How to get to Positano: complete transport guide

How to get to Positano

Positano, the vertical village on the Amalfi Coast that cascades down towards the sea, is one of Italy's most iconic destinations. Reaching it requires patience, because the Amalfi Coast is by its nature not easy to access, but the journey is part of the magic.

By air: Naples airport

The main airport is **Naples Capodichino (NAP)**, about 60 km from Positano. It is well connected with domestic and international flights. **Salerno-Costa d'Amalfi Airport (QSR)** is closer (about 40 km) and expanding with some seasonal routes.

Neither airport has direct connections to Positano.

From Naples: the main options

Naples is the main starting point. There are several ways to reach Positano.

Via Sorrento (train + bus or ferry)

This is the most commonly used combination:

**Circumvesuviana train** from Napoli Garibaldi to Sorrento: about 1 hour and 10 minutes, frequent services
From Sorrento to Positano by **SITA bus** (about 40 minutes, scenic route along the coast) or by **ferry** (about 35 minutes, April to October, the most beautiful way)

Via Salerno (train + ferry or bus)

**Regional train** from Napoli Centrale to Salerno: about 40 minutes
From Salerno to Positano by **Travelmar ferry** (about 1 hour and 15 minutes, seasonal only) or by **SITA bus** (about 1 hour and 30 minutes)

Direct transfer

**Taxi or private transfer** from the airport or station: about 90-120 euros, about 1 hour and 15 minutes
**Seasonal shuttle buses** from Naples airport

By ferry: the most beautiful way

Ferries are the most spectacular way to arrive at Positano, with views of the coastline from the sea.

**From Sorrento**: Alilauro and NLG, about 35 minutes, frequent in season
**From Salerno**: Travelmar, about 1 hour and 15 minutes
**From Amalfi**: Travelmar, about 25 minutes
**From Capri**: seasonal connections, about 50 minutes

Ferries operate from **April to October** and may be cancelled in rough seas. Book in advance during high season.

By car: routes and parking

Driving on the Amalfi Coast is an unforgettable but challenging experience.

From Naples (about 60 km)

**A3** Naples-Salerno motorway, exit **Castellammare di Stabia**, then **SS163 Amalfitana** via Meta and Piano di Sorrento. About 1 hour and 30 minutes without traffic, much longer in summer.

From Salerno (about 40 km)

**SS163** along the coast, via Cetara, Amalfi and Praiano. About 1 hour and 15 minutes.

The SS163 Amalfitana

This road is legendary but narrow, with blind curves, buses passing within centimetres and heavy traffic. In summer traffic may be one-way alternating in some sections.

Parking

Parking in Positano is expensive and limited.

**Mulini car park**: paid, in the heart of Positano, the most central
**Roadside parking**: paid blue zones, very few spaces
**Private garages**: various, bookable in advance, high costs (30-50 euros per day)

It is advisable not to bring a car to Positano if possible. Public transport and ferries are better alternatives.

By bus

**SITA Sud**: the Sorrento-Amalfi line runs along the entire coast, with a stop at Positano. Frequent service but buses fill up quickly in summer
**From Naples**: no direct bus exists. Go via Sorrento (Circumvesuviana + SITA bus) or Salerno
**EAV bus**: connections from Sorrento in summer

Positano stops are on the SS163. From there you walk down to the centre and beach (many steps).

Practical tips

**Ferry**: the most beautiful and convenient way to arrive, especially from Sorrento. Avoids coast road traffic
**Avoid the car**: parking is a nightmare and the SS163 in summer is stressful. If possible, leave the car in Sorrento or Salerno
**Vertical Positano**: the village descends from road level to the sea with hundreds of steps. Comfortable shoes essential
**Circumvesuviana**: crowded but efficient. Watch out for pickpockets
**High season**: from June to September everything is more expensive, crowded and slow. May and October are the best months
**SITA bus**: fills up quickly in the morning. Arrive at the stop well ahead of time