How to Visit the Amalfi Coast from Naples

It’s a big city with an international airport and train station, so it’s easy to get to.

Plus, hotels in Naples are much cheaper than staying right on the coast. You can sleep in Naples and take day trips to the stunning beaches and colorful towns of the Amalfi Coast without spending a fortune.

That’s exactly what I’ve done. Together with three of my friends, we booked an apartment in Naples, near the Garibaldi train station, and we took day trips to Capri, Amalfi, and Pompeii.

I’m now sharing my experience together with a few practical tips to help you avoid my mistakes.

Why Start from Naples?

Think of Naples like your home base. It’s close to the Amalfi Coast but way more affordable.

Hotels in coastal towns like Positano can cost $300-500 per night, while in Naples you might pay $80-150 for a nice place.

Naples also has amazing pizza (it was invented here!), interesting museums, and lots to see when you’re not at the beach.

Another big plus: you don’t have to pack and unpack your suitcase every few days. You can leave your stuff in Naples and just bring a small bag for your day trips. The narrow streets and steep stairs in Amalfi Coast towns make dragging luggage around really annoying.

All the Ways to Get There

Option 1: Train + Bus (The Budget Choice)

How it works: First, you take a train called the Circumvesuviana from Naples to Sorrento. This takes about 70 minutes. Then you hop on a SITA bus that drives along the coast, stopping at pretty towns like Positano and Amalfi.

The bus stop is right by the train station exit. You can’t miss it, as there’s always a big line of people waiting.

You have to buy your bus tickets before boarding. The ticket office is in the train station building.

I’ve done this trip from Naples to the Amalfi Coast in April. As far as I remember, we had to wait for about 30 minutes to board the bus.

You may also like my article about getting from Naples to Sorrento.

PROS:

• Super cheap – The whole trip costs around $10-15 per person
• You’re independent – Go whenever you want, no need to follow a tour schedule
• Real local experience – You’ll ride with Italian families and other travelers
• The bus views are incredible – The road hugs the cliff with the sea far below
• Easy to figure out – Both the train and bus run regularly during the day

CONS:

• It takes a long time – The total journey is about 2.5-3 hours each way
• It can get really crowded – Especially in summer, you might have to stand on the bus
• The train isn’t fancy – It’s old and basic, not air-conditioned
• The winding road might make you sick – All those curves can upset your stomach
• Buses sometimes skip stops – If it’s full, the driver might not stop to pick up more people
• You have to change transportation – It’s not direct, so you need to switch from train to bus

Best for: People who don’t want to spend much money and don’t mind a bit of adventure.

We were fortunate to find seats. However, the bus got chocked full of people standing, so breathing normally became a bit of a challenge.

The return was not as good. The bus was already full, so we had to stand, crammed like little fish in a can.

Option 2: Ferry (The Scenic Route)

How it works: You go to Naples’ port (called Molo Beverello) and take a boat that sails along the coast. The ferry stops at different towns like Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi. You can get on and off where you want.

PROS:

• Amazing views from the water – You see the cliffs, colorful houses, and beaches from the sea
• Super relaxing – You can sit outside, feel the breeze, and enjoy the ride
• No traffic jams – While cars are stuck on the road, you’re cruising past them
• Won’t make you carsick – Much smoother than the twisty bus ride
• Fairly quick – Takes about 90 minutes directly to Amalfi
• Feels like a mini-adventure – There’s something exciting about traveling by boat
• You arrive right in the town centers – The ports are usually close to the main attractions

CONS:

• Only runs part of the year – Usually late March through October, not in winter
• More expensive – Costs around $20-40 per person each way
• Weather dependent – If it’s stormy or windy, ferries get cancelled
• Limited schedule – Maybe only 2-4 boats per day, so you need to plan around them
• Can sell out – In peak summer, you should book tickets ahead
• Outdoor seating fills up fast – You might end up inside if you don’t arrive early
• Not good for people who get seasick – The boat does rock on the waves

Best for: People who want beautiful views and don’t mind spending extra money for a comfortable trip.

Check out this article about visiting Capri from Naples. That’s also a very interesting day trip to consider when you plan your holiday.

Option 3: Renting a Car (The Flexible Option)

How it works: You rent a car in Naples and drive yourself along the famous coastal road. You can stop wherever you want and explore at your own pace.

PROS:

• Total freedom – Stop for photos whenever you see something cool
• Visit hidden spots – You can explore tiny villages that buses don’t reach
• Carry whatever you want – Beach stuff, picnic supplies, shopping bags
• No waiting for buses or boats – Leave and return whenever you feel like it
• Good for groups – If you’re 4-5 people, splitting the cost makes sense
• Can combine with other places – Easily visit Pompeii or other nearby sites
• Air conditioning – Unlike the old trains, rental cars are comfortable

CONS:

• The roads are scary – Super narrow with tight curves and big drops
• Crazy traffic in summer – You might sit in traffic jams for hours
• Italian drivers are aggressive – They drive fast and sometimes dangerously
• Almost impossible to park – Parking lots are tiny, expensive ($30+ per day), and often full
• Manual transmission is common – Many rental cars aren’t automatic
• Stressful to drive – You’ll be gripping the wheel and sweating
• Can be expensive – Between rental, gas, and parking, it adds up
• One person is stuck driving – That person can’t relax and enjoy views as much

Best for: Confident drivers who really want flexibility and are traveling with a group to share costs.

Option 4: Organized Tours (The Easy Way)

How it works: You book a tour with a company. A bus picks you up at your hotel, takes you to the coast with a guide who explains everything, and brings you back at the end of the day.

PROS:

• Zero stress – Someone else handles all the planning and driving
• You learn stuff – Guides tell you interesting history and stories
• Meet other travelers – Fun if you’re traveling alone or want to make friends
• Everything is included – Transportation, sometimes lunch, all figured out for you
• Photo stops at best spots – Guides know where to get the perfect pictures
• No parking worries – The bus drops you right where you need to be
• Safe and reliable – Professional drivers who know the roads well

CONS:

• Less freedom – You follow the group’s schedule, not your own
• Limited time in each place – Maybe only 30-60 minutes per town
• Can’t skip places – If you don’t like one stop, you still have to go
• Tours can be rushed – Trying to see too much in one day
• Crowds – Big buses mean 30-50 people in your group
• More expensive than public transport – Usually $80-150 per person
• Sometimes touristy – They might take you to overpriced restaurants
• Long day – Often 8-10 hours including pickup and return

Best for: People who want everything organized for them and don’t mind following a schedule.

Option 5: Private Driver (The Comfortable Choice)

How it works: You hire a driver with a nice car (often a Mercedes or similar) who takes just you and your family/friends. You tell them what you want to see and they drive you around all day.

PROS:

• You make the rules – Want to stay longer somewhere? No problem
• Personal attention – The driver can answer your questions and give recommendations
• Super comfortable – Nice, clean car with air conditioning
• Stress-free – Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views from the passenger seat
• Local knowledge – Drivers know secret viewpoints and good restaurants
• They handle parking – Drop you off and pick you up, you don’t worry about it
• Perfect for families – Great with kids, you can take breaks when needed
• Split the cost – With 4-6 people, it’s not too expensive per person

CONS:

• Expensive if you’re alone – Could be $400-600 for the day
• Need to book ahead – Good drivers get reserved quickly in summer
• You’re depending on one person – If you don’t click with your driver, it’s awkward
• Still have traffic – You’re on the same roads as everyone else
• Not as social – Just your group, no meeting other travelers
• Might feel rushed – Some drivers have other bookings later
• Language barrier possible – Not all drivers speak perfect English

Best for: Families or small groups who want comfort and flexibility without the stress of driving themselves.

Option 6: Private Boat (The Luxury Experience)

How it works: You hire a private boat that’s just for your group. Private boats can stop at hidden beaches and coves that big ferries can’t reach.

PROS:

• Super special feeling – It’s like being a movie star
• Stop at secret spots – Swim in caves and quiet beaches away from crowds
• Amazing for photos – See the coast from the best angles
• Very romantic – Perfect for special occasions
• Skip the crowds – While everyone’s on the public beach, you’re somewhere peaceful
• Flexible timing – Private boats go on your schedule
• Can include snorkeling – Some boats provide equipment and take you to clear waters

CONS:

• Really expensive – Private boats can cost $500-1500+ for the day
• Need good weather – Can’t do this on windy or rainy days
• Might get seasick – Smaller boats rock more than big ferries
• Less time in actual towns – You see them from the water but don’t explore streets
• Need to book way ahead – Especially for private boats in summer
• Can feel too fancy – If that’s not your style, might be uncomfortable

Best for: People celebrating something special who have money to spend on an unforgettable experience.

My Tips for Choosing

• If money is tight: Go with the train + bus combo. It’s cheap and gives you the full experience.
• If you get carsick easily: Take the ferry. The sea is much smoother than those curvy roads.
• If you have little kids: Consider a private driver or organized tour so you don’t have to stress.
• If it’s your first time: Maybe try a tour first to see everything, then come back another day on your own.
• If you want the best photos: Ferry or private driver work great because they stop at viewpoints.

Important Things to Remember

Start early! The roads get super crowded after 10am in summer. If you can leave Naples by 8am, you’ll have a much better time.

Wear comfortable shoes. These towns are built on cliffs, so there are lots of stairs. Flip-flops are okay for the beach but not for walking around.

Bring water and snacks. Things are expensive on the coast (like $8 for a bottle of water).

Check the weather. Rain makes everything less fun, and ferries might not run.

Book ahead in summer. Everything fills up in July and August.

The best months to visit are May, June, or September. The weather is still beautiful but there are fewer people.

Each option has good and bad points, so think about what matters most to you: saving money, having freedom, avoiding stress, or having the most comfortable trip. Naples makes it easy to try different options on different days, so you could even mix it up!