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Getting to Amalfi Coast from Naples | Complete guide

Stretching from Naples toward the Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast is a cliffside region of pastel towns, winding roads, and steep sea-facing terraces. Reaching it takes roughly 1.5–2.5 hours depending on traffic and your final stop, so choosing the right route matters. Most travelers arrive by coach, minivan, ferry, or a train-and-bus connection, with Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello commonly linked in one day.

Where is the Amalfi Coast located?

The Amalfi Coast stretches along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, around 60 km (37 mi) from Naples. Most visitors arrive by organized road transfer or private vehicle; seasonal ferries are a useful alternative when sea conditions and schedules allow.

Access point: Piazza Flavio Gioia, 84011 Amalfi SA, Italy****

​Find on map

  • From Naples: ~60 km, 1.5–2.5 hr by road
  • From Sorrento: ~30 km, 1–1.5 hr by road or seasonal ferry
  • From Salerno: ~25 km, 35–70 min by ferry or bus
  • Access: Reach Amalfi by road or sea; public transport often requires connections
  • Recommended option: Organized transfers from Naples for easier multi-town travel

Compare your travel options from Naples to Amalfi Coast

Mode of transportTravel timeEst. costBest for

🚌 Bus + Train (DIY)

2 to 3.5 hrs one way

From €8–15

Budget travelers comfortable managing connections.

🚆 Train + Bus via Sorrento

1.5 to 2.5 hrs one way

Around €10–20

Independent travelers wanting a cheaper route.

🚤 Ferry / Hydrofoil

1.5 to 2 hrs

Around €25–40 one way

Scenic travel and avoiding coastal road traffic.

🚗 Car / Private transfer

1.5 to 2.5 hrs

€40–80+ (fuel, tolls, parking)

Groups wanting flexibility and extra stops.

🚐 Guided day tour

8 to 10 hrs round trip

€70–150 per person

First-time visitors wanting transport and stops handled.

How to get to Amalfi Coast from Naples

People waiting on a platform for a train at a Japanese station.
  • Travel time: 1.5 to 2.5 hrs from Naples.
  • Fare: Around €10–20 one way.
  • How it works: Take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples Central Station to Sorrento, then connect to a SITA bus towards Amalfi, Positano, or other coastal towns.
  • Accessibility: Circumvesuviana trains have limited step-free access; buses may have steps and limited wheelchair space.
  • Practical tip: Start early — buses from Sorrento fill quickly in summer, and late departures can mean long waits.
Passengers boarding a coach bus with smiles, ready for a tour.
  • Travel time: Around 2 to 3 hrs depending on traffic and destination.
  • Fare: Around €5–10 one way.
  • How it works: SITA buses connect Sorrento and Naples-area routes with Amalfi Coast towns, with most travellers changing at Sorrento.
  • Accessibility: Accessibility varies by vehicle and stop; check with SITA before travelling with mobility needs.
  • Practical tip: Avoid midday summer departures. Coastal roads get congested, especially around Positano and Amalfi.
Tourists on a boat tour viewing the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento.
  • Travel time: Around 1.5 to 2 hrs including connections.
  • Fare: Around €25–40 one way.
  • How it works: Seasonal ferries depart from Naples ports and connect with Amalfi Coast towns such as Amalfi and Positano when schedules operate.
  • Accessibility: Boarding usually involves ramps or gangways, but harbour access and boat steps can vary.
  • Practical tip: Check weather conditions before relying on ferries; services can change or stop outside peak season.
Cars parked in a lot under a clear blue sky.
  • Travel time: Around 1.5 to 2.5 hrs depending on traffic.
  • Cost: Around €40–80+ for fuel, tolls, parking, or private transfer costs.
  • How it works: Drive from Naples via the A3 motorway towards Sorrento and the coastal SS163 road, or take a direct private transfer.
  • Accessibility: Car travel avoids public transport steps, but coastal towns have steep streets and uneven walking areas.
  • Practical tip: Driving is flexible but stressful in peak season — narrow roads, limited parking, and traffic make private transfers easier for many visitors.
Guide with tourists exploring historic site in Amalfi.
  • Travel time: Around 8–10 hrs round trip.
  • Cost: Around €70–150 per person.
  • How it works: Tours usually include pickup from Naples, coastal transport, scheduled stops, and return transfers without requiring you to manage connections.
  • Accessibility: Depends on vehicle type and walking involved at stops; confirm requirements before booking.
  • Practical tip: Best suited for first-time visitors who want to cover multiple coastal towns without handling buses, parking, or timing.

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Traffic, timing and practical tips

  • The SS163 Amalfi Coast road is busiest between late morning and late afternoon (around 10am–5pm), especially from June to September and on weekends. Narrow coastal sections, tour buses, and limited parking can make driving slower than expected.
  • Days to avoid: August weekends and Italian public holidays, when Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello see their highest visitor numbers.
  • Mode switch: In peak summer, ferries from Naples/Sorrento to Amalfi Coast towns can avoid road congestion and parking issues.
  • Check Google Maps live traffic on SS163 before departure; delays on the coastal road can add significant time because alternative routes are limited.

Which Amalfi Coast town should you travel to?

Arrival pointBest forTrade-off

Amalfi

First-time visitors who want a central arrival point with easy connections to nearby coastal towns. It works well if you want to use ferries or buses to continue along the coast.

It takes longer to reach from Naples compared with Sorrento, and the town can get crowded during peak summer hours.

Positano

Travellers who want to experience the most famous Amalfi Coast stop and prefer arriving directly at one of the coast’s most recognisable towns.

It is usually the busiest and most expensive option, with steep streets, limited parking, and heavier crowds in summer.

Sorrento

Visitors prioritising easier transport from Naples, with frequent train connections and more flexible onward travel options.

Sorrento is a gateway to the Amalfi Coast, not part of the coast itself, so you still need a bus, ferry, or transfer to reach coastal towns.

Getting around once you're there

  • Walking: Amalfi’s center is manageable on foot, but Positano and Ravello involve steep stairs, slopes, and uneven lanes. Distances look short on maps but take longer in summer heat.
  • Local buses: SITA Sud buses connect Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. They are affordable and useful, but services can fill up by late morning in peak season.
  • Ferries: Seasonal ferries connect Amalfi, Positano, Salerno, and sometimes Naples. They avoid coastal traffic, but schedules depend on weather and season.
  • Taxis and private transfers: Best for short connections or luggage-heavy transfers. Fares are high, so they work better for groups.
  • Car: Useful if continuing beyond the coast, but not ideal for moving between towns. Parking is limited; park once and use buses or ferries where possible.

Other transport services

Airport transfers

Pre-booked private transfers from Naples International Airport to Amalfi Coast towns take around 1.5–2.5 hours depending on the final stop. Useful if you are heading directly to Positano, Amalfi, or Ravello with luggage.

Guided tours with transport included

Many Amalfi Coast day tours from Naples include round-trip transport from a central pickup point or cruise port, avoiding bus connections, parking issues, and coastal road navigation. Useful for first-time visitors covering multiple towns in one day.

Before you leave Naples for the Amalfi Coast

A smooth Amalfi Coast day starts before you reach the coast. Most delays happen because travellers underestimate transfer times, miss connections, or leave too late for a busy coastal route.

  • Start early, especially in summer: Leave Naples before 8–9am if possible. The SS163 coastal road becomes significantly busier from late morning, and later departures mean less time exploring before the return journey.
  • Check your return connection before leaving: If travelling by train and bus, ferry, or public transport, check the last return options in advance. Evening services can be less frequent, especially outside peak season.
  • Allow extra buffer time: Even when the distance looks short on a map, coastal traffic, crowded buses, and ferry schedules can add unexpected delays. Avoid planning your return too close to your next train, flight, or cruise departure.
  • Pack light if using public transport: Changing between trains, buses, and ferries with large luggage can be difficult, especially during crowded summer months. Consider a direct transfer if travelling with bags.
  • Carry essentials for the coast: Keep water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and some cash handy. Some smaller transport points and local shops may not accept cards.

Frequently asked questions about getting to the Amalfi Coast

The easiest option is a guided tour or private transfer, especially for first-time visitors. Public transport is cheaper but involves multiple connections, while driving requires handling narrow roads, traffic, and parking.

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