Best way to get from Naples airport to Positano

Joelle, it is late to book the Amalfi Coast area for 2025. Can you explain what your plans are in relation to your cruise? Does the cruise both depart and return to Naples? One reason I ask is that it is much harder to get somewhere FROM Positano (or anywhere on the AC) in a hurry. What time does the ship sail, if from Naples?

Why do you mention Salerno? Is that because you can easily take the train from Naples? Most people get to Positano via Sorrento because it's a shorter trip. Month of the year is relevant for ferry usage, as well as for crowding on lower cost options like the SITA bus. BTW, the SITA bus from Salerno to Positano (your backup for a hoped for ferry ride) requires a change of bus in Amalfi.

Hi Tim

Thanks for the reply. I'm seeing lots of availability for accommodations in both Positano and Sorrento. We are arriving early June 2 and boarding 9pm June 5, using the Port of Naples both to take off and to dock.

The reason why I questioned going to Salerno is because I'm seeing a lot of people suggesting it is easier to take the ferry from Salerno to Positano than go the Sorrento route but I know nothing about Italy :) I read that many use Sorrento as a base but our goal is really to see the Amalfi Coast and Capri.

Best,
Jo-Ellen

With luggage and after an overnight flight I would bite the bullet and pay the high cost of a private transfer. A bus from Sorrento to Positano in June could be wall to wall people and you may be waiting 2 or 3 buses, and there is no dedicated luggage storage. The easiest way to get to Positano from Sorrento is by ferry, however the ferry dock in Positano can close for a day based on weather conditions and you need to make your way downhill to the ferry dock from the train station. You can take a taxi to the dock but it won't be cheap for that 5 minute drive (probably around €25). There is an elevator that can help you get to the dock but it may be confusing to find after that overnight flight when you're tired.

We spent 2 weeks in Sorrento in April of 2023 and loved it and were perfectly content with a couple of day trips to the AC. We much preferred Capri and have it on our wishlist for a longer stay in the future. Of the big 3 towns on the Amalfi Coast we ranked Positano 3rd, Ravello first and Amalfi 2nd. We spent an hour in Positano which was about 30 minutes longer than we needed. It's nice to look at, but then time to move on.

Joellen, I strongly agree with Allan 's reply just above. You have not indicated your budget level, but it is very expensive to "go places" from Positano. Sorrento is a less-exceptional, purpose-built, postwar resort town on top of a cliff, but well-situated for public transportation or car service daytrips. Are you going to Pompeii or Capri?

9PM is an exceptionally late "all aboard" time for a cruise, but that certainly makes for a low-stress trip to Naples for the Embarkation. Check to see if you have to check-in much earlier and have dinner aboard for lifeboat drill and orientation???

I would not range far away on June 5 anyway. Although heat and sun are huge issue at Pompeii, it makes some sense to use the free bag check at the Pompeii entrance and go to Naples from there, since you have to check out of the hotel. (IF you want to see Pompeii) Pompeii could be brutal on a June afternoon! It's best to go first thing in the morning. And the Circumvesuviana train (Naples-Pompeii Scavi-Sorrento) is INCREDIBLY crowded, elbow to elbow. Hard to get your bags on, and no large luggage racks, only bus-sized racks, and you can't get to them anyway.

Make sure you know how many vertical stair steps it is to your hotel in Positano, and how your luggage gets there, if the number is over, say, 200.

This entire area is tremendously crowded from May to September. It's a little early to find reliable ferry schedules, because daily life/Infrastructure is a little unkempt in Southern Italy. Seeing Positano was a must for me as well, but I was disappointed by the upscale shopping (same companies as any big European city) and crowds. I was happy to move on to the next town (8 hr car and driver from a Sorrento hotel, to see the Amalfi Coast.)

I agree with Allan and Tim: Positano was a big disappointment. It's better viewed from the water, IMHO.
The entire AC is a victim of its Instagram success. There is no shoulder season, and the area is packed, and the transportation congestion is legendary .
We used Aldo Limos for most of our ground transportation. It's expensive, but much less frustrating. The Aldo folks were very professional and dependable.
Have a great trip!

I appreciate all of the advice from everyone, It is greatly appreciated. Maybe I need to rethink staying in Positano lol.

I think maybe staying In Sorrento the first night is the best bet. Since the Amalfi coast is where we want to see, would you guys recommend staying somewhere else on the coast other than Positano? I know Ravello was mentioned, or just home base from Sorrento and visit from there? Looks like we might need private transfers.

Ate you looking for rest and relaxation and just take in the views, or are you planning to explore every day? If you'll be exploring I'd consider Amalfi since it is a transportation hub. Sorrento may work better if you want to do daytrips to Capri as well. I may even consider Capri if your goal is just R and R.

Thanks Allan, our goal is to sight see every day if the red eye doesn't kill me haha. I was hoping for a day trip to Capri on one of those days. Not sure if that is pushing it.... Can I hop on a ferry to Capri from Amalfi or is Sorrento better?

also, should we be purchasing private tours to see the Coast or can we rent a scooter? We are in our early 50s and have done the scooter thing in most of our travels, but I would like to come home in one piece lol. I see a lot of comments on the hairpin turns.

I would not do a scooter on the AC, unless you want it to be your final ride.

Here's my Trip Report. Days 4,5 and 6 deal with Capri and the AC. I don't know about ferries from Amalfi to Capri but it will be very easy from Sorrento.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/trip-report-2-weeks-of-day-trips-from-sorrento

I agree with the comments about scooters, unless you're very comfortable riding one, the coast isn't a place to learn.

With only 3 nights at your disposal I wouldn't stay in 2 diff places. I would just stay in Sorrento- it is the easiest place as far as transportation goes.

There is a direct bus from airport to Sorrento
https://www.curreriviaggi.it/en/

or hire a driver (about 150 euros).

Day 1- arrival day- enjoy Sorrento as you get over jet lag- fun shopping, great views, excellent restaurants
Day 2- DIY ferry to Capri- much closer from Sorrento than Amalfi
Day 3 DIY ferry around the AC- maybe ferry to Amalfi- get off, explore, take bus up to Ravello then return and view Positano from the water. It's not worth much more than that.
Day 4- You could visit Pompeii and still get to your cruise on time. Check out, leave bags at hotel, visit Pompeii, return to hotel
Take the ferry from Sorrento to cruise port- easy. Taxi or bus down to ferry or can use elevator and just walk.

Or consider the Mondo Guides offerings- we loved our Capri trip with them. They are very affordable
www.sharedtours.com

Scooter? are you kidding me?

Thank you all for the great feedback. Allan, loved reading your review. and Catherine, I love this itinerary so much, I think I'm going with it!