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Positano is one of the most popular towns along Italy’s Amalfi Coast, attracting visitors with its stunning scenery and charming atmosphere. Navigating from Napoli to Positano requires a bit of planning, but this comprehensive travel guide makes the process easy and stress-free. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of all transportation methods, helping you plan your trip with confidence.
There are three main city hubs to reach Positano: Naples, Sorrento, and Salerno. The Naples to Positano route is especially popular among travelers, particularly those coming from Rome. As a Travel to Italy specialist, I often receive questions about the best ways to get there.
Naples, the largest city near the Amalfi Coast, offers various transportation options to suit different budgets, group sizes, schedules, and travel preferences. Whether you’re looking for convenience, speed, or cost-effectiveness, this guide will help you choose the best option for your journey from Naples to Positano.
4 Ways to Get to Positano from Naples Centrale Train Station
How to Get to Positano from Naples Centrale by Train & Bus
Since Positano does not have a train station, the closest train stop to Positano is in Sorrento. So, if you’re looking for the cheapest route to Positano, taking the Circumvesuviana train, followed by the SITA bus, will be your cheapest option.
Although taking the bus is not an efficient mode of transportation to get to Positano, it is the cheapest. Please take note that this area is crowded during peak season, so taking the bus will take many hours. As a specialist, I have to warn travelers this route is not the best value in relation to the amount of time you will spend traveling.
Who is this option for?
- You are looking for the cheapest route
- You are able to lift your luggage in and out of trains and buses
- You don’t mind it will take you 3-hours or more to get to Positano (Note: a private driver or shared transfer can get you there in approximately 1.5 hours)
- You’re willing to wait for the next bus if your bus arrives full (this happens often during peak season)
If you’re interested in taking the train and bus to Positano, this is going to be your route:
- From Naples Centrale, take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento. The Circumvesuviana train runs between Naples and Sorrento approximately every half hour, and one-way tickets currently cost 3.60 euro at the time of writing this article. After around 60 to 90 minutes on the train, you’ll arrive in Sorrento.
- Once you arrive in Sorrento, you’ll board the #5070 Sorrento-Amalfi SITA bus to Positano. In Sorrento, there is a bus ticket booth at the Circumvesuviana station, and you’ll purchase a “Corsa Singola” ticket. These SITA bus tickets will cost approximately two to three euro.
Note: There is another bus-only option that can get you to the Amalfi Coast. However, this option’s downside is there are limited daily departures, and this bus does not operate on Sundays. If you’re interested in this option, you’ll need to board the Naples-Amalfi bus #5020, and this journey will take approximately two hours. You will disembark at the final stop, Amalfi. Next, board the Amalfi – Sorrento #5070 bus and disembark in Positano. Keep in mind that Positano has two stops, Sponda and Chiesa Nuova, so you’ll need to select the option closest to your accommodation.
How to Get to Positano from Naples Centrale by Ferry
Taking the ferry on a beautiful and sunny day is one of my favorite methods to reach Positano from Naples. Riding the ferry to Positano is an economical and effective route, and you can’t beat the incredible scenery of the Amalfi Coast and Bay of Naples you’ll experience during your ride. The ferry journey is approximately 1 hour and twenty-five minutes and costs between twenty and thirty euro per person.
Who is this option for?
- You’re traveling between March 1 and October 31
- You are able to maneuver your luggage on your own
- You are able to carry your luggage up flights of stairs in Positano, or you are willing to hire the Positano Luggage Porters to carry your luggage to your accommodation (Click for Luggage Porter Information)
If you’re interested in taking a ferry from Naples to Positano, this is going to be your route:
- From Naples Centrale, you’ll call a taxi to make your way to the Port of Naples (Molo Beverello). The Free Now app is a great option for booking taxis in Naples, and this ride should cost around 13 euro (standard-size taxi).
- Purchase a ferry ticket to Positano. I buy my ferry tickets with the Ferryhopper app on the way to the ferry docks, which is a great ferry ticket app for English speakers. The app makes it super easy to see time schedules and purchase tickets. Note – It’s advisable to check the ferry schedules in advance as they can vary depending on the season. (Pro Tip: buy your tickets online days in advance via Ferryhopper)
- Board the ferry and enjoy a scenic journey along the coast. Upon arrival at Positano’s ferry dock (next to Spiaggia Grande), you can hire a porter to take your luggage to your hotel or send me an email at info@windowsonitalia.com, and I’ll help get you booked with a hotel that has luggage porters.
How to Get to Positano from Naples Centrale by Private Driver
Arranging a private driver from Naples Centrale to your Positano accommodation is the easiest and most efficient option. Please note that private drivers need to be arranged in advance if you’re traveling during the high season (April through September. The journey from Naples Centrale to your Positano accommodation usually takes approximately 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Who is this option for?
- Your time is most important to you
- You’d like assistance with your luggage
- You’d like to arrive directly at your hotel with minimal walking
If you’re interested in hiring a private transfer from Naples to Positano, there are two ways to arrange your transfer:
- Option 1: To arrange for a private driver, please click here. Your driver will wait for you at Naples Centrale at the arranged time and date with a sign including your name.
- Option 2: Arrange your private driver with the help of an Italy Specialist. Please email me your travel information at info@windowsonitalia.com. We are happy to use your connections to arrange your travel at no additional cost to you.
How to Get to Positano from Naples Centrale by Shared Transfer
Are you looking for the benefits of a private transfer but don’t mind riding with a few other travelers? Arranging a shared transfer is the perfect option for those who want the luxury of arriving at their hotel door but without the price tag.
Who is this option for?
- Your time is important to you
- You’d like assistance with your luggage
- You’d like to arrive directly at your hotel with minimal walking
- You don’t mind riding with a few other travelers to your destination
If you’re interested in hiring a shared transfer from Naples to Positano, there are two ways to arrange your transfer:
- Option 1: To arrange for a shared transfer in Naples, please click here. Your driver will wait for you outside of the Naples Centrale at the arranged time and date with a sign including your name.
- Option 2: Arrange your shared transfer with the help of an Italy Specialist. Please email me your travel information at info@windowsonitalia.com. We are happy to use your connections to arrange your travel at no additional cost to you.
I hope this travel guide helps you decide which mode of transportation from Naples Centrale to Positano is best for you. When choosing a mode of transportation, remember to consider factors such as cost, travel time, and personal preferences.
If you need help evaluating which option is best for you or would like to arrange a transfer, please feel free to contact me at info@windowsonitalia.com or here.
