How to visit Positano and the Amalfi Coast from Naples

The Amalfi Coast, located along the southern shore of the Sorrento Peninsula in Italy, is one of the most picturesque and enchanting places in the Mediterranean. This 50-km stretch, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivates visitors with its dramatic cliffs dropping into the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, its colorful villages seemingly hanging above the abyss, and its rich history dating back to ancient Roman times. From elegant Positano to historic Amalfi and scenic Ravello, this coastline combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and authentic Italian charm, making it a dream destination for travelers from all over the world.

For many travelers, Naples is the starting point for exploring the Amalfi Coast – a city full of contrasts and one of the best places to begin an unforgettable trip along southern Italy. In this short Amalfi Coast travel guide, we’ll share practical tips, transport options, and recommendations for getting to Amalfi from Naples.

Looking for cheap flights to Naples? To compare prices from different airlines, you can check Kiwi.com.

Car Rental in Amalfi

If you decide to rent a car from Naples Airport or directly in the city, you can compare prices and offers from dozens of car rental companies on DiscoverCars.

If you choose a rental car, keep in mind that the road along the Amalfi Coast is extremely narrow, busy, and in places frankly dangerous. Parking can also cost around 30 euros for just a few hours. We know people who chose this option and did not regret it, but personally we would avoid it because of the difficult road and the very high parking prices.

Cheapest Option to Reach Amalfi: Train to Sorrento + bus to Amalfi

This is by far the most popular and budget-friendly public transport option for getting to Amalfi. The downside is that the journey is not direct, but it remains the most flexible and affordable way to reach the Amalfi Coast.

If you choose this route, we recommend staying 1-2 nights in Sorrento. The town is very pleasant, with great places to walk, beautiful views, and good restaurants. Accommodation in Amalfi and Positano is much more expensive, and honestly, with so many tourists from all over the world, the experience there is not always the most authentic, especially during the peak season.

Getting to Sorrento from Naples

If you are staying in central Naples, the easiest way to get to Sorrento is by the Circumvesuviana line, which is basically a suburban metro-like railway serving the nearby towns and villages around Naples. Trains to Sorrento run every 30 minutes and cost about 4 euros, and the journey takes around an hour and a half – Sorrento is the last stop, and the train also passes through Pompeii.

During the tourist season and on weekends, the trains can be very crowded, so be prepared that you may have to stand. Unfortunately, tickets cannot be booked in advance. The trains are not in very good condition, but the price does match the quality.

The station you need is called Napoli-Garibaldi, located on the lower level of Napoli Centrale station, below the platforms for the high-speed trains.

Once you enter the central station or stand in front of it, do not be confused by the signs for Piazza Garibaldi – look for the signs for Circumvesuviana. That is the line to Sorrento. Following the signs will take you to Napoli Garibaldi station. Once there, you need to buy a ticket, either from the counter or from a machine. Be careful, because there are many pickpockets there.

After buying your ticket, do not forget to validate it before boarding the train.

Another way to reach Sorrento by train is the Campania Express line, which is more expensive (about 15 euros), runs less frequently, and operates only during the tourist season, but offers more comfort and guaranteed seating. It also departs from Napoli Garibaldi. For this option, it is advisable to book your ticket online in advance.

Getting from Sorrento to Positano or Amalfi

Option 1: By boat – recommended

Here your options are either by bus (the cheapest) or by boat. If you are visiting the Amalfi Coast between April and October, we recommend taking the boat in at least one direction, as this will let you enjoy the beauty of the Amalfi Coast to the fullest and without waiting in line. During the tourist season, there are between 10 and 15 trips a day, which is more than enough.

The price is around 20-30 euros, depending on the season and the company. Usually, the boat stops in Positano and Amalfi, and we recommend buying a ticket to Amalfi, since it is the farther stop and will allow you to see more of the coastline. From Amalfi, you can get to Positano by bus. For the timetable, you can use this site.

Option 2: Getting to Amalfi y bus – SITA bus

If you choose to take the bus – the so-called SITA bus – from Sorrento to Positano, it is best to arm yourself with patience, especially in summer. The queues can be long, and you may wait 30-60 minutes before getting on the bus.

The advantage of this option is that it has many intermediate stops and is cheaper. One ticket covers the entire area between Sorrento and Amalfi and costs 2.60 euros. The curves are very sharp and the drivers are quite wild, so get ready for a crazy ride.

Direct boat from Naples to Amalfi

If you decide to rent a car, it is important to keep in mind that the road along the Amalfi Coast is extremely narrow and busy and, in some places, frankly dangerous. Parking can also cost around 30 euros for just a few hours. We know people who chose this option and did not regret it, but personally we would avoid it because of the difficult road and the very high parking prices.

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