How To Get To Ravello (by an Italian)
Ravello is one of the most elegant towns on the Amalfi Coast. It sits high above Amalfi, quiet, green, and a bit removed from the chaos by the water. If you’re wondering what makes it so special, you can read my full guide to things to do in Ravello.
The first time I planned a visit, I remember being a bit confused about how to actually get there. Ravello is not on the coast, it has no train station, and the last stretch is always uphill by bus, shuttle, or taxi, or on foot if you are feeling ambitious.
In this guide, I break everything down in a simple way. You will find the easiest routes by ferry, taxi and public transport from the main bases, plus a few tours that include Ravello if you prefer to skip the logistics.
Where is Ravello?
Ravello is in Campania, on the Amalfi Coast, but not directly on the coastline. It sits on the hillside above Amalfi, which is why it feels calmer and more “private” than the busy harbor towns below.
Distances and travel times (very approximate, and highly affected by season and traffic):
- Amalfi → Ravello: about 25–35 minutes by SITA bus (plus waiting time).
- Sorrento → Ravello: usually 1.5–2.5 hours by public transport (bus + connection in Amalfi).
- Naples → Ravello: often around 2–3 hours by public transport (train or bus + Amalfi connection)
- Salerno → Ravello: often 1.5–2.5 hours depending on ferry or bus + Amalfi connection.
How to Get to Ravello at a Glance
From Amalfi (easiest DIY):
Take the SITA bus up to Ravello or the Amico shuttle. A taxi is the backup when buses are too packed, or you are short on time.
From Positano and other coast towns:
You usually pass through Amalfi, then go up to Ravello by bus or taxi.
From Naples, Sorrento and Salerno:
Public transport works, but it is a chain of connections. A day tour is often simpler if you want a smooth day.
From Amalfi
If you’re visiting Ravello from Amalfi as a day trip, I’d actually do the route in reverse: start in Ravello in the morning, then head down to Amalfi in the afternoon.
My Amalfi and Ravello day trip itinerary explains the exact order I’d follow, including when it makes sense to walk down instead of taking the bus.
By Bus
The SITA bus is the standard way to get up to Ravello. The route is usually listed as line 5110 Scala – Ravello – Amalfi. Travel time is short on paper, but in summer, it can be slower due to traffic and crowds.
The bus leaves from the main SITA bus stop near the port, just behind the waterfront area and close to Piazza Flavio Gioia. It is well signed, but lines can get long in high season.
Tickets and price
- €2.60 one way
- Tickets can be bought at:
Do not try to pay the driver. You must have a valid ticket before boarding.
Timetable
Schedules change by season, but this is what you can generally expect:
| Time of day | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Early morning | Every 30 minutes |
| Late morning – afternoon | Every 20–30 minutes |
| Evening | Every 40–60 minutes |
For exact times, always check the official timetable. The website is in Italian but you can translate it with Google Translate, or check the timings on the Unico Campania app.
Pros
✓ Cheapest option
✓ Runs year round
✓ No need to drive narrow roads
Cons
✕ Can be very crowded in high season
✕ You may have to wait for several buses
✕ Travel time increases with traffic
By The Amico Shuttle
The Amico Shuttle is a private shared shuttle that runs between Amalfi and Ravello and is often more comfortable than the public bus.
The shuttle departs from central Amalfi, close to the main transport area near the port in Piazza Flavio Gioia.
Tickets and price
- €10 one way
- €16 return if booked online (return tickets must be booked by the day before for the discount to be applied)
Tickets can also be bought in the moment if there is space. Booking is recommended, especially in season.
Timetable
The shuttle runs on a fixed schedule published on their website. This is the timetable from 2025, but you can check the current timetable here.
Pros
✓ More comfortable than the SITA bus
✓ Limited seats
✓ Clear timetable
Cons
✕ More expensive than the bus
✕ Must book ahead for return discount
✕ Fixed departure times
By Taxi
Taxis are the fastest and least stressful way to get from Amalfi to Ravello, especially if buses are full or you are short on time.
Taxis from Amalfi to Ravello cost €55 for up to 4 people and €60 for 5–8 people.
Plus €5 extra if you have luggage, no matter how many pieces you have.
These are the official taxi fares from the city of Amalfi, so don’t let unofficial taxis scam you.
Pros
✓ Fast and direct
✓ No waiting or crowd stress
✓ Good with luggage or kids
Cons
✕ Expensive compared to public transport
✕ Limited availability at peak hours
Walk between Amalfi and Ravello
Walking between Amalfi and Ravello is possible and very scenic, but it is not an easy walk.
The route involves a long uphill climb with many steps, and in summer it can be very hot. Because of this, I usually recommend doing this walk in the opposite direction, from Ravello down to Amalfi, rather than uphill.
Pros
✓ Beautiful views
✓ Completely free
✓ Great if you like hiking and stairs
Cons
✕ Very steep and physically demanding
✕ Not ideal in summer heat
✕ Not practical with luggage
Book a Private Tour
If you want to avoid public transport completely, the only real alternative is a private tour (I couldn’t find any shared tour starting from Amalfi).
This private tour from Amalfi picks you up directly from your hotel in Amalfi and includes Ravello together with Positano and other locations on the coast.
This is the option I recommend if:
- You want zero logistics
- You are traveling with family
- You prefer a flexible schedule
Pros
✓ Door-to-door pickup
✓ No buses or ferry planning
✓ Fully flexible
Cons
✕ Most expensive option
From Other Amalfi Coast Towns
If you are already on the Amalfi Coast, visiting Ravello is straightforward. It slightly changes based on whether you’re coming from east or west of Amalfi.
By Public Transport
If you are coming from the western towns, you always need to get to Amalfi and then go up to Ravello from there.
If you are coming from the eastern towns, you don’t always need to go all the way to Amalfi.
VIETRI SUL MARE
What is “Bivio Ravello”? It is a road junction stop on the main coastal road that comes before getting to Amalfi. From there, you switch to the 5110 bus that goes uphill to Ravello.
My honest warning: in high season, I only recommend the Bivio Ravello change early morning or late afternoon. Around midday, coastal buses often arrive already full, and the Ravello bus may not stop to pick you up.
If you are traveling in high season and want the safest plan, go to Amalfi first. Then take line 5110 or the Amico shuttle up to Ravello.
Tours To Ravello
I wasn’t able to find any shared tours to Ravello that depart directly from Amalfi Coast towns.
If you want to skip public transport completely, the only real alternative is a private tour. These tours pick you up directly from your hotel anywhere on the Amalfi Coast and include Ravello as part of the day, usually together with Amalfi and Positano.
From Sorrento
From Sorrento, Ravello is also a connection game. The classic route is Sorrento to Amalfi by SITA bus, or ferry, then Amalfi to Ravello by SITA bus line 5110 or the Amico shuttle. If you are doing it independently, aim to start early.
From Salerno
Salerno is a good base if you want easier trains and a less chaotic transport hub than Naples. From Salerno, you usually reach Amalfi by ferry (best in season) or by SITA bus, then you go up to Ravello.
From Naples
From Naples, Ravello is doable without a car, but it is not “one direct ride”. You either go via Salerno and then Amalfi, or via Sorrento and then Amalfi, and finally up to Ravello. This guide on how to get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples explains the different transport options before continuing on to Ravello.