While your time spent in Italy will be incredible, figuring out how to get to the Amalfi Coast can be a hassle. Whether you choose to drive yourself or take a bus or train, the journey will be well worth it once you’re looking out at the vibrantly blue Mediterranean Sea.
There are a couple ways that you can get to the Amalfi Coast from cities like Naples, Rome, and Florence. Transportation options include traveling via, train, bus, driving yourself, and taking a day trip with a private tour company.
As it can be tricky to decide what is the best way for you to get to the Amalfi Coast, I’ve put together a guide to make it easier for you. Keep reading to discover the best options to get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples, Rome, and Florence.
How to Get to the Amalfi Coast
Famous for its dramatic cliffs and scenic towns, the Amalfi Coast can be found in the Campania region of Southern Italy. Made up of a rugged coastline and steep cliffs, it can be difficult to navigate the winding narrow roads when driving. It’s relatively simple to get to the Amalfi Coast from popular Italian cities like Rome and Naples, but during peak season transportation options might be limited due to demand. While it may take some extra effort, visiting the Amalfi Coast is well worth it, offering one of a kind views and incredible experiences.
How to Get to the Amalfi Coast from Rome
Train
Traveling to the Amalfi Coast from Rome on the train is a journey filled with beautiful scenery. From the Rome Termini station, the journey will take about 3 hours. You can purchase tickets from the official Trenitalia website or directly at the train station. The ticket prices may vary depending on a few factors, but you can expect to pay between 20 and 60 euros. A pro to traveling via train from Rome is that the seats are comfortable with restrooms on board, there are direct trains, and they are the quickest option. The main con of wanting to travel via train is that the train station is in Salerno, so if this isn’t your final destination, you still have to figure out travel from the train station to where you are staying.
Bus
How to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast does not have to be stress-inducing to your trip. If you want to travel by bus, the journey takes about 4 hours from Rome Tiburtina or Rome Fiumicino Airport. The bus stops multiple times along the Amalfi Coast, including towns like Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi. You can purchase tickets both online or at the bus station. Tickets are typically between 20 to 30 euros. The biggest pros of bus travel are that there are direct routes available to multiple destinations and the seats are generally comfortable. The biggest con is that the journey time is a bit longer than traveling via train.
Car
Driving yourself to the Amalfi Coast gives you the freedom to set your own pace and explore the various small towns and villages along the way. The journey takes about 3.5-4.5 hours, depending on your speed. The biggest plus to traveling via car is the ability to explore smaller towns and scenic spots along your drive, but traffic congestion can be an issue and many people struggle with the driving conditions along the winding coastal roads.
Read more: Renting a Car in Italy
Day Trip
Many people choose to opt for a day trip from Rome to the Amalfi Coast. While this is the pricier option, it lets you ease your mind as everything is done for you. You will get to visit Positano and Amalfi in one day, traveling in a private Mercedes Benz car with a personal guide.
How to Get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples
Train
When figuring out how to get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples, the quickest option is train travel. Departing from either Naples Centrale or Napoli Piazza Garibaldi, the journey can last anywhere from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours. Tickets can be purchased for around 5-20 euros from the Trenitalia website or directly at the train station. Some positives of traveling on the train is that it is extremely comfortable, the travel time is quick, and direct routes are frequent. A negative is that the destination is Salerno, making it a bit of a hassle if this isn’t the town you are staying in.
Bus
Departing from either the Naples station or Napoli Piazza Garibaldi, the bus journey can last 1-2 hours. The bus stops in multiple towns making this a convenient form of travel for those not staying in Salerno. Tickets can be purchased online or at the bus station for around 5 to 20 euros. A pro to bus travel is that they have comfortable seating, the views along the route are gorgeous, and it is convenient to get to multiple different towns. The main con of bus travel is that the journey time can vary based on traffic conditions.
Car
Driving from Naples to the Amalfi Coast typically takes between 1.5 to 2 hours. This is one of the most comfortable options as you are in your own private space. Traveling via car gives you the flexibility to travel at your own speed and explore along the way. The biggest positive is that you can travel directly to your accommodation. Cons include the difficult-to-navigate roads and not all hotels or guesthouses provide parking so you may have to figure out where to park.
Day Trip
You may choose to visit the Amalfi Coast hassle free on a day trip from Naples. This tour not only takes you to Positano and Sorrento, but also stops in Pompeii. Visiting the Amalfi Coast with a private tour is a good idea for you if you are looking for a way to see the coast without having to do any work to get there. The biggest con of a private day trip is that you don’t have as much freedom to explore as long as you like.
Read more: Day Trips From Naples – Our Top Picks
How to Get to the Amalfi Coast from Florence
Train
When figuring out how to get to the Amalfi Coast from Florence, Tuscany, you will find that there is no direct train there. That doesn’t mean it’s difficult to make the journey, you just have to make a transfer. The quickest transfer is in Salerno, although you can stop in Naples or Rome as well. The journey typically takes around 6 hours, but this may be more or less depending on your transfer. Tickets can typically be purchased for around 30 to 60 euros from the Trenitalia website or at the train station.
Bus
As with trains, there are no direct buses from Florence to the Amalfi Coast. The journey crosses different regions and mountainous areas, which makes it impossible for a direct bus route. You will have to transfer, most likely in Naples, Salerno, or Rome to get to the Amalfi Coast. With the transfer, the trip can be quite lengthy, but it will be at least 7 hours. A pro of taking the bus is that tickets are less expensive, starting at around 15 euros. The biggest downside to traveling via bus is that it will take significantly longer than other modes.
Car
Renting a car is one of the best options for how to get to the Amalfi Coast when traveling from Florence. The trip will take you a total of 5-6 hours. Without the hassle of transferring on a bus or train, renting a car gives you the flexibility to go straight from Florence to your accommodation on the Amalfi Coast. While you do have to take on the windy coastal roads and learn the driving rules of Italy, you have the comforts of your own space and the freedom of taking your time.
Final Recommendations to Get to the Amalfi Coast
Overall, the most recommended mode of transportation for how to get to the Amalfi Coast is the train. This is generally the fastest way to cover long distances, although the bus is a good option if you’re only going a short distance.
Typically, public transport is easier than renting a car because you have to learn the driving rules in Italy and Italian driving customs may be different from what you are used to. Many people enjoy taking day trips as it is the most relaxing solution to see the Amalfi Coast, although your day is planned for you so you don’t always get much freedom to explore on your own time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Airport do you Fly Into for Amalfi?
The closest airport to the Amalfi Coast is the Naples Capodichino Airport. Many people often choose to fly into Rome, as international flights are often more affordable.
What is the Easiest Way to Get to the Amalfi Coast?
The easiest way to get to the Amalfi Coast is by taking the train from Naples.