How to Get to the Amalfi Coast: Complete Transport Guide
The Amalfi Coast has no airport, no train station, and roads that can challenge even experienced drivers. Yet every year, millions navigate their way to these legendary cliffs. This guide covers every practical route—from Naples, Rome, and beyond—with honest advice about what works, what doesn't, and how to arrive relaxed rather than exhausted.
Quick Overview: Your Main Options
From Naples Airport: Private transfer (90 mins, €100-150), public transport via ferry or bus (2-3 hours, €15-25).
From Rome: High-speed train to Naples (70 mins), then transfer as above. Total journey 3-4 hours.
By Car: Beautiful but demanding. Scenic coastal road. Parking is limited everywhere except Ravello.
By Ferry: Seasonal (April-October). Scenic route from Naples, Sorrento, or Salerno.
From Naples: The Most Common Starting Point
Private Transfer (Recommended)
For most travelers, a private car service offers the best balance of comfort and value. A driver meets you at the airport or station, handles luggage, and delivers you directly to your accommodation. No connections, no confusion, no lugging bags up stairs.
Cost: €100-150 for a sedan (up to 3 passengers + luggage). €140-180 for a minivan.
Time: 75-90 minutes to Ravello, depending on traffic.
Tip: Book in advance. Reliable services can arrange the transfer before you leave home.
SITA Bus (Budget Option)
SITA buses connect Naples to the Amalfi Coast, but require a connection in either Sorrento or Salerno. This is the cheapest option but also the most time-consuming and potentially stressful with luggage.
Route via Sorrento: Take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples Central to Sorrento (70 mins, €4.50). Then SITA bus to Amalfi (90 mins, €3). For Ravello, change in Amalfi for the final climb (25 mins, €1.30).
Route via Salerno: Take the Trenitalia train from Naples to Salerno (35-45 mins, €5-12). Then SITA bus along the coast to Amalfi (75 mins, €2.90). Ravello bus from Amalfi.
Ferry (Scenic Option)
Seasonal ferries (April-October) connect Naples to Amalfi, Positano, and other coastal towns. This is the most scenic approach—arriving by sea offers a dramatic first impression of the coastline.
Naples to Amalfi: Approximately 90 minutes. Ferries run 2-4 times daily. €18-25 one way.
From Amalfi to Ravello: SITA bus (25 mins) or taxi (15 mins, €25-30).
From Rome: High-Speed Train Connection
Rome to Naples is one of Italy's most efficient train routes. The Frecciarossa (high-speed train) covers the distance in just 70 minutes. From Naples Centrale, follow the options above.
Best approach: Book the high-speed train in advance (prices start at €19.90 if booked early). Arrange a private transfer from Naples station directly to your accommodation on the Amalfi Coast.
Total journey time: 3-4 hours Rome to Ravello (including transfer time).
Driving to the Amalfi Coast: Beautiful but Demanding
The Amalfi Coast road (SS163) is one of Italy's most spectacular drives—and one of its most demanding. Narrow, winding, with sheer drops and constant bus traffic, it requires full concentration. The reward is scenery you control, the ability to stop wherever inspires you, and freedom throughout your stay.
Parking reality: In Positano and Amalfi, parking ranges from expensive to impossible. Ravello is the exception—it has accessible parking areas, making it the most practical base for those with cars.
Our honest advice: If your accommodation is in Positano, consider leaving the car in Sorrento and using buses/ferries. If staying in Ravello, a car adds flexibility for exploring the region.
Getting to Ravello Specifically
Ravello sits above the main coastal road, accessed by a serpentine climb from Amalfi or Atrani. This elevation creates the village's magic—and requires one additional transfer.
By bus: SITA buses run regularly from Amalfi to Ravello (25 mins, €1.30). The ride up the mountain road is scenic but not for the nervous.
By taxi: Taxis from Amalfi pier to Ravello cost approximately €25-30. Worth it with luggage.
By private transfer: Most transfer services from Naples go directly to Ravello—no changing needed. This is by far the smoothest option.
Our Recommendation for First-Time Visitors
Book a private transfer from Naples airport or station directly to your accommodation. Yes, it costs more than public transport—but after a long flight, the last thing you want is navigating buses and trains with luggage.
Your vacation begins the moment you sit in an air-conditioned car with a driver who knows the roads. An hour and a half later, you're on your terrace at Villa Mansi, glass of wine in hand, looking at the view you came for.
That's worth €100.