Are you trying to figure out how to get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples? Most of our Italy travel clients find it confusing. Nestled on the southern edge of the Sorrento Peninsula in the Campania region, the Amalfi Coast has over 30 miles of coastline with dramatic cliffs, colorful cliffside villages, crystal-clear waters, and winding coastal roads.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for many travel enthusiasts. But, figuring out how to get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples can be tricky. The best way to get between the two is relative, depending on your budget, timing, and travel style. As the saying goes, you can get there cheap or fast but not both!
The different options include taking a local train or bus, taking a guided tour, securing a rental car, or booking a private transfer. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss each option here and what you need to know, especially if you’re traveling in the summer months.
My Personal Experience on How to Get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples
I stumbled onto the Amalfi Coast by accident. I was studying abroad in Florence when friends invited me to their villa in southern Italy for spring break. Being an adventurous nineteen-year-old, I agreed, completely unaware of where we were going or how beautiful it would be.
Even more exciting, they told me to take a train to Naples, then get on a bus or ferry, and I’d be there. Simple, right? Well, 10 hours later, after taking the wrong train, a wrong bus, and completely missing a ferry, I arrived exhausted but exhilarated. I had no idea the Southern Italian coast was so beautiful.
Compared to busy, Renaissance Florence, the Amalfi Coast towns seemed like another world. I spent the week traveling village to village, befriending locals, helping with a citrus harvest, learning to make pizza, and eating a locally crafted cheese I bought directly from a farmer. It was one of the most transformative trips of my 20s, and it caused a lifelong love and appreciation for the Amalfi Coast.
If you, too, want to experience Amalfi and have been wondering how to get to this area of Italy, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover the best options for how to get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples, a bit about the main towns, and the most popular questions we get asked as professional Italy travel concierges.
How To Get To the Amalfi Coast From Naples: 6 Options
Whether you fly in or arrive by train or car, Naples is the most practical (and culturally enriching) starting point for your Amalfi Coast adventure. You can also get to the Amalfi Coast from Salerno (more on that below), but, in peak season, most of our Italy travel clients start in Naples. Let’s explore the six primary transportation options for reaching the Amalfi Coast from Naples.
Circumvesuviana Train + SITA Bus
One of the most common budget-friendly routes to the Amalfi Coast is taking the Circumvesuviana trains from Naples to Sorrento, followed by a ferry or SITA bus to Positano or Amalfi.
- Step 1: At Naples Centrale train station, follow signs to the lower level where you can board the Circumvesuviana commuter train.
- Step 2: Purchase a ticket to Sorrento (approx. €4) and ride the train for about 70-75 minutes.
- Step 3: Once you arrive in Sorrento, exit the train station and walk to the bus depot, which is just across the street.
- Step 4: Purchase a SITA bus ticket to your desired Amalfi Coast town (Positano is about 45 minutes from Sorrento; Amalfi is about 90 mins). Or, head to the Marina Piccola for the ferry route.
Pro: The Train to the bus is the cheapest option, offering a scenic ride along the coast.
Con: The combination of train and bus is not convenient but affordable. Trains and buses can be crowded and uncomfortable, especially during peak seasons and summer weekends. Some have no or weak air conditioning.
Campania Express Train + SITA Bus
Campania Express is a seasonal train, specifically for tourism, that runs from the Naples train station to Sorrento. You can transfer by SITA bus or take ferries to Positano or Amalfi towns.
- Step 1: At Napoli Centrale train station, follow signs to Napoli Garibaldi station (lower level) where the Campania Express departs.
- Step 2: Purchase train tickets for the Campania Express to Sorrento (approximately €8–€15, depending on the season; reserved seating is included). The ride takes about 50–55 minutes.
- Step 3: Once in Sorrento, exit the train station and head to the bus depot, which is located just across the street. For ferry service, proceed to the ferry port, Marina Piccola, approximately a 10-minute walk from the train station.
- Step 4: Purchase a SITA bus ticket to your Amalfi Coast destination (e.g., approximately 45 minutes to Positano, 90 minutes to Amalfi), or a ferry ticket.
Pro: It is faster, air-conditioned, and less crowded than the Circumvesuviana; reserved seating and luggage space make it more tourist-friendly.
Con: Limited departures per day; tickets sell out in high season, so booking is recommended. Ferry schedules can be tricky to align with train times.
Ferry (Naples to Amalfi Coast by Sea)
During the warmer months (typically April to October), ferries run from Naples’ Molo Beverello port to Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi.
- Step 1: Take a taxi or car service from the airport or the Napoli Centrale station to Molo Beverello port.
- Step 2: Purchase ferry tickets online in advance (through sites like Alilauro, NLG, or Travelmar) or at the terminal.
- Step 3: Board the ferry and enjoy the ride (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to Positano; 1.5-2 hours to Amalfi).
Pro: Stunning views of the coastline; relaxing experience.
Con: It is only available in good weather and during tourist season; limited luggage space and sea conditions can lead to cancellations. It also sells out, so if you miss your ferry, you may be out of luck getting another one.
Guided Tour
Some companies offer a day trip option to the Amalfi Coast, which is ideal for those with limited time.
- Step 1: Book online or through a travel agency.
- Step 2: Meet your group at a designated pickup location in Naples.
- Step 3: Enjoy a full or half-day itinerary with transportation included.
Pro: Great for day-trippers; no planning required.
Con: Limited freedom and does not allow for overnight stays. Contributes to overtourism without enabling you to contribute much to the local economy, so it’s our least favorite option. This is the option most cruise ships offer, so you may find yourself with a group of other tourists.
Rental Car
Driving to the Amalfi Coast offers flexibility, especially if you want to explore smaller villages, visit nearby places like Pompeii, or travel in southern Italy at your own pace. Keep in mind that there are restrictions on when you can drive in the Amalfi Coast as a visitor, so be sure to research that before renting a car!
- Step 1: Rent a car at Naples Airport or the train station.
- Step 2: Drive to the coast (Sorrento is approximately 1.5 hours away, while Positano is about 2 hours, depending on traffic).
- Step 3: Park in designated lots outside town centers, as driving into many villages is restricted.
Pro: Maximum freedom and plenty of options to explore remote spots.
Con: Driving is stressful due to winding, narrow streets, sharp turns, frequent traffic jams, and aggressive local drivers. Finding a parking space is a headache, as it is expensive and limited. Drivers in and around Naples are notorious for their wild driving. Consider this before driving. My Italian husband drove me to Amalfi once and swore never again! It’s not for the faint of heart. Additionally, driving is restricted to locals during certain times of the year.
Private Car Service / Group Transfer
If you value comfort and door-to-door service, booking a private transfer from Naples to the Amalfi Coast is the most convenient choice. When our travel clients determine how to get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples, most choose a private driver.
An alternative option is a group transfer, where you share the transfer with others who are not in your travel party but are going to the same destination.
- Step 1: Book your transfer in advance through a reputable company (two options we’ve used are Naples Airport Transfers and Positano Shuttle). Both have private and group transfer options, so let them know which you prefer.
- Step 2: Your driver will meet you at the airport, train station, or hotel, depending on which transfer type you selected.
- Step 3: Enjoy a direct, air-conditioned ride to your destination along the Amalfi Coast.
Pro: It is stress-free, comfortable, and direct. Hauling luggage is a non-issue. Also, going with a local driver means learning about the destination. This is the option most of our first-time visitors choose.
Con: This is the most expensive option, as costs can range from €200 to more than €1000, depending on the town you’re traveling to, the number of passengers, and the amount of luggage.
The Newer Option: Flying into Salerno Airport
Flying into Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport (also known as Salerno–Pontecagnano Airport) is becoming an increasingly viable option for reaching the Amalfi Coast, especially with its recent expansion and new flight routes. Salerno Airport is about 15 miles from the coastal towns and offers a more direct and less hectic alternative to Naples Capodichino Airport.
Upon landing, you can take a short taxi or shuttle ride to the Salerno train station or ferry terminal. From there, ferries run seasonally to towns like Amalfi, Positano, and Minori, offering a scenic journey along the coast. Alternatively, SITA buses or private transfers can take you directly from Salerno to your final destination.
Pro: Quicker access to the Amalfi Coast with fewer transfers. We particularly think this is a good option if you stay in the southeastern section of the Amalfi Coast in towns like Ravello, Atrani, Maiori, and Vietri sul Mari.
Con: Limited flight availability and connections compared to Naples International Airport.
The Amalfi Coast and Its Towns
Part of determining the best way how to get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples depends on where you are staying. We have covered the Amalfi Coast towns in depth, but here is a reminder of what each town provides:
- Amalfi: the historic heart of the coast and was once a powerful maritime republic. The town features the grand Amalfi Cathedral and a busy waterfront. Despite its small size, it’s my favorite village on the coast.
- Atrani: Just a short walk from Amalfi, Atrani is one of the smallest towns in Italy, yet rich in authenticity.
- Minori and Maiori: Less touristy and more affordable, offering wide beaches and local charm.
- Praiano: A quieter alternative to Positano, perfect for those seeking a more tranquil atmosphere.
- Positano: Famous for its vertical village layout, pastel-colored buildings, boutique shops, and pebble beaches. It’s perhaps the most photographed town along the coast. Positano is larger than Amalfi and offers more shopping, dining, and exploring options.
- Ravello: A peaceful hilltop village known for its elegant villas, like Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, and stunning panoramic views. It’s my favorite place to grab an aperitivo after a long travel day.
Once you get to the Amalfi Coast, you can easily move between towns, visiting one after another using the SITA bus (they offer an unlimited trip day pass for about €15) or the ferries.
Why Start in Naples?
However, the question we are most often asked is not what to do once there but rather how to get there. As travel planners, we frequently recommend starting in Naples.
Beyond determining how to get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples, you may wonder why you should start in Naples. This city is the main gateway to the Amalfi Coast and is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Naples International Airport (Capodichino) serves the city and offers domestic and international flights. It is also a central train hub with high-speed connections to Rome, Florence, and beyond.
Naples itself is also worth exploring for a day or two. It is the capital of Campania food (hello, pizza) and authentic culture. It is home to a vibrant street life, historic churches, world-class museums, and stunning views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples. The people of Naples are also generally warm and welcoming.
I recall being caught in a rainstorm while walking through the city center. An older man opened his home to me, gave me a towel to dry off, made me a coffee, and let me wait out the storm in his kitchen. I can say that I have yet to find this type of hospitality in any other city in Italy.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Get To The Amalfi Coast from Naples
No. Ferries are seasonal and typically operate from April to October. They can be canceled due to bad weather, even in high tourist season.
No. You can take a train to Salerno or Sorrento and then transfer to a ferry or bus to reach the towns of the Amalfi Coast.
The cheapest route is to take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento and then a SITA bus to Positano or Amalfi. This will cost you approximately €15 and include unlimited rides on the SITA bus for that day. However, this route and train ride can be long and hot, especially from June to August, when it's peak tourist season.
The fastest option is a private transfer, which takes approximately 1.5 hours without traffic. Ferries can also be a quick and scenic mode of transportation in good weather. Another fast option is flying into the Salerno airport, the closest airport to the Amalfi Coast.
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Best Time To Go To Positano
Once you’ve mastered the logistics of getting to the Amalfi Coast, make the most of your stay by knowing when to visit. For insight on the ideal season to experience Positano’s vibrant atmosphere, warm sunshine, and the best local events, check out our guide on the best time to go to Positano, Italy. It will help you plan the perfect itinerary for this iconic Amalfi Coast destination.
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Are you considering traveling to Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and the Campania region in real life? Check out our free Campania Travel Guide for our best travel tips, recipes, and articles on Italy.
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