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How to Get From Naples to the Amalfi Coast

Walking Tours
Things To Do in Naples
Updated: December 2, 2023
 By Justin

Our tour guides are always being asked about the best ways to see popular attractions and locales around the world, and they often have very helpful tips.

In addition to covering some of the information provided by our guides, this post also includes useful advice from locals and travelers who have been to the area.

How to Get From Naples to the Amalfi Coast

Beautiful scenery can be seen along the route from Naples to the Amalfi Coast, which offers a glimpse of Italy's picturesque countryside.

The quickest route is along the A3 motorway. This route links Naples to Salerno, where travelers can take the SS163 highway directly to the Amalfi Coast.

This highway runs along the coast of Italy, allowing you to enjoy incredible views of the ocean as you travel from one point to the next.

Depending on traffic, traveling from Naples to the Amalfi Coast typically takes 1.5 - 2 hours. The journey is about 60 kilometers long, and the well-kept roads make driving enjoyable.

By Car

Renting a car or another vehicle can allow you to explore the region at your own pace.

However, remember that Amalfi drive is a narrow, winding road with sharp turns and cliffs, which can be challenging for those unfamiliar with such conditions.

If you're not interested in a car, consider renting a scooter instead. This option is just €55, and you can book your rental in advance.

Alternatively, you may consider hiring a private transfer. Private transfers can be arranged from Naples Airport, the train station, or your hotel. Prices range from €100 - €200 per group of 2-3.

Regardless, here's a step-by-step guide for how to make this drive from Naples.

Step 1 - Start Driving South on the A3

Assuming you've got a vehicle of some sort, your trip from Naples to the Amalfi Coast will start on the A3 heading south.

Step 2 - Take the Vietri Sul Mare Exit

Stay on the A3 motorway until you reach the exit for Vietri Sul Mare, at which point you should transfer onto SS163 highway.

From here, you'll begin to travel southwest alongside the coast and pass by several beautiful little towns like Cetara, Erchie, Minori, and of course Amalfi.

Step 3 - Spend Time at the Amalfi Coast

Amalfi is a relatively small town, but there are a few things to see and do in the area, and chances are you'll at least want to stop and take a few pictures.

If you're in it for the scenic drive, consider continuing your journey shortly and driving back to Naples the long way around the coast.

Step 4 - Drive Back to Naples

If you're looking for the quickest route back and you don't care about taking in more coastal views, you could head back north to Atrani and take the SS373 to the SP1.

This route cuts across the Italian countryside and back to the A3 (near Angri), where you can trace your steps back to the city.

Alternatively, keep driving down the SS163 for more scenic views, and consider continuing on the SS145 to Sorrento.

From here, you can keep driving around the coast on SS145 heading north and hook back up with the A3 motorway near Pompeii.

By Train

There isn't a direct train from Naples to the Amalfi Coast, but you can get there using a combination of trains and buses.

Step 1 - Go to Napoli Centrale Station

Located right in the centre of Naples, this is the main train station of the city. It should be fairly easy to get here, because it's actually on the local metro line.

Step 2 - Purchase Tickets

From Naples, take a Trenitalia train to Salerno. To be specific, the station you'll want to arrive at is Vietri Sul Mare-Amalfi.

Train tickets cost €10 - €30 on average, and you can purchase them in advance.

It takes between 40 minutes - 1 hour to travel there.

Step 3 - Grab a Bus to Amalfi

Once you arrive at Vietri Sul Mare-Amalfi Station, you should head down to the bus stop on SS163 and hop on the 5120 bus.

Bus tickets will cost €2 - €10.

This bus will travel along the same route that anyone would take by car, allowing you to experience the same coastal views as you make your way to the Amalfi Coast.

Step 4 - Arrive in Amalfi

Once you get here, you can spend however much time you want in the area and decide on a path back to Naples.

There are several ways to travel back, including the same route backwards.

Alternatively, you can alco continue along the coast on the 5070 bus until you reach Sorrento. From here, you can take the train back to Naples.

There are also ferries from Sorrento to Naples, so if you do choose to spend some time there, you might want to consider a ferry back to the city.

By Bus

SITA Sud connects Naples with the Amalfi Coast with a variety of different lines. The journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on traffic.

Step 1 - Go to Garibaldi Piazza

SITA Sud buses depart from this location, which is fairly close to the city's main bus terminal. Buses are cheap but can be crowded, especially during the busiest travel season.

The 5020 line runs directly between Naples and Amalfi, and it typically takes around 2 hours. That said, you can also use line 5000 to reach Salerno and then hop on line 5120 to Amalfi. This option takes a bit longer.

Step 2 - Purchase Tickets

A one-way bus ticket to the Amalfi Coast will cost €5.20.

If you'd rather take care of your return at the same time, there is a Costierasita ticket for €10 which is valid for unlimited rides between Amalfi, Sorrento, Salerno, and other notable towns on the Italian coast.

Step 3 - Board the Bus

There is no reserved seating on these buses, so you'll want to get in line quickly to ensure you've got a window view.

You should also be aware of any transfers you might need to make and prepare to get off the bus in Salerno if necessary.

Step 4 - Arrive in Amalfi

Enjoy your time at the Amalfi Coast, and remember to take plenty of pictures!

Don't forget that you can take the SITA Sud buses from here to Sorrento, where you can use the train to get back to Naples.

By Ferry

Consider taking a ferry from Naples to the Amalfi Coast for a more scenic and relaxed journey. Services from Naples to Amalfi are offered daily during the warmer months, with the journey taking around 2 hours. 

The boat ride offers stunning views of the coastline and the Tyrrhenian Sea. However, remember that services are seasonal and can be affected by weather conditions.

Step 1 - Go to the Naples Port

The only problem with this service is that it isn't offered as frequently as other options, so we recommend checking departure times before heading out.

During the winter, this ferry typically only operates during weekends (if at all).

That said, you should be able to reach the Naples Port using the L1 Metro line. Take this train to the Municipio station and walk east through Piazza Municipio to the port.

Step 2 - Purchase Tickets

Round-trip tickets typically cost €70 per person and you can purchase them in advance. We recommend this option to ensure you can get back to Naples at the end of the day.

However, if you do only need a one-way ticket, it will cost approximately €35.

Step 3 - Board the Ferry

These ferries typically have plenty of available seating, cabins to stay in, and other amenities, so you should be plenty comfortable while on board.

As we previously mentioned, the entire journey should only take around 2 hours.

Step 4 - Arrive at Amalfi

Since most of these ferries depart at 10 am, you can expect to be at the Amalfi Coast at around lunch time, so we recommend finding a great cafe or restaurant where you can grab a bite before exploring the rest of the town!

Once you're done sightseeing and taking incredible photographs, if you decide to go back to Naples using the ferry, you can look forward to sunset views of the entire Amalfi Coast from the water.

Guided Amalfi Coast Tours and Day Trips

This section covers one of the better ways to visit the Amalfi Coast from Naples, which is to take a day trip or guided tour.

Several companies offer outings which include stops at not only the Amalfi Coast, but also Sorrento, Positano, Pompeii, and more.

Gray Line

Join Gray Line on an educational day trip from Naples or Sorrento to the captivating Amalfi Coast.

It is a paid tour offering a well-guided experience covering key coastal highlights, including the picturesque towns of Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi.

Enjoy these famous locations' breathtaking panoramic views and Mediterranean atmosphere.

For a complete Amalfi experience, visit the historical sites and sample the regional cuisine. The tour also includes delicious lunch as an option, adding to the overall experience.

World Tours

World Tours offers you an all-inclusive guided and food tour of the Amalfi Coast. This paid tour leads you through the romantic towns of Amalfi and Ravello, exposing their rich architectural beauty and warm Mediterranean culture. 

Stroll along Amalfi's narrow, winding streets, visit the awe-inspiring Ravello cathedral, and take in panoramic views that have inspired countless artists and poets. 

The knowledgeable and friendly guide brings alive these coastal towns' vibrant past and present.

The package includes lunch at a traditional restaurant and round-trip transportation services, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic vistas.

NapoliCityVision

With the 6-hour sightseeing tour provided by NapoliCityVision, enter the enchanted world of Amalfi. This paid food and guided tour provides an engaging exploration of Amalfi's captivating landscapes and rich history. 

Start with a leisurely walk through the town, visit the remarkable Amalfi Cathedral, a medieval Roman Catholic cathedral in the Piazza del Duomo, and enjoy an authentic Italian lunch at a local restaurant. 

The guide's extensive knowledge and pleasant personality ensure you discover this quaint coastal town's hidden gems and fascinating tales.

Napoli Official Tour

With the luxury guided bus tour from Napoli Official Tour, explore the captivating Amalfi Coast. You can leave Naples behind and travel to Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello on this paid and guided bus tour.

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in Ravello, the mesmerizing beauty of Positano's unique houses, and the historical treasures in Amalfi's bustling squares.

The tour promises a delightful culinary experience, with chances to try local specialties and famous Italian cuisine. 

Your guide, well-versed in the area's rich history and culture, adds depth to the journey by sharing fascinating stories and lesser-known facts about these towns.

inStazione

The paid, guided minibus tour by inStazione takes you from Naples to the historic heart of Sorrento and the stunning Amalfi Coast.

Limited to small group size, you'll first visit the beautiful town of Sorrento, a haven known for its charming piazzas, timeless artisan shops, and aromatic lemon groves. 

Here, you can explore the narrow lanes, shop for local crafts like inlaid woodwork, or savor a gelato while you soak in the lively ambiance.

The tour guide, an expert in local history and culture, brings a personalized touch to the journey.

At every stop, the guide provides a wealth of information about each location's history, culture, and unique characteristics, shedding light on the area's rich past and vibrant present.

Tips From Locals and Travelers

If you're looking for advice that we haven't covered yet in this post, there are several small Facebook Groups used by both travelers and locals who often provide helpful tips about visiting the Amalfi Coast.

While we do have a group called Rome Travel Tips, it isn't frequented quite as often by people who actually live on the Italian coast, so we actually recommend Naples & Amalfi Coast Travel Tips.

Here are a few of the best suggestions we found.

This is actually a common refrain from both those who live in the area and those who have been there before.

Most people recommend avoiding the Amalfi Coast during the winter, because it's not quite as magical at this time of year, and a lot of places in Amalfi will be closed.

There are always some travelers insisting it's still worth the trip, but it's definitely important to note that it's much nicer during the spring and summer months.

If you're still trying to decide where to stay, most travelers recommend Naples, as it's usually a bit cheaper than Sorrento or Amalfi.

Of course, if you can manage it, Sorrento is certainly an excellent base of operation for those who want to see the entire coast, including Naples, Pompeii, and all the beautiful little towns in the area.

It's also worth keeping in mind that you don't need to overthink your trip from Naples to the Amalfi Coast, as there are plenty of options to choose from.

While you can of course take a guided tour, it's fairly easy to make the trip yourself and experience Amalfi at your own pace.

For even more helpful suggestions and recommendations, make sure to read the Naples & Amalfi Coast Travel Tips group on Facebook.

About The Author

Justin

Justin is a travel content writer and editor with over a decade of experience in the field. He graduated from Portland State University in 2012. He has lived in the Pacific Northwest his whole life and knows the American West Coast very well. Read More...
Updated: December 2nd, 2023
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