The ferry operators that offer Sorrento - Positano ferry routes run frequent sailings of direct ferries daily, especially during high season.

• High season (April-October): Frequent crossings from early morning until late afternoon.

• Low season (November-March): Direct ferry crossings include two to three trips per day.

The first ferry leaves around 9 am and the last ferry leaves around 7 pm. The sailing time is 40 minutes on average. The distance between Sorrento and Positano is 15 nautical miles (27 kilometers).

• Hydrofoils: Comfortable and fast (about 40 minutes). Perfect if you want to optimize your time.

• Fast ferries: A slightly slower option, but ideal if you want to enjoy the view during the crossing. High-speed ferries offer outdoor seating and are also used for tours that stop in Amalfi and Capri.

Departure from Sorrento: All direct ferries and hydrofoils depart from the Port of Marina Piccola.

Arrival in Positano: Boats dock at the pier of Spiaggia Grande, in the heart of town.

The Port of Sorrento is known as Marina Piccola and is the main departure point for traveling to Positano and other destinations on the Amalfi Coast and the Gulf of Naples. From the Port of Sorrento, hydrofoils and ferries depart for Naples, Capri, Positano, Amalfi, Salerno and Ischia.

We recommend you arrive at the port about 30 minutes before departure time. Most ferry companies allow you to board directly with the ticket purchased online, but some require check-in at the ticket office. It’s important to check your ticket requirements in advance.

• On foot: From the center of Sorrento, you can go down to the port by taking the steps from the centrally located Piazza Tasso. The walk takes about 10 minutes.

• By elevator: The elevator is a convenient alternative for those with luggage or mobility difficulties. It’s located at the Villa Comunale and costs about 1 euro.

• By bus: The local bus line runs between the port and Piazza Tasso, as well as other centrally located areas of Sorrento. The ticket costs about 1.50 euros.

If you arrive in Sorrento with the Circumvesuviana train, you can easily reach the port on foot (10-15 minutes) or by bus (five minutes).

• Garage Marina Piccola: This is the closest parking lot to the port, with rates starting from 32 euros per day.

• Parking with shuttle: This parking lot is located outside the city center. It offers less expensive rates and a shuttle service to the port.

There are several ferry operators that offer round-trip sailings between Sorrento and Positano:

• NLG (Navigazione Libera del Golfo)

• Alilauro Gruson

• Alicost

• Lucibello (Positano Jet)

• Seremar

All ferry companies offer a comparable level of service, and all have air conditioning and restrooms. The crossing time is the same between all the ferry operators.

The price of a ferry ticket is around 20 euros per trip, i.e. 40 euros round trip.

Hydrofoils and fast ferries offer various services to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Air conditioning

• Comfortable seats

• Restrooms

• Snack bar for drinks and refreshments (on some boats)

• Outdoor seating to enjoy the view

• Spring and fall: Ideal for those looking for a more relaxed experience, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists.

• Summer: High season with more frequent trips but it’s necessary to book in advance.

Children up to six years old are entitled to discounts on tickets, depending on the ferry company. The short sailing time makes this ferry route suitable for families with small children.

Pets are generally allowed on board, subject to reservation and payment of a small supplement. They must have valid health documents and travel with a leash and muzzle (for dogs) or in carriers (for cats and small animals).

Many ferries and hydrofoils operating on the Sorrento - Positano route are equipped to accommodate people with reduced mobility. However, Positano is not an accessible destination because visiting requires navigating steps and stairways throughout town. We don’t recommend visiting Positano if you have limited mobility and instead we suggest you opt for a visit to Amalfi.

Positano doesn’t have an actual port, but rather a dock that’s often overcrowded during high season. The dock is highly exposed to winds and rough seas, making trips to and from Positano susceptible to cancellations. We always recommend checking the ferry companies' social media pages or calling for real-time updates on weather conditions and ferry times. If your crossing is cancelled due to bad weather or rough seas, your ferry tickets are refundable.

If ferry crossings are suspended or you’re looking for a less-expensive alternative, you can take the SITA bus to Positano. It departs from the Sorrento central train station and the trip takes about an hour, stopping in the upper part of Positano.

• Book in advance: Especially in high season, available seats can sell out quickly.

• Arrive early: Show up at the port at least 30 minutes before departure to allow plenty of time for boarding.

• Check the weather: In the event of rough seas, crossings may be suspended.

Once you arrive in Positano, there are many options for your day trip itinerary.

• Walk through the center: Walk through the colorful streets and discover local shops, traditional restaurants and art galleries. The main street is via Pasitea.

• Beaches: Relax on the main beach (Spiaggia Grande) or the surrounding sea coves, such as Fornillo, Arienzo, and Laurito.

• Visit Amalfi: If you have time, you can take a direct ferry from Positano to Amalfi (about 20 minutes). Visit the famous Cathedral of Sant'Andrea, walk along the seafront, and even extend your tour by visiting Ravello.