How to Get to the Amalfi Coast from Rome

A practical guide to getting from Rome to the Amalfi Coast, including the best routes to Positano, Amalfi, Praiano, Maiori, Minori, Vietri sul Mare and the eastern Amalfi Coast.

Rome is a common starting point for trips to the Amalfi Coast, especially if you are flying into Italy, combining Rome with southern Italy, or travelling by train from another city. The Amalfi Coast is not directly connected to Rome by train, so the best route usually involves travelling first to Naples or Salerno, then continuing by ferry, bus, car or private transfer. The best route depends on where you are staying. Positano and Praiano are often easier via Naples or Sorrento, while Amalfi, Maiori, Minori, Cetara and Vietri sul Mare are usually more straightforward via Salerno. In summer, train plus ferry can be one of the most scenic and comfortable options, while private transfers are easiest if you have luggage. This guide explains the main ways to get to the Amalfi Coast from Rome, including train, ferry, bus, private transfer and car, with practical route suggestions depending on your destination

Rome to Positano

Positano is one of the most popular Amalfi Coast towns, but it does not have a train station. From Rome, you will need to combine train, transfer, ferry or bus. The easiest option is usually train from Rome to Naples, then private transfer from Naples to Positano. This avoids changing between local trains and buses with luggage. For a cheaper route, travel from Rome to Naples, then continue to Sorrento and take a bus, ferry or transfer to Positano. In summer, you can also consider train from Rome to Salerno, then ferry to Positano if the timetable works. - Best option with luggage: train to Naples, then private transfer to Positano. - Best budget option: train to Naples, then Sorrento, then bus to Positano. - Best summer option: train to Salerno or Naples, then ferry if the timetable works.

Rome to Amalfi

Amalfi town is usually easier to reach by public transport than Positano, especially in summer. It does not have a train station, but it has good ferry and bus connections from Salerno. The most practical public transport route is often Rome to Salerno by train, then Salerno to Amalfi by ferry. The ferry journey from Salerno to Amalfi is usually around 35 to 40 minutes, depending on the route and operator. Outside ferry season, or if the weather is poor, you can continue from Salerno to Amalfi by bus. Another easy option is train from Rome to Naples or Salerno, then private transfer to Amalfi. - Best option with luggage: train to Naples or Salerno, then private transfer. - Best public transport option in summer: train to Salerno, then ferry to Amalfi. - Best budget option: train to Salerno, then bus to Amalfi.

Rome to Maiori and Minori

Maiori and Minori are on the eastern side of the Amalfi Coast and are usually easier to reach via Salerno than via Sorrento. The simplest public transport route is Rome to Salerno by train, then ferry or bus to Maiori or Minori. In summer, ferries are often the most pleasant option because they avoid traffic on the coastal road. By bus, you can travel from Salerno along the coast towards Vietri, Cetara, Maiori, Minori and Amalfi. This is cheaper, but usually slower and more crowded in peak season. - Best option in summer: train to Salerno, then ferry to Maiori or Minori. - Best budget option: train to Salerno, then bus. - Best option with luggage: train to Salerno plus ferry, or private transfer from Salerno.

From Rome airports to the Amalfi Coast

If you are flying into Rome Fiumicino or Rome Ciampino, you will usually need to get into central Rome first, then take a train south towards Naples or Salerno. From Fiumicino, the Leonardo Express connects the airport with Roma Termini. From Ciampino, you can use airport buses or local connections to reach Roma Termini. From Termini, continue by high-speed train towards Naples or Salerno. If you have heavy luggage, a late arrival or a long travel day, it may be easier to stay overnight in Rome or Naples before continuing to the Amalfi Coast. - Best option with luggage: airport transfer to Rome Termini, high-speed train to Naples or Salerno, then private transfer. - Best budget option: airport connection to Rome Termini, train to Salerno, then ferry or bus.

By train and ferry

Train plus ferry is often the best public transport option from Rome to the Amalfi Coast in summer, especially if you are going to Amalfi, Maiori, Minori, Cetara or Positano. The most common route is Rome to Salerno by train, then ferry from Salerno along the Amalfi Coast. Ferries are scenic, avoid road traffic and can be more comfortable than buses in peak season. This route works especially well for Amalfi, Maiori and Minori. It can also work for Positano, but you should check the ferry schedule carefully because routes vary by operator and season. - Best for: summer trips, scenic arrivals and avoiding road traffic. - Good to know: ferries can be affected by weather and sea conditions, so always check live schedules before travelling.

By car

Driving from Rome to the Amalfi Coast gives you flexibility, but it can be a long and tiring journey, especially once you reach the coastal roads. Driving can make sense in the shoulder season, if your accommodation has confirmed parking, or if you plan to explore beyond the main coastal towns. It is less appealing in July and August, especially if you are staying in Positano or Amalfi. If you do drive, check whether your accommodation includes parking and whether it is reachable by car. Some places still involve steps or a walk from the nearest road. - Best for: shoulder season trips, flexible itineraries and accommodation with parking. - Good to know: do not rent a car just to reach the Amalfi Coast unless you are comfortable with narrow roads, traffic and limited parking

Final Thoughts

The best way to get to the Amalfi Coast from Rome depends on where you are staying. For Positano and Praiano, travelling by train to Naples and then taking a private transfer is usually the easiest option, while the budget route usually continues via Sorrento by train and bus. For Amalfi, Maiori, Minori, Cetara and Vietri, travelling via Salerno often makes more sense. If you are visiting in summer, train plus ferry is often the most enjoyable public transport option. If you have luggage or are arriving late, consider using a private transfer for the final part of the journey. If you are on a budget, train plus bus can work, but allow extra time and expect crowds in high season. The Amalfi Coast is very reachable from Rome, but it is not a simple one-seat journey. Choose your route based on your final town, check seasonal timetables before you travel, and avoid trying to fit too much into your arrival day.