour combo option
If you’re thinking about doing a sightseeing tour of the Amalfi Coast during your stay, a cost-effective solution is to turn your transfer from Naples to the coast into a full-day guided tour.
You can work with most drivers to tailor your ride to include sightseeing stops and other activities along the way. This is a very popular option throughout the Amalfi Coast as it allows you to combine transportation that you would be paying for anyways with a private guided tour. Most drivers offer both half-day and full-day options.
Driving tours & transfers
For those with limited time, a full-day driving tour is a great way to see a lot of the Amalfi Coast in a little bit of time. Most driving tours are 8-9 hours and drivers can typically accommodate up to 6-8 guests in their vehicles.
When possible, we recommend doing a driving tour on the day you arrive to the region as it gives you a good introduction to the entire Amalfi Coast and it saves you some money on a transfer as you can get picked up at the train station, airport or ferry terminal in Naples and then finish the tour at your hotel on the coast.
For driving tours and transfer anywhere around Naples and the Amalfi Coast, we always recommend driver-guide Marco who is based in Sorrento and has lived his entire life in the region.
Walking tours
If you’re interested in walking tours, we highly recommend them in Naples and Salerno. Naples is a big city full of history & culture, hidden corners, and wonderful architecture. It can also be chaotic and confusing, so having a local guide with you really adds to the experience. Salerno, while not remotely as big as Naples, is an interesting little city that has a lot to see.
The town of Ravello is home to some beautiful villas and gardens, like those found at Villa Cimbrone and is nice for a longer visit if you have the time.
For terrific walking tours, we always recommend local guide Roberto. He’s an archaeologist-guide based in Salerno who runs really fun and interesting experiences.
Archaeological tours
Anyone with even a passing interest in archaeology, history, or Roman civilization should dedicate at least a morning or afternoon to exploring the Amalfi Coast’s stunning archaeological sites. Pompeii is the best known, but Paestum and Herculaneum are also wonderful places to visit (and much less crowded).
As for walking tours, our go-to guide is always Roberto, who is a PhD archaeologist and fully licensed guide.
Renting a car and driving on the Amalfi Coast
If you’re a confident driver and aren’t overly concerned about winding mountain roads and narrow city streets, renting a car is an ok option for traveling around the Amalfi Coast. We don’t suggest doing it for most travelers, but under the right circumstances it can make sense.
The car will give you the freedom to go where you want whenever you want, without fear of missing a bus or ferry or the hassle of shifting your schedule around to accommodate inconvenient departure times.
The coastal roads in the Amalfi Coast are among the most beautiful in all of Italy, and having a car will give you the luxury of stopping to enjoy the countless stunning vistas you’ll pass on your journey. Just don’t try to enjoy the views while driving!
The drive from Naples to Sorrento by car takes approximately 1 hour. From Sorrento its only an additional 30 minute drive to reach Positano, with Amalfi, Atrani, and Ravello a bit further.
That said, we really don’t recommend driving on the Amalfi Coast unless you’re coming in low season - before Easter or later in October. Below, we’re going to detail a hole host of fun aspects of driving on the coast which should give even the most experienced drivers some pause. If we haven’t persuaded you not to drive by the end, then go for it!
Parking on the Amalfi Coast
If you decide to rent a car, make sure to plan out your parking beforehand, as this can be a challenge all throughout the Amalfi Coast. Towns here are often nestled along hillsides, and parking is limited, irregular, and can be quite challenging.
There is very little public parking and spaces can be very tight by North American standards.
In high season, you simply will not find a place to park and can lose hours of time trying to do so. Even in off season and shoulder season parking can be nearly impossible. Keep this in mind.
Be sure to talk with your accommodation beforehand as well to make sure that they have dedicated parking available or know of a convenient place for you to leave the car.
Alternate day driving
A few years ago new rules were put in place to limit the number of people driving on the coast on any given day. The rules apply to anyone driving a car.
It is as follows: cars can only drive on every other day. Cars with license plates ending in an odd number cannot drive on odd numbered days. Cars with license plates ending in an even number cannot drive on even numbered days.
The restriction is in effect during Easter week (early April) and then on all weekends from June 15th through September 30th. In addition, the rule is in effect EVERY day throughout the entire month of August.
There is an exception for travelers with verifiable arrival and departure info. I.e. if you have a hotel reservation, you are allowed to drive from outside of the coast to your hotel even if you technically cant. Likewise, you can drive out of the coast on the scheduled day of your departure (i.e. when your hotel reservation is up) regardless of your license plate.
These rules are for the Amalfi Coast. The Sorrento coast his its own fun set of rules. For more info please see here.
ZTL limited traffic zones
You also have many “ZTL” zones (limited traffic zones) where cars cannot go on certain days or at certain times of day. Fines for violating these rules can be quite expensive.
Manual and automatic vehicles
While automatic vehicle rentals are plentiful in Italy, most cars are still manual transmission. In shoulder or low season, getting an automatic should be no problem and will only cost a bit more than a manual. In high season, you may not even find and if you do, it may be almost double the price.
Narrow and steep roads
The roads in the Amalfi Coast are winding, narrow, and steep. There are sections all throughout where two cars cannot pass without one of them needing to squeeze into the shoulder of the road.
If you’ve never driven in Italy, renting a car may turn into a rather stressful instead of liberating endeavor.
Rental companies
You have all the major international car rental companies in Naples and you can always book direct with any of them.
That said, if you plan on renting a car, we also always recommend checking prices on DiscoverCars. It’s an online aggregator that includes offerings from all the major international rental companies as well as lots of smaller local agencies, which often have much better pricing.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the Amalfi Coast from Naples?
The Amalfi Coast is a peninsula near to Naples that contains 13 towns. Technically, it starts around the town of Positano (at the tip of the peninsula) and runs up until the city of Salerno. Naples to Positano is 56 km (35 miles) and the trip takes 1 hour and 30 minutes by car.
What’s the fastest way to get from Naples to the Amalfi Coast?
The fastest and easiest way to get from Naples to the Amalfi Coast is to hire a taxi or private driver. By car, getting from Naples to any town on the Amalfi Coast usually takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, costing from 120-200 euros.
Via public transport, the quickest way to get from Naples to the Amalfi Coast is to take a ferry from Naples’ Beverello port to Positano or Amalfi. Direct ferries take about 1 hour and 30 minutes - less time than driving if there’s traffic - and they depart up to 3 times per day. The port terminal is also adjacent to the city center and it’s easily reached by bus or even walking. That said the departure times may not line up with your schedule, making using the ferry inconvenient.
Another option is to take a high-speed train from Naples to Salerno and then take a taxi or ferry from Salerno to your final destination on the Amalfi Coast. Trains between Naples and Salerno run every 20 minutes and the journey takes 40 minutes to one hour. Tickets cost as little as 5 euros.
Can you get a taxi on the street in the Amalfi Coast?
There are taxis available throughout the Amalfi Coast, but rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft do not exist. Also, while you can find taxis on the street in Positano and Amalfi, from most other towns you will need to call and request service. In the summer, taxis are extremely busy and you will need to book many services in advance if you want to guarantee availability.
Can you visit the Amalfi Coast without a car?
The vast majority of people visiting the Amalfi Coast do so without a car. In fact, from April to November (high season), having a car is almost always more of a hassle than not. Public transportation on the Amalfi Coast is good, with public buses, frequent ferries, and even train service to some towns. You’ll have no problem visiting and getting around without a car.
That said, if you only have one day to visit the coast, you probably want to hire a driver or use a combination of ferry/bus and taxi to maximize your time. But if you’ll be visiting for multiple days, not having a car is not an issue at all.
Can you walk between towns on the Amalfi Coast?
Footpaths, trails, and sidewalks run all over the hilly slopes of the Amalfi Coast, connecting towns. Some towns are only a few minutes walk from each other, while others would require multi-hour hikes through the hills. You won’t want to solely rely on walking to get around the Amalfi Coast, but you can certainly walk between some of the towns.
How many days do you need to visit the Amalfi Coast?
While you can get a coast for the Amalfi Coast and see some of the towns in just a day, you really need at least 3 days to enjoy the region. The Amalfi Coast is a destination to take things slowly; savor views, sip a leisurely cocktail, lounge on the water, and hike in the hills. To experience the region in the best way possible (and not spend all your time in transport), give yourself at least 3 days.
When is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?
The Amalfi Coast is one Italy’s premier tourist destinations and millions of people visit every year. High season runs from practically April until November, and there really is no shoulder season here. For us, the best time to visit is in early spring before the mass crowds arrive or in late fall once they’ve all departed.
Where should you stay on the Amalfi Coast?
The two best places to base yourself on the Amalfi Coast are Sorrento and Salerno. In terms of access, they’re the two easiest towns to get to from anywhere else and they provide the best transportation connections to all the other towns of the coast. They’re also real cities, so there’s lots to do and many good options for restaurants, bars, hotels, grocery stores, and everything else you might need.
Staying in towns like Amalfi or Positano may seem tempting, but they are extremely overcrowded and don’t actually have very much to do, so spending multiple days in them may get boring.
Can you visit the Amalfi Coast on a day trip from Naples?
It’s entirely possible to visit the Amalfi Coast as a day trip from Naples, but you need to plan things well. You won’t be able to see every town, but you’ll be able to stop in major ones like Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Atrani, and stop at lots of fabulous scenic viewpoints.
Public transport on the Amalfi Coast, while extensive, can be very slow. Traffic can also be terrible and parking is extremely limited, so driving yourself can also be a nightmare. If you want to visit on a day trip, the easiest thing to do is to hire a private driver who will pick you up and drop you back off in Naples and take you around for the day, without any need for you to park, wait for buses, stand in ferry lines, or get stuck in traffic.
Can you visit the Amalfi Coast on a day trip from Rome?
Visiting the Amalfi Coast as a day trip from Rome is doable if you take the high-speed train to Naples and then hire a private driver to take you around the coast for the day. You’ll need at least 8 hours of time on the coast to see anything, and you need to budget 2 hours of travel in each direction. So, you’ll need a bare minimum of 12 hours to do a day trip to the Amalfi Coast from Rome.
The train from Rome to Naples runs from early in the morning until late in the evening, the journey takes 1 hour and 10 minutes, and departures run multiple times every hour. Once you arrive in Naples, a driver can pick you up at the train station and bring you straight to the coast.
Driving from Rome to Naples is slower than taking the train (3 hours instead of 1) and ultimately means that you’ll spend almost 14 hours in the car if you attempt to do a day trip.
- Private, customizable tours
- Luxury Mercedes vehicles
- 20+ years experience
- Genuine & friendly guide
Explore with Marco!
