Positano is a stunning cliffside village on Italy's Amalfi Coast, famous for its colorful buildings and breathtaking sea views. It is located in the Campania region, south of Naples, and attracts travelers from around the world seeking a picturesque Mediterranean escape.

This guide explains the main ways to reach Positano from nearby hubs like Naples and Sorrento. You will learn about trains, buses, cars, and ferries, along with practical travel advice to help you plan your journey confidently.

Getting from Naples to Positano – Main Options

Train

While there is no direct train to Positano, trains are useful for reaching nearby towns like Sorrento. From there, you can continue by bus or ferry. Trains are popular for comfort and scenic routes along the coast.

• Take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples Centrale to Sorrento, covering about 50 km in roughly 1 hour 10 minutes, with fares around €4–€6, offering frequent departures throughout the day.

• Trains run regularly but can be crowded during peak tourist seasons, especially summer and holidays, so book early or travel off-peak to secure seats.

• Stations are well-equipped with basic amenities, but luggage space is limited, so pack light for ease of travel on the train and subsequent transfers.

• From Sorrento station, you can catch a local SITA bus or ferry to Positano, making the train a convenient first leg of your journey.

Bus

Buses are a direct and affordable way to reach Positano from Naples or Sorrento. They offer scenic drives but can be slow due to narrow coastal roads and traffic.

• SITA buses run from Naples’ Piazza Garibaldi and Sorrento’s main bus station to Positano, with travel times around 1.5 to 2 hours from Naples and 40 minutes from Sorrento, costing approximately €3–€6.

• Buses are frequent but get crowded during summer and weekends; it’s best to arrive early at the bus stop to secure a seat, especially with luggage.

• The road to Positano is winding with many hairpin bends, so prepare for a potentially bumpy ride and avoid travel if prone to motion sickness.

• Bus stops in Positano are near the town center, but the village’s steep streets may require walking or using local shuttle services to reach accommodations.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Positano offers flexibility and stunning views but requires caution due to narrow, winding roads and limited parking.

• From Naples, drive via the A3 motorway to Castellammare di Stabia, then follow the SS145 and SS163 Amalfi Coast road to Positano, covering about 60 km in 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.

• Expect tolls on the A3 motorway and limited parking options in Positano; public parking lots are available but fill quickly during peak season, so plan to arrive early.

• The Amalfi Coast road is narrow with sharp turns and frequent tourist traffic; drive carefully and avoid night driving if unfamiliar with the route.

• Renting a small car is advisable due to tight streets, and GPS or offline maps are essential as mobile signals can be weak along the coast.

Ferry

Ferries provide a scenic and relaxing way to reach Positano, especially during warmer months, connecting from Naples, Sorrento, and Amalfi.

• Regular ferries operate from Naples’ Molo Beverello port to Positano during spring to autumn, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours with fares between €15 and €25 depending on the operator.

• From Sorrento, ferries to Positano take approximately 30 to 40 minutes, offering a quick and picturesque route along the coast.

• Ferry services are seasonal and weather-dependent; rough seas or rain can cause cancellations, so check schedules in advance and have backup plans.

• Ferries dock near Positano’s main beach area, allowing easy access to the town center and local transport options without steep climbs.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Positano, helping you navigate transfers smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train ticket from Naples to Sorrento via the Circumvesuviana website or at the station; this ensures a confirmed seat and avoids last-minute rushes.

• Upon arrival in Sorrento, purchase a SITA bus ticket or ferry ticket to Positano from official counters; avoid touts and verify schedules for timely connections.

• If driving, rent a compact car in Naples with GPS and confirm parking availability in Positano before departure to reduce stress upon arrival.

• Carry light luggage to manage the steep streets and steps in Positano comfortably, as many accommodations have limited vehicle access.

• Download offline maps and keep emergency contacts handy, including local taxi numbers and tourist information centers, for easy assistance.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always validate your train and bus tickets before boarding to avoid fines; ticket inspectors are common on Circumvesuviana trains and SITA buses.

• Drink bottled water and eat at well-reviewed local eateries to avoid stomach issues, especially when traveling by bus or ferry where food options are limited.

• Book ferry and bus tickets in advance during summer and holidays to secure seats and avoid long waits, as services can fill quickly.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Uber in Naples and Sorrento for last-mile travel, as haggling with local drivers can be confusing for non-Italian speakers.

• Pack a small day bag with essentials for the steep walks in Positano, including comfortable shoes and sun protection, since vehicles cannot reach many areas.

• During the rainy season, check weather forecasts and be prepared for delays or cancellations, especially for ferries and buses on winding coastal roads.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

Positano’s travel conditions vary greatly with the seasons. Summer is peak tourist time with warm weather but crowded transport and higher prices. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, ideal for travel.

Winter is quiet but some ferry and bus services reduce frequency or stop altogether. Weather can be cooler and rainy, affecting road and sea travel.

• Avoid traveling during August and major Italian holidays when roads and transport are heavily congested, leading to long delays.

• Monsoon is not a factor, but occasional heavy rains in autumn can cause landslides or road closures on the Amalfi Coast.

• Early morning departures are best to avoid traffic jams and secure seats on buses and ferries, especially in summer.

• Winter fog can reduce visibility on coastal roads, so avoid driving after dark during this season.

Arrival at Positano & What to Expect

When you arrive in Positano by bus or ferry, you will find the town center within walking distance, but be prepared for steep streets and many steps. Local shuttle buses and taxis can help with luggage and uphill travel.

Accommodation is mostly clustered near the beach and hillside areas. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are limited, so arrange transfers in advance if possible. Walking is the primary mode of local transport, so comfortable shoes are essential.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Positano depends on your starting point and travel preferences. Taking the train to Sorrento followed by a ferry or bus offers a balance of comfort and scenic views. Driving provides flexibility but requires caution on narrow roads.

Plan your trip carefully by booking tickets in advance, traveling during off-peak hours, and packing light for the steep terrain. With these tips, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable journey to Positano’s beautiful Amalfi Coast.