Naples is Italy’s third largest city, famous for its historical sights, art galleries and museums, and frescoed churches. It is also close to the stunning seaside resort of Positano. Positano is a charming town on the Amalfi Coast overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is famous for its colourful houses that cling precariously to the hillsides. Today, more than 5 million people visit Positano every year. Visitors often make Naples their base and take day trips to the coast. So, if you’d like to do the same, there are five ways to get from Naples to Positano.
How to get from Naples to Positano
Bus
The SITA local buses are the cheapest way to get from Naples to Positano. However, you’ll have to transfer in Sorrento. Public buses take between one hour and 75 minutes, but during peak season, the traffic can be really bad and the journey longer.
Once in Sorrento, you’ll need to catch another bus from the Sorrento Railway Station to the Amalfi Coast. This bus stops in several towns, including Positano. Buses run all year, with a frequency of two per hour during the high season. The bus journey from Sorrento to Positano takes around 45 minutes (depending on traffic), and there are sweeping coastal views to enjoy along the way.
The long-distance bus company, Flixbus also covers this route. Tickets cost a bit more, but the buses are more comfortable and are air-conditioned.
Car
Renting a car gives you the most flexibility as you can depart when you like and stop off along the way. There are many car hire firms around Naples, but finding the best deal is the first step. Naples and Positano are 58km away from each other, and the drive should take about one hour and twenty minutes. From Naples, you just follow A3 Autostrada in the direction towards Sorrento, then take the Via Nastro Azzuro exit to get on the SS 163 highway that goes all the way into Positano.
Train and Ferry
The easiest way to reach Positano using public transport is to take a train to Salerno, then take a ferry to Positano.
Head to either Napoli Central or Piazza Garibaldi and catch the train to Salerno. You have a choice between local trains and high-speed Freccia trains. High-speed trains offer air-conditioned cars, free Wi-fi, and comfortable seats. Local trains on the other hand are a lot cheaper but slower. The local trains take about 45 minutes. The faster trains take about 35 minutes.
In the summer months, local trains usually sell out. You cannot make advanced seat reservations, so if you want to catch a local train, you need to arrive at the station early. On high-speed trains, you can make advanced seat reservations.
Once you reach Salerno, head over to the port to catch the ferry to Positano. The NLG fast ferry runs once per day and takes just 35 minutes. The Travelmar ferry runs several times per day and takes twice as long.
Ferry
If you have plenty of time to enjoy the journey, then take the scenic route and board the ferry. Your cruise begins in Naples, where you take the first ferry to Sorrento, then a second, smaller ferry to Positano. The first ferry between Naples and Sorrento runs all year long, but the second ferry from Sorrento to Positano only runs from April until the end of October.
In Naples, the ferries depart from the Moro Beverello Pier. Ferries take around 45 minutes to make the journey from Naples to Sorrento. The port of Sorrento is down by the beach and this is where you catch the next, fast ferry to Positano.
Private Transfer
If you are short on time and want the most direct route from Naples to Positano, then book a private transfer. All other travel options involve at least one change somewhere. There’s no direct way to get from Naples to Positano. A private transfer also allows you to beat the crowds, especially in the summer months.
Most private transfer packages include an English-speaking driver and a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, making the 90-minute journey rather more pleasant than public transport. You’ll also get a chance to sit back, relax, and take in the magnificent views along the coast road.
