How to Get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast: Best Ways in 2026

Fastest Way: High Speed Train + Local Connection

Take a Frecciarossa or Italo train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale. Trains run every 30-60 minutes. The ride takes 1 hour 10 minutes. Tickets cost €45-€70 if booked a week ahead, up to €120 last minute. At Napoli Centrale, switch to a local train (Circumvesuviana or Campania Express) to Sorrento (€4.50, 70 minutes) or go to Salerno (€6, 40 minutes by regional train). From Sorrento or Salerno, connect by SITA bus or ferry to Positano, Amalfi, or Ravello.

I prefer this route. It is reliable and cheap. The only pain point is the Circumvesuviana train: it is crowded and basic. In summer 2026, expect standing room after 9 AM. The Campania Express costs €15 and is more comfortable. Book it online before you go.

Is a Direct Bus Better?

Yes for one reason: no train changes with luggage. Several companies run direct buses from Rome Tiburtina to Amalfi and Positano. Marozzi and Buses on Time are the main operators. The bus takes 4 hours to Amalfi, 4.5 hours to Positano. One way costs €25 to €35. Buses leave two or three times a day, usually at 6:30 AM and 2:30 PM. Book tickets on the company websites. Do not buy from third party kiosks near Termini. They overcharge.

The bus drops you in the center of Amalfi or near the main square in Positano. That saves a connecting ride. The downside is traffic. In July and August 2026, the highway near Salerno can add 60 to 90 minutes. Bring water and snacks. The bus has no bathroom.

Should You Drive?

Only if you are a confident driver and traveling outside peak months. The drive from Rome to the Amalfi Coast is 270 km. It takes 3 hours with no traffic. Real time with traffic is 4 to 5 hours. The Amalfi Coast road (SS163) is narrow, winding, and packed with tour buses. Parking costs €30 to €50 per day in Positano and Amalfi. Many hotels have no parking. You will park ten minutes away and walk uphill. Skip the rental car if you are visiting between June and September.

If you drive anyway, take the A1 south to Salerno, then exit at Vietri sul Mare. Do not take the SS163 from Naples. That route is slower and goes through the worst traffic. For a relaxed trip without a car, combine a train to Naples with a ferry from Naples to Sorrento or Salerno. Ferries run from April to October. They cost €13 to €20 and take 40 minutes. Views are better than from any car.

How Much Does a Private Transfer Cost?

Private transfer from Rome to the Amalfi Coast costs €450 to €700 for a sedan (up to 3 people). A minivan for 6 people runs €650 to €900. This includes door to door service, English speaking driver, and a stop for coffee. Companies like Positano Limo or NCC Italy are reliable. Book 48 hours ahead. Do not accept offers from drivers who approach you at Roma Termini. They charge double and may cancel.

Private transfer is worth it for groups of 3 or more. Per person it becomes similar to train plus taxi. The driver handles all luggage. You arrive in about 3.5 hours. For couples on a budget, take the train and bus. You save €300.

What About a Ferry from Rome?

Do not take the ferry from Rome to the Amalfi Coast. It sounds nice. It is a slow cargo ship that takes 9 hours and costs €80 to €120. The ferry leaves from Civitavecchia, which is 80 km west of Rome. You need a train or taxi to get there. The ferry arrives in Salerno, not Amalfi. You then take another bus or taxi. Total time is 11 hours. Skip this. Use the money for a nice dinner in Positano instead.

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Warning: Beware of Baggage and Stairs

The Amalfi Coast is not flat. Positano is built on a steep hill. Hotels often require climbing 50 to 200 steps. If you have a large suitcase, you will struggle. Pack a rolling bag with good wheels or a backpack. Taxi drivers in Positano charge €10 for a short ride uphill. Some hotels have porters but you must call ahead.

Also, the Circumvesuviana train has very small steps and no luggage racks. Keep your bag between your legs. Pickpockets work the crowded cars, especially on the Naples to Sorrento run. Keep valuables zipped inside a front pocket or bag.

How Many Days Should You Plan for the Trip?

You need at least 3 full days for the Amalfi Coast. Day one: arrive and explore your base town (Amalfi or Positano). Day two: take a ferry to Capri or hike the Path of the Gods. Day three: visit Ravello and its gardens. If you have only 2 days, skip Capri and focus on Amalfi and Positano. Do not try to see all five towns in one day. You will spend half your time on buses.

For longer stays, combine the Amalfi Coast with a few days in Naples. Naples is chaotic but has the best pizza and a world class archaeology museum. Avoid Cinque Terre as a comparison. Cinque Terre is lovely but far from Rome and the Amalfi Coast. Pick one or the other.

FAQ

Can I do the Amalfi Coast as a day trip from Rome?

Technically yes but I do not recommend it. The round trip takes 8 hours of travel. You will have maybe 3 hours in Positano or Amalfi. You will see nothing but crowds. Stay overnight. One night is enough for a quick visit.

What is the cheapest way from Rome to the Amalfi Coast?

The direct bus from Rome Tiburtina to Amalfi costs €25-€35. That is the cheapest all in one ticket. The train + local train combo can be cheaper if you book a Frecciarossa super economy fare for €19, then a regional train to Salerno for €6. Total under €30.

Do I need to book train tickets in advance?

Yes. High speed train prices triple on the day of travel. Book on the official Trenitalia or Italo websites at least 7 days ahead. Avoid third party sites. They add fees.

Is the Amalfi Coast open in winter?

Yes but many ferries stop running from November to March. Hotels and restaurants in smaller towns like Praiano and Ravello close. Positano and Amalfi stay open but quiet. The weather is mild (10-15°C). Crowds are gone. It is a good time for hiking.

Can I visit the Amalfi Coast and Capri in the same trip?

Yes. Take a ferry from Sorrento or Positano to Capri. The ride is 25 minutes from Sorrento, 45 minutes from Positano. Tickets are €20-€25 each way. Spend a half day on Capri. Do not try to see both Capri and the Path of the Gods in one day. You will rush and regret it.