1 day trip from Sorrento to Capri + AC

The Amalfi Coast deserves a full day and the best view is between Positano and Amalfi as you approach Amalfi town. You’ll climb elevation to get there that offers a dramatic view of the coast (wear motion sickness bracelets on each wrist). I would then take a ferry from Amalfi to Sorrento so I could see the coast from land and sea.
Capri is a touristy island and if I returned, I would spend the night so I could appreciate it more. There are no blockbuster sights. Furthermore, there are fewer ferry crossings during Oct than in mid-summer.

It is physically possible to do it, but IMO you will seriously shortchange both places in doing so. Each deserves a full day, and in mid October the days are shorter. And the AC is so much more than just Positano, but adding more AC towns also adds considerably more travel time. The last ferry back to Sorrento from Capri isn't that late, it's around 6pm I think.

may only have two days in Sorrento.

Is this 3 nights/2 days?
If possible, add night to Sorrento.
AC and Capri each need a FULL day.
Are you planning to visit Pompeii?- That's a big day as well. You could spend a full day there.

Appreciate the great feedback. Not likely that we're able to add a night to Sorrento. Given the adjusted ferry schedule, would it be preferable to visit Capri first and then return through AC? Or skip Capri and spend more time on AC ? I would expect earlier arrival on Capri or AC would be better but not possible if we're squeezing both into one day! TY

I don't know if they are literally slower, but Positano's ferries are smaller (harbor size) than Amalfi or Sorrento. Also, Sorrento is closer to Capri. Ferry schedule may change in October. Multiple companies, at least in Sorrento. Hydrofoils often talked about, seldom seen on this route.

Maybe not in October, but through September you would expect the line for the Sorrento-Positano SITA bus to be more people than will fit on the next, half-hourly coach. Both places you want to visit take a lot of time to physically see, so this is a bad plan.

Note that I'm not saying, "Ooh, this is such a subtle place, you have to slow down and savor it." I'm saying "This is a huge, pedestrianized place with large amounts of ground, hills, and stairsteps to cover." You can substitute car service money for time on the AC, but only part of Capri is accessible by taxi or private boat service.

Having been to both places, I would skip Capri. It was overrun with people on beautiful May Day when we were there. Very expensive to eat, tons of high end shops. We did enjoy walking out to Tiberius’ palace, the ruins of Villa Jovis, but it was bit of a trek so be prepared for that. Also, if the one day you have for this activity is not a pleasant weather day, be prepared with a back up plan.

Have been to all the key places in the Naples area.
Stay in Sorrento, but don't miss Capri. Also, Amalfi Coast deserves most of a day.
Further, if you can do the Blue Grotto, do it.

Pompeii is a must see.
All in all, you need 3 days to do justice to the area.

if you can do the Blue Grotto

Warning, the guy who took my friend and I into the grotto tried sticking his hand in my purse.

I did both in September- a Mondo Guide tour of the Amalfi Coast and a Mondo Capri tour. Both were all day. The best part of the Capri tour was the boat ride to and around the island. After two hours ashore, I wish I could have opted to stay on the boat instead of going ashore for the allotted 4 hours. As someone else said, the island is overrun with crowds and getting around by bus, taxi and funicular means standing in long lines. I did enjoy the chair lift to the summit of the mountain from Anacapri, though.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Amalfi tour, mainly because we had a fun group of people (there were 8 of us) and a great driver. All of the towns were crowded but not like Capri.

I visited Pompeii with a private guide on another day. Four nights in Sorrento was enough, but just barely.

I just returned from Salerno, Amalfi, Capri, Sorrento and Rome. I found Amalfi and Positano charming but mobbed and just lots of shopping. The beauty of the Amalfi Coast, IMO, is scene through hiking which you do not have time for. My choice would be Capri and grab the bus or taxi up to Anacapri for the day, less crowds. You can take the chair lift up the mountain and walk down. The beauty of the Amalfi coast needs to be absorbed. Capri, not Capri town, is absolutely magnificent.