How to Get from Naples to Amalfi Without a Car – Travel Tips

Take the Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Centrale station to Sorrento, then transfers to the coast-hugging SITA bus to Amalfi. This plan keeps you on the peninsula and on the Wasser side, with direct views most of the way. dont expect a single nonstop option, but this sequence minimizes time on the road and makes the scenic part the highlight of the route. This approach avoids heavy car traffic and reduces a significant amount of back-and-forth, keeping you closer to the coast the entire way.

From Napoli Centrale to Sorrento, the Circumvesuviana ride runs about 60 minutes on weekdays; you’ll then hop onto the next leg along towns like Positano and Praiano before reaching Amalfi. The entire trip typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic, season, and how many stops you skip by riding express sections where available.

In the summer, a direct ferry from Molo Beverello to Amalfi offers a scenery-first option. there are limited direct ferries in shoulder seasons, so check the schedule in advance. Be aware that frequencies shift with winds and tides. If you want to combine a boat ride with time in several towns, the ferry route can be a refreshing counterpoint to road travel.

Travel light to keep luggage manageable on crowded platforms and buses. Have a compact bag for daily gear, and keep essential documents in an easy-access pocket. The entire route relies on timely transfers, so arrive early at each station and stay aware of platform changes. there are several towns along the coast where you can pause for a coffee and a quick photo, which helps you reset between legs of this peninsula.

Book ahead when possible, especially for month-peak travel, and look for official operator pages or affiliate links that bundle tickets with seat reservations. This avoids last-minute headaches and gives you real-time updates. If you want a convenient base before you depart, consider the manfredi boutique hotel as a practical starting point in Naples, close to the station for the first leg. They publish notes about times, platform numbers, and the best places to reset between legs, not just glossy marketing content. In any month, check the latest schedules and allow a little buffer for changes.

Naples to Salerno: train option and Amalfi Coast bus transfer

Take a direct Napoli Centrale regional train to Salerno, then hop the Amalfi Coast bus (SITA Sud) to Amalfi. Trains run regularly, with the Napoli–Salerno leg taking about 60–75 minutes. Buying tickets online typically yields cheaper fares; purchased tickets bought in advance are common, and you can choose early departures to avoid stress on the road. Otherwise, if you miss a connection, the next train runs every 20–30 minutes.

From Salerno, the nearest bus stop is right outside the station. If you want to minimize walking, you can grab a short taxi and then board the bus, but many travelers simply walk 5–10 minutes to the SITA Sud stop. The route along the coast runs in both directions; you read the timetable posted at the stop or online, and/or pick a later bus to match your pace. For a dream coastal view, stay on until Amalfi; the ride passes through Maiori and Minori, where locals occasionally hop off to stretch their legs. Some locals joke that the crowded bus has a playful nickname jurga.

The bus ride to Amalfi takes roughly 60–75 minutes, depending on traffic and the number of towns served. A one-way fare hovers around 7–9 euros; consider a pass if you plan multiple coast hops. If you also book a ferry later, you can combine the trip for a full coast experience. If you prefer a faster or more scenic option, the third option is the ferry from Salerno to Amalfi, which offers waterfront views but may have fewer departures in winter.

Option	Typical duration	Cost (one-way)	Anmerkungen
Train Napoli Centrale → Salerno	60–75 min	5–12 EUR (regional); 12–25 EUR (faster IC/Intercity)	Regular departures; buy online for cheaper fares; from Naples to Salerno most days
Salerno → Amalfi by SITA Sud bus	60–75 min	7–9 EUR	Frequent in high season; nearest stop outside station; consider a couple of stops to explore towns like Maiori, Minori
Ferry Salerno → Amalfi	60–75 min	11–21 EUR	Seasonal; scenic; check Travelmar/SNAV; more departures in summer

If you plan a broader itinerary, roma connections are common for travelers starting in Italy’s south. There are hundreds of daily seats on the Naples–Salerno line, and statistical data from the regional transport authority show high reliability during spring and autumn. Read the official timetables online and/or on the app to avoid stress, and read reviews from locals and fellow travelers to pick the best combo for your couple of days on the coast. Renting a car adds cost and stress here, so the train plus bus route remains the cheaper, more flexible option for most visitors.

Circumvesuviana route to Sorrento: train + coastal bus to Amalfi

Take the Circumvesuviana from Napoli Garibaldi to Sorrento, then transfer to a SITA Sud coastal bus toward Amalfi. Trains run roughly every 20–40 minutes; the ride to Sorrento takes about 60–75 minutes, depending on stops. From Sorrento, buses depart from the main bus stop near the harbor and reach Amalfi in about 1h20–1h50, with hundreds of winding curves along the coast delivering sea views at every turn.

Plan your day around the data and schedules published by the railway and bus operators. Read guides and traveler reviews, then ask staff at the main station if anything is unclear. Arriving in july means tighter schedules and longer lines, so start early. Buy a train ticket at Napoli Garibaldi and validate it, only then purchase a separate bus ticket in Sorrento or on board. Some affiliate passes exist, but compare prices and read the small print. marino guides at the main station share quick tips for this route, and the driver will often announce Amalfi.

Travelers seeking flexibility can add a side hike: from Sorrento, walk a coastal path or hike the section near Praiano for a few hours, then ride back by bus; hiking options add variety. Carry a camera for the sea and cliffs; this route is often faster than a long road loop by rail in summer. Avoid relying on taxis back to Sorrento; paid day passes can streamline the return. If you read about the colosseum in Rome, keep this itinerary focused on Amalfi. sure, the scenery makes the trip worthwhile, especially in july.

Seasonal sea routes: ferries and hydrofoils to Amalfi towns

Booking ahead is essential for peak months; direct ferries and hydrofoils to Amalfi towns sell out quickly, so secure seats with a booking at least 7–14 days in advance and choose early-morning departures to minimize traffic and enjoy calmer seas.

Seasonal services concentrate on the southwestern coast, with the heaviest frequencies from April through October. Typical options include ferries from Naples and Sorrento to Positano, Amalfi, and other towns along the coast; hydrofoils offer faster links to capri and nearby points. If capri is on your plan, you can combine capri with the Amalfi towns in one long day. Travelers arriving from roma often fly into Naples and then switch to rail to reach the port for the first sea leg. Never rely on a single schedule; have a backup option in case of changes. For travelers planning in advance, it’s worth thinking about the best day to travel and the typical morning departures about the schedule.

Prices vary by operator and season; expect higher prices in peak weeks, but booking early can save both money and time. Statistical data from operators show weekend spikes in July and August, and surprisingly strong demand on popular routes. Marketing messages may promise the fastest ride, but choose a route that fits your pace and bag load; change is common with seasonal timetables, so check live data before you depart. Disclosure: weather can alter departures at short notice, so have a flexible plan and alternatives ready.

Practical tips: aim for water-side views and consider a mix of longer ferries with shorter hydrofoils to minimize long transfers. From the north or the southwestern side, many travelers opt for a sea leg to capri, then a quick road transfer to the next town for views that are worth the effort. If you’re arriving by flights, you must consider arriving into italy via a flight to Naples, then rail to the port and a final boat to your destination. You’ll gain a lake-like reflection of the coastline on calm mornings, and over-water passages reveal panoramas you can’t get from the road. On calm mornings the water can resemble a blue lake in color. Always compare prices during booking to give yourself better value for money.

Practical timing: best days, times, and avoiding service gaps

Departing on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings from capodichino, when possible, minimizes service gaps and keeps connections smooth between Naples and the Amalfi coast.

Midweek days tend to offer the most reliable schedules for both regular buses and ferries. In shoulder seasons, avoid the Sunday surge; in peak months you’ll still find stable morning slots from about 07:15 to 10:00 and tighter windows after 17:00 along the stretch that climbs the mountain side.

Plan concrete time windows: buses from capodichino usually run around 07:15, 08:00, 08:45, and 09:30, with ferries from the harbor commonly at 09:15, 10:30, and 12:00. Travel by bus takes roughly 1h50m to 2h30m to reach Amalfi or Positano, while ferries require about 1h10m to 1h40m depending on stops. If you’re visiting during busy months, give yourself a 15–30 minute buffer to account for traffic on the mountain stretch and harbor queues.

To avoid service gaps, regularly check the latest timetable the day before and again in the morning of departure. Have a back‑up plan: if the bus is late, switch to the ferry when available, or vice versa. Maybe you’ll use the third option, such as a shorter coastal stop, to keep your day on track and still reach your purpose for visiting on time.

Logistics matter: arrive early, depart with time to spare, and keep your booking letters accessible. If you’re traveling with a small group, assign one person to track updates while others stay ready to move. Carry a light snack to avoid hunger pauses–a quick plate from a nearby store can tide you over while you’re deciding between routes. A quick check near the jurga store by the port often reveals last‑minute seating or stand spots, helping you stay flexible without losing momentum.

Tickets, fares, and passes: where to buy and how to save

Get a versa mix of rail, ferry, and bus by buying a multi-ride option before you travel, and pick it up at napoli counters or online. This keeps your tickets, fares, and passes simple for a family and never you have to juggle several single tickets for each leg. Mind that tickets can be validated on mobile, and you can plan your route to avoid delays when youre navigating the winding roads along the peninsula. If youre arriving by plane to the airports near napoli, planning helps you reach the coast without extra road detours. The coast runs beneath dramatic cliffs, and a camera is perfect to capture the views. Having several options on hand gives you flexibility if a ride is taken or a boat is delayed, and in this case a single pass saves both time and money. The counters at major hubs offer last-minute deals too. For a long day with several legs, this approach keeps things simple on roads and coast.

Where to buy tickets

Rail tickets originate at napoli hubs: Napoli Centrale and Napoli Piazza Garibaldi; price range typically €4–€7 one-way; you can buy at counters or online via Trenitalia and the local operator sites. Ferry tickets depart from Molo Beverello or Calata di Massa with operators Travelmar, Alilauro, and NLG; typical one-way fares €20–€28, duration 50–90 minutes; Buying online guarantees a seat on busy days. For the coast cross that includes bus segments, SITA Sud offers routes from Sorrento to Amalfi for about €7–€9; check the timetable for options and stopping points. Look for functional passes that cover both rail and ferry. For flexibility, look for a combined rail + ferry fare if offered. If a connection is missed, you can usually rebook on the next service within a day.

Saving tips

Planning is key: check timetables ahead and use a versa mix of rail, ferry, and bus rather than a single mode. Travel over several days to keep fares manageable, and never rely on one option if weather or schedules shift. When you miss a connection, take the next service; these routes usually run frequently. For a family, look for kid discounts and group offers; the benefits can add up. At stopovers, grab a plate and desserts from a cafe near the pier, then resume. Have the camera ready to capture views of napoli beneath the north coast and the winding roads along the peninsula.

Tips for transfers and luggage: where to stand, where to board, and access points

Grab a Circumvesuviana ticket at Napoli Centrale toward Sorrento, then take the coast bus to Amalfi; this transportation combo is easy, practical, and cheaper than private transfers for most travellers. It connects Napoli with Sorrento, the Amalfi region, and beyond.

• Naples departure and boarding: Stand on the Circumvesuviana platform areas marked toward Sorrento. Buy tickets from the yellow machines, validate on the platform, and board promptly when the doors open. Keep your luggage in sight and use the racks near the doors; large bags may block the aisle, so be ready to move them aside as the train arrives. Waiting times align with trains every 20–30 minutes in peak periods, so plan the moment you leave the station to avoid crowding.

• Transfer in Sorrento: After arrival, go to the bus terminal behind the station. Look for bays labeled Amalfi and ask a driver if needed; most staff speak basic English. Tickets can be bought at the counter or on the bus, depending on the operator. The ride to Amalfi typically lasts 1.5–2 hours, depending on traffic and road works. Check schedules on the operator’s website for the latest times, and have your itinerary handy so you don’t miss the right bay.

• Access points along the coast: The Amalfi corridor is narrow, with several stops through towns like Positano and Praiano before Amalfi. The coastline between Naples and Amalfi spans roughly 60 kilometers, so you’ll experience scenic views and a few slow sections. Your drop-off in Amalfi is near Piazza del Duomo and the port, a practical landing for exploring the town on foot.

• Schedules and pricing: In july, frequencies rise, but the coast can get crowded. A one-way fare from Sorrento to Amalfi is typically around 8–12 euros; a round trip can offer a small discount. Always check the official website for current schedules and fares, and carry euros since some spots still prefer cash. Waiting times may increase during peak season because hundreds of travellers are moving along the route.

• Luggage and day-of practicality: Travel light to ease handling in narrow stations and on buses. Place large suitcases in the luggage rack or at the rear of the bus if space allows; keep smaller bags with you. Use a shop near the station to grab water or snacks, and label luggage with your contact details in case of loss. Youre responsible for your bags, so stay nearby and avoid blocking aisles while boarding or alighting.

• Connecting beyond the coast: If youre heading to Roma afterward, this route connects smoothly with regional and high-speed trains at Napoli Centrale or Napoli Piazza Garibaldi. Plan the next leg on the official website to minimize waiting and ensure your travel itinerary stays on track, especially when you have a tight schedule.