How to Explore Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Costiera Towns: Complete Transportation Guide by Car, Ferry, and Bus
With its dramatic coastline, colorful cliffside villages, and Mediterranean charm, the Amalfi Coast is a bucket-list destination for many travelers. But navigating this stunning region can be tricky, especially during peak summer months. Whether you're looking to explore by car or without one, this guide will help you plan the perfect itinerary.
As passionate travelers who have explored the world, each time we return home and spend our well-deserved weekends in the Costiera Amalfitana, we can't help but feel there is no place more beautiful and special. However, we've often seen tourists struggling in crowded areas, missing out on the region's true beauty due to poor planning or lack of information. This guide is designed to help you organize your trip to the Amalfi Coast efficiently, so you can enjoy its wonders without stress or disappointment.
As passionate travelers who have explored the world, each time we return home and spend our well-deserved weekends in the Costiera Amalfitana, we can't help but feel there is no place more beautiful and special. However, we've often seen tourists struggling in crowded areas, missing out on the region's true beauty due to poor planning or lack of information. This guide is designed to help you organize your trip to the Amalfi Coast efficiently, so you can enjoy its wonders without stress or disappointment.
How to Reach the Amalfi Coast from Naples International Airport
The closest airport to Amalfi Coast is Naples Capodichino Airport (NAP), eventhough recently a tiny airport called Costiera Amalfitana Airport has been inaugurated, only few low cost carriers land there at the moment.
Your journey to the Amalfi Coast will likely start in Naples, the closest major city. There are three primary ways to reach Sorrento, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast.
Your journey to the Amalfi Coast will likely start in Naples, the closest major city. There are three primary ways to reach Sorrento, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast.
- By Road
- By Sea
- By Train
Exploring the Amalfi Coast Without a Car
If you haven't rented a car, you can stay in Sorrento and visit Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello by day ferries or buses that can be infrequent and time-consuming. Sorrento is a bustling town year-round and larger than Positano and Amalfi, offering more accommodation options. Additionally, prices are generally more affordable.Day Ferries & BusesFrom Sorrento, regular ferries connect to Positano, Amalfi, and Salerno. Buses run between towns, but they can be infrequent and crowded during summer months. Ferries are a more comfortable and scenic option.
TownFerry DurationBus Duration
Sorrento to Positano40 mins1.5 hrs
Positano to Amalfi25 mins1 hr
Amalfi to RavelloN/A30 minsPros and ConsPros: No parking hassle, scenic views, budget-friendly options
Cons: Limited schedules, crowded buses, slower journey times
TownFerry DurationBus Duration
Sorrento to Positano40 mins1.5 hrs
Positano to Amalfi25 mins1 hr
Amalfi to RavelloN/A30 minsPros and ConsPros: No parking hassle, scenic views, budget-friendly options
Cons: Limited schedules, crowded buses, slower journey times
Shuttle Bus Schedule
Exploring the Amalfi Coast by Renting a Car
There’s no doubt that renting a car to explore Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast allows you to visit more breathtaking locations and fully enjoy your trip—despite the traffic.
We've been traveling to the Amalfi Coast almost every weekend for over a decade, and I’m excited to share insider tips on navigating traffic and avoiding congestion so you can make the most of your journey.
Since tourism has surged in the Amalfi Coast and Naples, reaching record highs in recent years following the pandemic, renting a car in advance is essential. If you don’t book early, you may struggle to find the ideal car—which should be small but not a Fiat, as these are highly sought after. Even though the Amalfi Coast is a very safe region, having the right vehicle makes navigating the narrow roads much easier.
To get the best deal, use an online platform not only to compare prices but also to check reviews of local rental companies. This ensures you get a reliable car and a smooth rental experience.
We've been traveling to the Amalfi Coast almost every weekend for over a decade, and I’m excited to share insider tips on navigating traffic and avoiding congestion so you can make the most of your journey.
Since tourism has surged in the Amalfi Coast and Naples, reaching record highs in recent years following the pandemic, renting a car in advance is essential. If you don’t book early, you may struggle to find the ideal car—which should be small but not a Fiat, as these are highly sought after. Even though the Amalfi Coast is a very safe region, having the right vehicle makes navigating the narrow roads much easier.
To get the best deal, use an online platform not only to compare prices but also to check reviews of local rental companies. This ensures you get a reliable car and a smooth rental experience.
SORRENTO
When you depart from Naples by road, you can take the highway exit towards Sorrento from Castellammare. (If you don't take this exit and continue for about 15 minutes and instead take the exit for Vietri del Mare, you will reach the end of the Amalfi Coast. The road from Vietri del Mare village to Amalfi is more challenging and longer. In this regard, it is easier to go from Sorrento to Amalfi.) Traffic usually gets congested before reaching the Castellammare exit and continues all the way to Sorrento. Especially from June to September, it can take hours to drive this road during certain times. The least congested hours are before 9:30 AM, between 2 PM and 4 PM, and after 8 PM. If you want to reach Sorrento faster after the Castellammare exit, you can take a newly opened tunnel that is about 5 km long. Avoid this tunnel if there is heavy traffic. The old road passing through the town of Vico Equense can be more interesting due to its scenic views, even if the traffic is congested. When you arrive in Sorrento, you can park your car in one of the garages listed below. Afterwards, you will need to explore the area on foot. Garage Tasso (Close to the main square) Garage Ulysse (This one is closer to the narrow streets of Sorrento and Marina Grande) If you find a spot, you can park along the blue lines, but you will need to estimate your parking duration in advance, purchase a ticket from the parking meters for approximately 1.5 Euros per hour, and place it on your car's windshield. If you can't find a parking meter, you can purchase a parking ticket from the nearest Tabacchiere (tobacco shop), but don't forget to ask for assistance to fill it out.
When you depart from Naples by road, you can take the highway exit towards Sorrento from Castellammare. (If you don't take this exit and continue for about 15 minutes and instead take the exit for Vietri del Mare, you will reach the end of the Amalfi Coast. The road from Vietri del Mare village to Amalfi is more challenging and longer. In this regard, it is easier to go from Sorrento to Amalfi.) Traffic usually gets congested before reaching the Castellammare exit and continues all the way to Sorrento. Especially from June to September, it can take hours to drive this road during certain times. The least congested hours are before 9:30 AM, between 2 PM and 4 PM, and after 8 PM. If you want to reach Sorrento faster after the Castellammare exit, you can take a newly opened tunnel that is about 5 km long. Avoid this tunnel if there is heavy traffic. The old road passing through the town of Vico Equense can be more interesting due to its scenic views, even if the traffic is congested. When you arrive in Sorrento, you can park your car in one of the garages listed below. Afterwards, you will need to explore the area on foot. Garage Tasso (Close to the main square) Garage Ulysse (This one is closer to the narrow streets of Sorrento and Marina Grande) If you find a spot, you can park along the blue lines, but you will need to estimate your parking duration in advance, purchase a ticket from the parking meters for approximately 1.5 Euros per hour, and place it on your car's windshield. If you can't find a parking meter, you can purchase a parking ticket from the nearest Tabacchiere (tobacco shop), but don't forget to ask for assistance to fill it out.
Sorrento, Marina Grande
Exploring the Amalfi Coast:
Positano, Praiano, Marina di Praiano, Amalfi, and Ravello
POSITANO
After approximately 40 minutes by car from Sorrento, you will reach Positano via a scenic and winding road. You cannot enter the center of Positano by car. You will need to park your car at the expensive garage at the entrance and walk through Positano's beautiful streets towards the beach.
After approximately 40 minutes by car from Sorrento, you will reach Positano via a scenic and winding road. You cannot enter the center of Positano by car. You will need to park your car at the expensive garage at the entrance and walk through Positano's beautiful streets towards the beach.
Positano
PRAIANO
About 20 minutes from Positano, you will find Praiano. Although not as well-known, this village offers a magnificent view of Positano from a distance.
About 20 minutes from Positano, you will find Praiano. Although not as well-known, this village offers a magnificent view of Positano from a distance.
Positano View from Praiano
MARINA DI PRAIANO
While continuing from Praiano to Amalfi, don't miss the road leading to Marina di Praiano. When you see the sign for Furore after 10 minutes from Praiano, pay attention to the hidden downhill road on the right side of the bus stop. You can park along the road. Here, there is a tiny but beautiful beach and a square with two typical restaurants. From this square, there is a "romantic walk" that goes up into the mountains. Along this path, you will find one of the world's most romantic restaurants, Il Pirata, especially enchanting under the moonlight. In the evenings after 9 PM, live music and dancing begin. At the end of the road, you will find a famous club called Afrikana, which has been renowned since the 1970s. This structure was built by dynamiting the mountains during the Dolce Vita era. The club attracts wealthy guests who arrive by boat throughout the night. It is located just below the watchtowers, which were built to protect against the Ottomans.
While continuing from Praiano to Amalfi, don't miss the road leading to Marina di Praiano. When you see the sign for Furore after 10 minutes from Praiano, pay attention to the hidden downhill road on the right side of the bus stop. You can park along the road. Here, there is a tiny but beautiful beach and a square with two typical restaurants. From this square, there is a "romantic walk" that goes up into the mountains. Along this path, you will find one of the world's most romantic restaurants, Il Pirata, especially enchanting under the moonlight. In the evenings after 9 PM, live music and dancing begin. At the end of the road, you will find a famous club called Afrikana, which has been renowned since the 1970s. This structure was built by dynamiting the mountains during the Dolce Vita era. The club attracts wealthy guests who arrive by boat throughout the night. It is located just below the watchtowers, which were built to protect against the Ottomans.
Amalfi
AMALFI
About 20 minutes from Marina di Praiano, you will reach Amalfi. To explore Amalfi, you will need to park at one of the large parking lots in the square or along the coastline. At the entrance of Amalfi, you will see a sign that says, "Even after death, Amalfitans won't notice the difference when they reach heaven." Amalfi, which lends its name to these coasts, used to be one of the greatest Maritime Republics.
About 20 minutes from Marina di Praiano, you will reach Amalfi. To explore Amalfi, you will need to park at one of the large parking lots in the square or along the coastline. At the entrance of Amalfi, you will see a sign that says, "Even after death, Amalfitans won't notice the difference when they reach heaven." Amalfi, which lends its name to these coasts, used to be one of the greatest Maritime Republics.
Infinity Terrace in Ravello
RAVELLO
Don't miss Ravello Village, which was established on the hills by noble Amalfitans fleeing from barbarian attacks. After parking your car in the center, you will need to walk through narrow streets. Ravello offers some of the most beautiful views after Positano.
After Ravello, to return to Naples, you can go back to Amalfi and take a shortcut to Naples via Valle di Chiunzi. This road passes through the forests and mountains of the Costiera region. If you come down during sunset, you will be treated to a magnificent view of Mount Vesuvius.
Don't miss Ravello Village, which was established on the hills by noble Amalfitans fleeing from barbarian attacks. After parking your car in the center, you will need to walk through narrow streets. Ravello offers some of the most beautiful views after Positano.
After Ravello, to return to Naples, you can go back to Amalfi and take a shortcut to Naples via Valle di Chiunzi. This road passes through the forests and mountains of the Costiera region. If you come down during sunset, you will be treated to a magnificent view of Mount Vesuvius.