Traveling from Naples to Positano in Italy is simple when you understand the different options for travel. In this guide, we’ve broken down all the transportation methods to help you plan your route.
Traveling from Naples to the Amalfi Coast is a popular route for travelers exploring around Italy as the two locations are just a stone’s throw away from each other.
Since Naples is also the closest airport to the Amalfi Coast, there are a variety of different transport options depending on your budget, number of people in your group, how much time you have, and what your preferred travel style is.
In this guide, we’ve detailed all of the ways you can get from Naples to Positano so that planning transit between the two is as seamless as possible.
Naples to Positano
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Naples to Positano by ferry
Getting to Positano from Naples by ferry is straightforward as there are multiple ferries running daily from April to October.
NLG and Alilauro are the two main companies that operate directly between the Moro Beverello Pier in Naples to the Positano Port. NLG runs 3 times daily and Alilauro runs 4 times weekly.
The earliest ferry departs around 8:30 a.m. and the last ferry departs at 3:35 p.m. The journey takes 1-2 hours (depending on the company) and costs €27.50 ($29.75 USD).
You can book directly through the Navigazione Libera del Golfo (NLG) or Alilauro website or browse all routes using FerryHopper.
Note: All ferries from Naples to Positano have a stopover in Sorrento or Capri where you’ll need to change boats.
Good to know: Ferries to Positano do not operate in the off season from November to March.
Tip: Rough seas can suspend high speed ferries and schedule changes can happen, so double check your departure time days before. And bring sea sickness medication if you think you might have a problem.
Other destinations on the Amalfi Coast
Naples has access to many hubs along the Amalfi Coast, including some lesser-visited towns.
You can book rides to Sorrento, Salerno, Capri, Amalfi, Maiori, and Minori to extend your adventures along the coast.
Naples to Positano by train + ferry
Another one of the main routes to get from Naples to Positano is by taking the train to Sorrento and then the ferry to the Amalfi Coast from there.
There are two trains in Naples, the Campania Express Train and the Circumvesuviana train.
They run the same route, except the latter is slower since it makes more local stops. You can book either one, but the express (tourist) route has guaranteed seats, Wifi, AC, and luggage space.
The final stop is Sorrento so it’s hard to miss. From there you’ll hop on a quick ferry to Positano.
Taking the train from Naples to Sorrento
The Campania Express Train is the tourist train that runs from the Napoli Centrale Station to Sorrento, and stops at Pompeii and a few other main sites along the way.
It runs periodically from mid-March to the end of October and costs €8 ($8.66 USD) for a one-way ticket. The entire journey takes about 45 minutes.
Tickets can be purchased ahead of time on their official website, but you will need to use a VPN to access it if you are not located in Italy. You can also purchase tickets from the ticket counter at Napoli Centrale Station up to 20 min before the scheduled train departure.
Good to know: The Campania Express ticket counter is located in the lower level of the train station, all the way down at the end of the hall. If you purchase your tickets ahead of time, you’ll have to meet at the ticket counter and wait to be escorted to the train by one of the Campania employees. They bring all the tourists down to the platform at once to make sure everyone gets on the correct train and off at the right stop.
Taking the ferry from Sorrento to Positano
Once you arrive at the train station in Sorrento, you’ll have to make your way to the Sorrento ferry terminal on the coast.
You can get there in about 15 minutes by walking. Just know there are a lot of stairs you’ll have to descend to get down to sea level, so keep this in mind when thinking about your luggage. If you prefer you can opt to hail a taxi instead.
There are just a few ferry rides to Positano each day beginning from 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. via NLG.
The ferry ride costs €17.50 ($18.95 USD) and ranges 20 minutes to 1 hour depending on which boat you book.
We recommend purchasing your tickets online, in-advance on the Navigazione Libera del Golfo (NLG) website, but you can also purchase them at the ticket office near the port.
Other destinations on the Amalfi Coast
The ferry running from Sorrento has trips to multiple locations along the Amalfi Coast that are worth exploring.
Some of the most popular are Salerno, Capri, and Amalfi Town, but the smaller towns of Minori, Seiano, and Maiori are great escapes if you want to get more off the beaten path.
Naples to Amalfi Coast by train + bus
Overland travel using the train and bus is a very popular way to get to the Amalfi Coast.
The best route is by first taking the Campania Express Train from Naples to Sorrento. A one way ticket costs around €8 ($8.66 USD) and the ride takes about 45 minutes. From there, you’ll hop on a bus to the Amalfi Coast.
Taking the bus from Sorrento to Positano
Sita Bus is the main company that runs from Sorrento to Positano. It departs every 30 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and takes 45 minutes.
They depart from the Sorrento train station at the bus terminal right outside, so you can get tickets and hop on a bus after your train arrives from Naples.
Buy tickets for €10-12 ($10.81-12.97 USD) at the kiosk at the train station or from newsstands and cigarette shops around town. Buses fill up very quickly, especially in the summer months, and a ticket doesn’t guarantee you a seat, so keep that in mind.
Other destinations on the Amalfi Coast
Along the bus route from Sorrento, the ride continues with additional stops at Amalfi town and Grotta dello Smeraldo, both of which are stop-worthy if you have the time.
Additionally, you can opt to explore many other intimate coastal towns like Praiano, Meta, and San Pietro before heading to Positano.
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Naples to Positano by bus
You’ll need to take two buses to get from Naples to Positano.
In Naples, you’ll board the Curreri Viaggi shuttle service at the Naples airport to get to the Sorrento train station.
Shuttle buses run frequently from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily. It costs €10 ($10.8 USD) one way and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to Sorrento. Book your tickets online, in advance as shuttles fill quickly.
The shuttle will take you to the Sorrento train station, which is where the SITA buses depart to Positano from.
There is a kiosk inside the train station where you can purchase tickets. It costs €10-12 ($10.81-12.97 USD) and the buses leave every 30 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m..
It takes about 45 minutes from Sorrento.
Direct shuttle bus from Naples to Positano
If you don’t want to worry about timetables and schedules, there are direct shuttles available from Naples to Positano.
Bookaway has a variety of different shuttles that can hold up to 8 people. Choose a pick up time and they’ll pick you up at any hotel in Naples, or the train station, and take you directly to your hotel in Positano.
Otherwise, Positano Shuttle has both private and shared shuttle buses available.
Naples to Positano by car
While there are plenty of public transport options to get from Naples to Positano, you may prefer to self-drive and have the freedom of your own vehicle.
While it’s one of the quickest ways to get to Positano, it could cause some hiccups in your trip due to traffic and lack of parking.
The roads along the Amalfi Coast are narrow with hairpin turns and steep climbs, which are often packed with constant traffic jams. Even if you’re comfortable with the route, it may take much longer to get from one place to the other.
Also keep in mind that Positano itself was built before cars, so parking within the city is extremely limited, and as of recently, there is an alternating license plate system in order to use the roads (which we touch on below).
Self-drive routes from Naples to Positano
There are a few driving routes available to get to Positano. They’re all along main roads and very straightforward.
The fastest and most direct route hugs the coast via SS145 and E45. It’s 62.4 km (38.77 miles) and takes about 1 hour, 11 minutes. The other option is via SS268. It’s 78.7 km (48.9 miles) and takes about 1 hour, 24 minutes.
Tip: Download an offline map of the route before you leave so you can have the driving directions on your phone.
Getting a car rental in Naples
If you’re interested in going the rental car route, the best place to start your search is Discover Cars. They gather a ton of different, reputable companies in one place which makes it really easy to compare prices and vehicles so you can get the best value for your trip.
Search & Compare Rental Car Prices
- Discover Cars: We personally use this aggregate site to compare rental car prices from all the big name companies and get the best price possible.
- Booking.com: We’ve had good experiences finding rental cars with this site (formerly RentalCars.com) in the past.
Alternating license plate system
If you’re planning on visiting Positano and other towns on the Amalfi Coast with a rental car, it’s important that you know about the new license plate system that was implemented by the local government.
During peak hours in peak season, only rental cars with plates ending in an odd number can use the road on odd-number dates, and only plates ending with even numbers can use it on even-numbered dates.
So if you’re planning on spending more than a few days on the coast, make sure you enter and exit on dates that align with your rental plates (or plan around the rule). Plan even-to-even or odd-to-odd, otherwise you’ll be stuck in town.
This rule applies between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from April 24th to May 2nd, weekends from June 15th to September 30th, every day in August, and Holy Week around Easter.
Note: Private transfers, taxis, and public transport options are exempt from this rule.
Alternative driving options
If you like the idea of having your own vehicle to get from Naples to Positano, but you don’t want to drive yourself, you have a handful of options.
Taxis are one of the most expensive options, no surprise there. You can expect to pay around €100 ($108.17 USD). Official taxis in Naples are white and you can find them at stands around the city or hail one with the Napoli Taxi app.
Uber is available in Naples, however if you’re able to grab one, the cost is comparable to a taxi fare. Your next best option is a private transfer.
Naples to Positano by private transfer
The most seamless and straightforward way to Positano is by booking a private transfer. Albeit the most expensive, if you have the budget and are looking for a hands-free transit day, this is one of the best options.
There are numerous ways you can hire a private transfer, but one of the most reliable is to book a car on Bookaway. Most offer pick-up from any hotel in Naples, or the airport, and will take you directly to your hotel in Positano.
Alternatively, you can use Welcome Pickups to book your private transfer. They’re a highly rated company that offers door-to-door private transfers from the airport direct to your accommodation. We’ve used this service in other destinations and found them to be very reliable.
If you have a group of up to 8 people, you can book a Private Minivan Transfer to Positano. They pick you up directly from the train station with an English-speaking driver, so it’s a nice ‘done for you’ option.
Guided tours from Naples to Amalfi Coast
A unique way to travel from Naples to Positano is by joining a guided tour. Consider a tour by land or sea to stop at some of the most famed towns and scenic locations along the coast.
- From Naples: Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi Full-Day Tour: This full day tour includes the most-visited towns along the Amalfi Coast. It includes round trip ground transport to and from Naples, plus guided tours or free time in each village.
- From Naples: Sorrento and Amalfi Coast Shared Day Trip: Explore Sorrento, Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello at your own pace on this full day trip. You’ll travel in an air conditioned van with round trip transport to and from Naples.
- From Naples: Small-Group Positano and Amalfi Boat Tour: Explore the Amalfi Coast by boat on this full day tour that includes snorkeling and swimming, and exploring Positano, Sorrento, and Amalfi. You’ll get some of the best views of the coast as you traverse crystal clear water and steep cliff sides.
FAQs about traveling from Naples to Positano
We’ve covered a ton in this transportation guide, but here are the answers to a few more burning questions you may have.
What is the quickest way to travel from Naples to Positano?
The quickest way to go from Naples to Positano is by car.
However, with congested roads, severely limited parking, and the addition of an alternating license plate system, you may want to consider public transport.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Naples to Positano?
The bus is the cheapest way to get from Naples to Positano.
Do I need to book transportation from Naples to Positano in advance?
Yes. We recommend booking any transport well in advance. Especially if you’re visiting during peak season (June – August).
Is Naples a good base to visit the Amalfi Coast?
Naples is a good base if you’re making a day trip or taking a guided day tour to the Amalfi Coast.
If you’re spending more than a day or two, it’s worth booking accommodation in one of the towns along the coast as going back and forth each day will be more costly and time consuming.
Is Amalfi Coast a day trip from Naples?
While the Amalfi Coast can be a day trip from Naples, if you have the time to budget, we recommend more than just a day here as there is so much to see.
With only a single day, you will barely scratch the surface of this landmark coast.
Psst! We have a complete guide with all of the best things to do in Positano to help you plan your visit!
Is there a direct ferry from Naples to Positano?
No. All ferries from Naples to Positano have a stopover in Sorrento or Capri where you’ll need to change boats.
Is there a direct train from Naples to Positano?
No, there isn’t a direct train available from Naples to Positano. You’ll need to take the train to Salerno or Sorrento, then take a ferry to Positano.
Is the Amalfi Coast worth visiting?
YES, without a doubt, you should absolutely visit the Amalfi Coast!
The plunging cliffs, timeless beaches, delectable cuisine, and medieval charms are only a few of the reasons why you should plan a trip here.
Are you planning a trip to Italy?
We have lots of resources on travel in Italy and destinations throughout the country. Check out our Italy Homepage for everything you need to know, or start by reading some of our favorite Italy articles here:
- Perfect 1 Week Amalfi Coast Itinerary
- Unforgettable Things to Do in Positano
- Hiking the Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast: Guide + Tips
- How to Get From Rome to Naples, Italy
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Originally published on August 17, 2023
Last updated on May 14, 2024