By “Amalfi Coast” we mean the stretch of coast between Sorrento and Vietri sul Mare in the Campania Region. This popular tourist area is located between the cities of Naples and Salerno and it mainly consists of rocky cliffs, picturesque villages, small and intimate beaches, trekking trails, and crystal-clear sea.
The villages and towns that are officially located on the Amalfi Coast are 13: Amalfi, Atrani, Cetara, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Maiori, Minori, Positano, Praiano, Ravello, Scala, Tramonti and Vietri sul Mare.
Other than for its natural beauties, it is a renowned destination for its many sightseeing opportunities, its noble mansions with panoramic gardens, and a couple of worldwide famous gastronomic products like Limoncello or Colatura di Alici from Cetara. When in Naples, you cannot miss at least a day trip there!
Let’s see how you can get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples!
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How to Visit the Amalfi Coast From Naples
Getting from Naples to the Amalfi Coast by bus
There are no direct buses connecting Naples to the villages on the Amalfi Coast, so you shall reach Sorrento first. Once there, take the local bus line connecting the main tourist places on the coast.
Let’s sum up a possible travel plan from Napoli Capodichino Airport to the Amalfi Coast:
- Curreri Bus Line:
Departure: Parking Area P1-Napoli Airport
Frequency: 8 rides per day
Journey time: approx. 1h15
Ticket cost: 10 euro
Arrival: Piazza de Curtis in Sorrento
More information at Curreri Viaggi – Transfer, excursions, shuttle service Naples, Sorrento, Positano
Once in Sorrento, change bus to reach your chosen destination with:
- SITA Bus:
Departure: Piazza de Curtis in Sorrento
Frequency: every 45-50 minutes
Journey time: 1h30 from Sorrento to Amalfi (the farthest stop). Stops: Positano, Praiano and Amalfi. If you want to reach other villages or towns, just get off at one of these stops and change bus (always by SITA Company)
Ticket cost: “Costierasita24h” costs 10 euros and it allows unlimited bus rides on SITA buses for 24h. A single ticket for 1 ride costs about 3-4 euros, according to the final destination.
More information at 2021 Bus Schedules – Sorrento – Positano – Amalfi | Amalfi Coast Sita buses Sorrento – Positano – Amalfi
In summer, buses are often overcrowded and you might have to wait for the following one to be able to get on. It is also possible to get on and stand, which is not a great solution if you have some luggage with you. Keep in mind that you cannot buy your ticket on board, but you shall get it at the ticket office or in a tobacco shop.
Pros and cons of getting from Naples to the Amalfi Coast by bus
Pros: you don’t have to drive or search for a parking space and you can simply enjoy the landscape
Cons: buses are often crowded and reaching the smallest villages is not so easy
Choose it if: you have plenty of time and you will spend at least a weekend there
Getting from Naples to the Amalfi Coast by ferry
There are no direct ferries connecting Naples to the Amalfi Coast, so you shall get to Sorrento first. From there, you can get to Positano and Amalfi by ferry, but only from April to October.
- How to get to Sorrento from Naples:
Option 1
Curreri Bus Line from Napoli Airport
Option 2
Circumvesuviana Line: take the train at Napoli Porta Garibaldi railway station to reach Sorrento in about 1h at a cost of 3 euro.
Option 3
By taxi
- Once in Sorrento, catch the ferry “Sorrento – Positano – Amalfi”
Departure: Marina Piccola in Sorrento
Journey time: 30 minutes from Sorrento to Positano and 1h from Sorrento to Amalfi
Ticket cost: 16 euro from Sorrento to Positano and 18 euro from Sorrento to Amalfi
Arrival: Spiaggia Grande in Positano and Molo Pennello in Amalfi
More information at Sorrento – Amalfi: 2021 Ferry Schedules, Prices (sorrentoinsider.com)
Pros and cons of getting from Naples to the Amalfi Coast by ferry
Pros: it’s a spectacular way to reach the Amalfi Coast
Cons: the journey is quite long from Naples
Choose it if: you want to experience the Amalfi Coast in a different way
Getting from Naples to the Amalfi Coast by car
One of the most popular ways of getting to the Amalfi Coast is renting a car in Naples and enjoy the scenic drive along the SS163, which offers some incredible views. The road is narrow and winding, so it might not be suitable for people suffering from motion sickness, but it connects all the villages of the coast and it gives the visitors the unique opportunity to take some pictures of the most beautiful places from above.
The downside is that it’s so popular that it often turns into a huge traffic jam in summer and spring, especially on weekends! If you want to enjoy the scenic drive and focus more on the landscape than on traffic, choose this option in low season only!
Where to park
Parking space is scarce all along the coast and it is expensive in most of the villages (a single night can cost up to 30-35 euros).
Pros and cons of getting from Naples to the Amalfi Coast by ferry
Pros: amazing views, possibility to stop to take pictures or make a detour
Cons: traffic jams, winding road, expensive and scarce parking space
Choose it if: you want to spend a few hours along the coast just to take some pictures or if you are planning a day trip in Autumn or Winter
The best way to explore the area around Pompeii is by having your own car. I recommend booking a car through Discover Cars where you can compare all rental car agencies’ prices, and you can cancel or modify your booking for free. They also guarantee the best price. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Getting from Naples to the Amalfi Coast by private transfer
The fastest and most comfortable way of getting to the Amalfi Coast from Naples is a private transfer. It might not be cheap, but it will allow you to only focus on sightseeing and enjoying your day trip. Take a look at Amalfi Coast Transfers or at Amalfi Coast Private Car
That’s the best option to get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples especially if you carry luggage.
Visiting the Amalfi Coast with a guided tour
There are countless guided tours from Naples and you can often combine several visits in just one day. A few recommended tours:
- Choose a private driver for a complete tour of the Amalfi Coast From Naples: Amalfi Drive Private Tour.
- Add a boat tour to your day trip Amalfi Coast: 8-Hour Tour by Car and Boat.
- If Naples is only a stop of your cruise From Naples: Shore Excursion to Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.
- Squeeze in a visit to Pompei Naples: Full-Day Pompeii and Amalfi Coast Tour.
Pros and cons of getting from Naples to the Amalfi Coast on a guided tour
Pros: you can see many places in a few hours
Cons: you’ll only get a general overview of each place and the visit might be a bit rushed
Choose it if: you only have 1 day to spend on the Amalfi Coast and you want to see as many places as possible.
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