Have you ever wondered how to get around the Amalfi Coast? It’s not as easy as it seems, especially if you go during the busy season. The good news is that there are so many ways to get around that you’re sure to find one that’s best for you.
The Amalfi Coast is a 35-mile stretch of coastline located in Campania, Italy, and is one of the most famous driving routes in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beaches, steep cliffs, and stunning views. The coast is actually a historic city. The layout is centuries old and has not changed despite the advances in the size of automobiles.
But before we dive deep into the various forms of transportation, we have to answer a very important question. How exactly are you supposed to get there?
How to get to the Amalfi Coast
You come in through Naples Airport and consider renting a car, but you decide not to. Before you arrived in Italy, you had heard that the streets of the Amalfi Coast and Naples can be narrow and harrowing, and you came to relax, not to be stressed.
The bus? Well, that’s better, but your friends told you that the train is the absolute best way to travel around Europe. So you decide on the train to Sorrento. It’s only one hour. Once you arrive there is a ferry that will take you straight to the Amalfi Coast!
You witness the gorgeous view of the water and you’re excited when you can see Amalfi in the distance. You get to your hotel, take a shower, and prepare to head out. But you did not plan how to get around the Amalfi Coast beforehand. Luckily, you already downloaded this guide before your trip. So let’s take a look at your best options.
Read more: How to Get to the Amalfi Coast – Complete Travel Guide
How to Get Around The Amalfi Coast – 5 Means of Transport
Private Tours
We have already proven that getting around Amalfi can be stressful, depending on your method of transportation. If you want to get around this beautiful place worry-free, consider going on a private tour. Put all the work, scheduling, and transportation in someone else’s hands—no waiting in traffic in a car or bus.
A private driver will come to your hotel’s front door to pick you up and drop you off when the trip is over. You can get transportation from Sorrento or Naples, giving you plenty of free time to explore the coast, Ravello, and Positano.
Read more: Amalfi Coast Boat Tours – Discover the Mediterranean Sea
Buses
There are bus routes that go all around Amalfi. When determining how to get around Amalfi Coast without a car, SITA buses go along the coast from Sorrento to Amalfi via Positano. You will have to change buses if you want to ride along the entire coast. Because of traffic, the timetable is not set in stone, so plan accordingly.
It’s quite cheap. The price you pay is based on the length of time of the trip. (i.e. 45-minute trips are about 2.20 euros). They can be slow and very crowded. During the summer months, you might have to stand the entire time.
Cars
This is the best option if you’re already on a road trip through Italy. If you have the time and want to really see everything, cars are an excellent option since all towns of the Amalfi Coast can be reached by car.
The best time to drive is between October and April and it is not recommended during the summer months. On weekends you could spend most of your time stuck in traffic. And even when you finally arrive at your destination there is no place to park.
Vespa
Do you want to know how to get around the Amalfi Coast in the best possible way? For exploring the coast like a bonafide local, consider renting a Vespa.
With it, you can go around many traffic jams. You will have complete control over where you go and they are straightforward to ride. It will be easier to find parking, you can travel in less time, and it’s cheaper than car or private drivers.
Keep in mind though that, if you’ve never ridden a Vespa before, the narrow streets of Amalfi are not a great place to learn, especially during the summer.
Ferry
You can use a ferry to access the most popular towns around the coast, including Salerno, Positano, and Sorrento. It is perfect for those who know how to get around Amalfi Coast and want to avoid the traffic jams completely, and for those who want to enjoy the splendid views of the coast from the water.
Generally, they are only available from April to October, and there will be some inland places that the ferries cannot reach such as Praiano, Ravello, or Tramonti. You can find tickets for the ferries on the docks. Some also have websites where you can buy tickets online.
The Best Means of Transport on the Amalfi Coast Depending on the Season
Summer
This is the season when most activities occur, and you’ll be able to participate in festivals and many other events during your stay. There will be warm weather and it is the best time to enjoy beaches. But it is also the high season for tourism. It will be very crowded and prices are higher during this time. This is also the season with the most traffic, long lines for attractions, and not much parking.
Transportation we recommend: Bus, ferry, private tours
Autumn
The second best time to visit. Many people return to work during the autumn so there are fewer crowds, which means cheaper prices for many activities. The weather is cooler than summer, and the water is still warm enough to swim. Keep in mind that it will start to rain more frequently in November.
Transportation we recommend: Cars
Winter
This season has the lowest rates for rooms and airfare. There is less traffic and the town is empty, so if you come across a day with decent weather it can feel like you have the entire place to yourself. It’s the worst time for weather, as it can be unpredictable. The number of activities will be limited and several hotels, and restaurants will be closed. Some days will be rainy, so you will need transportation that can protect you from the weather.
Transportation we recommend: Cars
Spring
Perhaps the best time to visit. The weather is pleasant, and flowers are in bloom. Crowds are still on the small side and prices still aren’t as expensive as in the summer. May is considered the best month to visit according to the Positano Tourism Board. Keep in mind that hotels, cafes, and restaurants start to reopen around Easter.
Transportation we recommend: Bus, Vespa
Things to Consider When You Plan to Get Around The Amalfi Coast
Its Narrow Streets
The great Amalfi Coast Drive itself is very curvy and winds everywhere, and regulars say that first-timers should not drive because of the narrow streets. However, these same zig-zagging hairpin bends can be an adventurous experience for those that are daring and bold enough.
Overcrowding
During the high season, tourists from all corners of the world come to the Amalfi Coast. This leads to overcrowding and can be quite dangerous if you are not careful. There will be scooters zipping by, people in cars looking for parking, and large buses and cyclists trying to squeeze through.
Read more: Best Time to Visit Amalfi Coast – What to Know When Booking
Walking and Hiking
When planning how to get around the Amalfi Coast, consider that it is surrounded by nature. Walking and hiking is a great way for you to experience this place, so make sure to make time for it.
For example, there is Valle delle Ferriere. Hopefully, you really enjoy hiking up through the mountains, because the trip to this enchanting natural preserve will take half a day! This is a unique attraction located between the Lattari mountains. If you want to escape the business of the city, try out this 3.2-mile loop trail.
Museums and Galleries
There are several museums and galleries for you to choose from on the Amalfi Coast. If you have a car you can park in the Parcheggio Luna Rossa parking lot. It is along the tunnel Pedonale Amalfi which connects it to the city of Atrani. Walk a few minutes along the tunnel to Piazza Municipio, which is a small square that is also considered Amalfi’s town center.
There you can visit museums and galleries nearby like Museo Arsenale di Amalfi. It is a maritime museum that used to be an old armory. It has a gallery of statues and artifacts where you can learn about the naval history of Amalfi.
Sheer Cliffs
If you want to know how to get around the Amalfi Coast from an adventurer’s point of view, you can visit a village called Positano where everything seems to be hanging from a cliff. Here, the buildings are the original structures and are carved into the rocks. Located on the edge of the Lattari Mountains, it is also known for its zig-zagging coastal roads. Relax at one of its many restaurants or ice cream parlors overlooking the water.
FAQs about How to Get Around the Amalfi Coast
Is it Easy to get around the Amalfi Coast Without a Car?
Absolutely! Whether you want to travel by land or by sea, by foot or by Vespa, there are several options to choose from to assure you have the perfect Amalfi Coast trip.
Is Uber Available in Amalfi?
Unfortunately not. Uber is nonexistent in all of the Coast.
Is it Difficult to Walk around the Amalfi Coast?
The Amalfi coast is very steep. And most footpaths are usually made of stone. However, it’s very straightforward. If you do decide to hike up some hills, you will be rewarded with spectacular views. Protip: take public transportation up a hill then walk your way down!
