How to Get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples

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

Naples is one of the main gateways to the Amalfi Coast. Many travellers arrive at Naples Airport or Naples Centrale station, then continue towards Positano, Amalfi, Praiano, Maiori, Minori or one of the smaller towns along the coast. The best route depends on where you are staying. Positano and Praiano are usually easier via Sorrento or by private transfer, while Amalfi, Maiori, Minori, Cetara and Vietri sul Mare often work well via Salerno. In summer, ferries can be one of the most scenic and least stressful ways to travel, while private transfers are the easiest option if you have luggage. This guide explains the main ways to get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples, including train, ferry, bus, private transfer and car, with practical route suggestions depending on your destination.

Naples to Positano

Positano is one of the most popular Amalfi Coast towns, but it does not have a train station. From Naples, you will need to use a private transfer or combine train, ferry and bus. The easiest option is a private transfer from Naples or Naples Airport directly to Positano. This usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic, and is the best choice if you have luggage. For a cheaper route, travel from Naples to Sorrento, then continue to Positano by bus, ferry or transfer. In summer, you can also consider travelling from Naples to Salerno by train, then taking a ferry to Positano if the timetable works. - Best option with luggage: private transfer from Naples or Naples Airport. - Best budget option: train to Sorrento, then bus to Positano. - Best summer option: train to Salerno or Sorrento, then ferry to Positano if the timetable works.

Naples 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 links from Salerno. The most practical public transport route is often Naples 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. A private transfer from Naples to Amalfi is the easiest door-to-door option and usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. - Best option with luggage: 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.

Naples to Praiano

Praiano sits between Positano and Amalfi. It is quieter than Positano, but a little less straightforward to reach because it does not have a train station or a main ferry port. The easiest option is a private transfer from Naples or Naples Airport, especially if you have luggage or are staying high up in Praiano. By public transport, travel from Naples to Sorrento, then take a bus towards Positano and Amalfi, stopping in Praiano. Another option is train to Salerno, ferry to Amalfi or Positano, then local bus or taxi to Praiano, but this involves more connections. - Best option with luggage: private transfer. - Best budget option: Naples to Sorrento, then bus towards Praiano. - Best scenic summer option: train to Salerno, ferry to Amalfi or Positano, then local transfer to Praiano.

Naples 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 Naples 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: private transfer or train plus ferry.

From Naples Airport to the Amalfi Coast

If you are flying into Naples Airport, the easiest option is a private transfer directly to your Amalfi Coast hotel. This is the simplest choice for Positano, Praiano, Amalfi or anywhere with difficult access. For public transport, you will usually need to get from Naples Airport to Naples Centrale station or the port first. The Alibus connects the airport with the central station and port area. The airport to central station journey is usually around 15 minutes, while the airport to port journey is usually around 35 minutes, depending on traffic. From Naples Centrale, continue by train towards Salerno or Sorrento, depending on your final destination. - Best option with luggage: private transfer from Naples Airport. - Best budget option: Alibus to Naples Centrale, then train and onward ferry or bus.

By train and ferry

Train plus ferry is often the best public transport option in summer, especially if you are going to Amalfi, Maiori, Minori, Cetara or Positano. The most common route is Naples 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 Naples to the Amalfi Coast gives you flexibility, but it is not always the easiest option. The coastal road is narrow, scenic and often busy, while parking can be limited and expensive. 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 for a beach day on the Amalfi Coast unless you are comfortable with narrow roads and limited parking.

Final Thoughts

The best way to get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples depends on where you are staying. For Positano and Praiano, a private transfer is the easiest option, while Naples to Sorrento plus bus or ferry is usually the budget route. 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 are travelling with luggage or arriving late, a private transfer can be worth the extra cost. If you are on a budget, train plus bus is usually the cheapest route, but allow extra time and expect crowds in high season. The Amalfi Coast is not difficult to reach, but it does reward planning. Choose your route based on your final town, check seasonal timetables before you travel, and avoid trying to do too much on arrival day.