Practical guide
How to Get to the Amalfi Coast
Train, plane, ferry or car: all the options for reaching the coast from Italy and abroad.
The Amalfi Coast has no airport of its own and no train station along its main stretch. The most convenient way to reach it is via Naples (international airport and high-speed rail station) or Salerno (reachable by train from across Italy). From there you have ferries, buses and private transfers.
Our recommendation
High season (May–Oct): fly into Naples, take the direct ferry to Positano or Amalfi. Zero traffic, breathtaking views.
Low season (Nov–Apr): high-speed train to Salerno + SITA bus. Cheaper and ferries are not running.
Quick comparison
Which transport to choose?
Ferry
Apr – Oct
Cost: €15 – €25
Time: 1h – 1h30
Comfort: High
Traffic: None
Train + Bus
Year-round
Cost: €6 – €10
Time: 2h30 – 3h
Comfort: Medium
Traffic: Possible on bus
Private transfer
Year-round
Cost: €90 – €150
Time: 1h – 1h30
Comfort: High
Traffic: Possible
Own car
Low season only
Cost: Fuel + parking
Time: Variable
Comfort: Medium
Traffic: Heavy in summer
From Naples
Capodichino Airport · Naples Central Station
Naples is the main gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Naples Capodichino International Airport (NAP) has direct flights from all major European cities, including many low-cost routes from Rome, Milan, London, Paris, Frankfurt and Madrid. From Naples there are three options to reach the coast:
Direct ferry (summer)
From April to October, high-speed ferries from Naples Molo Beverello go directly to Positano and Amalfi in about 1h30. Comfortable, scenic and traffic-free. Book in advance in high season.
SITA Bus via Sorrento
Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Sorrento (about 1h), then SITA bus along the coast. Cheap but slow (2h30–3h total). A great option if you want to avoid driving.
Private transfer
Taxi or licensed private car (NCC) from Naples airport: around €90–120 to Positano/Amalfi (1h–1h30 without traffic). Convenient for families or with heavy luggage.
From Salerno
Eastern gateway to the Amalfi Coast
Salerno is an often-overlooked but very convenient entry point. Salerno station is served by high-speed trains (1h40 from Rome, 2h30 from Milan) and many regional trains. Salerno–Costa d'Amalfi Airport (QSR) is the closest airport to the coast, with domestic and some European routes. From Salerno, the SITA bus to the coast is frequent and takes 45 minutes to Amalfi. Ferries also run in summer.
Salerno–Costa d'Amalfi Airport (QSR)
The closest airport to the Amalfi Coast, just 20 km from Vietri sul Mare. Flights from Milan, Rome and some European cities. From the airport, bus or private transfer to the coast in about 30 minutes.
Ferry from Salerno (summer)
Ferries from Salerno to Amalfi and Positano from April to October. About 45 minutes to Amalfi, with beautiful views of the coast. Cheaper than ferries from Naples.
From Sorrento
By ferry or scenic road
Sorrento is a popular base for visiting both the Sorrentine Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast. Ferries from Sorrento reach Positano in 25 minutes: it's the most picturesque and quickest way to enter the coast. Alternatively, the SITA bus follows the SP145 and SS163 for about 1h30 to Amalfi.
By Car
⚠️ Not recommended in July and August
The SS163, the coastal highway that runs through the Amalfi Coast, is one of the most spectacular roads in Europe but also one of the narrowest. In high season traffic can be paralysing, with hours of delays. If you drive, keep these tips in mind:
- Depart before 8 am or after 7 pm to avoid the worst traffic
- Park in Sorrento or Salerno and use public transport or ferries along the coast
- Parking in Amalfi and Positano costs €3–5/hour and often sells out in peak season
- Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) driving is pleasant and easy
Where are you starting from?
From Rome
- 1. High-speed train Rome – Salerno (1h40, from €19)
- 2. SITA Bus Salerno – Amalfi (45 min, €2.40)
- Total: about 2h30 – the fastest route
From Milan
- A. Flight Milan – Naples (1h15, from €30) + ferry
- B. Flight Milan – Salerno (1h20) – closest airport to the coast
- C. High-speed train Milan – Salerno (4h30, from €39) + bus
- Salerno is closest, Naples has more flights
From abroad
- ✈ Fly to Naples (NAP) – direct flights from London, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Amsterdam
- ✈ Salerno (QSR) – Costa d'Amalfi Airport, closest to the coast
- ✈ Alternatively: Rome Fiumicino + high-speed train to Salerno
- Salerno is closest, Naples has more low-cost flights, Rome more intercontinental routes
Distances & Travel Times
| From | To | Transport | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naples (Beverello) | Positano | Ferry (summer) | 1h 30min | €18 – €22 |
| Sorrento | Positano | Ferry | 25 min | €18 – €20 |
| Salerno | Positano | Ferry (summer) | 1h 15min | €14 – €18 |
| Naples (airport) | Positano | Private transfer | 1h – 1h30 | €90 – €120 |
| Naples Central | Amalfi | Train + SITA Bus | 2h 30min | ~€6.30 |
| Salerno | Amalfi | SITA Bus | 45 min | €2.40 |
| Sorrento | Amalfi | SITA Bus | 1h 40min | €2.80 |
| Amalfi | Ravello | Local bus | 25 min | €1.30 |
| Amalfi | Praiano | SITA Bus | 20 min | €1.80 |
| Amalfi | Minori | SITA Bus / ferry | 10 min | €1.30 |
| Amalfi | Maiori | SITA Bus / ferry | 15 min | €1.30 |
| Amalfi | Cetara | SITA Bus | 25 min | €1.80 |
| Salerno (airport) | Vietri sul Mare | Bus / Transfer | 20 min | €5 – €30 |
| Salerno | Vietri sul Mare | SITA Bus | 10 min | €1.30 |
| From Rome / Milan / Abroad | ||||
| Rome Termini | Salerno | High-speed train | 1h 40min | from €19 |
| Rome Termini | Naples Central | High-speed train | 1h 10min | from €15 |
| Milan Central | Salerno | High-speed train | 4h 30min | from €39 |
| Milan (airport) | Naples (NAP) | Flight | 1h 15min | from €30 |
| Milan (airport) | Salerno (QSR) | Flight | 1h 20min | from €35 |
| London / Paris / Berlin | Naples (NAP) | Direct flight | 2h – 2h30 | from €30 |
| Rome Fiumicino | Salerno | High-speed train (via Rome Termini) | 2h 30min | from €25 |
Transport guides
Dedicated guides for each mode of transport on the Amalfi Coast