The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most spectacular destinations, with colourful towns perched above the Mediterranean, dramatic cliffs and winding coastal roads. Getting around the Amalfi coast can be a little tricky. But the good news is that you don’t need a car to explore the Amalfi Coast. Buses, ferries and trains provide a range of options for getting to the coast and travelling between its towns.
In this guide, we’ll explain the different public transport options for getting to and around the Amalfi Coast, including trains, buses and ferries, along with practical advice on tickets, timetables, seasonal services and choosing the best option for your trip.
Of course, the best option depends on where you are and where you’re going!
Salerno is an important gateway, with rail connections from Naples and elsewhere in Italy, followed by buses or ferries onto the coast. Trains don’t run along the coast itself, but ferries are a scenic way to travel between many of the coastal towns. Meanwhile, buses are essential for reaching places such as Ravello and Agerola that sit higher in the hills.
Getting TO the Amalfi Coast
You don’t need a car to get to the Amalfi Coast. The easiest route depends mainly on where you’re arriving from.
Coming from Naples
For most visitors travelling from Naples, the simplest option is to take a train to Salerno and then continue by ferry or bus.
Train + ferry or bus
Regular trains run from Napoli Centrale to Salerno, with the fastest services taking around 40 minutes. From Salerno railway station, it’s a short walk to Piazza della Concordia, where ferries depart for several Amalfi Coast towns. You can also continue by SITA Sud bus.
- Best for: Most travellers arriving in Naples.
- Pros: Fast, frequent and avoids the worst coastal-road traffic.
- Cons: You need to change in Salerno.
If you’re heading to Amalfi or Positano, the ferry is particularly appealing. You’ll avoid the traffic and enjoy spectacular views of the coastline along the way.
Insider Tip: Trenitalia offers a Costiera Link ticket combining the train to Salerno with a Travelmar ferry, making the connection particularly easy.
Ferry from Naples
Seasonal ferries also connect Naples with some destinations on the Amalfi Coast. However, services are less frequent than those from Salerno and vary according to the time of year.
- Best for: Travellers who want to arrive by sea.
- Pros: Beautiful views and no road traffic.
- Cons: Seasonal and less frequent.
For most visitors, the train to Salerno followed by a ferry is the more straightforward choice – see below!
Arriving at Naples Airport? Take the airport bus or shuttle to Napoli Centrale and then follow the train-and-ferry/bus route above.
Direct train to Vietri sul Mare
If Vietri sul Mare is your destination, there’s another option: regional trains run directly from Naples to Vietri sul Mare-Amalfi station, taking around an hour.
Vietri is famous for its colourful ceramics, but remember that the railway station isn’t in the main town, so you’ll need onward transport.
Insider’s Tip: If you’re travelling beyond Vietri, Naples to Salerno then a ferry is generally the more useful combination. It gives you easy access to several of the coast’s most popular towns without having to tackle the coastal road.
Coming from Salerno
Salerno is an excellent gateway to the Amalfi Coast and can be particularly convenient if you’re arriving by train or flying into the city’s airport.
Train + ferry or bus
If you’re already in Salerno, you can walk from the railway station to Piazza della Concordia and catch a ferry to destinations including Vietri sul Mare, Maiori, Minori, Amalfi and Positano. SITA Sud buses provide another option, particularly for destinations further inland.
Best for: Travellers arriving by train or staying in Salerno.
Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport
Flying into Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport can save you the journey through Naples. SITA Sud operates direct buses from the airport towards Vietri sul Mare, Maiori and Amalfi.
Alternatively, the Salerno Airlink connects the airport with Salerno railway station, where you can pick up a ferry or bus.
- Best for: Travellers whose flights connect conveniently with Salerno.
- Pros: You’re already on the right side of the peninsula.
- Cons: Fewer flight options than Naples.
Insider Tip: If you’re choosing between Naples and Salerno airports, compare both the flight schedules and your onward transport. During the summer, avoiding the traffic on the Amalfi Coast can make a big difference to your journey time.
For most visitors, taking the train to Salerno and catching a ferry from there is the simpler and more dependable option. Travelmar’s current network connects Salerno with several of the major Amalfi Coast towns, including Amalfi and Positano. In 2026, a one-way Travelmar ticket costs €12 from Salerno to Amalfi and €17 from Salerno to Positano.
Getting AROUND the Amalfi Coast
There are two main ways to get around the Amalfi Coast by public transport, ferry and bus.
Amalfi Coast Ferries
Ferries are one of the best ways to travel between the main coastal towns.
- Pros: Spectacular coastal views and a great way to avoid road traffic.
- Cons: Services vary by season, weather and route, and fares are higher than buses.
Travelmar operates services from Salerno to Vietri sul Mare, Cetara, Maiori, Minori, Amalfi and Positano, with additional routes between some of these towns. Its 2026 fares range from €6 to €17, depending on the route.
NLG also operates seasonal services between Salerno, Amalfi and Positano, as well as between Positano and Amalfi. Its 2026 services are scheduled from April 1 through November 3.
There are also other operators, including Positano Jet, on some routes. Services and fares vary, so check the operator’s current timetable before travelling.
Insider’s Tip: Ferries are particularly useful in summer, when traffic on the coastal road can make bus journeys slow. But services can be cancelled or changed because of rough seas or bad weather, so don’t rely on a ferry for a tight connection.
Amalfi Coast Buses
There are also buses that take you along the Amalfi coast. Schedules change between seasons, so check the timetable for your travel date rather than relying on an old schedule.
- Pros: The most economical way to get around, and essential for reaching hill towns such as Ravello and Agerola.
- Cons: Summer traffic can cause delays, particularly on the busiest coastal routes.
SITA Sud operates the main bus services along the Amalfi Coast, connecting towns including Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, Maiori, Minori, Vietri sul Mare and Agerola. Buses are particularly useful for reaching destinations that aren’t served by ferries.
You can buy tickets from authorised outlets such as tabaccherie and other local retailers, and tickets can also be purchased digitally through the UnicoCampania app. Fares vary according to the journey, so check the current fare before travelling.
If you’re planning several bus journeys in one day, the CostieraSITA 24-hour pass costs €10 and allows unlimited travel on SITA Sud services across a wide area of the Amalfi and Sorrento coasts.
Insider’s Tip: Buses can be delayed by heavy summer traffic, so allow plenty of extra time for your journey. When a ferry is operating, it can be a faster and more enjoyable option between the main coastal towns. But for places such as Ravello and Agerola, the bus is your best public-transport option.
Traveling by bus is more than worth it to soak up this view from the gardens of Villa Rufolo in Ravello. Photo credit: Ilenia F.
Planning to drive? If you’d rather explore the Amalfi Coast on a road trip this gives you more freedom to stop for scenic views, visit lesser-known spots and take your time along the coast. Check out our 3-Night Amalfi Coast Road Trip: Perfect Itinerary for a practical itinerary and tips on where to park.
FAQs: Getting around the Amalfi Coast
How reliable is public transport in the area?
Public transport is generally reliable, but timing can be unpredictable, especially in summer. Traffic, narrow roads, and big crowds can cause delays. Ferries tend to stick to their schedules more closely than buses.
Can I use the same ticket for buses and ferries?
No, bus and ferry tickets are separate, even if they’re run by the same company or cover the same route. You’ll need to buy the correct ticket for each leg of your journey.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Buses – Yes, you need to get your bus ticket before you board, you can’t buy one from the driver. Look for tabaccherie (tobacco shops), newsstands, or cafés with a SITA sign. You also need to validate your ticket once you’re on the bus. Pop it into the little yellow machine near the driver to stamp it.
Ferries – During the high season, ferries can fill up quickly so it’s best to book your tickets in advance. You can buy them online from Travelmar, NLG, and Positano Jet or at the port, from the ticket booth near the pier. In low season, it’s usually fine to buy your ticket on the day, but double-check that the ferry is running, as some routes pause in winter due to weather.
Are there discounts or day passes available?
Yes. SITA Sud offers a CostieraSITA 24-hour pass for €10, allowing unlimited travel on participating SITA Sud bus services during the validity period. This can be good value if you’re planning several bus journeys in one day.
Ferry tickets are generally priced per journey. Travelmar does not offer a standard daily ticket covering both Amalfi and Positano, although it does offer multi-route tickets and dedicated full-day ferry tours with multiple stops. Check the operator’s website for the latest options and prices before travelling.
Are public transport options accessible for people with limited mobility?
Accessibility can vary. Many buses and smaller ferry ports have steps and limited space, but larger ferries and stations in Salerno or Amalfi are better equipped. If accessibility is important, it’s best to contact the transport company in advance.
What’s the best way to plan my routes and check schedules?
For buses, check Positano.com for English timetables or use the Moovit app. For ferries, go straight to the operators’ websites, Travelmar, NLG, or Positano Jet, for the latest routes and times.
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