How To Get From Rome to Amalfi & Positano
Italy Travel Guide
How to Get From Rome to Positano — All Options Compared
Rome to Positano is one of the most popular travel connections in Italy — and one of the most frequently botched. There's no direct train to Positano (it doesn't have one), no direct bus from Rome city centre, and the drive looks easy on the map until you're stuck behind a tour coach on the single-lane Amalfi Coast road. Here's every option, honestly compared.
The fastest and most stress-free option is a private transfer from Rome to Positano (3–3.5 hours door-to-door, around €200–€280 for 2 people). The cheapest is the train to Naples + SITA bus (about €25 total, 4–5 hours). The most scenic is the train to Sorrento + ferry to Positano (4 hours, stunning approach by sea, costs around €35).
All Rome to Positano Options
| Route | Total Time | Cost (per person) | Ease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | 3–3.5 hrs | €100–€140 (2 people sharing) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Train to Naples → bus to Positano | 4–5 hrs | €20–€30 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Train to Sorrento → ferry to Positano | 3.5–4 hrs | €30–€45 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rental car from Rome | 3–4 hrs (not in traffic) | €60–€100/day + tolls + parking | ⭐⭐ |
| Organised day trip bus | Full day | €50–€90 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Option 1: Private Transfer (Recommended)
A private driver picks you up from your Rome hotel or Termini and delivers you directly to your Positano accommodation. Door-to-door convenience, no luggage schlepping, no missed connections. The driver handles the notorious Amalfi coast road while you enjoy the view. For two people, the cost per person often comes out similar to the train-plus-bus combination once you factor in luggage and time saved.
Cost: €200–€280 for 2 people (€180–€240 for the car; more passengers = better value).
Time: 3–3.5 hours direct.
We include private transfers on all our Rome, Amalfi & Venice tours. Book in advance — good private transfer companies book out in peak season.
Option 2: Train to Naples + SITA Bus (Cheapest)
Step 1: Frecciarossa high-speed train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale (1 hour 10 minutes, from €20 if booked in advance on Trenitalia).
Step 2: From Naples, take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento (1 hour, €4 from Napoli Porta Nolana station — note this is different from Centrale, a 10-minute walk).
Step 3: From Sorrento, take the SITA bus along the Amalfi Coast to Positano (50–70 minutes depending on traffic, ~€3). Or take a ferry from Sorrento in April–October (35 minutes, €12–€18).
Total cost: €25–€30. Total time: 4–5 hours. Luggage: Manageable but you'll be climbing stairs at Positano's bus stop with bags.
Option 3: Train to Sorrento + Ferry (Most Scenic)
Same as above to Sorrento, then take the ferry to Positano rather than the bus. The ferry arrives directly at the Positano beach — the most beautiful approach to the town possible. Boats run April–October; check timetables on Alilauro or Travelmar. In rough weather, ferries are cancelled — have a backup plan (the bus).
Total cost: ~€35. Time: 3.5–4 hours. Scenic rating: Exceptional — arriving by sea is the Positano experience.
Option 4: Rental Car
Technically possible but not recommended without experience. The Amalfi Coast road (SS163) is a single-lane road with passing places and tourist coaches coming the other direction. Parking in Positano is extremely limited and expensive (€30+/day at the main car park). In July–August the road can add 2+ hours to your journey. If you drive, allow 4–5 hours from Rome including the coast road, and book parking in advance.
Which Option Should You Choose?
- For comfort and simplicity: Private transfer — especially if you have luggage or are arriving after a flight
- For budget travel: Train to Naples → Circumvesuviana to Sorrento → SITA bus
- For the scenic experience: Train to Sorrento → ferry to Positano (April–October only)
- Avoid: Rental car in summer; driving the coast road with no experience
Include the Amalfi Coast in Your Italy Tour
Our Rome, Amalfi & Venice tour handles all transfers — private car from Rome to the Amalfi Coast, ferry to Positano, and onward by train to Venice. You arrive at every destination without touching a timetable. Get in touch to build a custom Italy itinerary around your travel dates.
