Everything you need to know about ferries, buses, taxis, parking, and connections from airports and train stations.
Select two towns to see travel times between them.
Ferries are the best way to travel the coast from April to October. Scenic, comfortable, and free from the traffic nightmare of the SS163.
The main coastal ferry operator. Most reliable service on the coast. Buy tickets online or at the port kiosks. Salerno departures from Molo Concordia (near the train station). Boats are open-deck โ sit on the left side heading west for the best views. Gets very crowded in Aug; book morning departures.
travelmar.it↗Primary operator to Capri. Fast hydrofoils. Capri from Positano is the quickest crossing โ 30 min. Buy tickets in advance online for summer Saturdays. The Positano-Capri route sells out fast. Sit on the upper deck for views of the Faraglioni on approach.
navlib.it↗Hydrofoil service connecting the full Bay of Naples. Good option for Ischia day trips from the coast (Amalfi-Salerno-Ischia or coast-Sorrento-Ischia). Modern fleet. Covered seating โ less scenic than Travelmar but more comfortable in bad weather.
alilauro.it↗Competes with Travelmar on the Salerno-Amalfi-Positano route, often with slightly lower prices. Also runs Capri service. Check both Alicost and Travelmar schedules and pick whichever departs closer to your preferred time.
alicost.it↗Small fast boats operating from Positano's main beach. More expensive than the big ferries but faster and with more character. Good option if you missed the last Travelmar. Also offers private boat tours to Li Galli and Capri.
positanojet.it↗The local cooperative โ smaller boats, more intimate. Essential for reaching Amalfi's hidden beaches (Santa Croce, Duoglio) that have no road access. The Grotta dello Smeraldo boat trip (โฌ10 return) is the best way to visit the emerald grotto. Departs from Molo Pennello in Amalfi harbor.
coopsantandrea.it↗Positano's local boat service. The Da Adolfo shuttle is legendary โ free if you have a lunch reservation at the restaurant, otherwise ~โฌ5. Spot their boat by the red fish hanging from the mast. They also run Li Galli swimming tours and private Capri boat trips. Departs from the eastern end of Spiaggia Grande.
lucibello.it↗Bus tickets MUST be purchased BEFORE boarding at tabacchi (tobacco shops), bars, or newsstands. The driver will NOT sell you a ticket.
90 minutes, one direction only
Valid on one bus. No transfers. Buy at tabacchi, bars, or newsstands BEFORE boarding. The driver will NOT sell you a ticket.
Single ride, routes over 24km
For longer routes like Amalfi-Sorrento or Amalfi-Salerno.
24 hours from first validation
Unlimited rides on all SITA Sud / Busitalia Campania buses on the Amalfi Coast. The best deal if you plan 3+ rides in a day. Available at tabacchi and SITA ticket offices.
24 hours, all Campania public transport
Covers SITA buses + EAV Circumvesuviana trains + metro + funiculars. Worth it if combining coast travel with Naples or Sorrento. Buy at train stations or online via the UnicoCampania app.
THE iconic Amalfi Coast bus route โ the SS163 from end to end. Sit on the right side heading toward Positano for cliff-side sea views. In July-August the bus is standing-room only by 10:00. Take the 06:30 or 07:30 departure to get a seat. The Positano stops are confusing: 'Chiesa Nuova' is the upper town (for Path of the Gods connections), 'Sponda' is the main stop near the beach. Connects to Circumvesuviana train at Sorrento for Naples.
Frequent and reliable. The road up to Ravello is a series of tight hairpin bends โ sit in the back if you get carsick. Gets packed before Ravello Festival evening concerts (Jun-Sep). Last bus back is around 23:00 but verify the schedule โ missing it means a โฌ25 taxi. Atrani is a request stop; press the button or you'll sail past it.
The eastern coast route. Less dramatic scenery than the Positano side but much less crowded. Connects to Salerno train station (5 min walk from Piazza Concordia) for high-speed trains to Naples and Rome. Useful for catching ferries from Salerno port. The Erchie stop is near a beautiful hidden beach.
Essential for hikers. Bomerano is the starting point of the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods). Take the first bus to start the hike before the heat. The road climbs steeply above Amalfi through the Valle dei Mulini โ beautiful views. Agerola is also famous for its fiordilatte mozzarella โ grab some at a local caseificio. Limited departures; check the schedule the day before.
Reaches the hidden valley of Tramonti โ scattered hamlets in the mountains above Maiori. Famous for wine (the RE Rosso della Costa d'Amalfi) and pizza (many claim the wood-oven pizza tradition here predates Naples). Very few tourists. Limited schedule โ plan carefully.
Taxi fares are fixed by municipal agreement. Always confirm the price BEFORE getting in. Fares are per car (up to 4 passengers), not per person.
| From | To | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maiori | Ravello | โฌ30 | Via the winding SP1. 15 min. |
| Maiori | Amalfi | โฌ25 | 10 min along the coast road. |
| Maiori | Minori | โฌ10 | 3 min โ barely worth a taxi, but useful with luggage. |
| Maiori | Positano | โฌ70 | 40 min via SS163. Summer traffic can push this to 60 min. |
| Amalfi | Ravello | โฌ25 | 15 min up the hairpins. The classic taxi ride. |
| Amalfi | Positano | โฌ55 | 25 min via SS163. Ferry is often faster and cheaper. |
| Amalfi | Atrani | โฌ10 | 3 min. Walk instead โ it's 5 minutes through the tunnel. |
| Amalfi | Minori | โฌ15 | 8 min east. |
| Amalfi | Cetara | โฌ30 | 20 min via Maiori. |
| Amalfi | Vietri sul Mare | โฌ40 | 25 min. |
| Positano | Praiano | โฌ25 | 10 min along SS163. |
| Positano | Ravello | โฌ70 | 40 min. A long ride โ consider bus to Amalfi + taxi up. |
| Positano | Sorrento | โฌ80 | 40 min. Circumvesuviana train from Sorrento connects to Naples. |
| Ravello | Minori | โฌ20 | 12 min downhill. Or walk it in 45 min through Pontone. |
| Salerno Stazione | Amalfi | โฌ70 | 35 min. Agree on the price before departure. Some drivers try to charge more. |
| Salerno Stazione | Maiori | โฌ55 | 25 min. Direct via the eastern coast. |
| Salerno Stazione | Positano | โฌ120 | 1h. Long transfer โ ferry from Salerno is a better option if available. |
| Salerno Stazione | Ravello | โฌ75 | 40 min via Maiori. |
| Napoli Aeroporto (Capodichino) | Amalfi | โฌ130-160 | 90 min-2h depending on traffic. Motorway to Salerno + coast road. Book in advance. |
| Napoli Aeroporto (Capodichino) | Positano | โฌ150-200 | 90 min-2.5h. The most expensive transfer on the coast. Book through your hotel for better rates. |
| Napoli Aeroporto (Capodichino) | Maiori | โฌ120-150 | 75 min-1.5h. Via A3 motorway to Cava de' Tirreni, then coast. |
| Napoli Aeroporto (Capodichino) | Ravello | โฌ140-170 | 90 min-2h. Same as Amalfi + 15 min up the mountain. |
| Napoli Centrale | Amalfi | โฌ130-150 | Same as airport, slightly closer. Train to Salerno (40 min, โฌ5-12) + taxi from Salerno is much cheaper. |
| Roma (any) | Amalfi | โฌ400-600 | 3h+ drive. Only makes sense for groups of 4. Otherwise take the high-speed train Roma-Salerno (2h 30min, โฌ25-50) + bus or taxi. |
| Roma (any) | Positano | โฌ450-650 | 3h+. Same advice: train to Salerno + local transfer is far cheaper. |
Prices spike in July-August. Arrive before 09:00 or forget it. Maiori has the most generous parking on the coast.
Main parking for Positano, on the SS163 above town. Connected to the center by local shuttle bus (โฌ1.50, every 15 min). In summer it fills by 10:00 โ arrive early or give up and take the SITA bus. The shuttle drops you at Chiesa Nuova; from there it's stairs down.
Smaller lot east of Positano near Laurito cove. Closer to Fornillo beach. Fewer spots but less known. From here you can walk down to the beach area in about 15 min.
The closest lot to Spiaggia Grande โ and priced accordingly. On Via Cristoforo Colombo. Often full by 09:00 in summer. If you see a spot, take it immediately.
The largest parking in Amalfi, on the waterfront east of the center. Multi-story garage. Usually has space even in peak season. 5 min walk to Piazza Duomo. The most reliable option.
Open-air lot near the port. Fills quickly in summer. Right next to the ferry terminal โ convenient if combining car + ferry. 3 min to the Duomo.
Tiny lot right at Piazza Duomo. Almost impossible to find a spot in summer. Locals park here โ tourists almost never get lucky. Try it, but have a backup plan.
Main parking for Ravello, near the Auditorium Oscar Niemeyer. The most realistic option. 5 min walk uphill to Piazza Duomo. During Ravello Festival concerts (Jun-Sep), this fills early โ arrive by 17:00 for evening events.
Maiori has the most generous parking on the coast โ the lungomare lot stretches along the beach road. Usually has spots even in August. Maiori is the best base if you want to drive the coast, precisely because of parking availability.
Near the small harbor. Convenient for the ferry. Less crowded than the lungomare lot.
Along the seafront. Small but usually manageable. Minori is quieter than Amalfi and finding a spot is easier.
Small lot in the center. Cetara is a working fishing village โ parking is tight but cheaper than anywhere else on the coast. Come for the colatura di alici (anchovy extract) and leave before lunch crowds.
At the eastern gateway to the coast. Easy parking and good access to the ceramic workshops. From here you can also walk to Salerno along the seafront (30 min).
Valid driving license (EU or international). Minimum age 18. Helmet mandatory (provided). No specific motorcycle license needed for 125cc or under in most EU countries.
The fastest way to move on the coast โ you skip all traffic. But the SS163 is narrow, curving, and shared with buses and trucks. Not for beginners. Drive defensively, hug the right, and beware of blind corners. Rental shops in Amalfi, Maiori, and Positano. Book 1-2 days ahead in summer. Fuel is your responsibility โ there are petrol stations in Maiori, Amalfi, and Positano.
Valid driving license (EU or international) + credit card for deposit. Minimum age 21 (some agencies 25). Full insurance recommended โ narrow roads + other drivers = scratches.
Honestly? Don't rent a car to explore the Amalfi Coast unless you're an experienced European driver comfortable with cliff roads, no guardrails, and oncoming buses on blind corners. The SS163 is legendary for a reason. If you must drive: rent the SMALLEST car available (Fiat 500, Smart, Panda). Anything larger will not fit through Positano or Amalfi's streets. Rental agencies in Salerno, Sorrento, and Naples airport.
No license needed for boats under 40HP / under 10m in Italy. For larger boats, you need a 'patente nautica'. Fuel extra.
The BEST way to see the coast. A self-drive gozzo (traditional wooden boat) from Amalfi, Positano, or Maiori lets you reach hidden beaches, swim in coves, and see the coast from the sea โ the way it was meant to be seen. Book through your hotel or at the harbor. Bring sunscreen, water, and a waterproof bag. Afternoon winds can pick up โ morning is calmer. If you're not comfortable driving a boat, hire a skipper โ they'll take you to spots you'd never find alone.
Distance to coast: 65-90 km (depending on destination)
Route: Airport - A3 motorway - coast destination
Duration: 75 min-2.5h (traffic dependent)
Price: โฌ120-200
The easiest option. Book through your hotel or a reputable service (positanoshuttle.com, amalficoasttransfer.com). Driver meets you at arrivals. Fixed price per car, not per person. Worth it after a long flight.
Route: Airport bus (SITA/Buonotourist) to Salerno, then Travelmar ferry to coast
Duration: 2.5-3.5h total
Price: โฌ10-25 total
Budget option. Take the Buonotourist bus from the airport to Salerno train station (75 min, ~โฌ8). Walk 10 min to Molo Concordia for Travelmar ferries (Apr-Oct only). The scenic ferry ride makes up for the journey length.
Route: Alibus to Napoli Centrale (โฌ5, 20 min), then regional train to Salerno (40 min, โฌ5), then SITA bus or ferry
Duration: 3-4h total
Price: โฌ12-20 total
More connections but more changes. The Alibus runs every 20 min from the airport to Piazza Garibaldi (Napoli Centrale station). From Salerno you have both bus and ferry options to the coast.
Distance to coast: 20-50 km
Route: Salerno Molo Concordia - Cetara - Maiori - Minori - Amalfi - Positano
Duration: 35-70 min depending on destination
Price: โฌ8-15
BY FAR the best option Apr-Oct. Walk 10 min from the train station to Molo Concordia (follow signs to 'Porto Turistico'). Scenic, comfortable, no traffic. Check timetables on travelmar.it. Last ferry usually around 19:00-20:00.
Route: Salerno Piazza Concordia - Vietri - Cetara - Maiori - Minori - Amalfi
Duration: 40-70 min
Price: โฌ2.90
Year-round service. Buy tickets at the tabacchi in the station or at Piazza Concordia. The bus stop is at Piazza della Concordia, 5 min walk from the station. More frequent than ferries but less comfortable.
Route: Direct to destination
Duration: 25-60 min
Price: โฌ55-120
Fixed fares available. Official taxi rank outside the station. For Maiori โฌ55, Amalfi โฌ70, Positano โฌ120. Agree on the price before departure.
Distance to coast: 60-85 km
Route: Napoli Garibaldi - Circumvesuviana - Sorrento (70 min), then ferry to Positano/Amalfi
Duration: 2.5-3.5h total
Price: โฌ12-20 total
The classic backpacker route. Circumvesuviana train (โฌ4.20, every 30 min) runs through Pompeii and the Sorrentine coast to Sorrento. From Sorrento port, ferries to Positano (35 min) and Capri (20 min). WARNING: the Circumvesuviana is notoriously crowded, slow, and hot. Keep valuables close. But it's an experience.
Route: Napoli Centrale - Salerno (Frecciarossa/Italo 35 min, regionale 40 min), then ferry or SITA bus
Duration: 1.5-2.5h total
Price: โฌ10-25 total
The SMART route. High-speed trains run every 30 min (โฌ10-20, book on trenitalia.it or italotreno.it). Regional trains are slower but just โฌ5. From Salerno, take the ferry โ it's the best last leg of the journey. This route avoids the Circumvesuviana entirely.
Route: Direct to coast destination
Duration: 75 min-2.5h
Price: โฌ120-200
Same as from the airport. Can be arranged in advance. Meets you at the station exit.
Distance to coast: 270 km
Route: Roma Termini - Salerno (Frecciarossa 2h 15min), then ferry or SITA bus
Duration: 3.5-4.5h total
Price: โฌ25-60 total (train โฌ19-45 + ferry/bus)
THE recommended route from Rome. Book the Frecciarossa on trenitalia.it โ early booking gets you โฌ19 'Super Economy' fares. The 2h 15min flies by. From Salerno station, walk to Molo Concordia for the ferry (Apr-Oct) or take the SITA bus. You can be on the Amalfi Coast 4 hours after leaving Rome, stress-free.
Route: Roma Termini - Napoli Centrale (1h 10min), Circumvesuviana to Sorrento (70 min), ferry to coast
Duration: 4-5h total
Price: โฌ25-55 total
Longer and more changes. Only choose this if your destination is Positano (slightly closer from Sorrento side) or if you want to visit Pompeii on the way. The Salerno route is easier for Amalfi, Maiori, Ravello.
Route: Direct via A1/A3 motorway
Duration: 3-4h
Price: โฌ400-600
Only makes sense for groups of 4 splitting the cost. Otherwise the train is faster, cheaper, and less stressful. Motorway tolls are ~โฌ30 on top of the transfer price.
Distance to coast: 20-45 km
Route: Sorrento port - Positano (35 min) - Amalfi (50 min)
Duration: 35-50 min
Price: โฌ15-18
Multiple operators (Alilauro, NLG, Alicost). Walk downhill from the station to the port (15 min) or take the bus. Ferries Apr-Oct. The Positano approach from the sea is one of the most beautiful sights in Italy.
Route: Sorrento - Positano - Praiano - Amalfi
Duration: 1h 30min
Price: โฌ2.90
Year-round. The bus station is next to the Circumvesuviana station. Same route as Amalfi-Sorrento in reverse. Left side for sea views heading east.
Discover how to travel between Amalfi Coast towns with detailed guides for every route.
Weekly tips, hidden gems, and local recommendations โ straight to your inbox.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.