How to Get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples (6 Ways)

Naples is one of the major cities that’s closest to the famous Amalfi Coast, and it’s a popular departure point to visit the coastal towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello (among all the other charming, lesser-known villages!)

If you’re still deciding which town makes the most sense for your trip, you can start with my guide to the towns on the Amalfi Coast.

But planning your trip to the famous coastline can be a bit of a puzzle, especially if you’re dealing with luggage, aren’t sure what the options are, or are completely unaware of the chaotic traffic the Amalfi Coast deals with. That’s why I wrote this post! 

I put this together as a no-stress, no-fluff guide. You will find every realistic option from Naples, who it works best for, and what to expect if you are arriving at Napoli Centrale, the airport, or the cruise port.

How to get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples at a glance

Cheapest: Train to Sorrento or Salerno, then bus or ferry.

Most scenic (in season): Ferry. Either Naples → Amalfi/Positano directly, or train to Salerno → ferry to Amalfi/Positano.

Most comfortable: Private transfer – Door to door, no juggling schedules.

Best for a day trip: Day tour from Naples – You see the highlights without planning anything.

1. Naples to Amalfi Coast by Train + bus or ferry

This is the most budget-friendly way to travel from Naples to the Amalfi Coast, though it’s not always the easiest, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling in peak season. 

You’ll have to take two different types of transport, and make sure the schedule works while lugging your bags from one ride to the other. But if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind the hassle, it’s a great option. 

You can go about this transportation method in two different directions: by taking the train to Sorrento, on the western end of the Amalfi Coast, or to Salerno, the closest town to the eastern end. From either of these towns, you can catch a bus or a ferry to the Amalfi Coast.

A. Naples to Sorrento, then bus or ferry to Positano, Amalfi, and more

From Napoli Centrale, you take the Circumvesuviana or the Campania Express to Sorrento.

• Circumvesuviana: Old, crowded, and slow. Also cheap and frequent. It is mostly used by locals, so do not expect luxury made for tourists.

The earliest train leaves at before 6 AM from Napoli Garibaldi, the station right below Napoli Centrale. The last one departs after 10 PM. Tickets cost €3.60 and you can only buy them at the ticket windows or the newspaper stands at the station.

• Campania Express: More comfortable, usually faster, with A/C and a more “tourist-friendly” setup. It is also pricier and less frequent.

The first train from Napoli Centrale departs at 8.26 AM, and every three hours until 5.26 PM. There are also departures every three hours from 8.22 AM until 5.22 PM from Porta Nolana station in Naples. 

I recommend booking online so you do not risk missing out in summer. You can buy tickets online here. At the time of writing, a one-way ticket is around €15-18.

Once you arrive in Sorrento, you continue by ferry or SITA bus, depending on your budget, season, and where you are staying.

Ferries run from Marina Piccola in Sorrento to Positano and Amalfi up to 12 times a day during the high season, and the journey takes 1.5 hours and 1 hour and 45 minutes, respectively. 

If you’re traveling to one of the smaller or inland villages, like Ravello, or have a strict budget, you can take the SITA bus, which stops at most towns along the coastline.

Buses depart from just outside the Circumvesuviana station in Sorrento up to twice an hour in the summer months.  

Pros
✓ Cheapest route overall
✓ Frequent trains throughout the day
✓ Easy transfers to bus or ferries in Sorrento

Cons
✕ Trains can be packed and hot at peak hours, especially the Circumvesuviana
✕ You have to connect and move your luggage between rides

B. Naples to Salerno: then ferry to Amalfi and the eastern coast

This route works really well if you are headed to Amalfi, Maiori, Minori, and the eastern side of the coast such as Vietri sul Mare. You take a high-speed train to Salerno, then hop on a ferry in season.

You’ll take the high-speed train (Italo or Frecciarossa) from Napoli Centrale to Salerno. There are 28 daily departures starting at 7.25 AM and running until 10.45 PM, and the journey takes an average of 36 minutes.   

The trip costs €10- €15, depending on the journey, and you can purchase your tickets online.  

From Salerno, hop on a ferry to Amalfi, Positano, or the smaller towns along the eastern end of the Amalfi Coast, which are directly connected to Salerno. 

Ferries from Salerno mainly operate during the high season, with up to 15 daily departures to Amalfi and Positano, and 6 daily departures to Maiori and other nearby villages. 

Pros
✓ Comfortable train ride to Salerno
✓ Salerno usually feels less chaotic than Naples and Sorrento
✓ Ferry ride is beautiful when it runs

Cons
✕ Longer overall for Positano and Amalfi compared to other routes, depending on connections
✕ Ferries are seasonal, from April to October
✕ You are still combining multiple steps

2. Naples to the Amalfi Coast By Ferry 

If you are coming from the cruise port, this is the easiest option as you are basically already there.
If you are coming from the airport or train station, a quick taxi or an Alibus ride gets you to the docks.

This is a great transportation option for cruise passengers or travelers landing in the city center, and it’s also a direct trip. The ride is super scenic, cruising across the Bay of Naples, but departures are seasonal, so you’ll only be able to use it from April to October. 

There are two ports in Naples: Molo Beverello for the fast ferries, and Calata Porta di Massa for slower ferries and routes to islands like Ischia and Procida.

Timetables can change by season and sea conditions. Always double check the live schedule when you book.

The journey from Naples to Positano takes anywhere from an hour to over 2 hours, depending on the ferry company and schedule you choose. Direct ferries run from Molo Beverello in the high season, with multiple sailings from morning into the afternoon.

The town of Amalfi is also directly connected to Naples, with ferries running from Molo Beverello up to 5 times a day. The journey is quite long, taking between 2 and 3 hours, and the last departure is at 3.35 PM.  

Pros
✓ Beautiful ride with great views
✓ Direct access to coastal towns
✓ Perfect for cruise passengers

Cons
✕ Very limited in winter
✕ Luggage fees can add up
✕ Cancellations happen with rough seas
✕ Often pricier than train plus bus

3. By Private transfer

It’s the most seamless and comfortable way to get door-to-door from any Naples arrival point to your Amalfi Coast hotel.

Your private driver will pick you up from wherever you arrive in Naples, either the airport, train station, the port, or even your hotel if you spent the night there, at your chosen schedule. 

You’ll then go straight to your final destination in a modern vehicle reserved for just your party, which is super convenient if you’re traveling with kids, friends, or have a lot of luggage. 

Below you’ll find the best private transfer services from Naples to various points along the Amalfi Coast, and vice versa. 

Naples ⇔ Positano Private transfer

The drive from Naples to Positano takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes with no traffic, as they’re 56 km (35 miles) apart.

The transfer will pick you up at your desired starting point (airport, train station, or port) and drive you to your hotel in the Amalfi Coast’s most famous town. 

Naples ⇔ Amalfi and Atrani

Amalfi and Atrani are next to each other, so transfers often cover both. The draft notes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to Amalfi, plus a few extra minutes to Atrani.

Naples ⇔ Sorrento

Sorrento, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, is an hour’s drive from Naples, located 48.6 km (30 miles) south of the city. 

Naples ⇔ Maiori and Minori

The lesser-known towns of Maiori and Minori are located on the eastern end of the Amalfi Coast, and it takes slightly over an hour to cover the 55 km (34 miles) from Naples when there is no traffic.

Book your private transfer to Maiori or Minori here

Naples ⇔ Ravello

The picturesque town of Ravello, of of the most popular ones on the Amalfi Coast, is 55 km (34 miles) from Naples, merely an hour’s drive with no traffic.

Book here your private transfer from Naples to Ravello

Pros
✓ No stress, no transfers
✓ Best with luggage, kids, or limited mobility
✓ Door-to-door service

Cons
✕ Most expensive option
✕ Can be slow in peak traffic
✕ You need to book in advance

4. Day tour to the Amalfi Coast

If you only have one day, a guided trip is often the smartest option. Transportation, timing, and logistics are handled for you, so you can see Positano, Amalfi, and sometimes Ravello or Sorrento in one day without worrying about buses, ferries, or traffic.

*Prices are approximate and change by season. Always check live availability before booking.

Pros
✓ Hassle-free for day trippers
✓ Comfortable option without driving yourself
✓ Everything is organized, including transport
✓ You learn more with a guide

Cons
✕ More expensive than DIY transport
✕ Fixed itinerary and schedule
✕ Less flexibility

5. Shared transfer to the Amalfi Coast

Shared shuttles are a nice middle ground. You get a modern minivan and a direct ride, without paying private transfer prices. The tradeoff is you stick to their schedule and pick-up points.

They have various routes that run on a fixed schedule, departing and returning to Naples.

The shuttle service has designated pick-up and drop-off points in central parts of the cities, and it’s wheelchair accessible, ideal if someone in your group requires accessibility.  

Naples ⇔ Positano Shared shuttle

Positano is one of the most popular destinations from Naples, and there are up to 6 daily departures from Naples Airport and Naples Train Station to Praiano.

You can also return from Positano to Naples in the same manner, booking your trip either to the airport or the centrally located train station. 

Naples ⇔ Praiano Shared shuttle

Praiano is the city that sits between Positano and Amalfi, so it’s a great base.

Shared shuttles to Praiano depart from both the airport and the train station up to 4 times a day, and 6 times per day from Praiano to Naples. The transfer accommodates up to 8 passengers. 

Naples ⇔ Sorrento Shared shuttle

You’ll also find frequent shared shuttle transfers between Naples and Sorrento, one of the most popular routes. 

There are 6 departures from the train station, and 6 from the airport, and even more on the way back. The comfortable minivans accommodate up to 8 passengers. 

Pros
✓ Modern minivans with A/C
✓ Direct journey
✓ Cheaper than private transfers
✓ Wheelchair friendly

Cons
✕ No hotel pick-up. You must meet at a pick-up point
✕ Fixed schedule

6. Rent a car in Naples

Renting a car gives you freedom. It also gives you the Amalfi Coast driving experience, which, I must say, is not always the fun kind.

The drive to the Amalfi Coast takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes if you’re driving to Amalfi and there’s not much traffic. Of course, it depends on where you are going, so it might take more or less time to drive to Maiori or Positano. It might also take a lot more time in high season, as traffic can be brutal.

Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll need to find a paid parking spot. It’s very difficult to find parking spots in the busier towns, like Amalfi and Positano, so be prepared to drive around town for a bit. 

The rental starts at approximately €35 per day, depending on the vehicle you choose and whether or not you include full insurance, which I’d recommend unless you’re already covered by your credit card or travel insurance. 

There are a few pick-up locations where you can get your rental car in Naples: Naples Airport, Napoli Centrale Train Station, or near the port. 

You should be prepared for narrow roads, hairpin turns, and limited parking, as well as heavy traffic. In summer, cars may be banned on certain days on the Amalfi Drive, so you’d need to pay attention to the current stipulations. 

Pros
✓ Total freedom with stops and timing
✓ Helpful for remote stays with limited bus service
✓ Convenient for families and groups, especially off-season

Cons

✕ Stressful driving in summer
✕ Parking is expensive and hard to find in busy towns
✕ Traffic can be brutal
✕ Not recommended unless you are a confident driver

Coming from Naples Airport?

Naples Airport is small and close to the city, but it is not directly connected to the Amalfi Coast. From here, you will always need to combine transport or book something door-to-door.

If you are landing with luggage or after a long flight, the easiest option is a private transfer, which takes you straight from the airport to your hotel on the coast.

You can also take the direct mini bus from Naples Airport to Praiano. With 4 daily departures, this could be a good choice if you’d rather not transfer from a mode of trasnport to another.

If you want to use public transport, your first step is getting into Naples city center. You can take the Alibus shuttle to Napoli Centrale train station (the stop is called Garibaldi) or the port, then continue by train, ferry, or bus depending on where you are staying.

Pick The Best Option For Your Arrival Point

Once you’ve figured out the best way to arrive, the next step is deciding how to spend your time. I’ve put together a complete guide to the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast, from coastal walks to boat trips and scenic viewpoints.