How to Get To and Around the Amalfi Coast Without a Car

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most breathtaking destinations, famous for its dramatic cliffs, colourful villages, and winding roads with panoramic sea views. While the scenery is spectacular, the roads can be narrow, congested, and nerve-wracking, especially for visitors unused to Italian driving habits or mountain roads.

The good news? You absolutely do not need a car to enjoy the Amalfi Coast. In fact, navigating it without one can often be easier, more relaxing, and more scenic. From trains and buses to boats and ferries, there are plenty of efficient and memorable ways to explore this UNESCO-listed coastline. Here’s your guide to getting there—and getting around—car-free.

Getting to the Amalfi Coast Without a Car

1. From Naples (Napoli)

Naples is the main gateway to the Amalfi Coast for most international travellers, with a major airport and high-speed train connections.

Option A: Train + Ferry (Scenic + Comfortable)

• Take the train from Naples Central Station to Salerno (about 40 minutes via high-speed train).
• From Salerno, walk or take a taxi to the Salerno ferry terminal.
• Board a ferry to Amalfi, Positano, or other coastal towns. Ferries are frequent from April to October and offer amazing views of the coastline.

Option B: Train + Bus (Budget-Friendly)

• Take the train to Sorrento via the Circumvesuviana line (a bit slower and older but cheap and scenic).
• From Sorrento, catch a SITA bus to towns like Positano, Praiano, or Amalfi.
• Buses run frequently but can be crowded in high season.

2. From Rome

• High-speed train from Rome to Naples (1 hour 10 mins) or Salerno (2 hours).
• Follow the same steps as above (train + ferry or train + bus).

Getting Around the Amalfi Coast Without a Car

Once you’re on the coast, there are several reliable and picturesque ways to travel between towns.

1. Ferries and Boats (Best for Views and Comfort)

• Operate from April to late October
• Routes connect Amalfi, Positano, Salerno, Sorrento, Capri, and Naples
• Companies like Travelmar, NLG, and Alilauro run regular services
• Pros: Stunning views, fast travel, no traffic
• Cons: Dependent on weather, fewer services in off-season

2. SITA Buses (Cheapest Option)

• Cover the entire coastline from Sorrento to Salerno
• Tickets are inexpensive and can be purchased at tabacchi shops or train stations (must validate before boarding)
• Pros: Affordable, wide coverage
• Cons: Crowded in summer, limited luggage space, standing room only during peak hours

3. Walking and Hiking

• Perfect for short distances or exploring villages
• Famous trails like the Path of the Gods (Il Sentiero degli Dei) offer unforgettable views between Bomerano and Nocelle/Positano
• Tip: Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and start early to avoid the heat

4. Private Transfers and Taxis

• More expensive, but useful for early morning flights, late arrivals, or special occasions
• Available between all towns and from/to Naples or Salerno
• Tip: Book in advance, especially in high season

5. Local Tours and Shuttles

• Many hotels and agencies offer shuttles or small-group tours to nearby towns, beaches, or landmarks
• Great for travellers who want structure without the hassle of figuring out public transport

Where to Base Yourself Without a Car

Best for Convenience: Amalfi

• Central location with ferry and bus connections
• Easy access to Positano, Ravello, and Salerno
• Walkable and lively, with a good mix of restaurants and accommodation

Best for Exploring Further: Sorrento

• Though technically not part of the Amalfi Coast, it’s a great base with excellent transport links (train to Naples, ferry to Capri, bus to Positano)
• Ideal if you want to combine coastal beauty with day trips to Pompeii, Herculaneum, or Mount Vesuvius

Best for Romance & Views: Positano

• Steep, vertical village with postcard views
• Well-connected by ferry and bus, but lots of stairs—pack light!

Tips for Exploring Car-Free

• Travel light: Many coastal towns have steep inclines and stairs instead of roads.
• Start early: Buses and ferries fill up fast, especially during summer.
• Stay flexible: Weather can affect ferry schedules.
• Download apps like Moovit (for SITA buses), Trenitalia (for trains), and Ferryhopper (for boat timetables).
• Don’t try to see it all in one day: Spend a night or two in your favourite town to soak in the slower pace.

You don’t need a car to fall in love with the Amalfi Coast. In fact, ditching the wheel is often the smartest way to enjoy the region’s charm without stress. With ferries slicing through turquoise waters, clifftop hikes between villages, and a bus system that hugs the coastline, getting around is part of the adventure. So pack your bags, skip the car rental line, and let the beauty of the Amalfi Coast carry you from town to town—effortlessly.