How to get around the Amalfi Coast

The towns of the Amalfi Coast are located along the SS163, also known as "Amalfi Drive," one of the most scenic coastal roads in the world. Fifty twisting kilometers hug the dramatically beautiful coastline and lead visitors to the picturesque towns of the Amalfi Coast in a series of spectacular hairpin bends.

If the curves begin to take their toll on your stomach or the heat of the summer sun is making driving uncomfortable, stop for a refreshing lemonade or crushed ice granita from one of the kiosks set up at the panoramic viewpoints along the road.

Traffic alert: on weekends and throughout the summer, the road is often jam-packed with cars and tour buses carrying visitors to the Amalfi Coast.

The most problematic route due to crowding is in the afternoon from Amalfi to Sorrento. Long lines form at the two Sita bus stops in Positano and buses often pass by already full, unable to take on more passengers. In the afternoon, it's much better to travel by sea to return to Sorrento, and we recommend you purchase ferry tickets in advance.

Getting around by car on the Amalfi Coast

The SS163 or "Amalfi Drive" has just one lane in each direction and is often very busy. Considering the traffic and the endless curves, we recommend maximum caution at the wheel.

Try to avoid driving in peak hours, especially in the summer months when traffic often comes to a standstill under the baking hot sun. On Saturdays and Sundays from May to the beginning of October the roads are especially congested.

Another problem on the Amalfi Coast is the lack of sufficient parking. The towns are very steep, tumbling down the cliffside like life-sized Nativity scenes clinging to the mountainside, so finding parking space in such small, steep villages can be a serious problem. Though the towns do all have a number of public and private parking areas, the cost of parking can be as much as €10 an hour.

There is no free parking on the Amalfi Coast, unless you're willing to park your car quite far from any village. In Positano, you must leave your car in one of the public parking lots near the pedestrian-only areas of the village center, as street parking is only for residents. In Amalfi, the main parking lot (Luna Rossa) is along the coastal road just south of the center of Amalfi.

Keep in mind that the historic centers of Positano and the other towns on the Amalfi Coast are often closed to traffic, especially in the summer months.
Prices and information about parking in Positano, Amalfi, and the other Amalfi Coast towns

Getting around by motorcycle and scooter

A moped or motorcycle is by far the most enjoyable way to get around the Amalfi Coast. It lets travelers explore the Amalfi Coast with total freedom, without having to worry about finding parking or getting stuck in traffic.

You can rent mopeds in most of the towns on the Amalfi Coast. Obviously, we only recommend you use a motorcycle or moped to get around the Amalfi Coast if you already have considerable experience and are confident about navigating the many kilometers of hairpin bends.
Rent a scooter on the Amalfi Coast

Getting around by public transport on the Amalfi Coast

Buses operated by the Sita bus company run between all the towns on the Amalfi Coast. Although buses are frequent, the volume of traffic on SS163 often means they don't run according to schedule.
Be prepared for the crowds: at peak times in the summer you might not always find a seat on buses filled with local vacationers heading to the beach. You may have to ride standing up, and at times the driver won't allow additional passengers to board.

If you decide to travel by Sita bus, you'll need to buy your tickets before boarding. Tickets can be purchased in most coffee bars and tobacconists along the Amalfi Coast and must be validated on board the bus. Tickets cannot be purchased on board. The only town along the Amalfi Coast that has a train station is Vietri sul Mare.

Be aware that buses don't run at night and if you want to get from one town to another in the evening and don't have your own vehicle, you'll have to take a taxi.

Taking a taxi on the Amalfi Coast

Taxis also run along the Amalfi Coast and it's easy to find a taxi in the main towns along the coast. Many taxis are minivans that can transport up to seven passengers. Keep in mind that taxis on the coast can be quite expensive and there are no ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. You can also book a private car service, but you need to reserve in advance.

The prices listed below are approximate and refer to fares for taxis picked up at a taxi stand, without pre-booking, if you specifically request the fixed fare. It's not always easy to find a taxi at the public stands, however, especially in high season. Ask your hotel to book a taxi for you in advance and they'll be able to tell you the exact fare.

Taxis on the Amalfi Coast - approximate prices:

• Taxi Amalfi - Positano: EUR 70

• Taxi Amalfi - Ravello: EUR 40

• Taxi Amalfi - Salerno: EUR 100

• Taxi Positano - Naples: EUR 140

• Taxi Sorrento - Positano: EUR 80

Getting around by ferry

Traveling by sea is definitely the best way to enjoy the Amalfi Coast. Hydrofoils depart from Salerno, Vietri sul Mare, Cetara, Maiori, Minori, Amalfi, Praiano and Positano. There are also direct routes to Capri. The Travel Mar company also offers a bus service to the Path of the Gods for those arriving in Amalfi by sea. The routes are active in the summer (from April to the end of October).

Amalfi Coast ferry schedules

Average travel times and distances

Here is a table showing the main land and sea distances for private transfers in the Gulf of Naples and the Amalfi Coast area, along with average travel times:

Notes on average travel times:

By land: Travel times can vary significantly depending on traffic conditions, especially during the high tourist season. Roads along the Amalfi Coast can be narrow and heavily congested, increasing travel time. Avoid land routes entirely during Easter Monday, April 25, and May 1, as traffic is very intense. Heavy traffic is also common on weekends from early April to late October. In summer, an alternating license plate system is in place. We publish updates on the license plate system on our Amalfi Coast updated info and tips page.

By sea: Travel times depend on the type of boat (hydrofoil, ferry, private speedboat). Private speedboats are faster than public ferries. Sea connections to Amalfi Coast towns (such as Positano and Amalfi) are only active from early April to late October.

By air: Many of these routes are also accessible by helicopter, in combination with a car. Helipads are located in Naples, Salerno, Ravello, Anacapri (Capri island), and Sorrento.

Useful transportation links

Here’s a summary of the transportation options around the Amalfi Coast:

• Sita Bus schedules: for local routes

• Ferry and hydrofoil schedules: to connect coastal towns

• Bus schedules from Rome: for those arriving from the Italian capital

• Circumvesuviana train schedules: from Naples to Sorrento

Book a private transfer

Useful links

• Consorzio Unico Campania

• Circumvesuviana Train Schedules Naples - Sorrento

• Naples Capodichino Airport - Sorrento Bus Schedules

• Bus schedules for the Amalfi Coast