Amalfi Coast Transportation Guide

Be safe on your trip to the Amalfi Coast by following this transportation guide and explore all the best towns and attractions with ease. 

Venture south of Naples, and you’ll find yourself in a magical land with turquoise waters that sparkle under the Mediterranean sun, pastel houses scattered amongst rocky cliffs and a wonderland of ancient ruins that are beckoning to be visited. The Amalfi Coast makes up a series of coastal towns, some small and some large, first made popular by the Ancient Romans who used the area as a resort style getaway. How do we know this? Even today, the ruins of ancient villas line the island of Capri, one of the most visited towns on the Amalfi Coast, where Emperor Tiberius built them over 2000 years ago. So, do as the (ancient) Romans did and make your way to the glorious and authentic seaside towns of the region.

There’s a reason why you won’t see visiting Italians driving whilst in the Amalfi Coast unless they’re native from the region. The winding roads that cling precariously close to cliff’s edges makes it a journey that one only does if they’re confident that they know the way of the land. To reach the Amalfi Coast, you’ll need to start in Naples or Sorrento, the gateway to the coast. To get close to the Amalfi Coast, you can fly into Naples airport. From there, you’ve got plenty options on how to make your way around the small coastal villages and towns that are each postcard worthy.

It’s always best to do your research before you start your holiday, as you’ll want to figure out what works best for the type of holiday that you’re after. Most people will start in Naples and Rome and take a train to Sorrento, but if you plan on exploring more of the coast then you can do this by car, motorcycle, bus or ferry.

Transportation Methods

• Car

  While it’s true that the Amalfi drive is 50 kilometres with some of the most scenic roads in the world, it’s not something you want to navigate on your own if you aren’t familiar with the winding roads or comfortable with driving seriously close to the edge of cliffs! If you do want to travel in the luxury of your own vehicle, the Amalfi Coast Tourism Board recommends that you rent a private car and let an experienced driver take you to your accommodation. However, if you do decide on driving yourself, try not to drive in the peak hours during the day as the traffic gets quite hectic. From May to October, the weather can get sweltering hot and the last thing you want is to be stuck under the beating sun for hours on end.

• Motorcycle

  If a motorcycle is your type of transportation, then the Amalfi Coast will welcome you with open arms. You can rent mopeds in every town and breeze your way through the traffic as the streets are quite easy to navigate. Much like driving a car however, motorcycles and mopeds should only be used if you’re a very experienced driver and confident on the types of streets found on the Amalfi Coast.

• Bus

  The SITA buses that run through the Amalfi Coast is the most affordable way to get around the coast. During the summer seasons, the buses do get quite crowded however the bus schedules run quite regularly. The only downside to this is that the journey can be extended due to the amount of buses and cars on the two-way roads. Nevertheless, taking the SITA buses are quite easy to do so as you can purchase your ticket from the driver, and it’s the most reliable way to get around the Amalfi Coast. Take comfort in the fact that the bus drivers are extremely experienced in navigating the twisted and narrow roads of the coast. One thing to remember is that these buses don’t run at night, so you’ll need to book a taxi or private car transfer if you want to venture out into town or back to your hotel.

• Ferry

  Using a ferry to get around the Amalfi Coast is perfect for those who want to see the coast from a different vantage point. During the summer seasons there are a multitude of ferries available and different companies who can take you to Positano or Amalfi. The best thing about ferry travel is that there is no traffic and you’re on a high-speed ferry which will cut down travel times. Amalfi to Sorrento will take around 40 minutes to complete compared to an hour and a half on a stuffy bus. A ferry is also the best mode of transportation if you’re wanting to reach Capri, a gorgeous island on the Amalfi Coast known for its ancient ruins and the mysterious Blue Grotto.

• Walk

  Once you’ve made it into towns, the best way to explore is by walking. Parking is incredibly hard to find, and in some areas, there simply is no parking. So, don your most comfortable shoes and lose yourself in cobbled laneways with nonna-run storefronts and authentic trattorias. Walking will also allow you to explore lesser visited spots and take you away from the town centres which are populated with tourists in the peak season. A good tip for making the most out of your trip is to be bold and stick to restaurants that are not always where the tourists hover, as the best food is usually found more hidden away from the beaten path.