How To Get Around The Amalfi Coast
Welcome to the coastline that laughs at your Google maps
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The Amalfi Coast is easily one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world, with its pastel villages perched on dramatic cliffs and winding roads that hug the coastline. But as beautiful as it is, getting to the Amalfi Coast (and getting around once you’re there) takes a bit of planning, especially if you’re visiting during high season (June through early September).
I’ve spent time navigating the region myself, and I’ll be honest: it’s not as straightforward as hopping in a rental car and driving from town to town. The roads are narrow, carved into the cliffs, and often reduced to single lanes due to traffic or roadwork. Add in hairpin turns, limited parking, and long summer delays, and it quickly becomes clear why even seasoned travelers opt for alternate options. While renting a car might sound like a flexible way to explore, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re already familiar with the Amalfi Coast—or you’re an extremely confident driver who enjoys a challenge.
Instead, there are better (and far more enjoyable) ways to explore this stretch of coastline. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to get to the Amalfi Coast from Rome, and then break down the best ways to get around once you’re there—whether that’s by ferry, boat tour, private transfer, or a combination of all three. My goal is to help you avoid the stress and spend more time enjoying the views, the food, and those iconic seaside villages.
Getting Around The Amalfi Coast By Ferry
Ferries are one of the easiest ways to hop between towns, especially in the warmer months (roughly April to October). They offer beautiful coastal views and skip the winding coastal roads altogether.
These are some of the more popular ferry routes in The Amalfi Coast:
Sorrento to Capri: ~30 minutes
Positano to Amalfi: ~25 minutes
Amalfi to Capri: ~45 minutes
Sorrento to Positano: ~40 minutes
“Which ferry provider do you recommend?”
When it comes to ferry operators, I personally recommend PositanoJet for fast, reliable service and a more intimate, small-group feel. If you're looking for a wider route network with consistent schedules to both the coastal towns and nearby islands, NLG (Navigazione Libera del Golfo) is another solid and reputable choice.
“How much do the ferry tickets cost?”
You can expect one-way fares to range from €10–15 per person for short hops like Positano to Amalfi on local ferries or hydrofoils. Longer crossings such as Amalfi to Capri typically cost €25–30 per person, with hydrofoils and peak-season surcharges pushing rates slightly higher. The prices vary by operator, speed of the boat, and season, so book in advance when possible to lock in the best fares.
“Let’s Book a Boat Tour” - my favorite option
For a more exclusive, luxurious experience, private boat transfers are ideal. These are especially popular for traveling between Sorrento, Naples, Positano, and Capri, or for enjoying a romantic sunset cruise along the coastline.
With private boat transfers, you get complete flexibility over your schedule, the ability to avoid crowded ferries, and the chance to explore hidden beaches, sea caves, and quiet coves that are only accessible by sea. Many services even offer hotel pick-up from private docks, making the journey seamless and stress-free. This is an ideal choice for couples, families, or small groups looking for a bespoke travel experience along the Amalfi Coast—with unbeatable photo opportunities along the way.
“How much do the boat tours cost?”
When booking a boat tour along the Amalfi Coast, pricing can vary widely—and it usually comes down to whether you choose a small group tour or a private one.
Small group tours are more budget-friendly and typically involve sharing the boat with a handful of other travelers. While you won’t have full control over the itinerary, they still offer a scenic and enjoyable experience—this option is perfect if you're looking for something a bit more elevated than the public ferries without the splurge.
Private tours, on the other hand, come at a premium but give you complete flexibility: you can choose your stops, linger where you want, and enjoy a more intimate setting. They’re ideal if you’re celebrating something special or simply want the full luxury experience.
My advice: If a tour’s pricing seems too good to be true, double-check the details—you might be looking at a group tour when you were expecting a private one.
I’ve linked below some of my personal favorite boat tours along the Amalfi Coast and Capri. Each one is highly rated, and I’ve experienced quite a few of these on the list myself.
The Best Boat Tours in The Amalfi Coast & Capri
Let’s talk public transit. Yes, it exists—but I wouldn’t exactly recommend it.
There’s no train that runs through the Amalfi Coast towns themselves, but you can take a train to a nearby hub and then brave the buses from there. For example:
From Rome, take a high-speed train to Salerno (about 2 hours), then catch a ferry or SITA bus to Amalfi or Positano.
From Naples, you can take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento (about 70 minutes), then hop on the SITA bus from Sorrento to Positano or Amalfi.
The SITA buses run regularly between Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Praiano, and Maiori, and are very budget-friendly. That said, they're often overcrowded, frequently delayed, and not the most relaxing way to soak in the views. Air conditioning is… optional at best, and boarding can feel like a competitive sport—especially in high season.
If you're traveling light, patient, and on a strict budget, it's doable. But if you'd prefer your Amalfi experience with a breeze and a bit of breathing room, the ferries or private transfers will serve you much better.
My advice: While I don’t personally recommend public transit on the Amalfi Coast, I’m including it here so you’re aware of all your options.
Driving the Amalfi Coast? Only If It’s With a Pro
If you absolutely must travel by land, I strongly recommend skipping the rental car drama and booking a private transfer instead—it’s far more comfortable, reliable, and efficient, especially with luggage or during high season.
I personally recommend Daytrip, a service I’ve used and trust. Their drivers are professional, the cars are clean and air-conditioned, and best of all—you can customize your route with scenic stops along the way.
Want to detour to Ravello for a long lunch with a view? Or stop in Maiori to explore a quieter stretch of coastline? You can. It’s not the cheapest option, but for stress-free travel and a more personalized experience, it’s absolutely worth it.
I hope you found this guide helpful as you plan your Amalfi Coast adventure — and if you’re new here, welcome! I’d love for you to subscribe and join For Those Who Wanderlust, my weekly newsletter where I share curated travel tips, destination guides, and beautiful places worth adding to your list.
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Ciao for now,
Domenica
Travel Guides + Blog: LuxTravelsInsider.com
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