You know that moment when you’re planning your dream trip to the Amalfi Coast, and suddenly, the logistics feel overwhelming?
I’ve been there last summer while mapping out my Italian adventure. I found myself staring at a mess of train schedules, ferry timetables, and bus routes. The journey from Naples to Positano seemed like solving a puzzle where none of the pieces quite fit.
So, how do you get from Naples to Positano at all?
Well, whether you’re dreaming of scenic ferry rides along the coastline or considering a private transfer for maximum comfort, there are several options to try out. And I’m here to break it all down, just as I wish someone had done for me.
The Journey: How Far is Positano from Naples?
Here’s your first piece of good news: Positano is only 57 kilometers (35 miles) from Naples.
That’s right — this slice of paradise is barely an hour away by car. But don’t let that deceive you… getting there isn’t quite as straightforward as the distance might suggest.
Why? Well, there’s no train station in Positano (those cliffs make that pretty much impossible), and the roads, while scenic, can be… let’s call them “adventurous.”
But don’t worry — I’m about to walk you through every possible way to make this journey from budget-friendly to luxury options.
Wondering whether a trip to Positano is worth it? Check out all the fun things you can do in Positano.
Getting to Positano from Naples: Your Transportation Options
1. Ferry from Naples to Positano: The Scenic Route
Remember that feeling of anticipation when you’re about to open a really special gift? That’s what taking the ferry to Positano feels like. Here’s the inside scoop:
The journey actually involves two parts: Naples to Sorrento, then Sorrento to Positano. Companies like NLG and Alilauro run regular services from Naples’ Moro Beverello Pier.
The best part? You’ll get Instagram-worthy coastline views that land travelers can only dream about.But here’s what they don’t always tell you: ferries typically only run from April to October. (Mother Nature can be pretty moody in winter.)
Prices hover around €20-30 per leg, and the total journey takes about 2 hours — but trust me, it’s the fastest two hours you’ll spend in Italy.
Route Details:
- Naples (Moro Beverello Pier) → Sorrento: 45 minutes
- Sorrento → Positano: 40 minutes
- Total journey time: ~2 hours (including connection time)
Schedule:
- Operating season: April to October
- First departure from Naples: Usually 9:00 AM
- Last return from Positano: Between 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM (varies by season)
Companies & Pricing:
- NLG (Navigazione Libera Del Golfo): €20-22 per leg
- Alilauro: €22-25 per leg
- Positano Jet: €23-26 per leg
- Travelmar (Salerno route): €18-20 per leg
- Seremar: €20-23 per leg
Pro tip: Check out more on the ferry timetables and ticket prices here. Try to book your morning ferry and grab a spot on the left side of the boat. You’ll thank me when you’re capturing that perfect shot of Vesuvius.
2. The Train-Ferry Combo: A Tale of Two Journeys
Sometimes, the best adventures combine different modes of transport. Here’s how this one works:Start at Naples’ central station (Napoli Centrale) and hop on a train to Salerno.
You’ve got two options here: the high-speed Freccia trains (about €12, 35 minutes) or the slower regional trains (about €5, 1 hour). The Freccia is worth the extra euros — especially in summer when air conditioning becomes your best friend.
From Salerno, catch a ferry to Positano. This route is actually a local secret — it’s often less crowded than going through Sorrento, and the coastal views are just as spectacular.
Plus, you get a bonus: Salerno’s medieval old town is worth a quick explore if you’ve got time.
Route Details:
- Naples Centrale → Salerno (by train)
- Salerno → Positano (by ferry)
Train Options & Pricing:
- Freccia high-speed: €12-15 (35 minutes)
- Regional train: €4.70 (1 hour)
- InterCity: €8-10 (45 minutes)
Ferry from Salerno Pricing:
- Travelmar: €12-15
- NLG: €13-16
- Journey time: 70 minutes
Total Costs:
- Budget route (Regional + Ferry): €17-20
- Express route (Freccia + Ferry): €25-30
3. The Classic Combo: Train and Bus
Trains are always the feasible option when you’re watching your budget. But the thing is, there’s no direct train from Naples to Positano yet. So, here’s your best bet:
Take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Sorrento (about €4, 1 hour), then catch the SITA bus to Positano (about €2, 45 minutes).
It’s the most economical option, but it comes with a caveat: during peak season, these buses can get more packed than a Roman gelato shop on a summer afternoon.
My advice? If you’re trying this route in July or August, start your journey early. Like “first-espresso-of-the-day” early.
Route Breakdown:
- Naples → Sorrento (Circumvesuviana train):
- Cost: €4.50
- Duration: 1 hour
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- First train: 6:09 AM
- Last train: 9:39 PM
- Sorrento → Positano (SITA bus):
- Cost: €2.40 (one-way)
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Frequency: Hourly
- First bus: 6:30 AM
- Last bus: 7:30 PM (10:00 PM in summer)
Total Journey:
- Combined cost: €6.90
- Total time: ~2 hours (including connection)
- Daily frequency: Multiple options
Note: the Circumvesuviana trains can’t be booked ahead. So, if you have luggage and need a reserved seat, the express trains are the better option. It’ll cost you a bit more, around 8 euros.
Pro Tips:
- Purchase train tickets at station machines/windows
- Buy bus tickets at tabacchi shops or stations
- Avoid peak hours (9-11 AM, 4-6 PM)
- Stand near the bus door in Sorrento for better seating chances
4. Bus from Naples to Positano: The Direct Approach
Sometimes, simpler is better. SITA and Curreri buses run services from Naples to Sorrento, then onwards to Positano. The whole journey costs about €10 and takes around 2.5 hours — traffic willing.
But here’s what you really need to know: the drive along the Amalfi Coast road is both breathtaking and… breath-holding. If you get motion sickness, pop a Dramamine and try to sit near the front.
Route Options:
- Direct SITA Bus:
- Cost: €10-12 one-way
- Duration: 2.5-3 hours
- Departure: Naples Garibaldi Station
- Curreri Viaggi Service:
- Cost: €10 one-way
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Departure: Naples Airport
Schedule:
- First departure: 9:00 AM
- Last departure: 3:00 PM
- Frequency: Every 2-3 hours
Find more details on the timetables here.
5. The Freedom Route: Driving Yourself
There’s something liberating about having your own wheels in Italy. The fastest route takes you along the A3 Autostrada to Sorrento, then onto the famous SS 163 (aka the Amalfi Coast road) to Positano.
But before you rush to book that rental car, let’s talk reality: parking in Positano is about as rare as a bad pizza in Naples. When you do find it, expect to pay €25-40 per day. And those hairpin turns along the coast? They require nerves of steel and the patience of a saint.
Still, if you’re comfortable driving in Italy, this option gives you the freedom to stop at places like Pompeii or take that perfect photo at one of the countless viewpoints along the way.
Route Details:
- Distance: 57 km (35 miles)
- Duration: 1-1.5 hours (without traffic)
- Main route: A3 Autostrada → SS 163 (Amalfi Coast Road)
Costs Breakdown:
- Car rental: €50-100/day
- Fuel: ~€20-25 (round trip)
- Toll charges: €2.80 (one-way)
- Parking in Positano: €25-40/day
- Total daily cost: €100-170
(check out some reasonable services here)
Recommended Stops:
- Pompeii (add 2-3 hours)
- Vesuvius National Park (add 2 hours)
- Vico Equense (add 1 hour)
- Meta viewpoint (add 30 minutes)
Pro Tips:
- Book parking in advance through the hotel
- Get an International Driving Permit
- Choose a small car for narrow roads
- Consider excess insurance
- Download offline maps
6. The VIP Experience: Private Transfer
Sometimes, you just want to start your vacation the moment you land. That’s where private transfers come in — think comfortable Mercedes vans with professional drivers who know every twist and turn of the coast road.
Yes, it’s the most expensive option (expect to pay €120-150), but it’s also the most stress-free. Your driver will meet you at the airport or your hotel, handle your luggage, and deliver you directly to your Positano accommodation in about 90 minutes.
And if you’re looking for the easiest way to do this, I’d recommend GetYourGuide. Now, the obvious question here is, “Is it worth it?”
If you’re traveling with family or arriving after a long flight, absolutely. The drivers often speak English and can share local insights you won’t find in any guidebook.
Service Details:
- Duration: ~90 minutes
- Vehicle types: Mercedes sedan or van
- Pick-up points: Naples Airport, train station, or hotel
- Drop-off: Direct to Positano accommodation
Typical Pricing Structure:
- Sedan (1-3 passengers): €120-140
- Minivan (4-8 passengers): €140-170
- Premium service: €180-220
- Night rates (8 PM-7 AM): +20%
What’s Included:
- Luggage assistance
- Air conditioning
- Water bottles
- Insurance
- All tolls and parking fees
Pro Tips:
- Book at least 24 hours in advance
- Confirm pick-up point and time
- Get the driver’s contact information
- Share flight details if the airport pickup
- Request child seats if needed
Making it a Day Trip? Here's What You Need to Know
Positano in a day is like trying to savor a five-course Italian meal in 30 minutes — possible, but not ideal. Still, if that’s all the time you’ve got, here’s how to make it work:
Take the earliest possible transport from Naples (ideally leaving by 8:00 AM). The last buses and ferries back to Naples typically leave between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, depending on the season.
This gives you enough time to explore the town, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and maybe even squeeze in some beach time.
If you’re going this route, the ferry or private transfer options make the most sense — they’re faster and more reliable than dealing with potential bus delays.
Choosing Your Perfect Option: A Quick Comparison
Let’s break this down into a simple decision tree:
- On a budget and don’t mind a bit of adventure? Train/bus combo is your friend
- Want those killer coastal views? Ferry all the way
- Traveling with lots of luggage or family? Private transfer
- Love independence and confident in your driving? Rental car
- Just want the cheapest option? Bus
- Looking for the perfect mix of scenery and value? Train to Salerno, then ferry
Final Tips for a Smooth Journey
After helping countless friends plan this journey (and making it multiple times myself), here are some golden rules:
- Always carry some cash in small denominations — not all ticket offices accept cards
- Download offline maps and save screenshots of timetables (especially in low season)
- Book high-speed trains in advance for better rates
- If you’re staying in Positano, contact your hotel for transfer recommendations — they often have preferred drivers
- During peak season (June-September), book your preferred transport option in advance
Remember those old Italian movies where everything moves at a leisurely pace, and no one seems too worried about exact timing?
Channel that energy. The journey to Positano is part of the adventure, and sometimes, the unplanned moments become the best stories.
The Bottom Line
Getting from Naples to Positano might seem like a complex puzzle at first, but now you’ve got all the pieces.
Whether you choose to cruise along the coast by ferry, wind through the mountains by bus, or sit back in a private transfer, each option has its own charm.
And hey, once you’re sipping a limoncello on your hotel terrace, watching the sunset paint the Mediterranean gold, you won’t even remember how you got there.
