Last Updated on January 8, 2024 by Ingrid & Alex

For such a long period of time, I was ignorant. About the world around me and about the places, I could have loved. But thankfully, life brought me to a lot of incredible places and opened my eyes to them. And maybe the most amazing trip I ever took was my first Naples to Amalfi Coast day trip. 

Getting from Naples to the Amalfi Coast is easy, even if you go there for a day trip or are planning to spend more time in one of Southern Italy‘s most beautiful destinations. 

Read further if you want to find the answers to all your questions and plan for the perfect getaway. 

This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Read more about it on our disclosure page here.

Amalfi Coast
Source: Pixabay

This can be said about the Amalfi Coast, the wonderful place I have discovered by chance during my trip to Naples late one Summer.

While I was in the North of Italy, they told me “Vedi Napoli e muori” is a common saying in Italy (“see Naples and you can die” – because it is so beautiful of course and you don’t need anything more), but nobody told me about the Amalfitan Coast that waiting not far from the city.

I think I was the last one to hear about it, the world plotted against me so I would never hear about the most incredible coast there is. I most certainly don’t remember how we got to the idea of going there, but we did.

How to get from Naples to Amalfi Coast? 

BY TRAIN

We took the Circumvesuviana train directly from Naples Central Train Station up to Sorrento (here are some additional things to do in Sorrento if you have more time).

The train leaves from Naples Central Station in Piazza Garibaldi, on the lower level, track 3.  

The journey should normally take between 45 min and 1h30 and cost you around 4 EUR one way, but be prepared for the train to be delayed (it sometimes happens, in our case, we got stuck for around 1 h on the road because of a fight).

If you are interested, you can check out the timetables here

Oh, and another thing to have in mind if you travel during summer and especially during the weekends: stepping into the train is like stepping into a loud, crazy, hectic, Italian bar or better yet school.

Lots of children heading to the beaches around Naples, loudly talking and laughing in Neapolitan dialect.

Amalfi Coast

We did a day trip, leaving Naples in the morning and returning in the evening thus opted for the day ticket, cheaper than buying 2 one way tickets (around 7 EUR).

From Sorrento, you will take a public transportation bus (SITA bus) to any one of the villages on the Amalfi Coast.

BY BOAT/FERRY

Another way of getting to Sorrento is by boat.

This is the faster but more expensive way of doing things and takes around 40 min. 

I guess it can be a very nice experience, seeing the coast from the sea, having the wind in your hair, and getting lost in the deep blue.

If you are interested in booking a ticket you can do it here.

Also on the sea, you can choose to go by ferry and more precisely by The Metro del Mare. This option is cheaper than taking the boat and you will find out there are many more destinations to choose from.

BY CAR

You can rent a car at any time and drive all the way from Naples to Amalfi.

I would not do that because I am still a novice when it comes to driving and also because of 2 other reasons:

  • drivers in the South of Italy tend to drive a bit like madmen
  • the coast is very high, narrow, and steep

But that shouldn’t stop you if you trust your driving skills.

If you choose to drive on the Amalfi Coast read our comprehensive guide!

I think this would be the best way of taking the trip, getting to stop whenever and wherever you want, and taking as many pictures of ice creams as you like.

And if you do decide to rent a car and drive your way from Naples to the Amalfi Coast, I suggest you check out Discover Cars, which will help you find the best deals and save up to 70%. 

Book your car here!

BY ORGANIZED TOUR

The easiest way to plan for a day trip from Naples to the Amalfi Coast without having to worry too much about timetables and other things is by booking an organized tour. 

We usually choose this kind of trip whenever we have a short time and want to make the most out of our trip. With a tour, you will always have someone to think about the timeline, and to show you all the most important things you’ll need to see in a place. 

On top of that, you won’t have to worry about transportation or anything else. 

As expected, there are many available options for tours to the Amalfi Coast from Naples, and I usually go for the one organized by GetYourGuide or Viator

They are easy to book ahead of time online, you can always cancel if something arises and you cannot make it any longer, and they have great reviews and my experiences have always been perfect. 

To make things even easier, here are 2 great day trips from Naples: 

Full day trip from Naples or Sorrento 

From Naples – Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi

Amalfi Coast

BY BUS

Flixbus has direct buses leaving in the morning and in the afternoon from Naples to Sorrento. 

The bus ride takes around 1.5 hours and costs 4-5 EUR depending on the time that you choose and how much time in advance you book your trip. 

From there, you will still need to take SITA bus or a boat to your final destination on the Amalfi Coast.

Check out timetables and book your bus ride here!

How to get from Sorrento to the Amalfi Coast?

Once you get to Sorrento, right in front of the train station you will find the hop-on-hop-off buses leaving for Amalfi (and not only). The ticket is 15 EUR.

We opted for this version of travel with an audio guide and the experience was incredible. We had an audio guide included, and we learned about this magnificent place while making our way along the winding road.

One tip from me: if you are afraid of heights to make sure to sit on the left side of the bus when traveling towards Amalfi.

And once the bus starts moving, I guarantee you: you will fall hopelessly in love! 

The cheaper option is to travel by SITA bus – the public transportation that links Sorrento to Salerno. 

SITA Bus ticket_Amalfi Coast

You can buy a one-way ticket or a day ticket from any tabaccheria in town (convenience store) and you can get off wherever you want to along the way. 

The SITA bus stop is also in front of the Central Train Station in Sorrento and it’s easy to access.

Another option is to take a boat from Sorrento to one of the villages on the Amalfi Coast. The downside to this is that not all villages have ports and you might still need to take a bus or a transfer.

Other FAQ

Can you take a train from Naples to the Amalfi Coast?

The answer to that question depends a lot on your final destination on the Amalfi Coast.

While many might think of Positano as the Amalfi Coast, this is only one of the many villages you can visit here.

Sorrento is the largest city, and it’s linked to Naples by train, the Circumvesuviana

From there, you can get to Positano or any other village on the Amalfi Coast by bus. Some of the most important destinations (like Positano or Amalfi) are also linked to Sorrento by boat/ferry.

The best way to get from Naples airport to the Amalfi Coast

Are you landing in Naples but have a longer vacation planned for the Amalfi Coast?

The easiest way to get to your final destination might be to rent a car and drive all the way there. You can pick up the car directly from the airport, no matter when you land. 

Exit on E45 and SS145 and drive the 52 kilometers to Sorrento. Or, take the same roads for 61 kilometers all the way to Positano. 

This being said, if you travel during the peak season (particularly from June to September) you must know that the Amalfi Coast gets crazy crowded.

The road that links all the pretty villages only has one lane on each side, and everyone would be there: public buses, private tour buses, and of course, cars. It happened to us several times to be stuck at some corners with low visibility.

On top of that, finding a parking space in most villages (or close to them) is almost impossible, and if you do find it, it can be expensive. Thus you will either way end up using public transportation.

By public transportation

There is no direct bus that links Naples Airport to the Amalfi Coast, thus you will have to go to Sorrento, and from there take the SITA bus to your final destination on the coastline. 

From Naples International Airport, take the Alibus and get off at Garibaldi. From there, take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento. 

By private transfer

The easiest and hassle-free option – a local driver will wait for you at the airport and will take you all the way to your hotel on the Amalfi Coast. 

It might be a more expensive option, but you won’t have to worry about a thing – traffic, how to get to the hotel, parking, or anything else. 

Book your private transfer here!

What is the fastest way to get from Naples to the Amalfi Coast?

As always, because it doesn’t depend on traffic or any other circumstances, getting from Naples to Sorrento by train might be the fastest option. 

However, even though the train ride officially takes around 1 hour, delays can occur especially during the peak season. 

Another good option is to rent a car and leave early in the morning. If you manage to leave Naples behind before the peak traffic, you can drive from Naples to Sorrento in less than an hour. And all the way to Positano in around 1 hour and 15 minutes. 

What is the cheapest way to get from Naples to the Amalfi Coast?

By using public transportation you will manage to save on your travel expenses.

Take Flixbus from Naples to Sorrento and you will pay 4 or 5 EUR. Hop on SITA bus from Sorrento to your final destination on the Amalfi Coast and you will pay an extra 2 EUR one-way. 

When is the best time to travel to the Amalfi Coast?

I don’t encourage you to travel during the peak season, particularly during July and August. 

Another thing worth knowing is that during winter many restaurants and hotels will be closed, especially in Positano. Additionally, ferries have less frequent rides, and the buses run on the low-season schedule. 

With that said, I would choose the shoulder season as the perfect time to travel to the Amalfi Coast. Anywhere from April to early June, and from September to early November should work great. 

How many days do you need to see the Amalfi Coast?

While I think I could spend months exploring the dramatic coastline without getting bored, I also think that one or two weeks would be enough time for a vacation.

If you are trying to impress someone, this is where you should bring him/her. The effect will be 100 times more than what you were expecting. 

Amalfi Coast
Source: Pixabay

Just make sure to take more time than I did to spend here, just one day is not enough and you will regret not having more time on hand just to sit back and admire this Paradise on Earth.

I plan to go back at some point. And when I do, I want to choose to stay in one of those incredible places you see on Pinterest overlooking the sea.

I want to see the sunset relaxed sipping from a glass of fruity white wine while savoring a rich pasta dish.

This dream I know will come true!

Other Amalfi Coast travel resources

PIN FOR LATER!

How to get from Naples to the Amalfi Coast
Amalfi Coast
Amalfi coast (6)
Amalfi coast

Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast


28 responses to “How to get from Naples to Amalfi Coast: 6 options”

  1. snowtoseas Avatar

    Those are some incredible photos! I chose visiting Lake Como over the Amalfi Coast last summer. I don’t regret the decision because Lake Como was beautiful, but I am still desperate to visit Amalfi! Thanks for all the great transportation suggestions!

    1. IngridZenMoments Avatar

      I still haven’t been to Lake Como but I have seen pictures and damn right you should not regret the decision! But Amalfi is a go to as well!

  2. Julianne Avatar
    Julianne

    This takes me back to my time on Amalfi, several years ago! Love your pictures — so dreamy 🙂 Also loved learning the phrase “Vedi Napoli e muori,” though I’d replace Napoli with Amalfi. I tried limoncello there for the first time and have been HOOKED on it ever since!

  3. Kristi (@daytriptips) Avatar

    I’ve been to Sorento twice (for just day trips) and have told my husband that I really want us to take a trip to the Amalfi coast to just stay and park it there. It is so beautiful and the food is amazing.

  4. Planes, Trains and Champagne Avatar

    Omg been dying to visit the Amalio Coast! It looks soooo beautiful! Our photos are lovely too!

  5. Gemma Avatar

    These are great tips, I probably wouldn’t drive too. Imagine arriving by boat – so beautiful!

  6. Bilyana | OwlOverTheWorld Avatar
    Bilyana | OwlOverTheWorld

    Can’t resist dreaming about the same thing too! Sound like the perfect plan!

  7. shewentwear Avatar

    I can’t believe you only stayed a day! I’m glad you made the most of it though! Gorgeous photos!!!

  8. Life...One Big Adventure Avatar

    That looks heavenly! You are so lucky in Europe to be able to pop into these places so easily. One day I will get there. Thanks for sharing your fabulous photos. Mel

  9. lincalinca Avatar
    lincalinca

    Thank you for confirming I must include it in my itinerary for July! I have been thinking about how many days I should spend here, as I also want to see Naples and Pompeii, but I guess it’s better at least one day than none at all, right?

  10. Céline CLudik Avatar

    Absolutely beautiful pictures! Find more reasons to travel to the Amalfi Coast which inspires dreams like few other travel destinations in the world. The landscape is captivating and the warmth of the locals seems unforgettable !

  11. Flo Avatar
    Flo

    It’s honestly one of my favorite parts of the world! We stayed there for a week and it was amazing – did you make it to Ravello?

    1. IngridZenMoments Avatar

      Uh, unfortunately not since i was there for one full day only, but the next time I go there Ravello is a must!

  12. Kim | thosewhowandr.com Avatar

    The Amalfi Coast is at the top of my bucketlist! It looks stunning, thanks for all the details on how to get there from Naples, especially the little things like providing the prices 🙂

  13. Jinapher J. Hoffman Avatar

    Wow, it looks so beautiful! I’m really glad I chose one of your articles to read from the Bloggers Supporting bloggers Facebook group. I’m a fellow blogger and traveler, and I cannot wait for the day when I can travel to such a beautiful place like Naples!

    1. IngridZenMoments Avatar

      Thank you very much! Glad you like it!

  14. Where Abby Goes Avatar

    Sounds amazing. Made me even more excited to visit next month after reading this!

    1. IngridZenMoments Avatar

      You will love this place for sure!

  15. […] Check out also The land of Gods – Amalfi Coast […]

  16. […] I’ve visited Italy several times before, I’d never visited Cinque Terre until now. Like the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s most beautiful coastlines. I arrived at Levanto in the […]

  17. […] Recommended: The land of Gods – Amalfi Coast […]

  18. […] of the most picturesque places in Italy, and maybe in the world, the Amalfi Coast is one destination you should not miss. Just some 3 hours away by car from Matera, on the coast, […]

  19. […] here everything you must know for how to get from Naples to the Amalfi Coast. I have included all the options no matter if you want to rent a car, use public transportation, or […]

  20. […] shouldn’t miss a day trip from Naples to Amalfi – easy to organize and unforgettable. Or you can directly book a day trip when you don’t want […]

  21. […] Read the comprehensive guide for how to get from Naples to the Amalfi Coast! […]

  22. […] Read here everything you need to know about how to get from Naples to the Amalfi Coast […]

  23. […] my first visit to Southern Italy, I only went on a day trip from Naples to Amalfi and absolutely loved every moment of it. Years later, I came back and spent only 3 days exploring […]

Leave a Reply