best ways to get to Positano from Cinque Terre?

Marta, Unfortunately, the most straightforward method to travel from the Cinque Terre to Positano involves trains. There's no point to using a train from Genoa to Rome, as that's in the opposite direction from where you want. This is likely the method I'd use... > Train from your C.T. town to La Spezia (it's a short trip) > Direct train from La Spezia to Roma Termini (about 3H:45M, reservations compulsory). > Freccia (fast) train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale (reservations compulsory). > When you arrive in Naples, walk downstairs and buy a ticket on the Circumvesuviana train (separate rail network). Note that they have several lines, so be sure to board the correct one. That will get you to Sorrento. The Circumvesuviana trains can best be described as "graffiti laden clunkers" but they will get you there. Be vigilant regarding your wallet and belongings, as it has somewhat of a "reputation" for pickpockets. > From Sorrento, take the Bus to Positano (I'd have to do some research to get the travel details and costs - hopefully one of the others has that information at hand). I've never taken the boat from Naples to Positano, so don't have any details. You'd have to get from Napoli Centrale to Molo Beverello (?) via Taxi, keeping in mind that some Taxi's in Naples can be "dodgy" (details in the Guidebook). One small point to mention, is that the HelpLine is staffed by a group of well-travelled volunteers, rather than Rick or his staff (although they may "lurk" from time-to-time). Cheers!

Thank you so much Ken! Its now more clear the itinerary from CT to Naples by train. I'm just a little worried about taking that train from Naples to Sorrento. I am doing this trip on a Sunday...and it seems to be quite a long journey. I guess I leave CT very early. One more question: what are the steps to buy my train tickets, I just don't have much experience travelling by train in Europe. I understand I can buy a Euralpass? and then I suposse to buy individual itineraries showing the pass? but prior I make reservations? can I do all this from here, before I leave my home country? Thank you!
Marta

Marta, If you haven't travelled in Europe before, it would be a really good idea to read Europe Through The Back Door prior to your trip (particularly the "Rail Skills" section). Especially for rail travel in Italy, there are some important "issues" to be aware of. A few points to mention: 1.) When travelling on Regionale trains (ie: most trains in the C.T.), you MUST validate your tickets in the yellow machine prior to boarding the train. Those with unvalidated tickets may be fined on the spot and it's NOT cheap! 2.) The premium (fast) trains require compulsory reservations. You MUST have the proper reservation for the train you're riding on. If not, the same fines (collected on the spot) may be charged. Don't worry if you don't have the cash to pay the fine - the Conductors carry portable debit/credit card terminals ("will that be cash or Visa"). Note that tickets with reservations are specific to a particular train number and departure time. If you miss that train for any reason, you'll likely have to buy new tickets at full price. Using a Railpass is rarely a good value in Italy, as P-P tickets are normally quite cheap. Also, Railpasses DO NOT include the reservation fees that are compulsory on premium trains in Italy (usually about €10 each). Pass holders have to pay separately for reservations. If you're travelling with a Railpass but without a valid reservation on a fast train, you may (you guessed it) be fined on the spot. Another point you'll need to consider is "changes". In many cases, changing platforms involves a trip down stairs, through a tunnel and then upstairs to the next platform. If you have heavy or unwieldy luggage, this can be a problem. Continued.....

Marta - Part 2.... You may find it very helpful to have a look at the excellent Ron In Rome website. As Ron mentions on the site, it is possible to buy tickets on the Trenitalia website at discounted rates if you book early enough, however some users here have reported problems with the website (it's currently being revised, so is still a bit "quirky"). Regarding tickets..... You didn't say which of the five C.T. towns you would be staying in, but I'd suggest going to the station shortly after you arrive, and buy a ticket from the town you're in to Napoli Centrale (you'll have to know the correct Italian names for the stations). The easiest and quickest train is a departure from La Spezia Centrale at 06:51, arriving Napoli Centrale at 11:30 (time 4H:39M, one change at Roma Termini, reservations compulsory). It's an early departure, but considering you're going all the way to Positano, it might be the best choice. When you arrive in Naples, walk downstairs to the Circumvesuviana station and buy your ticket to Sorrento. You can view information on Their Website. When you arrive in Sorrento, you can transfer to the SITA Bus for the trip to Positano. The internet is behaving strangely tonight, so I can't search the routes. You could also hire a car service which might be easier but of course more expensive. The Monetti's are highly recommended in the Guidebook. I can appreciate that you're nervous about travel on the Circumvesuviana. Are you travelling by yourself? I've never had a problem on the train, but hopefully some of the ladies on the HelpLine can provide a few tips. Cheers!

Hello Marta From CT you have local train to La Spezia (every hours it take about 20 minutes) From La Spezia to Naples you have speed trains sometime dirctly or change in ROMA , Can you buy during your stay in CT the ticket and you validate it when you leaving. Fhe ticket is possible buy in Monterosso or in La Spezia (not in others village). From Naples to Sorrento you have the ciurcunvesuviana (about 1 hours) and then the bus. Ofr course you must leaving early from CT Can you look at www.trenitalia.it for the schedule Enjoy your stay in CT
giacomo from vernazza

One final point.... I believe you can buy tickets for the SITA Bus at the news stand located at the exit of the Circumvesuviana in Sorrento station. DON'T forget to validate the ticket in the yellow machine before you board the Bus. I believe the trip from Sorrento to Positano is about 50 minutes.

If your destination is Positano, a more direct route would be to take a train from La Spezia to Salerno (pick a train with a single change in Rome; some trains require 2 changes). From Salerno you can then take a ferry to Positano. No bus rides required. Ferry info: http://www.coopsantandrea.com/index_en.asp

Thank you so much to all of you for this very good and valuable information! I will keep in mind all your comments/suggestions you are so kind Thank you!
MC

Yes, the most direct route once you get on a major train headed south (assuming you are within ferry season) is to get to Salerno, walk towards Piazza della Concordia towards the sea, and hop on a ferry....you'll definitely have to check on times, also the ferry to Capri stops in Positano (at least sometimes). Its easier than hopping the circumvesuviana and another crowded bus from Sorrento. And if you miss the ferries, you can hop on a bus anyways, at the beginning of the route in Salerno to get to Amalfi, and change there.

If you do end up taking bus from Sorrento to Positano, try to sit on side away from driver for best view and be sure to get off the second Positano stop. If you get off the first one, you will then have to take a local bus which is very crowded and hard with luggage. The local bus does drop you in center of town but the second stop is easy as all down hill. Enjoy.

We took the boat from Salerno to Sorrento with a stop-over in Positano. The dock is a very short walk from the train station in Salerno. The view from the boat of the Amalfi Coast was wonderful!