How To Get Around The Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is easily one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world, with its pastel villages perched on dramatic cliffs and winding roads that hug the coastline. But as beautiful as it is, getting to the Amalfi Coast—and getting around once you’re there—takes a bit of planning, especially if you’re visiting during high season (June through early September).

I’ve spent time navigating the region myself, and I’ll be honest: it’s not as straightforward as hopping in a rental car and driving from town to town. The roads are narrow, carved into the cliffs, and often reduced to single lanes due to traffic or roadwork. Add in hairpin turns, limited parking, and long summer delays, and it quickly becomes clear why even seasoned travelers opt for alternate options. While renting a car might sound like a flexible way to explore, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re already familiar with the Amalfi Coast—or you’re an extremely confident driver who enjoys a challenge.

Instead, there are better (and far more enjoyable) ways to explore this stretch of coastline. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to get to the Amalfi Coast from Rome, and then break down the best ways to get around once you’re there—whether that’s by ferry, bus, private transfer, or a combination of all three. My goal is to help you avoid the stress and spend more time enjoying the views, the food, and those iconic seaside villages.

Getting Around The Amalfi Coast By Ferry:

Ferries are one of the easiest ways to hop between towns, especially in the warmer months (roughly April to October). They offer beautiful coastal views and skip the winding coastal roads altogether.

These are some of the more popular ferry routes in The Amalfi Coast:

Sorrento to Capri: ~30 minutes
Positano to Amalfi: ~25 minutes
Amalfi to Capri: ~50 minutes
Sorrento to Positano: ~40 minutes

We highly recommend booking your ferry with:

PositanoJet – Great for fast, reliable connections and small group travel.
NLG (Navigazione Libera del Golfo) – A reliable ferry operator with a wide route network along the coast and to the islands.
Pro tip: Book tickets in advance during high season and arrive early—boarding can be competitive on popular routes!

Private Boat Transfers & Charters:

For a more exclusive, luxurious experience, private boat transfers are ideal. These are especially popular for traveling between Sorrento, Naples, Positano, and Capri, or for enjoying a romantic sunset cruise along the coastline.

With private boat transfers, you get complete flexibility over your schedule, the ability to avoid crowded ferries, and the chance to explore hidden beaches, sea caves, and quiet coves that are only accessible by sea. Many services even offer hotel pick-up from private docks, making the journey seamless and stress-free. This is an ideal choice for couples, families, or small groups looking for a bespoke travel experience along the Amalfi Coast—with unbeatable photo opportunities along the way.

Private Car Transfer & Using “Daytrip”

If you’re planning how to get around the Amalfi Coast and prefer the comfort of a private car, Daytrip is a fantastic option. They offer door-to-door private transfers with professional local drivers, and you can even customize your journey to include scenic stops along the way. We’ve personally used Daytrip across various parts of Europe and have consistently had great experiences.

For example, if you’re considering a day trip from Amalfi to nearby towns like Ravello or Sorrento, you can explore at your own pace without the stress of navigating public transportation or dealing with parking. The taxis in The Amalfi Coast can get pretty expensive, so Daytrip is an incredible alternative to consider. Plus, you get the added benefit of being driven around by a local who can help make some recommendations for your stops along the way along the Amalfi Coast.

How to Get to The Amalfi Coast from Rome

Getting from Rome to the Amalfi Coast takes a little planning, but it’s well worth the effort. The views, coastal charm, and slower pace are a perfect contrast to the buzz of the city. Here are the best ways to get there, depending on your time, budget, and comfort level:

High-speed train to Naples + Ferry

One of my favorite ways to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast (especially in the warmer months) is by combining the high-speed train with a ferry. It’s efficient, scenic, and completely skips the traffic you’d hit on the coastal roads. I usually book the Frecciarossa high-speed train through ItaliaRail, which is a great option if you’re booking from abroad. The ride from Rome Termini to Naples Centrale takes just over an hour, and I always recommend booking seats in advance and choosing a morning departure to give yourself plenty of time for the ferry connection.

Once you arrive in Naples, grab a taxi or pre-book a short transfer to Molo Beverello, the main ferry port in the city (about 15–20 minutes from the train station depending on traffic). From there, hop on a ferry to Positano or Amalfi—my go-to operators are NLG (Navigazione Libera del Golfo) and Positano Jet. They’re both reliable, fast, and have multiple departures daily during the spring and summer season. You’ll get incredible views of the coastline as you approach the Amalfi Coast, which makes this option feel like part of the adventure rather than just transportation.

I highly recommend booking your train and ferry tickets in advance, especially in peak season, and aim to travel light—boarding the ferry with a rolling suitcase can be a little tricky. If you’re prone to motion sickness, you may want to grab a seat near the back or pack anti-nausea lozenges, as the sea can get choppy.

High-speed train to Naples + Private Car Transfer

When it comes to taking the high-speed train in Italy, I usually opt for the the Trenitalia high-speed train (Frecciarossa). In this case, your train route will be from Rome Termini to Naples Centrale—it’s fast, comfortable, and super efficient. You can book directly through ItaliaRail, which I find more user-friendly for English speakers and international credit cards. The ride takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes, and I always recommend booking your tickets in advance to get the best price and secure a reserved seat, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.

Once you arrive in Naples, the easiest and most comfortable way to reach the Amalfi Coast is by booking a private transfer. I prefer using Daytrip, which lets you reserve a vetted local driver in advance and even add scenic stops along the way (like Pompeii or a winery). If you’re traveling with others or just want to avoid the hassle of crowded buses and hauling luggage on multiple transfers, this option is 100% worth it.

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