Last Updated on 07/04/2022
Positano is one of the most popular towns along the Amalfi Coast in Italy. Although it’s not that far from Naples, it takes a bit of planning and research on how to get to Positano. Sometimes the most beautiful places require a little leg work to get to. What’s the saying? “It’s not the destination, but the journey”? You’re going to need to channel that mantra when you’re going from Naples to Positano by ferry, train, bus or private driver (undoubtedly the most convenient). Trust me though, it’s worth it.
In this guide on how to get to Positano, I’ll share all the details on the different choices and include a Google Map at the end.
*This post has been updated in July 2022 and contains some affiliate links at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Naples to Positano Ferry
Unfortunately there is not a direct ferry from Naples to Positano. We can only hope the ferry companies create a new direct route. Until then, you have to make a quick stop in Sorrento on the way. The Naples port can get a little hectic, crowded and confusing, especially when two ferries are leaving around the same time.
Prices and schedule will vary depending on season and ferry company, but expect to pay about 30 euros per person each way. Alilauro is one of the main companies and you can book the ferry ahead of time. You can also purchase tickets right at the ticket booth at the ports. Each ferry will take about 40 minutes.
The ferry will eventually dock in Positano right in front of the Hotel Covo dei Saraceni.
This is also the same point where you can meet the boats for day trips and private tours or to visit Arienzo Beach Club (a must do!).
Also read: Where to Stay in Positano
Driving from Naples to Positano
Driving is one of the quickest ways to get to Positano, if you don’t hit too much traffic. Since we lived in Naples and owned a car, we often drove to Positano. There are several parking lots and I’ve noted a few on the map below. You’ll be in awe of the views, but driving is not for the faint of heart or car sick prone. The drive will take you about an hour and a half.
Unless you’re on a larger road trip throughout Italy, it’s probably not worth renting a car just to get you to Positano and then have it sit in a pricey parking lot. If you need to rent a car though, be sure to read my tips for driving in Italy.
Consider hiring a private driver if you want to get to Positano without any transfers or public transportation. When I reserved a private driver from the Naples airport to the Amalfi Coast with a friend visiting from the States, it was definitely the most convenient option.
Naples to Positano by Train (& Bus)
There is not a train station in Positano, but the Circumvesuviana runs from downtown Naples to Sorrento (check the schedule). From Sorrento, you can transfer to the SITA bus directly outside the train station. I always caught the Circumvesuviana at the main Garibaldi stop. You could also always go one stop ahead and catch it at Porta Nolana, where the line begins. The Garibaldi stop is connected to the main Napoli Centrale underground.
Go down the stairway in Napoli Centrale and make a left, follow signs for Circumvesuviana. At the end of a long fluorescent tunnel, you’ll see the ticket booth (likely with a line). The train to Sorrento costs about $4 each way. Take the train all the way to the last stop. Do not get off at the second to last stop, Sorrento di Piano (although that’s a quaint little town too).
This is the same train that runs by Pompeii, but it’s not just frequented by tourist. The Circumvesuviana is used by locals as well, especially during the summer when Neapolitans visit the beaches along the line. The Circumvesuviana is a little rickety with a classic Naples patina. After about an hour to 90 minutes on the train, you’ll arrive in Sorrento.
Head down the stairs to the street level and catch the SITA bus to Positano (SITA bus schedule). That bus can take almost an hour. So, from the Naples train station to Positano can take almost 3 hours depending on traffic, lines and wait times.
How to get to Positano from the Naples Airport
You can reach the Naples port or the main train station from Capodichino airport by taking the Alibus or a taxi right outside the terminal. Alibus tickets can be purchased for 5 euros from the driver (check Alibus schedule).
You can also book a transfer to the Sorrento train station. From there you can hop on the SITA bus to Positano as described above.
Naples to Positano Transportation Tips
- Have euros in small bills or coins.
- Don’t forget to pack your patience. It’s not uncommon for buses, trains and ferries to be late, hot and crowded.
- Be extra careful of your belongings on the Circumvesuviana and in the Naples train station.
- Most hotels in Positano will have a certain parking lot they recommend. You can email them ahead of time to find out which parking lot they work with.
You’ll also want to read:
Getting from Rome to Positano can be so intimidating, especially on the first visit! We used a car service from Naples last time, but next time I want to take the ferry from Sorrento to Positano and enjoy the views. Thank you for your helpful post and gorgeous photos – I always enjoy your work!
Thank you!! The journey can definitely be daunting, but so worth it!
Hello, my family and I are traveling in late June to Naples and need to get to Positano we will each have luggage and a carry on, what is the best option for us , I am hearing in June traffic is very bad, I would love to do Ferry but can we bring all that luggage with us though and then when you get off Ferry how to get to our hotel (hotel Conca d”oro)? So happy I can ask you !
Yes, many other travelers will have luggage as well. There is an area on the ferry that will store your luggage. I would reach out to your hotel and see if they offer a luggage service from the dock. There are also porters available on the dock.
Hi Scarlett. I am hoping to take my family to Positano in late May. We will be flying into Milan and potentially trying to get to Positano that same day? Would you recommend we fly to Naples or Salerno for the easiest route to Positano? Also, with 6 of us, do you think we are better off finding an Airbnb over a hotel, cost-wise? Thanks Scarlett. Most grateful for any insight. John
Hi John, Both Naples and Salerno are a ferry ride away from Positano. I didn’t think Salerno had an airport. You are probably better off flying into Naples. An apartment rental would most likely be less expensive than three hotel rooms. It would just depend on the type of hotel and apartment. It might be nice to have a small kitchen and living space with an apartment traveling as a group. Enjoy your trip!
Hi Scarlett! Loving your blog! I have a couple questions for you that I’m hoping you can help me with. My husband and I and another couple will be traveling Italy first two weeks of April. We already booked a train from Rome to Naples (arriving at 2:30 pm) and need to get to Positano. I’m guessing private car will be the best option for us to get there? We’ll be staying in Positano 4 nights in an Airbnb. Then heading back to Rome to stay just one night and fly back home (we also are in So Cal!). Do you recommend we do the same to get back to Rome (private driver to Naples- train from Naples to Rome) Or should we head back to Rome via Salerno instead of Naples? Looks like we could take a ferry to Salerno from Positano. Any advice would be much appreciated! TIA!
Hi Stephanie! A private car from Naples to Positano is probably the fastest and might be around the same price as a ferry for four of you. You can always email around to get a few bids.
Taking a ferry to Salerno is an excellent way to get from Positano to Rome! You get to see the views from the sea that way too. I believe the ferry makes a quick pit stop in Amalfi on the way. Have a nice trip!
What a scenic road trip that would be! Beautiful photos.
Thank you, Dee! The views are really spectacular!